A soldier has returned to familiar faces of his childhood home to build stronger futures through the Army Ailan (Aboriginal) Community Assistance Program (AACAP).

Sapper Jeirome Auda-Muckan is deployed with 133 fellow members of 6th Engineer Support Regiment, and support units, to the remote communities of the Torres Strait Islands, delivering new infrastructure, health services and trade skills training.

Sapper Auda-Muckan is using his carpentry skills to construct a community hall on Erub Island, which will provide a place for residents to gather and discuss community decisions for the island.

As the soldiers continue their mission over the coming months, the AACAP legacy will be more than just buildings – it will be in the stories, the learning and the futures inspired by one of their own returning to help build a stronger tomorrow.

“It feels great returning to the community where I grew up,” Sapper Auda-Muckan said.

“I grew up on Horn Island. As soon as I arrived, I saw my family and old friends.

“My connection to family and the land is so deep – I’m soaking up as much as I can.

“We’ve had the chance to attend a few community events as a unit and you can really see that the locals value our presence.

“I’ve deployed on three AACAPs, conducted in mainland Australia – it feels like a full-circle moment to return home on this one.” 

In its 28th year, AACAP is a longstanding partnership between Army and the National Indigenous Australians Agency, designed to improve living conditions in remote Indigenous and Torres Strait Island communities while providing Defence members with valuable training.

“AACAP is one of many opportunities to use our trade; we’re using our actual skills, for good,” Sapper Auda-Muckan said.

“Not only are we upgrading essential facilities that support health, safety and cultural connection, but we’re being challenged professionally and adapting to the different environments.

“Best of all, I’m giving back to my people.”