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Our People in VIC

Nathan Brown - Night Patrols Beating the Bombers

Private Nathan Brown, age 21 from Cranbourne Melbourne and Corporal Leigh Connor, age 29 from Southern River, Perth, preparing their personnel equipment before a night patrol in southern Iraq.

Thanks to the Diggers’ aggressive patrolling policy, insurgent attacks with rockets and roadside bombs are now down to half the levels of last year. The Diggers are also using the opportunity to mentor Iraqi security forces and guide them on how to interact with the public.

The 500-strong Australian Battle Group based at Tallil in Dhi Qar province will be withdrawn in June this year and Iraqi security forces will take over full responsibility for law and order in the area.

The Australians will be leaving behind another long-lasting legacy. The Battle Group has been project-managing many reconstruction projects. More than 20 projects have been completed, including water and irrigation projects, rural projects to enhance crop and animal production, health clinics, and power supply initiatives. These will benefit local people for many years to come, especially water purification as water-borne diseases are a major killer among young kids.