Our People in QLD
Fabian Curcio - Petford Digger Prepares for Iraq Withdrawal
Responsibility for security in Dhi Qar and Al Muthanna provinces has already been handed over to re-trained Iraqi forces. While Australian Diggers continue their supporting patrols, soldiers like Fabian are also busy packing up stores, including cold weather and non-mission essential equipment. The cold weather kit is definitely no longer needed now daytime temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius.
Fabian and the battle group will return to Australia in mid-year, and will be the last Australian Battle Group to serve in southern Iraq.
But long after these Diggers are back on Australian soil, their legacy will be benefiting Iraqi locals. The Australian Battle Group has also been project-managing many reconstruction projects. More than 20 projects have been completed, with more under way. These include water and irrigation projects, rural projects to enhance crop and animal production, health clinics, and power supply initiatives. Water purification is particularly important as water-borne diseases are a major killer, especially of young children.