When Tropical Cyclone Alfred tore through communities in 2025, it created immediate logistical pressures that tested Defence’s ability to sustain forces and move critical equipment.

Corporal Sophie Harris, who was posted to the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment (2CER) as a lance corporal, stepped into a complex role that required planning, coordination and execution to ensure critical supplies continued to move.

As the battalion deployed, shortfalls in logistics and heavy transport availability quickly emerged.

It was during this period that Corporal Harris demonstrated the selflessness and moral courage that resulted in her receiving the Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Award.

At the height of Operation Tropical Cyclone Alfred Assist, she developed alternate sustainment plans, coordinating directly with brigade units to secure fuel, water and rations to maintain continuity under significant pressure.

“Much of the coordination relied on informal liaison,” Corporal Harris said. 

“Across 7 Brigade, the transport teams know each other well, so we would first check availability directly and then process the request formally through their operations staff.”

'All of them are very competent in the trade and could be trusted. We built that trust over the months during training.'

Her approach enabled multiple fall-back options, creating a layered sustainment effect that guaranteed operational endurance.

Throughout the cyclone response, she focused on supporting and empowering her team, ensuring they remained confident and effective despite the relentless tempo.

Corporal Harris’s steady leadership created trust, enabling junior soldiers to take responsibility for demanding tasks without hesitation. 

During bridging movements, her soldiers conducted load preparation, vehicle staging and movement drills on their own.

“All of them are very competent in the trade and could be trusted. We built that trust over the months during training,” Corporal Harris said.

Her leadership and problem‑solving skills ensured her battalion’s ability to operate effectively in a dispersed and demanding environment.

The award honours Trooper Jonathan Church’s example of empathy, bravery and compassion, qualities demonstrated by Corporal Harris through her actions during the operation.