Soldiers continue to put their skills to the test on the first Army Ailan Community Assistance Program (AACAP) in the Torres Strait.

Ailan is a Yumplatok word representing the cultural identity of many Torres Strait Islander communities, employed during the 2025 iteration of the long-running program in which Army and First Nations communities work together for common outcomes.

The location has been ideal for challenging the soldiers’ engineering, logistics and sustainment capabilities.

Major Ancel Lupke, of 6th Engineer Support Regiment, said AACAP continued to demonstrate projection of specialist engineering, sustainment and health capabilities in remote environments across multiple domains and under harsh conditions.

“The completed construction of Warraber Island’s new Kup Murri, and imminent completion of Poruma Island’s undercover basketball court and the Erub Island Community Hall, are all significant results from years of logistical and engineering planning for the benefit of the Torres Strait Islander communities,” Major Lupke said.

'Army’s work with the Torres Strait Islander community and civil industry partners ensures our unit’s readiness to contribute to the defence of Australia and its national interests.'

A significant structure shelters the Kup Murri, a traditional earth oven, to enable all-weather cooking involving hot stones, leaves and sand during community feasts and commemorations. 

Similarly, a sheltered basketball court enhances access to sport on the compact Poruma Island. 

The community hall will be one of the largest buildings on Erub Island. 

“The new infrastructure stands as a tangible demonstration of the expertise, resilience and effectiveness of our construction and combat engineer soldiers,” Major Lupke said.

“Army’s work with the Torres Strait Islander community and civil industry partners ensures our unit’s readiness to contribute to the defence of Australia and its national interests.”

Soldiers have also participated in important events on the Torres Strait calendar.

“Our soldiers have had rare opportunities to join the significant celebrations for Mabo Day and the Coming of the Light in communities who don’t usually receive external participants,” Major Lupke said.

AACAP projects will continue until October.