Issue 6, 2010

m a g a z i n e ›

Two wounded soldiers quietly farewell their mates before the memorial service for Private Tomas Dale and Private Grant Kirby in Afghanistan. Mentor Team Charlie and members of Australia’s 1st Mentoring Task Force conducted an emotional and fitting farewell for two of their mates killed in an improvised explosive device strike on 20 August. At the end of a remembrance service for the two young soldiers that was filled with moving eulogies from their commanders and section mates, a photographic tribute showed them as they will be best remembered with the refrain of John Williamson’s True Blue playing in the background. Further details pages 4-5.Photo: Leading Seaman Paul Berry

3www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

CONTENTSDefence

magazineeditor:

Michael WeaverPhone: 02 6265 7117

Defence Magazine is published 10 times per year with support from Public Affairs Branch.

ISSN 1446-229X

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How to contribute to DeFence MagazIne

Contact: 02 6265 7117 or email address:

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Trish Dillon (02) 6266 7607 or tdillon@defencenews.gov.au

editorialThere can be absolutely no argument that the Australian Defence Force, and the wider civilian component of the organisation, are not a massive part of the community.

The perception of Defence in the community – the theme for this edition – is that our organisation is extremely complex and professional, with the men and women in uniform held in the highest of regard by the vast majority of the community they so proudly serve.

They do an almighty job, and we have been able to showcase just some of the might with which they go above and beyond the call of duty to further the community’s numerous charities, organisations, or even just their neighbours.

Here’s but a few examples in this edition:

The Navy’s clearance divers have mentored the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in the critical role of explosive ordnance disposal following the legacy left from World War II.

The Defence Materiel Organisation has provided the foundation for 10 Australian high school students to design the most futuristic Formula One race cars at the F1inSchools Technology Challenge world titles in Singapore.

Meanwhile, the Army banded its support behind the annual Charity Ball in Brisbane. A further 1000 or so personnel played their part in a 4500km wheelchair push across the Nullarbor. The Air Force’s medical maestros have been integral in a community assistance program in East Timor.

On an individual level, Leading Aircraftwoman Deb Booker has inspired her community via the Indigenous Pre-Recruitment Course, an eight-week program designed to prepare Indigenous young Australians for the ADF recruiting process.

As an organisation, Defence is the most amazing community I have ever worked in, and I am more than happy to tell anyone how inspiring it is to have these men and women on our side. There is no more poignant example of this than our front page image.

– Michael Weaver, editor

Defence Magazine wishes to correct an error in the photo caption on page one of Issue 5, 2010. Kampong Cham is a province of Cambodia not Vietnam, as was incorrectly stated in the caption. We unreservedly apologise for any offence caused.

PHOTO OF THe MOnTH:Australian Defence Force medical

personnel take time out onboard a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster

before they hit the ground running to provide aid to the flood-affected people

of Pakistan. The Medical Task Force comprises civilian and military medical

and environmental health professionals, with the first contingent provided by the

ADF and consisting of three Primary Health Care Teams and one Environmental Health

Team, facilitated by small command and support elements.

Photo: Corporal Chris Moore

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24

16

i n s i d e t h i s e d i t i o n

columns

secretary: Reflecting community values 10

chief of the Defence Force: Improving participation rates for women 11

news

Snapshot 4-9

Pictorial: Exercise Pitch Black 12

Explosive assistance in the Solomon Islands 14

Sacrifice remembered at Fromelles 16

Features

spotlight on reform: Preparedness, personnel and operating costs 18

science and Technology: It’s automatic for international robot challenge 19

People: Creating a better people system 20

Defence Materiel: They’re racing for futuristic F1 challenge 22

International Policy: Search and rescue skills found for Indonesians 23

Recruiting: Students shown the ropes for Defence careers 24

Defence support: Building community capacity + ADF transition seminars 26

army: Healing for hundreds at charity ball 28

Information technology: The ICT Services Delivery Charter 29

Indigenous affairs: Leading the way and closing the gap 30

navy: ADF shines at RIMPAC 2010 32

Young endeavour Youth scheme: RAAFie gets her sea legs 34

air Force: Civilian assistance program takes flight 36

Defence 2020 Youth challenge: Embracing spirit of the Anzacs 37

Ministerial services: A keystone in Cabinet and committees 38

Defence security: Safety in numbers for Defence Security Community 40

The Last Word: The Long Ride for motorcycling mates 42

SNAPSHOT

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SnipSHOT

Trooper Jason Thomas Brown

Defence honours black box inventorDefence and scientific communities mourned the death of David Warren – inventor of the black box flight data recorder – in July.

Born in 1925 at a remote mission station in north-east Australia, Dr Warren served as principal research scientist at the Defence Science and Technology Organisation’s Aeronautical Research Laboratories in Melbourne, from 1952-1983.

He was involved in the accident investigation following the mysterious crash of the world’s first jet airliner in 1953.

He subsequently advocated the use of a cockpit voice recorder as a useful tool for aircraft accident investigators, and constructed a prototype in 1956 – predecessor of the ubiquitous black box of today.

Dr Warren’s flight data recorder has made an invaluable contribution to safety in world aviation over the years and, in recognition of his work, he was appointed an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2002 for service to the aviation industry.

In November 2008, Qantas named a new Airbus A380 aircraft in his honour.

Dr Warren is survived by his wife Ruth, four children and seven grandchildren.

Recognition for sas counter-terrorist and special recovery dutiesRecognition will be given to military personnel involved in Special Air Service counter-terrorist and special recovery duties.The Government has accepted the recommendations of an independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal Inquiry into Recognition of Australian Defence Force Service for Special Air Service Counter Terrorist and Special Recovery Duties.The inquiry recommended that:

› Service in an online Tactical Assault Group (TAG) since its inception in 1980 (as well as service in the Interim TAG in 1979) should be recognised by the award of the Australian Service Medal with a new clasp, to be entitled Clasp ‘CT/SR’.

To be eligible for a medal, recipients should:

› have served in the online TAG for a minimum of 60 days continuously

› have been a member of the TAG, which comprises a Regimental Special Operations Command and Control Element, signallers, intelligence staff and other specialists, a squadron or company headquarters as applicable, and land, water, sniper, and signals troops; and.

› have been a specialist member of the Australian Defence Force (eg Special Operations aviation personnel in support of the TAG), but only so long as they meet the requirement to serve continuously online for 60 days.

Defence is working through the implementation aspects and further information will be released concerning specific eligibility once deliberations have been finalised. The full report is available at www.defence-honours-tribunal.gov.au .

Private Tomas Dale

Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney

Private Grant Kirby

Defence mourns four more deaths in AfghanistanSince the last edition of Defence Magazine, the Defence community is mourning the tragic loss of a further four brave soldiers who were killed in action in Afghanistan. As of 27 August, 21 Australians have been killed in Afghanistan since operations began in 2001, 10 of whom have died this year. A further 147 soldiers have now been wounded in combat.

Trooper Jason Brown was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he was tragically killed in action in a contact with Taliban insurgents on Friday, 13 August 2010.

Trooper Brown, 29, was from the Perth-based Special Air Service Regiment and leaves behind his parents and one sister.

He was born in Sydney in 1981. He joined the Army on 13 June 2000 and was posted to the 1st Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment. In 2004 he joined the 4th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment (Commando). On successful completion of the 2007 selection course, Trooper Brown became a member of the Special Air Service Regiment.

This was his first tour to Afghanistan, although he had deployed previously on three occasions to East Timor.

Private Grant Kirby was serving with Mentoring Task Force 1 when he was tragically killed in action as a result of the explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device on Friday, 20 August 2010.

Private Kirby, 35, was from the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

He leaves behind his close and loving family: father Gary and mum Dianne, brothers Shaun and Luke, sister Lauren, and former wife Edwina and their two daughters Isabella, 10, and Madeleine, 8.

Private Kirby was born in Nambour, Queensland, in 1975. He joined the Army in 2006 and in the same year successfully completed his recruit and infantry basic training prior to being posted to the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

This was Private Kirby’s second deployment to the Middle East and his first deployment to Afghanistan, although he had deployed previously to East Timor and Iraq.

Private Tomas Dale was serving with Mentoring Task Force 1 when he was tragically killed in action as a result of the explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device on Friday, 20 August 2010.

Private Dale, 21, was from the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

He leaves behind his loving parents, David and Karen, and brothers Sam and Joe.

Private Dale was born in Lancashire, the United Kingdom, in 1989. He immigrated to Australia with his family in 2003 and lived in Adelaide, South Australia. He joined the Army in 2007 and in the same year successfully completed his recruit and infantry basic training prior to being posted to the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. This was Private Dale’s first operational deployment.

He qualified as a mortar man and trained in combat first aid.

Private Dale was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with clasp: International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT), Afghanistan Campaign

Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney was killed in action during an intense fire-fight with Taliban insurgents on the morning of 24 August (Afghanistan time).

Lance Corporal MacKinney, 28, was from the Brisbane-based 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment.

Lance Corporal MacKinney leaves behind a loving family, his wife who is expecting their second child, and beloved daughter, Annabell.

Lance Corporal MacKinney was born in Canberra in 1982. He joined the Army in 2002 and in the same year successfully completed his recruit training. In 2003 he successfully completed his infantry training prior to being posted to the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. This was his third deployment to the Middle East.

Lance Corporal MacKinney was qualified as a commander and driver of the protected mobility vehicle, an assault pioneer and a sniper.

He was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with clasps: International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) and Iraq 2003, the Australian Service Medal with clasp East Timor, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Australian Defence Medal, NATO Non Article 5 Medal with clasp – ISAF, UNMSET Medal. He has also been awarded

LeFT: Private Tomas Dale and Private Grant Kirby’s Section pay an emotional tribute to their fallen mates during the memorial service at Multinational Base Tarin Kot. Photo: Leading Seaman Paul Berry

Trooper Brown was an outstanding career soldier who always gave that little bit extra to his job and for his mates. His professionalism and commitment was highly regarded and will be sorely missed by all those who have served with him.

Trooper Brown was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with clasp East Timor and clasp ICAT, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor–Leste, the United Nations Medal with Ribbon UNTAET, the NATO ISAF Medal, the Australian Defence Medal and the Infantry Combat Badge. Trooper Brown was also awarded the Returned from Active Service Badge from an earlier deployment.

During Trooper Brown’s service in the Army he deployed on the following operations:

› Operation Tanager (East Timor): Jan–May 2001

› Operation Citadel (East Timor): May–Oct 2003

› Operation Astute (East Timor): May–Aug 2006

› Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): Jun–Aug 2010

“Jason was a career soldier who dreamed from a young age of being nothing else. Everyone who knew him knew his dream. He strived to be the best he could be at his job and was successfully accepted into the elite Special Air Service Regiment.“He was born to be a soldier, and believed in what he was doing. He died doing what he loved. We are all very proud of him. We will miss him dearly, as will his Army mates, who were his second family.”

- statement issued on behalf of Trooper Brown’s parents Graham and Ann, and his sister Stephanie

Private Kirby was qualified as an assault pioneer and as a commander and driver of the protected mobility vehicle.

Private Kirby was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with clasps: International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) and Iraq 2003, the Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor-Leste, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Infantry Combat Badge. Private Kirby was also awarded a Returned from Active Service Badge from a previous deployment.

During Private Kirby’s service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following operations:

› Operation Astute (East Timor): Jan 2007-Mar 2007

› Operation Catalyst (Iraq): Nov 2007-Jun 2008

› Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): Feb-Aug 2010

“While Grant and I were no longer married, he was very much a part of our family. He was a dedicated father

and my very close friend. Grant was always there for our girls and was totally involved in their sports and school events when he was not deployed.”

- Private Kirby’s former wife, Edwina

“We are all heart-broken and find his death difficult to accept or understand. On their behalf and on behalf of our extended families, we wish to say that we are so very proud of the way Grant carried out his responsibilities in life and of the way he died serving his country.“We send our condolences to Grant’s former wife Edwina and their beautiful girls, Bella and Maddie. We also wish to express our deepest sympathies for the family and friends of Private Tomas Dale and the other members of the unit.”

- Ms Jo-Anne Matthews and extended family of Private Kirby

Medal and the Infantry Combat Badge.

During Private Dale’s service in the Army, he deployed on Operation Slipper in Afghanistan from December 2009 – August 2010.

“Tomas loved the Army and it was all he wanted to do from an early age. He knew the risks from going overseas but he was willing to take that risk for the cause he believed in. Tomas loved his family, brothers and girlfriend and we all loved him very much and are very proud of him. Tomas was a great bloke and will never be forgotten. His brothers Sam and Joe will greatly miss him. Tomas would want his colleagues to keep fighting the cause and hope they come home safely. His mates meant everything to him.”

- Statement on behalf of Private Dale’s parents, David and Karen, and brothers, Sam and Joe

the Infantry Combat Badge and Returned from Active Service Badge from an earlier deployment.

Lance Corporal MacKinney deployed on the following operations:

› Operation Citadel (East Timor): Jan 2004-April 2004

› Operation Catalyst (Iraq): May 2006-Dec 2006

› Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): Mar 2008-Oct

2008, Feb 2010-Aug 2010

“Jared was a very loving Dad, a doting father, and nothing meant more to him than family. He was really the best husband and we shared the most amazing 11 years together.”

- Lance Corporal MacKinney’s wife, Beckie

“He was very competitive with himself and set very high personal standards. He played representative hockey for New South Wales when he was younger, but when he moved to Queensland took up rugby league. He was a passionate supporter of Canterbury Bulldogs.”

- Lance Corporal MacKinney’s mother, Jane

SNAPSHOT

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SnipSHOTevery vote counts for aDFDefence personnel deployed in key locations such as the Middle East Area of Operations and East Timor have had their opportunity to vote in the 2010 Federal Election.

ADF members trained and authorised as Assistant Returning Officers by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) operated polling booths in deployed locations.

For those personnel unable to reach a deployed polling booth, voting at an Australian Embassy or applying for a postal vote was also available.

“It is important that all Defence personnel, including those on overseas deployment, are given an equal opportunity to cast their vote,” Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Mark Evans said.

“Defence works closely with the AEC to ensure voting is conducted in accordance with correct electoral procedures.”

At the conclusion of the voting period, ballot boxes along with postal votes were escorted back to Australia and returned to the AEC.

First death in afghanistan for new zealandThe New Zealand Defence Force is mourning its first death in Afghanistan following the loss of 28-year-old Lieutenant Timothy O’Donnell, who was killed in north-east Bamiyan province on 4 August.

His patrol came under sustained attack with explosives, rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire, which resulted in two other members of the patrol being wounded and evacuated to Germany for treatment.

A highly competent and well-liked officer from the 2/1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, LT O’Donnell had been in Afghanistan since April. He had been in the Army for five years and was awarded a Distinguished Service Decoration in 2008 for his work in East Timor.

The Australian Government and Opposition also offered its sincere condolences to the New Zealand people and family of LT O’Donnell via NZ Defence Minister Wayne Mapp.

aid arrives in PakistanThe first delivery of AusAID stores for those affected by the recent flooding in Pakistan has arrived by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17A Globemaster in Islamabad.

Now that the stores have been unloaded, they will be distributed to areas as determined by the Pakistan National Disaster Management Authority.

AusAID spokesperson Suzanne Edgecombe said the AusAID stores would benefit more than 10,000 families affected by the natural disaster.

“The arrival of much needed aid stores to the people of Pakistan demonstrates the coordination and commitment of a number of Australian Government agencies,” Ms Edgecombe said.

“AusAID will continue to liaise with the Pakistan Government, UN partners, Defence and other key stakeholders within Australia to ensure we provide the most effective response to this disaster.”

Bash task group ready for charity voyageA Navy Fleet Command Team has participated in the NSW Variety Bash for the eighth year in a row. The 2010 team was the biggest yet with five vehicles and 11 Naval personnel.The annual Variety Bash is Australia’s most

successful charity motoring event. It is not a race

or a rally, but an annual charity drive that is the

focal point of fundraising efforts by many hundreds

of supporters of Variety.

Since the inaugural Bash organised by Dick Smith

in 1985, it has raised more than $100 million

to help ill, special needs and disadvantaged

Australian children.

The five Fleet Command cars participated in the

3500km charity voyage starting from B Shed

(Sydney Market) on Sunday 22 August and finished

in Byron Bay on 30 August, travelling via Temora,

Cobar, Bourke, Moree, Goondiwindi, Toowoomba

and Lismore.

The Bash “Fleet” consisted of two HR Holdens,

two EH Holdens and a Dodge crew cab modified to

represent two surface ships, two helicopters and

a submarine.

Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Steve

Gilmore signed on as patron of the Navy Fleet

Command Variety Bash Team, which has raised

more than $340,000 for Variety since 2003.

Fleet Command team member Graeme ‘Soozie’

Wong said: “The great thing about the Bash is that

everyone has an enjoyable time travelling in parts

of Australia they have never seen before giving out

equipment to schools along the Bash route.

“We will take the opportunity to promote careers

in the ADF and Navy to people who rarely get the

opportunity to speak with Australian Defence Force

personnel.”

The 11 Fleet Command team members ranged

in rank from Leading Seaman to Commander

and came from all across Australia. Commander

Christine Clarke, CO HMAS Kuttabul, experienced

her first Bash as did Leading Seaman Esa Douglas

and five other Bash first-timers. Ian Stenlake from

the popular TV series Sea Patrol also joined the

team for two days toward the end of the event.

Substantial review for instructions and manualsDefence is on target to revise the business processes for the creation and review of Defence Instructions and Defence Manuals which will start with a substantial update of more than 230 DI(G)s and nearly 400 single Service instructions.An audit of the compliance and effectiveness

of the System of Defence Instructions (SoDI),

conducted by the Management Audit Branch

(MAB) in 2008, recommended that Defence

develop a new framework because the existing

model was seen as inadequate. The MAB audit

also found the SoDI was a mixture of documents

derived from various historical periods and had not

been aligned with the current model of Defence

business processes.

The policy and procedural documents which

comprise the SoDI are the backbone for the

administration of Defence. They enable Defence

decision makers to make informed business

decisions and provide Defence personnel with

clear and unambiguous direction.

Assistant Secretary FOI and Information

Management Branch, Mr Tony Corcoran, said the

system was introduced more than 30 years ago

and over the years, a plethora of policies and

procedures had been created, largely in an ad-hoc

manner.

“We are now moving to correct this and to provide

Defence with a sound, robust system that can also

provide flexibility in this period of unprecedented

operational tempo,” Mr Corcoran said.

Responsibility for administrative policy

was transferred to the FOI and Information

Management Branch in February this year.

The Directorate of Corporate Information

Management is reviewing the suite of documents

contained in the SoDI to assess them against a

range of criteria, including relevance, authority,

structure, legal regularity and the appropriate

business rules.

Director Corporate Information Management,

Ms Rhonda Henry, said although there had been

considerable effort in this area to date, the bulk of

the work will start in the last third of 2010 and is

expected to continue through to mid-2012.

“It is vital that each of the Groups and Services

continue to work with us as their involvement to

date has been very productive and they have an

integral role in the update of Defence instructions,

either as the sponsor or as a key stakeholder,” Ms

Henry said.

The SoDI Framework Review 2010 intends to

implement a comprehensive administrative

governance framework that will enable Defence

to implement the SoDI Strategy endorsed by the

Defence Committee in March 2010 and ensure

Defence’s administrative framework is the best

approach for the support of Defence business.

The Department is now moving closer to a best

practice state in which Defence will be better able

to support operations, achieve its goals, reduce

costly mistakes, improve communication and

comply with legal requirements.

In the end, Defence will have a system of

policy and procedural documents that is easily

understood, easy to develop, amend and cancel,

easy to find, has robust business rules and will be

legally enforceable where required.

For more information: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/oscdfweb/sites/FOIIM/

Seven summits conquest for former soldiersTwo former 3RAR soldiers have taken fundraising to new heights after embarking on completing the famed seven summits – climbing to the summit of the highest mountain on each continent.Darren Wise and Shane Pophfer conquered the

6960m Mt Aconcagua in Argentina and Russia’s

5642m Mt Elbrus in March.

In doing so they raised more than $13,000 for the

Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Sydney.

For their next climb, Denali (Mt McKinley) in

Alaska, which they intend tackling next June,

they have turned their focus to raising money for

Legacy.

Darren said he and Shane always retained the

link with the military and had great respect for

Australian soldiers.

“We carry the spirit of the Anzacs – endurance,

courage, ingenuity, mateship and good humour –

on every climb,” he said.

“And on every summit we raise the RSL flag in

memory of our fallen soldiers, and in honour of

serving members of the ADF. We are members of

the Doyalson-Wyee sub-branch and have received

great support from them.

“We would like nothing more than to raise funds to

ensure that Legacy continues to provide a valuable

service to the families of our fallen servicemen and

women.”

Darren was inspired to attempt the seven summits

as a tribute to his late sister, who was killed by a

drunk driver when she was 12.

“I carry her photo in a locket. One day I just had an

idea that I wanted to climb Mt Everest and leave

her photo at the summit.

“I asked Shane if he’d like to do it and the idea just

grew from there.”

After summiting Mt Kilimanjaro in 2008 and

Kosciuszko last year, they have just Denali, Vinson

(Antarctica) and Everest to conquer to complete

their quest.

To donate, contact Darren at darren@

wiseleadership.net.au or visit www.

darrenwise.com.au

Pedalling ‘round for lifeSailors, soldiers and airmen of the Defence Force School of Signals – Electronic Warfare Wing (DFSS-EWW) will participate in a charity fundraising activity, EX ‘round for Life from 29 August to 13 September.

EX ‘round for Life has been organised after a

member of DFSS-EWW staff, Sergeant Ken

Leggett, was diagnosed with and treated for

testicular cancer in October 2009. SGT Leggett and

several other members of DFSS-EWW will conduct

fundraising for two charities; the St Andrew’s

Hospital, Toowoomba, and the Flinders Medical

Centre Foundation, Adelaide.

The event involves cycling from Cabarlah to

Canberra, some 1200km. The riders will cover

approximately 100km per day and then continue

their hard work by conducting further money

collection and selling of raffle tickets to members

of the public upon arrival at their overnight

locations.

The riders will arrive in Canberra on Friday, 10

September for the culmination of the final leg of

the journey, from the Australian War Memorial to

Parliament House on the following day.

The route from Cabarlah to Canberra will primarily

be along the New England Highway, avoiding

major roads for safety.

For further information, please contact Captain

Harvie Douglas on (07) 4694 6401 or visit the

website at www.roundforlife.org.au.

LeFT: Three team members in the NSW Variety Bash (L-R): Leading Seaman Esa ‘Port’ Douglas, Lieutenant Sandra ‘Dusty’ Fraser and Lieutenant Commander Graeme ‘Soozie’ Wong. The Navy Bash car behind is a Holden HR Rego HR 817 and named HMAS Variety.

8 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

SnipSHOTSNAPSHOT - REGIONAL FOCUS

CANBERRA Vietnam vets rememberedMore than 300 Vietnam veterans braved dismal Canberra weather to remember their mates at a Vietnam Veterans’ Day Commemoration service on August 18 during a ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial on Anzac Parade.Master of Ceremonies Major Robert Morrison, himself a Vietnam veteran, said there were now only about 14 Vietnam veterans left in the Regular Army.“Most of them are WO1s,” he said.The focus of this year’s commemoration was the unveiling of ‘Home at Last’ plaques for RAAF members Flying Officer Michael Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Carver.Their remains were located with the wreck of their Canberra bomber and recovered from Vietnam late last year.Victoria Cross winner Keith Payne said in ideal circumstances, Australians did not leave their mates’ remains in the field.“The recovery and laying their remains at rest had made every Vietnam veteran feel we are now home,” Mr Payne said.For Air Force, the day was also boosted by the presence of more than 30 former 2 Squadron members.In his address, former Wing Commander John Dowling said he took command of 2 SQN only a few days before FLGOFF Herbert and PLTOFF Carver went missing.“I witnessed the anguish of their squadron mates,” he said.“I can’t imagine what their families went through.”He praised the “perseverance, grit and determination” of the recovery team who brought the airmen’s remains home.“Australia can now close the chapter on our MIAs – all are home,” he said.Leading Aircraftman Ivan Sinanovic handed RAAF ensigns to the Herbert and Carver families while former 2 SQN members formed a guard of honour.He said it was a great honour to hand the ensigns to the family members and the first time he had

ever done anything like that.“I offered to do the job and it was the luck of the draw really,” he said.They were privileged to see one of the final flights of an F-111 as it flew over Anzac Parade during the ceremony.The service was supported by Australia’s Federation Guard and the Australian Army Band – RMC. - By Sergeant Dave Morley

ALBURY-WODONGA army rolls on for charityForty Army members from the Army Logistic Training Centre (ALTC), Albury Wodonga, and 4th Combat Service Support Battalion (4 CSSB), Wangaratta, have volunteered as part of the Sir Roden and Lady Cutler Foundation’s Big Roll from 25-29 July.This inaugural Big Roll seeks to raise funds to provide needy Australians and their carers with transport and other assistance to maintain and improve their quality of life. In 2010 the Big Roll saw volunteers push a wheelchair from Perth to Sydney – a distance of 4500 kilometres in just more than 100 days. They departed Perth in late April and arrived in Sydney on 15 August.Organiser Major Paul Henry said: “It is great to be involved in something like this. This is a great charity and ALTC is happy to play a part in raising funds for them”.Organisers aim to raise more than $200,000 and Defence members volunteering hope their participation can assist in this goal.

DARWIN

navy kicks goals in the Top endThe Royal Australian Navy Australian Football Association (RANAFA) has wrapped a successful tour of the Top End with the men’s team comprehensively defeating the Western Arnhem Buffaloes at TIO Stadium on 17 July.The Navy men’s and women’s national sides travelled to the Gunbalanya (Oenpelli) community in western Arnhem Land and the Nguiu community on Bathurst Island as a part of the Navy’s Community Engagement Program (NCEP) coordinated by HMAS Coonawarra for Northern Australia.Along with the men’s team playing the Buffaloes, the women’s team also took the opportunity to play the Tiwi Islands women’s team with the Tiwi ladies defeating Navy 54 points to 44.Captain of the Navy women’s team Leading Seaman Natasha Wilson said it was the best game of footy she had ever played.“To come up to the Tiwi Islands and play footy with the women’s team has been the pinnacle in footy life for me and the Navy women’s team.”

President of RANAFA Commodore Clint Thomas said the NCEP aims to establish a long-term relationship and a mutual trust between a number of Indigenous communities and the Navy.“As in most Indigenous communities, AFL is the major sport that brings the community together,” CDRE Thomas said.“The matches Navy fought out with the Indigenous communities on the tour have been a further step to solidify the relationships already developed, and I am looking forward to further opportunities for RANAFA to be involved with the NCEP in building on these relationships into the future.”The RANAFA and HMAS Coonawarra would like to take the opportunity to thank the Indigenous communities of Gunbalanya and Nguiu as well as the West Arnhem Shire Council, the Tiwi Islands Shire Council, AFL Northern Territory and the NAB for their support of the Navy AFA Top End tour.

NEW SOUTH WALES nsW soldiers home from solomon IslandsAfter four months of service in the Solomon Islands, members of the 5th Brigade have returned to Australia. Designated Rotation 21, the 110-strong Reservist contingent had been on deployment in the Solomon Islands since late March in support of Operation ANODE, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the Australian led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).Rotation 21 is replaced by Rotation 22, drawn from the 4th Brigade (Victoria), whose members began arriving in the Solomon Islands in late July. Members of Rotation 21 were later formally recognised for their service at a medal ceremony held at RAMSI Headquarters on 2 August. “This has been an immensely rewarding experience,” said Major Brian Willsher from Headquarters 5th Brigade.“The Solomon Islands is a fantastic place and we have forged strong connections with the local community and will take back some fond memories of our time. We have contributed significantly to RAMSI and its mission and we are very proud to be handing the baton to Rotation 22.”Commander of the Combined Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel David Thompson, said that the end of each rotation is always an emotional time. “It is both a sad time and a glad time. Sad because you work so closely with these people for such a long period of time day in and day out – 12, 14-hour days. You become very close in a very short period of time and the mateship and ethos of the Army really shines,” he said.“It is also very important to convey to the old rotation how invaluable their work here has been. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Commander, the Special Co-coordinator of RAMSI and the Commander of the Participating Police Forces (PPF) have been very congratulatory of

Rotation 21’s performance. They have done a fantastic job.” A welcome home parade was conducted for the returning members of Rotation 21, 5 Brigade (New South Wales) on 6 August at Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Tracking Technology wins DsTO eureka PrizeA team led by Professor Ba-Ngu Vo at the University of Western Australia has won the 2010 Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in support of Defence or National Security, sponsored by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). From a high quality field of seven entrants, Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist Professor Robert Clark presented the $10,000 prize to the research team from the university’s School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering during an awards ceremony in Sydney on 17 August.Professor Clark praised Professor Ba-Ngu Vo, Professor Ba-Tuong Vo and Professor Antonio Cantoni for developing an innovative approach to tracking algorithms that significantly increase the capacity to handle multiple objects of interest, using less demanding computing power than traditional tracking methods.“I congratulate Dr Ba-Ngu Vo and his colleagues for this outstanding development. It has the potential to contribute significantly to Australia’s defence and national security, by making more tractable the challenges of detecting the large numbers of objects that modern sensors may typically detect,” Professor Clark said.The existing approach to tracking suffers from the problem of exponential complexity, which can rapidly exhaust the capacity of even powerful computers to handle. In contrast, the new approach offers the ability to handle thousands of objects using only off-the-shelf computers. “The innovative work of Professor Vo and his team could have many benefits in the defence domain. This includes an improved identification capability at longer ranges, including in hazardous urban environments and for the protection of ships, aircraft and vehicles,” Professor Clark said.Civilian applications that could benefit include

traffic management, the monitoring of crowd behaviour, sports analysis, remote sensing and biomedical research.

DARWIN

Herculean partnership for exerciseC-130 Hercules transport aircraft crews from Indonesia have worked alongside their Australian counterparts in Darwin from August 9-13 for Exercise Rajawali Ausindo.

The exercise involved a series of airdrop missions flown by both countries focusing on the use of the C-130 Hercules as an effective air mobility platform. Rajawali Ausindo is one of several regular exercises conducted between the two countries, with other iterations focusing on areas such as maritime patrol and air combat.

A contingent from the Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara (TNI-AU, or Indonesian Air Force) No. 32 Squadron brought a C-130 Hercules to participate in the exercise. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) reciprocated with a C-130H Hercules and crew from No.37 Squadron, based at RAAF Base Richmond. A load recovery team from the Australian Army’s No. 176 Air Dispatch Squadron was also located at Delamere Range.

Officer Commanding No. 86 Wing, Group Captain Richard Lennon, said Australia and Indonesia share a history of using the Hercules to assist one another.

“Indonesia sent their Hercules to provide relief to Australians following Cyclone Tracy, and Australia’s Hercules provided support in Sumatra for the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami relief effort,” GPCAPT Lennon said.

As Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago and Australia is the world’s largest island continent, effective air mobility plays an important role for both countries. In this role, the C-130 Hercules is able to transport loads of up to 20 tonnes as well as carry personnel, aero-medical evacuation patients, and operate from short, semi-prepared airstrips.

Through Exercise Rajawali Ausindo, aircrew and ground crew from both countries briefed each other to gain a better understanding of how they operate.

“The experience gained through Rajawali Ausindo by both countries is all the more relevant given the unpredictable nature of many humanitarian disasters in our region,” GPCAPT Lennon said.

“Australia remains committed to working with its neighbours through exercises such as Rajawali Ausindo, sharing methods and practices which will deliver more effective air mobility in the real world.”LeFT: Vietnam War Victoria Cross winner Keith Payne offers words

of comfort to Shane and Kerryn Herbert, brother and sister of Flying Officer Michael Herbert. Photo: Lance Corporal Mark Doran

LeFT: The Navy women’s Australian football team competes against the Nguiu community football team on Bathurst Island.

Photo: Able Seaman James Whittle

air Force hosts international strategic dialogueChief of Air Force, Air Marshal (AIRMSHL) Mark Binskin, has hosted his counterparts from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada for a series of key strategic meetings in Australia.

The Air Force four-party dialogue covered issues of shared strategic interest including Afghanistan operations, current and emerging aircraft and space capabilities, and opportunities for future training cooperation and engagement.

Chief of Staff, US Air Force General Norton A. Schwartz; Chief of Air Staff, Royal Air Force Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton; and Chief of Air Staff, Canada’s Air Force Lieutenant General Andre Deschamps, attended the dialogue.

“RAAF’s fleet includes aircraft also operated by the UK, US and Canada, such as the C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“RAAF, like Canada’s Air Force, operates the Heron remotely piloted aircraft in Afghanistan. Additionally all four countries have identified the Joint Strike Fighter as a key element of their future air combat capability.”

The program included visits to Joint Operations Command at Bungendore, and RAAF Base Williamtown where the visiting Air Force Chiefs received updates on new RAAF capabilities, including the Wedgetail, F/A-18F Super Hornet and the KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft.

Taliban insurgent leader killed in uruzganSoldiers from the Afghan National Security Forces and Australian Special Forces have significantly disrupted insurgent operations after killing a Taliban insurgent leader in the Deh Rafshan region of Uruzgan province.

Mullah Dawood, who was responsible for coordinating small arms and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks on Coalition forces in central Uruzgan, was killed on 14 July.

No Afghan or Australian soldiers were wounded or killed in the incident.

Commander of the Australian Special Operations Task Group, Lieutenant Colonel P, said Australian Special Forces, partnered with Afghan National Security Forces, will continue to conduct disruption operations against the insurgent leadership in Uruzgan province as long as they continue to play an active part in the Taliban insurgency.

Australian Special Forces are working with and training elements of the Afghan National Security Forces in Uruzgan to disrupt Taliban insurgent operations in the region and to build the capacity of the Government of Afghanistan to provide protection for the local population.

10 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

SECRETARY’S COLUMN

Reflecting community valuesWith women holding (as we go to press) office in two of Australia’s highest public positions, the Prime Minister and Governor-General are a testament to the great changes this country has undergone in the last 30 years.

While Australian women do now attain senior

positions both in the public and private sectors,

and enjoy very meaningful and rewarding careers,

the progression of professional women into

positions of leadership has been relatively slow.

There are many industries that, until recently,

have been male-dominated. Areas like project

management and engineering are now seeing a

shift in their workforces as they start to recognise

the valuable contribution women make and the

wider benefits of gender diversity. To have a full,

complex and sustainable community, we need to

value the contribution and talent each person can

make.

Workplace diversity is one of the greatest

strengths of the Australian Public Service, which

has historically been a leader in encouraging

greater gender equality. But having women in

leadership roles isn’t just about equality. To better

represent and serve the Australian community, we

need to have staff from diverse backgrounds and

with different perspectives in senior and middle

management positions, and we need to be able to

draw on 100 per cent of the workplace, not just 50

per cent, for all positions.

The figures in the 2008-09 State of the Service

Report indicate that women account for more than

57 per cent of total employees in the Australian

Public Service; in Defence this figure is not so high,

coming in at just below 40 per cent.

When we look at women in leadership roles, only

25 per cent of Defence’s Senior Executive Service

(SES) are women. This is much less than the APS

average of around 37 per cent. And if we consider

staff at the EL2 classification, as the feeder group

for the SES, women represent fewer than 40 per

cent of employees in Defence.

For the past several years, women have comprised

more than half the graduate intake across the

public service. This is an encouraging step toward

improving the balance of the APS workforce.

Defence’s statistics are, however, again not as

strong in this area, with our current graduate

intake comprising 46 per cent women.

While trends from the last 25 years indicate

that the representation of women in the APS is

definitely improving, and future projections suggest

there will be an equal number of men and women

at the EL2 classification and SES inside 10 years,

Defence can, and should, do better now.

Increasing the workforce participation rate

for women in Defence will become even more

significant as the overall employment market

becomes more competitive and there is increased

pressure to attract and retain talented people.

To address this, Defence needs to increase the

proportion of women on committees and boards,

and ensure that they are part of the decision-

making process. We need to create a positive

working environment. And we need to provide

employees with opportunities to further develop

their skills and knowledge.

Defence has several initiatives that will help us

achieve this environment. The Defence Enterprise

Collective Agreement allows decisions relating to

performance management, knowledge and skills

development, and flexible working arrangements

(of which I am a strong advocate) to be agreed at

a local level between staff and their supervisors

and managers. This is designed to better meet

the individual needs of employees and the

organisation.

We also have a shadowing program which allows

less experienced employees to spend time with

either a senior mentor or leader to gain insight into

the skills and knowledge required at senior levels

in Defence.

And coaching is provided to staff at the senior

leadership level to assist in the development of

specific skills for use in a variety of situations.

These are encouraging steps in the right direction,

but to truly achieve a balanced workforce, it is

fundamental that we acknowledge the current

gaps in our workforce, and ensure that our policies,

procedures, and practices are developed with

sensitivity and support for a diverse workforce.

Finally, we are each responsible for creating a

workplace that is fair, welcoming, respectful, and

professional. Embedding these characteristics into

the Defence culture plays a big part in ensuring our

people want to stay.

For me, a balanced workplace is not only about

gender, but attracting the best people to Defence,

and reflecting the community we serve. I hope

the next State of the Service report shows that

Defence is moving more into line with the wider

public service community.

“Increasing the workforce participation rate for women in Defence will become even more significant as the overall employment market becomes more competitive and there is increased pressure to attract and retain talented people.”

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CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCE’S COLUMN

Improving participation rates of women in the ADFThere is no doubt that one of the enduring challenges we face in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is ensuring we have the right number of people with the right skills.

As most men and women of the ADF would attest, life in the military offers no end of opportunity in terms of education, training and challenging and interesting work, as well as the chance to proudly serve your country.

However, while one in every 11 men who show an interest in enlisting in the ADF does join, only one in every 20 women will enlist, which translates to a female participation rate of 13.6 per cent for the entire ADF workforce.

In recent times, these statistics have required us to examine what is preventing women from enlisting and staying in the ADF. During the past two years, a range of initiatives has been put in place to determine the systemic, cultural, attitudinal and behavioural aspects of the ADF environment that directly or indirectly discriminate against the recruitment and retention of women.

The recommendations of these initiatives highlighted a wide spectrum of issues, from what attracts women to a military career, professional development and career management, to flexible working arrangements, childcare, housing and support mechanisms.

This brought to my attention that while much has been done to improve the recruitment and participation rates of women in the ADF, and Defence more broadly, there is more that can – and must – be done, not only for women, but for all members of the ADF. Critical to this is the Chief of the Defence Force Action Plan on the Recruitment and Retention of Women.

Although it is focused on women, this Action Plan aims to introduce a new range of measures to increase the options and attractiveness of an ADF career while creating a more flexible workplace for all members and employees.

It challenges existing performance appraisal systems, career training philosophies and practices, personnel policies and reporting mechanisms and focuses on six priority areas:

enlistment, workplace flexibility, career management, accountability, mentoring and communication. I am very confident that these measures will impact and benefit everyone in Defence, at every level and in every workplace.

Since this Action Plan was launched in November 2009, there has been a review of a range of policies to ensure our workplace accommodates career flexibility. Our aim is to have a comprehensive suite of policies in place to help women and men balance their work, life and family responsibilities, including flexible work options, career breaks and return to work programs.

Policy changes to implement these initiatives are being supported by changes to our business processes and IT systems. For example, adjustments to our pay systems are required to enable our people to salary sacrifice to buy more leave in the same way that is available to Defence civilians. We are also making changes to our personnel management systems to reflect job sharing arrangements so that we can move away from our historical approach of ‘one person against one position’.

A particular example of a policy that has been changed is the classification of ADF women who are pregnant. Previously, pregnant women were medically classified in a way that may have restricted their employment options, and potentially also negatively impacted on long-term career management decisions. I have now introduced a separate pregnancy medical classification that will allow enhanced capability and employment flexibility for pregnant ADF women.

We have also highlighted leadership as an area requiring further development. An awareness program, to be delivered during ADF leadership and command training, is being developed and trialled to assist all our leaders to enhance gender diversity when building and maintaining effective workplaces. Additionally, a range of mentoring and

networking programs have commenced to assist in meeting the diverse needs of women in the ADF.

Of course, there is still more to do. We are now starting to turn our attention to some of the more challenging goals we have set ourselves in the Action Plan. In the coming months we will start to look at how we can set measurable objectives for achieving greater diversity. We will also examine how we can link achievement of measurable objectives with performance evaluation.

The Action Plan is driving a program of cultural change that is firstly engaging and then changing attitudes and behaviours to achieve a more sustainable and representative ADF workforce.

With this foremost in our minds, my senior leadership team and I will continue to embrace, champion and implement the Action Plan, aiming to ensure that the ADF truly represents the broader Australian community through the higher participation rate of women across the three Services.

Improving the diversity of our workforce, including through greater participation of women, is a capability issue on which we should all focus.

“This brought to my attention that while much has been done to improve the recruitment and participation rates of women in the ADF, and Defence more broadly, there is more that can – and must – be done, not only for women, but for all members of the ADF.”

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82

3

4 5

BLUE v RED FOR EXERCISE PITCH BLACK

6

7

1. Corporal Greg Shields, a Ground Support Equipment Fitter, attaches cable ties to a cable block of an arrestor cable on the runway at RAAF Base Darwin. Photo: Corporal Melina Mancuso

2. Military Working Dog Handler, Leading Aircraftwoman Belinder Walters patrols the No. 6 Squadron F-111 flight line with her Military Working Dog Yandi. Leading Aircraftwoman Walters and Yandi are posted to RAAF Base Townsville and are deployed to RAAF Darwin for Exercise Pitch Black 2010. Photo: Leading Aircraftman Glynn Jones

3. Squadron Leader Wilson from No. 40 Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel Ichigi from the Japan Self Defense Force and Air Commodore Pietsch pose for an informal group shot in front of a Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules aircraft before flying to RAAF Tindal as part of the Foreign Observers Program during Exercise Pitch Black 2010. Photo: Sergeant Rob Mitchell

4. Republic of Singapore F-16 Falcon’s flying in formation over Darwin after their last day time sortie for Exercise Pitch Black 2010. Photo: Leading Aircraftman Glynn Jones

7. A Combat Controller manoeuvres an All Terrain Vehicle through the desolate terrain of Bradshaw Bombing Range. Photo: Leading Aircraftwoman Jessica Smith

8. Foreign observers and Boss Lift participants pose in front of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules aircraft which took them from RAAF Darwin to RAAF Tindal and back as part of Exercise Pitch Black 2010. Photo: Sergeant Rob Mitchell

5. Leading Aircraftman Michael Wheeler, an Aircraft Technician from 3 Sqaudron, refuels an F/A-18 Hornet after it returns from another sortie during Exercise Pitch Black 2010. Photo: Corporal Hamish Paterson

6. (L-R) Leading Aircraftman Lachan Dorey shows Air Cadets from Darwin Kartikeya Singh-Freeman, Samuel Yiak and Patrick Ballesteros the inside of an F-111 cockpit during a visit to RAAF Darwin. Photo: Corporal Melina Mancuso

When the fighters touched down at Darwin after the final wave on 5 August, Exercise Pitch Black 2010 was effectively complete.

The Tindal-based Red Force fought the Darwin-based Blue Force, with fighter jets engaging in complex aerial battles over the Top End for two weeks, in the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) premier biennial air combat exercise.

So, after all these fiercely fought encounters high in the sky under an NT sun and in the pitch black of the night, who won?

The Red Force comprised RAAF F/A-18 Hornets and Hawks, while the Blue Force involved Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) F-16 Fighting Falcons; and RAAF Hornets and F-111s. They were supported by a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130, an RSAF E2-C Hawkeye Airborne Warning and Control aircraft and an RSAF KC135 tanker.

This was the final Pitch Black exercise for the Air Force’s veteran strike bomber, the iconic F-111.

Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Mel Hupfeld said the F-111, or ‘Pig’ as it was affectionately known, had served the Air Force and Australia well since its introduction in June 1973.

Air Commodore Hupfeld said one of the major factors in the success of Exercise Pitch Black 2010 was the generous and ongoing support of the Darwin and Katherine communities.

“We realise that, inevitably, some areas have been affected by noise but we continue to develop strategies to minimise that.

“I would like to extend a personal thank you to the residents of Darwin and Katherine for their hospitality and understanding.

“I know we will all leave Pitch Black 10 with some very fond memories of the Top End,” Air Commodore Hupfeld said.

Oh, and just for the record – Blue Force won.

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NEWS

14 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

The people of the Solomon Islands have been left with a dangerous legacy from the Second World War and the Royal Australian Navy is working hard to provide a safer future.

EXPLOSIVEassistance in the Solomons

Thousands of unexploded ordnance remains

scattered throughout the Solomon Islands and

from the fierce battles fought there between the

Japanese, US and Australian forces during WWII.

Navy clearance divers conducted training exercises

with Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF)

Divers in the critical role of explosive ordnance

disposal (EOD) at White Beach.

RSIPF Divers Senior Sergeant Emanuel Maepurina

(Dive Team Leader), Sergeant John Mirikale and

Constable Peleni Selestin have been receiving

the majority of their EOD training in the Russell

Islands.

“Approximately 15 Solomon Islanders lose their

lives every year due to explosive ordnance,” said

Constable Selestin. “This is a very dangerous

problem for the Solomon Islands and we are

working hard to make it safer.” Constable Selestin

has been an RSIPF diver for four years and received

The Regional assistance Mission to solomon Islands (RaMsI)

Operation ANODE is the name of the ADF contribution to the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). RAMSI’s assistance is known as Operation HELPEM FREN (Pidgin English for ‘Helping Friend’). RAMSI’s mission is to assist the Solomon Islands Government in restoring law and order, economic governance, and improving the machinery of government.

The military component of RAMSI comprises of personnel from four troop-contributing nations – Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.

The main task for the military component is to provide security for RAMSI’s multinational Participating Police Force (PPF) that works alongside the Royal Solomon Islands Police in maintaining law and order.

Specialist military staff in RAMSI headquarters are also deployed to coordinate the multinational military effort with the PPF.

The aDF contribution to RaMsI

Since the introduction of RAMSI in 2003, the number of Australian troops in support has varied depending on the degree of unrest experienced. After the rioting that followed the April 2006 general elections, RAMSI military personnel have continued their contribution to maintaining a calming effect on the situation in the Solomon Islands.

Lieutenant Colonel Dave Thompson has now handed over command of the 160-strong combined task force to Lieutenant Colonel Paul Landford. The ADF contributes around 80 troops to this task force; drawn primarily from Western Australia’s 13th Brigade.

The combined task force includes:

› A multinational headquarters

› One platoon from the ADF

› One platoon from the NZDF, and

› One platoon from Pacific Island nations.

The second platoon will rotate between the NZDF and the ADF every eight months. This means in early 2010 Australia will provide two platoons (an extra 30 personnel).

Since 2007, the ADF has deployed eight Army Reserve company groups accounting for more than 800 part-time soldiers. The deployment of these ADF personnel, at the invitation of the Solomon Islands Government, aims to ensure the ongoing success of RAMSI in improving law and order in the Solomon Islands. Australia remains determined to ensure that the law and order established in the Solomon Islands is maintained.

his EOD training through the Australian Defence

Force (ADF).

“I received my training with the School of Military

Engineering in 2007,” he said. “I enjoy working

with the ADF and the mentoring and assistance

they provide is invaluable to our ongoing RSIPF

EOD operations.”

Constable Slestin’s team leader, Senior Sergeant

Emanuel Maepurina, agrees.

“The RSIPF only has a small team of seven

divers and the assistance and mentorship of the

Australians is a great help in our efforts to find

and remove unexploded ordnance... every piece of

ordnance we remove is potentially a life saved.”

White Beach Village, the site of a former US

Marine Base, was chosen due to the high volume

of ex-WWII explosives in the area.

“Tragically four people were killed last year in the

area from unexploded munitions,” said Constable

Selestin. “The local villagers understand what we

are trying to do and are very supportive. It is our

hope that our work will mean one day they can

cultivate their crops and enjoy their area without

fear.”

White Beach Village Chief John Ramo was

appreciative of the efforts of the divers. “We are

very happy to have them here,” he said. “They

are very welcome and we are very happy with the

work they are doing.”

After clearing the area and ensuring that no-one

was in the danger zone, the unexploded munitions

were detonated in a controlled explosion.

The RAN clearance divers are in the Solomon

Islands in support of Operation Anode – the

ADF contribution to the Australian-led Regional

Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands

(RAMSI).

aBOVe: A Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver searches for unexploded ordnance at White Beach.

aBOVe: Able Seaman Clearance Diver Clinton Hamilton begins his dive for unexploded ordnance at White Beach, during an explosive ordnance disposal training exercise in Solomon Islands.

aBOVe : White Bay Village Chief, John Ramo, with his son at his home in Solomon Islands.

BeLOW :A large splash is created as unexploded ordnance is disposed of at White Beach, Solomon Islands.

All photos: Leading Aircraftman Christopher Dickson

The French community of Fromelles gathered on 19 July to remember Australia’s darkest day in war – the Battle of Fromelles – on its 94th anniversary.

FromellesSacrifice

rememberedat

www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine16

NEWSRIgHT: His Royal Highness Prince Charles meets members of Australia’s Federation Guard. BeLOW: Chief of Staff of the French Army General Elrick Irastorza (left), British Army Chief General David Richards (2nd from left), and Australian Chief of Army Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie (3rd from left), salute for the national anthems. LOWeR: The bearer party carries the coffin of the 250th soldier into the Fromelles Military Cemetery.

Australia’s war dead from the Great War 1914-1918 are commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). The casualties recovered from the mass burial site at Pheasant Wood will be permanently commemorated by the CWGC in the Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery.

Since its inception in 1917, the CWGC has followed the principles of equality and uniformity in the official commemoration of war dead. In practical terms the principles mean:

› each of the war dead is commemorated individually by name, on either a grave headstone (or headstone plaque), or an inscription on a Memorial to the Missing

› headstones and memorials are maintained in perpetuity

› inscriptions on headstones and memorials are uniform in content, and

› there is no distinction in style of commemoration made on the basis of military rank, civil rank or wealth of the veteran or his family.

The CWGC cemeteries and Memorials to the Missing in 150 countries around the world are the tangible expression of these principles.

The Australian casualties buried at Pheasant Wood will have been listed by the CWGC as having no known grave, and accordingly they are currently commemorated

by name on the Memorials to the Missing at VC Corner Australian Cemetery or the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.

When casualties recovered from Pheasant Wood are identified, a headstone, inscribed with the following information will be provided:

› service badge (in the case of Australians, this will be the Rising Sun AIF Badge)

› name (initials and surname)

› rank

› unit

› date of death

› age (optional)

› religious emblem (optional), and

› a personal inscription chosen by relatives (optional).

In due course, the name of each identified casualty will be removed from the Memorial to the Missing where it is now found as the casualty will finally have a known grave.

“I think it’s extremely important that it’s happened because they were heroes, they died for their country, they did what they were told to and what was right, so they’re finally getting the appreciation they deserve.”

- 27-year-old Heath Stook from Perth, whose second cousin Raymond Bishop was among the dead

The Battle of Fromelles, on a 400-metre

patch of French soil, was the first time

Australian Imperial Forces fought on

the Western Front, where 1900 young

Australian men lost their lives, with

another 3100 injured or never found.

This year’s annual remembrance

ceremony was held at the Australian

Memorial Park, where wreaths were

laid at the famous Cobbers Monument

and VC Corner by military and

community dignitaries.

Chief of Army Lieutenant General

Ken Gillespie, the Mayor of

Fromelles Monsieur Hubert Huchette,

Commonwealth War Graves

Commission Fromelles project manager

Mr David Richardson, relatives of fallen

soldiers and members of the public

attended the event.

This year’s service was held two days

earlier than the anniversary of the July

19, 1916, battle, due to the upcoming

official opening of the Fromelles

(Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery,

where the final and 250th soldier was

laid to rest with full military honours.

Of the 250 men recovered from

Pheasant Wood, 205 have been

identified as Australians (96 by name),

three are British and 42 are ‘Known

unto God’ including the identity of the

final soldier to be buried.

Reinterment of the soldiers recovered

from the Pheasant Wood grave

commenced on 30 January 2010.

Lieutenant General Gillespie said

Australians should all take time to

remember Australia’s darkest day.

“Australians need to understand

Fromelles and where it fits in our history

and what it meant to us,” he said.

“I find it to be something that we can

reflect on as we are experiencing

similar in Afghanistan at the present

time with our losses.

“I can consider it a bit of a pilgrimage

back to where this all began, the sense

of sacrifice of such large numbers of

Australian soldiers who set an ethos

that we try and live up to today.”

In plots at VC Corner lie the remains

of 410 unidentified Australians, and

behind these graves a plaque carries

the names of 1299 men from the 5th

Division who were killed in action.

Principles of Official Commemoration

LeFT: Regimental Sergeant Major - Army, Warrant Officer Class One Stephen Ward pays his respect to each of the 250 soldiers at the cemetery dedicated to the men who lost their lives in the Battle of Fromelles. All photos: Sergeant Neil Ruskin

RIgHT: Captain Katherine Christie from Australia’s Federation Guard bows her head as a sign of respect during the Fromelles Ceremony.

18 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

SPOTLIGHT ON REFORM

What do a combined exercise in the Top End, the delivery of garrison support in Brisbane and procurement of a box of rounds have in common? They all contribute to delivering Defence preparedness. Preparedness describes Defence’s ability to

undertake military operations when directed

by Government. There are two key elements to

preparedness – how quickly we can respond

to a situation with the necessary capabilities

(readiness) and our ability to sustain that operation

for a specified duration (sustainability).

Preparedness is core business for Defence and

accounts for more than 60 per cent of Defence’s

budget. These costs are generated by activities

such as the number of rounds fired in training,

aircraft flying hours and sailing days needed to

achieve and maintain levels of preparedness

directed by CDF.

The PPOC Reform Stream is a set of initiatives

being led by the recently established Joint

Capability Coordination Division of VCDF Group.

Its focus is on better supporting CDF, the Service

chiefs and all commanders in determining the

optimum balance of Defence preparedness for the

given strategic circumstances and our budget.

The reform initiatives include delivering increased

understanding of why operating units conduct

their various training activities and better visibility

of the costs and risks of preparedness related

activity levels. These are fundamental needs in

delivering the cost-conscious cultural change that

the Strategic Reform Program (SRP) will bring to

Defence.

This SRP Stream will drive more efficient and

effectives outcomes for the organisation, but does

not have a direct cost reductions target.

All groups and services are involved in the work

being undertaken by the PPOC reform project

teams and the full benefits are expected to take

several years to evolve. An interim Improved

Preparedness Management System will be in use

by 2012. Some key initiatives include:

› development, in conjunction with DSTO,

of a preparedness modelling and analysis

tool, which will allow Defence leaders to

understand the costs associated with different

preparedness levels

› improved Defence-wide preparedness guidance

and processes using common language,

methodology and tools, which will reduce

confusion and rework

› enhanced information from existing ICT systems

using off-the-shelf products, and

› improving resource related decision making

business skills for both ADF and civilian

managers.

Amongst the current PPOC initiatives are detailed

force element review pilot studies. The reviews

were undertaken during the past few months with

Navy ANZAC frigates, the Army Ready Battalion

Group, and F/A-18 Hornets in Air Force.

The pilot studies are an opportunity to test and

refine the methodology for future, more wide-

ranging investigations, as well as understand

current relationships between preparedness,

activities and cost for each of these force

elements. The reviews provide a platform

to highlight potential improvements to the

management of preparedness which can position

Defence to better meet future requirements.

Another of the reform initiatives includes the

design and prototyping of a suite of software

demonstrators linking preparedness to personnel

and operating costs. These tools will allow senior

leaders to test-drive different preparedness

options for ADF force elements and understand the

likely cost and risk implications of each option.

An initial prototype application was developed

and demonstrated to the Service chiefs and other

Group heads in late March this year. Further

versions of the application will be developed

during the next year, including refinements to

documented user needs, functionality, system

boundaries and design specifications.

During the next few years these reforms to the

way we plan for and manage preparedness levels

will increasingly influence what many of us do

in the course of a working day, from training and

exercises to procurement decisions.

PPOC reform - helping you make every minute,

dollar and round (or box of rounds) count.

“The reform initiatives include delivering increased understanding of why operating units conduct their various training activities and better visibility of the costs and risks of preparedness related activity levels.”

PREPARED FOR ALL POSSIBILITIESPreparedness and Personnel and Operating Costs (PPOC) reform stream

19www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

NEWS

An international challenge to find the next generation of fully autonomous robots, capable of carrying out battlefield missions, may assist in keeping soldiers out of harm’s way in the future.

IT’S AUTOMATICBy Able Seaman Melanie Schinkel

Four Australian and eight overseas technology

teams are gearing up for the elimination round

of the Multi-Autonomous Ground-robotics

International Challenge (MAGIC) to be held in

South Australia in November this year.

A total of 12 teams were selected from 23 entries

to compete in the challenge.

Defence Materiel and Science Minister Greg

Combet said a panel of Australian and US Defence

scientists would evaluate the robot prototypes

developed by 12 shortlisted teams from Australia,

USA, Canada, Turkey and Japan.

“MAGIC aims to develop fully autonomous robots

capable of conducting dangerous missions and

keeping soldiers out of harm’s way,” Mr Combet

said.

“The MAGIC technical-assessment panel will

visit each of the 12 teams over the next few

weeks for an intensive evaluation of their concept

demonstrators, which will result in a list of five

finalists.

“Final teams were announced in late July, giving

the selected teams four months to refine and

continue development of their concepts.”

He said each of the finalists would receive

research grants of US$50,000 to complete their

projects for the grand challenge in November.

Australia’s Acting Chief Defence Scientist Dr

Warren Harch said the teams are at the forefront

of robotics technology.

“They have survived a rigorous assessment and

elimination process against six other semi-finalist

teams,” Dr Harch said.

USA Tank Automotive Research, Development, and

Engineering Center Director Dr Grace Bochenek

said the competition fosters international

cooperation.

“We hope to inspire the next generation of

researchers,” she said. “We are always seeking

good ideas and fresh perspectives. This challenge

is a win-win – we are investing in solutions

that will make our soldiers stronger through

technology.”

Australian and USA officials visited all 12 short-

listed teams during a hectic period of several

weeks to evaluate their robots. The teams

performed a range of activities to demonstrate

certain capabilities including the ability to operate

autonomously and to map their surroundings

digitally.

“The six successful teams displayed high levels

of innovation and dexterity in completing their

assigned tasks,” Dr Harch said.

“They now have a few more months to fine-tune

their concepts for the grand final challenge when

they will be required to field at least three robots

and accomplish a complex task involving mapping

and identification of threats while demonstrating a

high level of autonomy between the robots.

“We want to move from the current paradigm of

one man-one robot to one man and many robots.”

MAGIC was jointly organised by Australia’s

Defence Science and Technology Organisation and

the US Department of Defense.

The four Australian teams include the University

of New South Wales, MAGICIAN which is a

collaboration between the University of Western

Australia, Flinders University, Edith Cowan

University, Thales Australia and ILLIARC Pty

Ltd, Sydney company Strategic Engineering in

association with the University of Adelaide, and

Melbourne-based company Numinance that is

working with La Trobe University.

International teams in the challenge include

The DSTO technical assessment panel visit the University of WA to view an entry in the Multi-Autonomous Ground-robotics International Challenge.

for international robot challenge

Northern Hunters from Canada, Chiba University from Japan, Cappadocia from Turkey, and US-based teams Reconnaissance and Autonomy for Small Robots Team, Cornell University, University of Michigan, Team VACAS and the University of Pennsylvania.

20 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 21www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

Late last year, Defence released People in Defence, a document that kick-started the organisation’s conversation on how best to achieve the personnel requirements outlined in the White Paper, Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030.

a better people system

It proposed a vision for what needs to be achieved

by 2015 (the date mandated under the Strategic

Reform Program) to ensure Defence has the

workforce capability it requires to deliver Force

2030.

A recurring theme is the need to gain greater

traction within the community – our most crucial

audience in helping us meet the demand.

“Our success is very much dependent on how the

community views and judges us,” Head People

Capability Major General Craig Orme said.

“The White Paper tells us what Defence needs in

terms of security, the Strategic Reform Program

guides us for efficiencies.

“People in Defence, then, tells us what we have to

do in the people space to ensure we have the right

people in the right jobs at the right time to deliver

the capability we require.”

In developing this future workforce, Defence has

to consider the views of three main groups – the

Government, current and potential employees, and

the community.

The People Strategies bods call them lenses

– looking through the eyes of those three

constituencies.

“We know the biggest influence to joining the

forces is a family member or friend who has

served; someone with an intimate knowledge

of what service life is like and can act as an

advocate,” MAJGEN Orme said.

“Similarly, the Defence APS draws about one-third

of its workforce from former members of the ADF.

“For us to be successful we have to increase the

number of young people out there who consider

Defence as a career. In order to achieve that we

need to engage with the influencers of those young

people and ensure they understand what we are

doing, they respect and value what we are doing,

and they trust us to hand off their kids and brothers

and sisters to us as an employer.

“But we can’t continue to rely on those who have

had friends or family members in the forces;

we must find new ways to attract talent from a

broader part of the community.”

Identifying how to do that is part of the People

in Defence initiative. From it will flow – and are

flowing – a series of projects that will flesh out the

development of human resources and workforce

initiatives across Defence.

The Defence Strategic Workforce Plan, Defence

People Systems Reform Plan and the Annual

People Plan are the three major projects.

The People Plan identifies critical issues

associated with workforce numbers, skills and

funding, and outlines short-term priorities and

resource requirements.

Immediate priorities include a review of

rehabilitation and compensation, improving

support to families, developing new housing and

accommodation assistance options, improving

the delivery of mental health, and implementing

programs to increase diversity within Defence. The

plan is due for release in November.

“We already have some very good programs

around diversity, making service life more

attractive to a wider range of people,” MAJGEN

Orme said.

“We are creating more flexible work arrangements,

ensuring we remain contemporary and recognising

that the profile of family life is changing. We want

to have policies in place that respond to that.

“Multicultural and Indigenous audiences are

other areas in which we are looking to increase

our diversity. We already have pre-recruitment

programs – numeracy, literacy and life-building

skills – where we prepare Indigenous Australians

before they enter the recruiting process.”

MAJGEN Orme described People in Defence as a

blueprint.

“It has laid down what we need to do through the

community, the government and our people. The

various plans are putting the meat on the bones.

“From a departmental point of view, we will end

up with a system that works much more efficiently,

is far more coordinated, has fewer gaps, has

more cohesion across the organisation and less

duplication.

“It’s about building a better people system.”Defence people working towards a common goal are (L-R): Nicholas Hyde, Wing Commander Brady Cummins and Catherine Thompson.

Photo: Corporal Chris Moore

“Engaging more broadly with the community is the key factor in Defence attracting and retaining a capable and high-quality workforce in the future.” - Head People Capability Major General Craig Orme (pictured left)

By Phil Mayne

PEOPLE STRATEGIES AND POLICY

DEFENCE MATERIEL ORGANISATION

During September in Singapore, 10 Australian high school students will represent Australia, and the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), aiming to be the best in the world at designing futuristic Formula One (F1) race cars.

By Warwick Shields

They’re RACINGDMO backs futuristic formula

The students, making up Team Australia, are

from Queensland and Victoria and as F1inSchools

Technology Challenge national champions, have

the opportunity to test their engineering and

project management skills against the best from 20

other nations.

Re-Engineering Australia Foundation (REA)

coordinates the F1inSchools Technology Challenge

in Australia and DMO is REA’s national sponsor.

DMO’s support is part of the skilling Australian

defence industry initiative and promotes DMO

as a future employment pathway to some 35,000

students (as young as Grade 6) in more than 300

schools.

Many of the schools take advantage of a DMO-

sponsored project management guide and project

template available through the REA websites.

The F1inSchools Technology Challenge world titles

will be held in Singapore in September just prior

to the Singapore F1 Grand Prix. F1 boss Bernie

Ecclestone sponsors the challenge’s major prize.

Team Australia will comprise the boys of Basilisk

Performance, from Sebastopol College in regional

LeFT: At the national finals award ceremony, the youngest team competing, Sydney’s TRS, and their teacher were interviewed by the ABC’s New Inventors program. TRS won the outstanding industry collaboration award at its first attempt. MIDDLe: The innovative car design developed by the victorious Basilisk Performance team. RIgHT: Australian champions Basilisk Performance and their teacher were presented with their prize by Director General Land Engineering Agency Grant Medbury (left).

www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine22

Victoria, and Nitro Monkeys from Pine Rivers State High School in Brisbane. They were sashed as national champions in Melbourne in March by Director General Land Engineering Agency, Grant Medbury.

On that occasion, DMO had the highest representation of volunteer judges who participated in an intense day of tight competition with car design, innovation, marketing, technical folio, public speaking and car track speed. The winning teenagers outpointed 23 other teams from across Australia.

REA founder Michael Myers suggested children, and particularly boys, tend to make their career choices at about 14 years of age.

“We are trying to get industry to come along and be the role models they need,” he said.

“Students are given the tools that car manufacturers have to design an F1 race car. Once you’ve got making things under your skin it’s there for life. We have 300 schools and 35,000 students in Australia. The limitation is getting industry to help us expand on this.”

Australian teams competing in the world titles

have a history of success. The Stingers from Trinity

Grammar School in Victoria were world champions

in 2006, while the two Australian teams, along

with a third that collaborated with a Canadian

school team, finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the 2009

final held in London.

Innovation is a characteristic of the F1inSchools

competition and apart from our champion teams,

the stories of others can be compelling.

For example, winner of the Best Team Marketing

Award at the national finals in March was

Speedalicious, an all-girl team from Gymea

Technology High School in Sydney, complete with

a human mascot in fireproof race suit and full-face

race helmet. Competing in their first competition,

the girls also set a track time for their model

of 1.019 seconds, beating the world record of

1.020 set last year by the world champions from

Northern Ireland.

This year’s crop of young innovators is hard at work

on their projects with State and Territory finals to

be held during September-November. Winners will

go onto the nationals that will coincide with the

Melbourne F1 Grand Prix in March next year.

23www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

INTERNATIONAL POLICY DIvISION

Members of the Indonesian National Defence Force (TNI) have gained vital search and rescue (SAR) skills after completing a two-week maritime search-and-rescue air-drop course in Adelaide.

search and rescue

>>>>>>>>skills foundBy Justin Moyle

TOP: Indonesian Naval and Air Force members look on, as Sergeant Cameron Theobald of 10 Squadron gives a display of the effectiveness the Star Safire system can produce while on search and rescue missions.

MIDDLe: A proud Flight Lieutenant Anjoe Manik shows his certificate with General Manager Emergency Response Division, Australian Maritime Safety Authority Mr John Young (left) and Brigadier Ian Errington (right) from International Policy Division.

BOTTOW: Flying Officer Joshua Williams of 10 Squadron gives an external tour of the AP-3C Orion in the 10 Squadron hangar.

Photos: Leading Aircraftman Glen McCarthy

The 18 TNI personnel – from one Navy and five Air Force flying squadrons – are employed as pilots, loadmasters and life-support fitters, and gained skills in fixed-wing air delivery of SAR equipment in emergencies.

The course provided an opportunity for personnel from TNI, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to work together, share knowledge and gain skills in dropping SAR equipment from aircraft into the ocean.

Brigadier Ian Errington, from Defence’s International Policy Division, attended the presentation ceremony at the South Australian State Emergency Services training centre and said that the training provided benefits to both countries.

“It’s a pleasure to see our respective organisations sharing knowledge of search and rescue skills,” Brigadier Errington said.

“Dropping SAR equipment from an aircraft so that it lands precisely in the desired area can be difficult, especially in poor weather conditions.

“The SAR drop course also has had the benefit

of developing friendships and networks

between TNI, the ADF and AMSA that can be

called upon in the future if required.”

Mr David Ingram, one of the AMSA staff

delivering the course, spoke highly of the

Indonesians and their enthusiasm to learn

more about dropping SAR equipment from

fixed-wing aircraft.

“The TNI officers have been great to work

with – they have been very professional and

should be proud of their achievements,” Mr

Ingram said.

The course was funded through the Defence

Cooperation Program and delivered by AMSA

at the South Australian State Emergency

Service training facility at Adelaide Airport.

Participating personnel were presented with

certificates on completion of the course by

Brigadier Errington and AMSA’s General

Manager Emergency Response, Mr John

Young.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

DEFENCE FORCE RECRUITING

Imagine getting the opportunity to check out your future career before having to sign on the dotted line – and all with the added bonus of getting there free.

Students shown the ropes for a Defence career

By Sue Caddaye

Are you EXPERIENCED?

on Mornington Peninsular to see the many ADF

technical trade careers training and jobs in action.

“The Defence Experience Tour is a great initiative

allowing students to get first hand information on

trade careers available in the Navy, Army and Air

Force,” Defence’s Head of People Capability Major

General Craig Orme said.

“We know from research that one in four

applicants join because of a referral from someone

they know who is in the Navy, Army or Air Force.

“These students have already shown an interest

in joining the Services as a potential career by

applying for, and receiving a Defence Technical

Scholarship (DTS), so the tour is just another way

of us saying: ‘look, this is what we can offer you’,”

he said.

At each venue, group members viewed the wide

range of training programs and future career

pathways available in the ADF.

In addition to the trade facilities, the group visited

the single service recruit training schools and

barracks to see the facilities and get an insight into

life as a new recruit in the ADF.

Feedback from students was very positive with

anonymous questionnaire responses at the end

indicating the tour had achieved its aim.

Students were asked a range of questions with

just some of the responses including:

“I can’t see myself doing anything else.”

“It all looks pretty amazing and professional.”

“It was one of the best weeks ever.”

“Discovering so many different trades and being

able to see them first-hand was great.”

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do – now I do.”

DTS Program Manager Major Jenelle Lawson

believes the program has great potential.

“We had more than 180 applications from DTS

recipients to come on this tour,” Major Lawson

said.

“The tour provided participating students with first-

hand information on career options available to

them and will help them to make a more informed

decision on their future career paths.

“Visiting the single service recruit training schools

was an added bonus which showed the students

“These students have already shown an interest in joining the Services as a potential

career by applying for, and receiving a Defence Technical Scholarship, so the tour is

just another way of us saying: ‘look, this is what we can offer you’.”

- Defence’s Head of People Capability Major General Craig Orme

Photos from left:

1. Lieutenant Jason Booth, a Marine Engineering Officer at HMAS Cerberus, speaks with father and daughter Ellis and Jessica Scarticcini about one of the training aids at the Royal Australian Navy Technical Training School.

2. Sergeant Grant O’Leary, a metalsmith senior instructor, demonstrates the use of a welding simulator to 2010 Defence Experience Tour participants.

3. Chief Petty Officer Ross Bell speaks with teachers Jenny Forster and Mandi Ilot about Defence technical careers after a presentation by Defence Force Recruiting.

4. Chief Petty Officer Duncan Naughton explains how the instruments at West Head Range work to teachers and students from the 2010 Defence Experience Tour.

5. Warrant Officer Don Kenny speaks with Defence Experience Tour students about how the Macchi aircraft is used as a training aid at RAAF Base Wagga Wagga.

6. Warrant Officer Greg Huckstepp talks to students and teachers about the Aircraft Technician training carried out at RAAF Base Wagga Wagga.

All photos: Leading Aircraftman Leigh Cameron

and teachers what happens immediately after

enlistment.

“Students who had considered a career in Defence

previously will now have added motivation to apply

as a consequence of the tour,” she said.

The DTS is an innovative program looking to

educate and encourage students to consider an

ADF technical trade while supporting students to

finish Year 12.

There were 761 DTS recipients this year, up

from 568 last year, the program’s inaugural year.

Scholarship recipients are awarded $2000 (Year

11) and $3000 (Year12) as an incentive to consider

the ADF as a career option once they have

completed their Year 12 studies.

If you would like to know more about the DTS go to

www.defencejobs.gov.au/DTs.

www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine24 25www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

For 40 students and 10 teachers from schools

across Australia, that is exactly what they enjoyed

on a Defence Experience Tour in July.

The tour, part of the Defence Technical

Scholarships program, gave these lucky

individuals four days of visiting Defence bases and

establishments, providing valuable insights into

the Defence community and lifestyle.

The group visited RAAF Base Wagga, the Army

Recruit Training Centre at Kapooka, the Army

Logistic Training Centre in Bandiana, the Joint

Logistics Unit in Victoria, and HMAS Cerberus

26 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

For more information about the community capacity building project, please contact the DCO community capacity building team:

Maureen greet, Project Director - maureen.greet1@defence.gov.au

Michele chaseling, Manager - michele.chaseling@defence.gov.au.

DEFENCE SUPPORT GROUP

In February 2009, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, signed the ADF Family Covenant which outlines the ADF’s commitment to Defence families and acknowledges the importance of their contribution to operational effectiveness.

cOmmUniTY caPaciTY BUiLDing:

By Maureen Greet and Michele Chaseling

Service ensures you are not lost in transition

By Nicole Curtin aDF Transition seminarsADF Transition Seminars assist members and their families prepare for separation through the provision of advice on:

› separation administration

› education and training, including the Career Transition Assistance Scheme

› future employment support

› Reserve service

› medical and dental requirements

› rehabilitation, compensation and service pensions

› financial and legal matters

› superannuation

› housing and relocation, and

› additional support and family services.

The partners of separating military members are strongly encouraged to attend these seminars. More information:Location and contact details of ADF Transition Centres and dates for ADF Transition Seminars are available at www.defence.gov.au/transitions.For more information or questions relating to ADF Transition Support Services please email DSG.transitionsupportservices@ defence.gov.au.

The Covenant is the capstone document in the ADF family support strategy. A key plank of the strategy is the ADF’s pledge to work with Defence families to enhance self-reliance.

Director General Defence Community Organisation (DGDCO) Michael Callan used the Defence Community Organisation’s (DCO) Strategic Direction 2009–2015 to explain the concepts in the Covenant.

The Covenant articulates DCO’s commitment to the development of policy settings, relevant partnerships and the creation of an environment to foster a sustainable, self-reliant Defence community through the key concept of community capacity building.

As Mr Callan explained recently to Defence Magazine, community capacity building is closely aligned with the principles of the whole-of-government social inclusion strategy.

“Community capacity building seeks to build stronger networks between the Defence community and the broader community and recognises that ADF family members are an integral part of their local area,” Mr Callan said.

“Building these networks will connect families with their local community,” he added. “And in turn, those communities will discover the benefits of having ADF families as active participants.”

As a result of the Defence White Paper, DCO has been provided with additional staff to implement this strategy.

“Regional Community Development officers will be assigned to DCO area offices to work with local communities, Defence organisations, Defence community groups, ex-service organisations, local and state governments and families,” Mr Callan said.

“Officers will build on existing work done in

the area offices by establishing partnerships, developing inclusive and collaborative projects, and enhancing mutual understanding between the Defence community and the broader community.”

DCO plans to use the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) model to implement this strategy. Use of the ABCD model and the boost provided by additional staff will enhance DCO’s ability to source and mobilise the resources already present in communities.

Mr Callan added that the ABCD model targets the strengths in ADF families and the local community, ensuring that the two work collaboratively to build projects, relationships, and participate in activities that are meaningful and relevant to all community members.

“Training of our DCO teams is a key component of the community capacity building plan,” he said.

From June 2010, all DCO staff are being trained in the use of the ABCD model to ensure a consistent language and approach to community capacity building throughout the organisation.

The Family Action Centre at Newcastle University, an Australian leader in the use of ABCD, will assist DCO to deliver this training. DCO Family Liaison Officers will be eligible to apply for a Certificate IV in Government through recognition of prior learning process, with electives focused on community capacity building.

“If this process is as successful, as we believe it will be, the Certificate IV will be open to all DCO staff,” Mr Callan said.

“The community capacity building strategy will develop the Defence community, establishing conditions whereby Defence families can be confidently self-reliant.

“DCO’s vision is for Defence families to thrive in the Defence environment: to be strong, self-reliant

TOP: Reaching new heights at the DCO Darwin Welcome to Families event in February.

aBOVe: Defence families find out about the Darwin area at the Darwin Welcome to Families event. The welcome included a range of entertainment activities and included 65 stalls representing various government agencies and community groups from across the region.

a reinvigorated approach from the Defence Community Organisation

Defence is committed to ensuring the men and women of the ADF and their families are provided with exemplary support services throughout their careers. These services are particularly crucial when ADF members plan to separate from the service.

Defence supports all military members and

their families to successfully separate from the

ADF through the provision of transition support

services.

These services, provided by the Directorate of

Transition Support Services in Defence Support

Group, ensure that members and their families

remain well informed and are encouraged to

access educational, financial, rehabilitation,

compensation and other government services to

facilitate sound transition planning.

Informing military members of these vital transition

support services is one of the roles of the

regional ADF Transition Centres where members

are required to finalise their administrative

arrangements well before their date of separation

from the ADF.

There are 18 regional ADF Transition Centres

country-wide where members and their families

can access a range of transition services and

transition staff advise on:

› accessing whole-of-government transition

support services

› completing Defence separation requirements,

and

› accessing separation benefits and entitlements.

Defence is also committed to providing flexible

support for those military members who need

to separate at short notice for medical or

compassionate reasons.

Separating members are provided with effective

and appropriate rehabilitation support and

assistance before their transition to civilian life.

Defence also ensures ADF members recieve a

smooth transition to the Department of Veterans’

Affairs and other support agencies.

In addition to the regional ADF Transition Centres,

information on transition support services is

available through a variety of resources including:

› Transitions internet site (http://www.defence.

gov.au/transitions/) which provides transition

support information and resources to ADF

members and their families

› Directorate of Transition Support Services

intranet site (http://intranet.defence.gov.

au/dsg/sites/DTSS/) which offers transition

support information and resources for use by

transition practitioners and commanders

› ADF Transition Seminars which are conducted

during two days in all regions throughout the

year, and

› ADF Transition Handbook which is a quick guide

to transition information and support and is

available on the websites listed above or from

ADF Transition Centres.

27www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

The key principles behind the community capacity building initiative, as outlined in DGDCO’s Strategic Direction, are:

› Members bear primary responsibility for the well-being of their family

› All levels of command in the ADF share the responsibility to provide support to Defence families

› Wherever possible, Defence families should utilise existing community support services

› Defence will provide services where community arrangements fail to meet community standards, and

› Volunteers and the use of self-help programs are encouraged.

and make the most of the opportunities presented by the Defence lifestyle.”

Visit www.defence.gov.au/dco for more information on the services offered by DCO.

ARMY

If laughter is the best medicine, then major healing took place in Brisbane when hundreds enjoyed an evening of good humour to raise money for a worthy cause.

Healing for hundreds at charity ball By Leonie Gall

More than 800 Defence members and corporate guests came together at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on August 7 to enjoy some wining, dining and dancing at the Defence Charity Ball, raising important funds for Legacy.

Comedian Vince Sorrenti treated guests to an entertaining evening as MC and got up to all sorts of mischief, while ex-Australian Idol winner Kate Dearaugo gave a show-stopping performance with the Army and Navy bands.

Mr Sorrenti said it was his pleasure to be involved with this event.

“No one supports the freedoms and liberties of this great country as much as me and as a comic, the ability to speak my mind and live my life openly is sacred to me,” Mr Sorrenti said.

“The ADF protects not only our borders, but these

RIgHT: Private Morgan Beames from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment assists a guest shoot a grenade stress ball during the Defence Charity Ball. Photo: Corporal Kim Allen

values – in any part of the world they can be threatened.

“Through Legacy we can acknowledge and help the brave people who put themselves in harm’s way for the values we hold so dear.”

Recently widowed Bree Till, wife of fallen digger Sergeant Brett Till, who died in Afghanistan on March 19 last year, gave a heart-warming address to guests.

Mrs Till talked about the difficulties of coping with the loss of a husband and father while dealing with a new-born baby and spoke of the support she received from friends, family and Legacy.

Festivities were briefly paused for an important cross to Afghanistan where Commanding Officer Mentoring Task Force 1, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jennings, spoke of the importance of Legacy.

He assured soldiers that if an incident occurred while they were conducting operations in Afghanistan, Legacy would support their families back home if required.

Other activities on the night included a successful auction – the top item fetching about $5500 – ADF static displays, including an ARH Tiger helicopter, a Navy dive tank and RAAF puppies.

The ADF Charity Ball is run by Commander 1 Division in Brisbane, with Legacy as the grateful beneficiary of all funds raised.

Brisbane Legacy CEO Steven Blinkhorn said Legacy was hoping to receive in excess of $100,000 as a result of the ball.

Legacy supports more than 115,000 widows and 1900 children and dependants, who have lost a loved one serving Australia.

It is no small task pushing a wheelchair across the Nullarbor, but this was only part of the 4500-kilometre journey of The Big Roll 2010.

FasT FacTs:

› $200,000 – the amount organisers hope to raise to provide CarerCars to help the needy

› 4500 kilometres – the distance of the wheelchair marathon, from Perth to Sydney via Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra

› 220 – towns visited and participating in the event

› 146.6 kilometres – or the ‘90 Mile Straight’ – the longest straight line roll through the Nullarbor for the volunteers

› 1000 – or more Army personnel participating or assisting The Big Roll 2010

RIgHT: The Big Roll at Ballarat with members of 8/7 RVR pushing ‘Wilson’ the bear. L-R Recruit Alex Redman, Private Lawrie Edwards, Lance Coroporal Nick Boak and Captain Paul O’Donnell arriving at Ballarat Town Hall. Photo: courtesy The Ballarat Courier

ROLLing aLOng fOR cHaRiTYBy Captain Martin Hadley and Captain Lacey Western

An initiative of the Sir Roden and Lady Cutler Foundation, the wheelchair marathon raised awareness of the issues confronting people with mobility issues, especially those in wheelchairs.

It also recognised the wonderful work of carers and the efforts of disabled achievers while raising funds, which the charity will use to buy CarerCars to support the disabled, their carers and provide a better quality of life.

Right across the country, full-time and part-time Army units and members pitched in to help, providing logistical support, or by being a volunteer (affectionately referred to as the ‘Rolling Bones’) – pushing the wheelchair through their local area to raise money and awareness of the event.

Organiser Chris Williams acknowledged the huge contribution made by Army personnel and units to support a worthy cause.

“The event organisers and volunteers all commented that in every location, it was a pleasure to meet

the Army servicemen and women who have been involved,” Mr Williams said.

“They are wonderful young Australians with a desire to help.”

Army members too were happy to participate.

“It was a great opportunity to get involved in an important community initiative,” said Warrant Officer Class 2 Mick Tenace of CATC Puckapunyal, having pushed his fake passenger ‘Wilson’ several kilometres through the town of Seymour in Victoria.

The Big Roll 2010 was officially started by Trooper Mark Donaldson, VC, in Perth on 23 April, and concluded at Victoria Barracks - Sydney with an address by Brigadier Shane Caughey on 20 August.

www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine28

29www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

INSERT TITLECHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER GROUP

Following consultation with Defence Groups and Services, the Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG) has developed a set of standards and descriptions for the delivery of ICT services.

aBOVe: Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore tests out the new Wi-Fi system on HMAS Melbourne. Photo: Able Seaman Hayley Clarke

The ship’s company of HMAS Melbourne, who have just deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations, will have a greater connection with family and friends thanks to an onboard wireless Internet kiosk.

INTERNET HIGHWAY OPENS AT SEA

The ICT Services Delivery CharterPaving the way: a catalyst for change

The Defence ICT Services Delivery Charter is intended to assist all Defence personnel in accessing the diverse range of ICT services available to perform their business.

“The launch of the Defence ICT Services Delivery Charter is a major step towards improving service delivery and engagement with our stakeholders,” said Greg Farr, the Chief Information Officer and Coordinating Capability Manager for the Defence Information Environment, including its ICT infrastructure.

“It supports our ICT Strategy, which was publicly released by the Minister in November 2009, and our ICT Reform Program.”

Defence is one of the largest telecommunications providers in the country. ICT planning in Defence has to allow for the communications needs of military personnel in the field, the secure transfer of information between the Australian Government and its allies, and the architectural challenges faced when connecting people, planes, ships and land vehicles to a single information environment – all in addition to the standard ICT requirements of more than 90,000 corporate users.

Defence Secretary Dr Ian Watt and Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston described the Charter as “a formal agreement between us on behalf of all Defence personnel as users of ICT services”.

“We look forward to this Charter being a catalyst for continuing to improve dialogue between all groups and services on how ICT services are delivered and supported across Defence, and how we all make best use of ICT resources and information superiority to defend Australia and its interests.”

The Defence ICT Services Delivery Charter sets the standards of services that Defence personnel expect from CIOG. It also identifies many initiatives to improve service delivery.

Recent highlights included:

› The Amenities Internet Access (AIA) project which will improve the amenities available to our deployed forces. Regardless of their location,

Service members will be delivered a reliable service for their rest and recreation while off duty, and to stay in touch with family and friends at home.

› In recognition of the need for enhanced remote connectivity across Defence, an additional 5,500 DREAMS tokens will be progressively rolled out from 2 August through to the end of 2010. This is the first step in further increasing the DREAMS capability to 30,000 users in early 2011. An initial 2,000 tokens will be distributed across the Services and Groups, which will be available through the respective Group points of contact. Further information regarding the issue of DREAMS tokens is available via the CIOG Intranet.

Welcoming comments on the Charter, Mr Farr said the commitments made in the document apply across all ICT business and operational services.

“This will require the continued support and assistance of the ICT service providers in the other Groups and Services.”

Mr Farr is encouraging Defence personnel to use the Charter as a reference tool in their dealings with the CIO Group.

In the years ahead, Defence’s information and communications capabilities will be more important in ensuring our men and women in uniform, and the people who support them, have all the tools they need to carry out the tasks the Australian public needs and expects of them.

The Defence ICT Service Catalogue is a companion document to the ICT Service Delivery Charter, and has been released to provide information on standard and optional ICT services provided to users, how to request services and under what conditions these services are provided.

The Catalogue forms part of the Defence ICT Strategy designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Defence’s ICT network. Through these two documents, CIOG will set the baseline for the provision and level of ICT services in Defence.

The facility will also allow crew members to communicate via email, conduct Internet banking and undertake tertiary studies while deployed at sea.

The Internet kiosk was officially launched by Head of ICT Operations Division and former Commanding Officer of HMAS Melbourne, Rear Admiral Peter Jones, Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Stephen Gilmore, and Fujitsu Client Director for Defence Mr John Alexander (a former Executive Officer of HMAS Melbourne when Rear Admiral Jones was in command).

Implementing the Internet kiosk was a joint Navy and CIO Group project to deliver better amenities to Australia’s deployed sailors. Another 14 major fleet units will be fitted with this service in the next financial year.

30 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 31www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

DIRECTORATE OF INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS

Leading Aircraftwoman Deb Booker is a wonderful illustration of this year’s NAIDOC theme of ‘Unsung Heroes – Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way’.

Leading the way for Indigenous Australians

Before joining the Air Force three years ago, LACW

Booker worked in jobs as varied as a weather girl

and prison officer.

The majority of LACW Booker’s current work

centres on the Indigenous Pre-Recruitment

Course (IPRC), an eight-week program designed to

prepare Indigenous young Australians for the ADF

recruiting process.

The IPRC program is delivered at regional locations

around Australia and increases participants’

literacy, numeracy and fitness levels, in addition to

providing them with the self-confidence, leadership

and communication skills required for a successful

career in Defence.

She started helping out the Directorate of

Indigenous Affairs (IA) while working within the

Air Force Security Police. In February, she began

a permanent position within IA as an Indigenous

Recruitment Officer.

LACW Booker said that seeing others achieve

success within Defence is more of a reward than

her own success and far outweighs her own career

aspirations.

LACW Booker sees her job as more than just a

group leader of the IPRC. Her job is to assist each

participant in finding their own voice and to make

sure those voices are heard.

Her involvement with all IPRC participants does

not end at the conclusion of the eight-week course.

She makes a true connection with all participants

and their families and that bond doesn’t stop until

the member says so.

In addition to working on the program, LACW

Booker has helped shape it.

Having completed the Department of Families,

Housing, Community Services and Indigenous

Affairs’ (FaHCSIA) Women’s Indigenous Leadership

Course, LACW Booker supported its inclusion

into the IPRC by aiming to build confidence in the

participants so they are ready and worthy for a job

within Defence.

She describes the course as the most inspiring

thing she’s ever done and something she wanted to

share with the IPRC participants.

“After one week you feel like you can move

mountains,” LACW Booker said.

When asked her opinion on why the IPRC has such

a high success rate, LACW Booker’s response

clearly reflects the NAIDOC message of leading –

not showing – the way.

“The program is very demanding on participants.

It encourages them to make decisions, believe in

who they are, know where they want to be, and

respect themselves and others.

“The program gives participants the

encouragement, support and confidence so that

they can achieve the goals and dreams that they

would not have thought possible.”

LACW Booker also said the program works

because it is similar to the real thing and

National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week occurs in July each year. It celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures and encourages all Australians to share in activities that demonstrate the ideal of an inclusive and diverse nation.

This year’s national NAIDOC theme

aBOVe: From left: Petty Officer Electronics Technician Matt Williams, Petty Officer Bosun Mark Woodhouse, Mr Kyle Vander-Kuyp, and Leading Aircraftwoman Deb Booker at the 2010 Defence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference at HMAS Cerberus earlier this year. Photo: Able Seaman Andrew Black

By Krystalla Pearce

Closing the gap

is ‘Unsung Heroes – Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way’. The theme aims to recognise the many quiet and humble Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have made significant contributions within the wider Australian community.

The theme also celebrates Indigenous people setting their own

participants are made accountable for their

actions.

“They are taught not to judge people, as we don’t

know what journey individuals are going through

and we are not walking in other people’s shoes.”

Originally from Pinjarra in Western Australia,

LACW Booker moved to Alice Springs as a two-

year-old. She grew up within a close community of

aunts and uncles that taught her about her culture.

Her mother was a teacher at an Indigenous school

and could speak the local language and used to

take LACW Booker and her siblings along when

she took students on bush trips and excursions.

While LACW Booker still feels like she has a

long way to go in terms of understanding, she is

grateful for the exposure she had to Indigenous

culture as a child.

“Growing up within that close network was

awesome, I totally loved that.”

She also argues that it is a lack of family and

cultural knowledge among Indigenous Australians

that leads to a lot of the misconceptions, shame

and embarrassment of Indigenous heritage.

Many Indigenous Australians are not as fortunate

as LACW Booker to have been brought up within

their community.

“They don’t know their culture and don’t want to

acknowledge it in case they’re seen as a bludger,”

LACW Booker said.

However, she says it is definitely widening.

“Sorry has happened, reconciliation has been

taken up by the Government, but it is now up to us

as a community to take responsibility and make a

change.”

LACW Booker hopes she can also make a

difference to close the gap. She is passionate

about the need for Indigenous Australians to have

pride in themselves and reclaim their heritage.

One regret is that her parents didn’t talk about

the past. One of her goals now is to find out more

about her family history, about her culture and

re-learn the language she has lost.

LACW Booker is a strong and driven woman who

welcomes a huge amount of people and activity

into her life with open arms. She has a lot to be

proud of, yet remains modest of her successes.

In addition to working up to three jobs at a time

at some points in her life, Deb has managed to

represent Alice Springs in soccer, softball, touch

football and netball and continues to represent

Defence across a wide range of sports.

And on top of all of that, Deb has three children

and four grandchildren (at the ripe old age of

41). Juggling family and work has not been easy,

however she is clearly not one to shy away from

the responsibilities she takes on and her kids have

always supported her along the way.

LACW Booker said she is happy where she is now

but knows there is still so much more out there.

Perhaps it is this humble appreciation along with

an acknowledgment and eagerness for how much

more there is to learn that makes LACW Booker,

and so many other unsung heroes, some of the

best leaders there are.

BeLOW: Indigenous Affairs Liaison officer, Leading Aircraftwoman Deb Booker, with Gapuwiyak school children at an Indigenous community 230km south-west of Nhulunbuy.

Leading Aircraftwoman Deb Booker (3rd from left) with Air Force and Navy members at a remote indigenous community.

direction, leading by example and taking ownership of the Closing the Gap initiative. The campaign aims to close the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

For this to be achieved, gaps need to be closed in education, employment, knowledge and understanding.

32 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

NAvY

One of the ADF’s most important exercises this year, Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2010 has seen more than 1200 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel involved in a massive maritime operation off the coast of Hawaii. The highlights for the ADF contingent included

missile firings, complex submarine hunting and a

major multinational amphibious assault, planned

and coordinated by an Australian command team.

The head of Australia’s contingent, Commodore

Stuart Mayer, said this has been the most

successful RIMPAC for the ADF since the exercise

began in the early 1970s.

“It is a common cliché to say that every exercise

is the best one ever. But in this instance it is very

likely true,” CDRE Mayer said.

Amongst these successes include commanding

the exercise’s Expeditionary Strike Group, which

comprised three amphibious ships, up to 15

cruisers and destroyers and a US Marine Corps

Taskforce – a total force of almost 1000 men and

women.

HMAS Kanimbla joined the USS Cleveland and

the amphibious ship USS Bonhomme Richard

in conducting a series of landing evolutions.

adf shines

at world’s

largest

maritime

exercise

interoperability the key for RimPac 2010 By Lieutenant Commander Fenn Kemp

Members of 2RAR were on board both US ships to familiarise themselves with the ADF’s emerging amphibious capability.

According to Major Mick Buchanan, Officer Commanding B Company 2RAR onboard Cleveland, getting used to life at sea was sometimes challenging.

“Many of us have been on HMA Ships Kanimbla, Manoora or Tobruk before, but no-one has ever taken part in an amphibious activity on this scale,” MAJ Buchanan said.

“RIMPAC’s focus is on interoperability, and we got plenty of that during our time onboard.”

The exercise also saw the world’s first combined joint Harpoon Block II missile firing from HMAS Warramunga, involving an RAAF AP-3C Orion and ships from Canada and the US.

Commanding Officer of HMAS Warramunga Commander Bruce Legge agreed the missile firing phase was a major success.

“The opportunity to use all of Warramunga’s primary weapons systems in a realistic tactical environment has added greatly to the knowledge and experience of the ship’s company, provided a rare but vital addition to the Navy’s knowledge, and validated a great deal of current tactical thinking.”

Forward planning for the Harpoon missile firings had been intense between HMAS Warramunga, exercise planners and the RAAF’s 11 Squadron.

When the time came to deploy the weapon, 11

Squadron Commanding Officer Wing Commander

Philip Champion said the execution was flawless.

“It came off the Orion’s wing, skidded along the

surface and hit the target which was the former

US amphibious carrier New Orleans,” WGCDR

Champion said. “It was flawless and we enjoyed

working with our Navy colleagues again.”

HMAS Newcastle’s firing of an SM2 Block 3A

was the first ever firing of this weapon from an

FFG. Newcastle was conducting its first overseas

deployment since undergoing an extensive upgrade

of the ship’s combat systems and weapons

systems on board.

Naval aviators were also kept busy, with the

exercise being the final RIMPAC for 817 Squadron’s

Sea Kings. They began with short logistics

movements of people and stores before branching

out into long range movements of personnel.

HMAS Warramunga’s Seahawk helicopter ‘Hotrod’

also played a vital role, particularly during the

quick changing tactical phase.

CDRE Mayer said RIMPAC 2010 was as

challenging as it was successful.

“Whether it was the coordinated Harpoon firing;

the first splash of Amphibious Assault Vehicles

from HMAS Kanimbla; 2 RAR operating alongside

US Marines or divers raising a sunken tug from the

bottom, all our soldiers, sailors and airmen have

performed at an impressive level,” CDRE Mayer

said.

LeFT Page: HMAS Warramunga conducts a Harpoon Block II firing for a multi-national surface target engagement (SINKEX) off the coast of Hawaii in the Pacific Missile Range Facility, during RIMPAC 2010. An Australian AP 3C also conducted a firing as part of the exercise. BeLOW LeFT: 817 Squadron Sea King SHARK 22 lands on ‘One Spot’ on the forecastle of HMAS Kanimbla in preparation for arrival in Pearl Harbor to commence Exercise RIMPAC 2010. BeLOW MIDDLe: Aerial photograph of HMAS Kanimbla conducting a Replenishment at sea (RAS) with USNS Guadalupe (centre) and USS Bonhomme Richard (outer) during Exercise RIMPAC sea phase 2010. BeLOW RIgHT: Able Seaman (AB) Clearance Diver Thomas Buchanan, from Australian Clearance Diving Team 1, is assisted by his team mates as he prepares to dive off the coast of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for RIMPAC 2010.

33www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

34 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 35www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

YOUNG ENDEAvOUR YOUTH SCHEME

As a Leading Aircraftwoman, Emma-Lee Weston had not spent a great deal of time at sea before boarding Australia’s national Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour.

RAAFie gets her sea legsBy Jeffrey Von Drehnen

“It was amazing,” she said after completing her

11-day voyage. “It was definitely a lot harder than

people had told me it would be.

“Being thrown from side-to-side, sea-sickness,

24-hour watches, lack of sleep, and being out

of your comfort zone were all challenging. But it

didn’t bother me because you always get thrown in

the deep end with the Defence Force.”

As a recipient of Air Combat Group’s Young

Endeavour Scholarship, 23-year-old LAC Weston

experienced the voyage of a lifetime, sailing from

Newcastle to Brisbane in June this year.

As part of the development voyage, she faced

varying challenges ranging from learning nautical

terms, handling the sails on a 44-metre brigantine,

tying sailors’ knots and cooking for 38 people,

through to climbing the 30-metre mast to the

topgallant yard.

“They make you climb the mast over and over so

you can get over your fears.

“It worked. By the last day I wasn’t scared

anymore. It took a while, but I got there.”

A bicentenary gift from the United Kingdom to

the youth of Australia, Young Endeavour provides

young Australians with a unique, challenging and

inspirational experience at sea.

Crewed by the Royal Australian Navy on behalf of

the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, the ship has

seen more than 11,000 young Australians embark

on a voyage since her delivery in 1988.

Onboard, youth crew learn about sailing, as well

as about themselves and their ability to work as

a team.

Commanding Officer Young Endeavour, Lieutenant

Commander Damien Munchenberg, said the ship is

all about development.

“The youth crew experience a broad range of

challenges, emotions and activities while the ship

is under sail,” LCDR Munchenberg said.

“The program is facilitated to enable each

youth crew member to experience, develop

and consolidate both as an individual and then

collectively as a team member in a demanding and

dynamic environment.”

During each voyage youth crew is split into

watches, enabling the ship to sail 24 hours a day.

Each watch is responsible for steering the ship,

fixing her location, setting and furling sails and

calling on all hands, including waking the entire

youth crew in the small hours to tack the ship as

required.

“Everything was teamwork. If you didn’t know

something, you asked the person next to you.

“I’ve never seen a group of people working

constantly for 11 days straight and never have

an argument, even though everything involved

teamwork,” LAC Weston said.

Placing an emphasis on training while under sail,

the voyage offered few anchorages – at Trial Bay,

just north of Port Macquarie, and Cape Moreton off

the coast of Brisbane.

These rare moments provided a chance for the crew

to explore different sites and take a break from the

routine of being at sea.

“You never wanted to say no because you didn’t

want to turn down a challenge. You knew you’d be

disappointed with yourself if you did,” LAC Weston

said.

As part of the learning through experience

sail training program, the crew developed a

new perspective on leadership, teamwork and

confidence. For LAC Weston, that is something she

plans on bringing back to the Air Force.

“You don’t have to know what you’re talking

about as a leader, you just have to be the one that

motivates people who do.

“I never looked at it that way until I was on Young

Endeavour.

“I think it’s an excellent experience. I wish everyone

could do it so that I could talk to them about it.”

Voyages aboard Young Endeavour are open to

Australians aged 16-23. Further information on the

ship and the youth development program delivered

on board is available at www.youngendeavour.

gov.au.

“They make you climb the mast over and over so you can get over your fears. It worked. By the last day I wasn’t scared anymore. It took a while, but I got there.”- Leading Aircraftwoman Emma-Lee Weston

TOP LeFT: LAC Emma-Lee Weston (red jacket, 3rd from right) and her watch aboard Sail Training Ship Young Endeavour.

TOP RIgHT: Former Captain of the Young Endeavour Lieutenant Commander Gavin Dawe congratulates LAC Emma-Lee Weston on arrival at Brisbane.

RIgHT: LAC Emma-Lee Weston on dishwashing duty in the galley of the Young Endeavour.

36 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

AIR FORCE

Air Force personnel can now look forward to a chance to work in tri-service Civilian Military Cooperation (CIMIC) positions on overseas operations.

MEDICAL MAESTROSCivilian assistance program takes flight

By Leading Aircraftman Aaron Curran

CIMIC is the branch of military operations that

focuses on providing support and coordination in

the development of the civilian population.

The first Air Force member to take on this role is

Flight Lieutenant Thomas Dunn, who is deployed

on Operation Astute.

FLTLT Dunn, a logistics officer from 395

Expeditionary Combat Support Wing at RAAF

Base Amberley, is in East Timor for a six-month

deployment conducting Medical Civil Action

Program (MedCAP) patrols.

“I help coordinate the East Timorese Defence

Force (F-FDTL), Ministry of Health and District

Administrators to conduct medical clinics in remote

areas,” FLTLT Dunn said.

“Our main objective is to develop the host nation

agencies so they can conduct these clinics without

the assistance of the International Stabilisation

Force (ISF).”

Before he joined the CIMIC, FLTLT Dunn completed

the necessary tactical operator’s course as well as

the joint CIMIC staff planner’s course.

“I saw an opportunity to expand my skill sets and

use them on operations.

“CIMIC is a non-kinetic operation, which is a

traditional hearts and minds campaign.”

He said those that take on the role as CIMIC in

the Air Force need to be prepared to realise that

they are in a capability in its infancy and may be

called upon to do instructional roles and assist in

its development.

TOP: Flight Lieutenant Thomas Dunn watches over the registration process at the MedCAP in Ucecai village.

LeFT: Sergeant Troy Roberts from the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) treats locals at the MedCAP in Oecussi, East Timor.

Photos: Leading Aircraftman Leigh Cameron

“The Air Force is well suited to this role due to our

psyche,” FLTLT Dunn said.

“We are not as aggressive in the way we do

things.”

He said CIMIC operators liaised with people as

high as ministers of government down to the

average Timorese villager, so potential candidates

needed to be able to communicate with confidence

at all levels.

One MedCAP that FLTLT Dunn fondly remembers

was in Ucecai, a remote village in the country,

accessible only by helicopter. “The local population

made us a welcome sign and waited for us,” he

said.

“They practised the welcome dance for 24 hours

straight before we arrived. It was a massive deal

for them. As much as the villages loved to see us,

by the end of our visit we had given back 10-fold,

which felt good.”

FLTLT Dunn said the main purpose of the MedCAP

was to train local populations so that they could

conduct these types of operations once they left.

“It is not good enough to do it just so you feel good

about yourself – that is useless,” he said.

“We are in the process of state-building, so

you need to do it to the point where you are

comfortable that the local army and local ministry

of health can conduct these operations once we

are gone.”

37www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

2020 YOUTH CHALLENGE

Scores of ADF personnel posted to Defence establishments around the country have been helping young Australians explore the relevance of the spirit of Anzac while also learning about the current activities of the Army, Navy or Air Force.

By Michael Brooke

spirit of AnzacYouth challenge

The Defence 2020 Youth Challenge, conducted by

the Defence Department, has targeted more than

two dozen population centres around Australia

where ADF members and high school students

come together to discuss if the spirit of Anzac is

still relevant to the ADF today.

Sailors from HMAS Coonawarra and Air Force

personnel from RAAF Darwin joined the Minister

for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence

Personnel, Alan Griffin, at the Defence 2020

Regional Youth Challenge in Darwin on 7 June.

Manager of the ADF Youth Connection Program,

Group Captain Ken Given said they discussed this

year’s theme – Is the spirit of Anzac still relevant to

the Australian Defence Force today?

He said the 2020 Youth Challenge is not a

direct recruiting initiative, rather it is a long-

term investment which seeks to underline to

the participants that the ADF is a values-based

organisation that shares its values with the

broader Australian community.

“I can say that the standards of our young people

today, especially those seeking to join the ADF,

are definitely higher than when I joined. We have

a very impressive group of young and intelligent

Australians seeking to join the ADF,” he said.

GPCAPT Given said the highlight of his job is

meeting so many young Australians who are much

more knowledgeable and inquisitive about the

Anzac spirit and a career in the ADF than anyone

would expect.

He said most of the young Australians who express

an interest in joining the ADF do because it is a

highly respected organisation, cherished by the

people of Australia for its achievements.

Petty Officer Cook John Carter, of HMAS

Coonawarra, said he was impressed by the quality

of the teenagers who attended the Defence 2020

Youth Challenge at RAAF Darwin.

“It’s really encouraging to see so many quality

young people, many of whom want to join the ADF.

This bodes well for the future of our organisation,”

he said.

Corporal Kerry Nichols, of 1 Airfield Operations

Support Squadron, said she enjoyed helping the

2020 participants learn more about the ADF which

may help them make an informed decision about

their career choices in the near future.

“I got a good feeling from helping the teenagers

because I think it’s important they have someone

close to their age group they can identify with.”

CPL Nichols said she joined the RAAF 10 years ago

because it was something she had always wanted

to do, and can therefore strongly relate to these

youngsters involved in the Defence 2020 Youth

Challenge.

Mr Giffin encouraged the young Australians to

become informed about the traditions of the

Australian Defence Force and to engage in

discussions about Defence and Australia’s future.

“The Defence 2020 Regional Youth Challenge is

an interactive, multi-media, educational resource

initiative to help students investigate the relevance

of Defence issues to their own lives. Fifteen

challenges have been held across the country

between April to June 2010.

“This year’s theme was to encourage young

Australians to become informed about Australian

Defence Force traditions and to encourage

constructive dialogue on a wide range of Defence-

related issues such as national security and our

rights and responsibilities as global citizens.

“I really enjoy being able to come to activities like

this and talk with young people about what the

Australian Defence Forces really do and how they

are a significant element of our society,” Mr Griffin

said.

“Anzac Day is a part of the Australian psyche. The

traditions of mateship, loyalty and bravery came

to be representative of the men who fought there,

and continue to fight today.

“It is vital that we ensure the next generation

of Australians learn the traditions of Anzac Day

and the stories of the men and women who have

served our country and continue to serve us today.”

TOP: Nick Packer (centre) and his classmates from Xavier High School in Albury had the opportunity to meet with Private Molineaux and try on a slouch hat at the Defence 2020 Youth Challenge Forum.

BOTTOM: A discussion activity lead by program manager for Defence 2020, Group Captain Ken Given, allowed students and teachers to ask members of the Defence Force questions while in Wagga Wagga.

Photos: Corporal Melina Mancuso

38 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 39www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

MINISTERIAL SERvICES AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine38

cLs contacts:emily Wilson – Director: (02) 6265 1178

Joel goodisson – Assistant Director: (02) 6265 5470

stacey O’callaghan – Cabinet Liaison Officer: (02) 6265 4708

Karen Harriss – Cabinet Liaison Officer: (02) 6265 5814

Harin chandradeva – Cabinet Liaison Officer: (02) 6265 4408

Did you know?› Cabinet is a product of convention and practice. It is not mentioned in

the Australian Constitution, nor are its establishment and procedures the subject of any legislation. The Prime Minister determines the shape and structure of the system.

› The National Security Sub-Committee of Cabinet has eight permanent members. The Secretary of Defence and the Chief of the Defence Force also attend this Committee.

› Cabinet documents are the property of the government of the day:

- Under the Archives Act 1983 Cabinet documents are generally open to public access only after 20 years. Cabinet notebooks are available after 50 years.

- Cabinet documents are exempt from requests for access to material made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

Things to remember:› When preparing Cabinet submissions/memoranda, it is imperative that

you plan ahead, bearing in mind the internal and external deadlines that have to be met in order for the submissions/memoranda to proceed to the preferred meeting. The CLS forecast is a very useful tool in this regard, as it outlines the clearance and lodgement deadlines for the SCNS/NSC cycles throughout the year

› Liaise with, and keep informed, the offices of the Secretary, the CDF and the Minister to ensure that they agree with the contents and context of the submissions/memoranda, and are available to clear the paper prior to lodgement.

› Consult internally and externally early in the policy development process to ascertain the views/concerns of stakeholders.

› Use the correct template and adhere to the PM&C guidelines as set out in the Drafters Guide and the Cabinet Handbook.

› Seek CLS guidance at the earliest opportunity, and keep us informed of the status of the submissions/memoranda.

› Provide early drafts of submissions/memoranda to CLS to enable us to proof read, and edit as required, to ensure that Defence submissions/memoranda meet the high standard expected of us by the Minister, the Secretary and the CDF.

Our ability as Defence employees to provide timely, accurate and responsive advice and support to our Minister and his colleagues underpins well-informed decision-making by the Cabinet and its committees. Positioned within the Ministerial and Executive Support Branch of Defence, Cabinet Liaison Services (CLS) manages all aspects of Defence’s involvement in the Cabinet process.CLS is a small, friendly and professional team

headed by Emily Wilson. Emily is supported by

Joel Goodisson (Assistant Director), and Stacey

O’Callaghan, Karen Harriss, and Harin Chandradeva

(Cabinet Liaison Officers).

A KEYSTONE By Harin Chandradeva

LeFT: Defence’s Cabinet Liaison Services team (back row L-R): Harin Chandradeva, Stacey O’Callaghan, Karen Harriss; (front row L-R): Joel Goodisson, Emily Wilson and Manda Skews.

Photo: Mark Brennan

in Cabinet and its committees

“The Directorate works with subject matter experts

across Defence to ensure that the Department

appropriately supports Defence principals,

particularly the Minister for Defence, our Secretary

and the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) to enable

their meaningful participation in Cabinet and its

committees,” Director CLS Emily Wilson said.

To support this objective, CLS is involved at all

stages in the development of Defence Cabinet

submissions and memoranda, and acts as the

interface between Defence and the Cabinet

Secretariat at the Department of the Prime

Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) on all Cabinet

business.

Cabinet is the peak of government decision-

making. It sets government’s broad direction,

takes the most important decisions and resolves

potential conflicts in government.

Some of its work sensibly falls to its committees,

with the key committee for Defence matters being

the National Security Sub-Committee (NSSC).

The convention of collective responsibility of

ministers for Government decisions is central to

the Cabinet system and the agreed minutes of

Cabinet and its committees are binding on all

Cabinet ministers.

“The Cabinet system is fast-paced and the key to

keeping it effective is the delivery of accurate and

timely advice to decision-makers,” Ms Wilson said.

As the provision of high-quality Cabinet documents

is a priority for the Minister, the Secretary and

the CDF expect that Defence policy proposals put

forward to Cabinet and its committees will be

well written, convincing and well consulted to

enhance the probability of collective agreement

by Cabinet. CLS is able to assist Defence officials

in developing submissions and memoranda to a

consistently high standard.

“Our submissions need to highlight the decisions

we are asking the Government to make, provide

evidence in support of our recommendations, and

indicate any areas of significant risk,” Ms Wilson

said.

“Naturally, they also need to comply with the

Cabinet templates. But many people will be

happy to know that work is currently under way

to simplify the templates to make them more

user-friendly.”

Planning ahead is also vital when preparing

Cabinet documents. Drafters should be familiar

with the Cabinet forecast (available on the CLS

website on the Defence Secret Network), which

serves to highlight forward Cabinet business,

including the various internal and external

deadlines preceding the meetings.

The external deadlines in particular are strictly

enforced by the PM&C Cabinet Secretariat. The

internal deadlines are no less important, for

it is vital that the Secretary, the CDF, and the

Minister are provided sufficient time to consider

submissions and memoranda prior to lodgement.

Another important point to remember is the

need to consult as necessary within and beyond

Defence.

“Consultation within Defence is vital to ensure

that the submission/memorandum represents a

consistent whole-of-Defence view,” Ms Wilson

said.

“Similarly, consulting with departments and

agencies with an interest in the subject matter will

facilitate the development of coordinated whole-

of-Government policy, and will assist Defence

in gaining collective agreement for its policy

proposals at Cabinet and committee meetings.”

In addition to preparing Cabinet submissions and

memoranda, Defence officials may be called upon

to comment on submissions and memoranda put

forward by other agencies. CLS receives and tasks

requests for comments and coordination comments

to relevant areas within Defence. Once again,

action areas should, if necessary, consult other

relevant areas within Defence to ensure that the

comments reflect a whole-of-Defence view.

“If we can help you in the policy development

process, please do not hesitate to contact us,” Ms

Wilson said.

“We are more than happy to work with your area,

as we can provide one-on-one advice to drafters or

conduct educational seminars for wider audiences.

Additionally, the CLS websites on the DRN and the

DSN are great sources of information, and contain

Cabinet document templates and the Cabinet

forecast, which is updated on a weekly basis.”

40 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 41www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

DEFENCE SECURITY AUTHORITY

aBOVe: Defence Security Authority has established the Defence Security Community focus on achieving a greater level of collaboration and mutual support among security specialists. Photo: Corporal Chris Moore

communities of practice in the chrysler corporationIn the 1980s, the rapid product-development cycles of competing car companies threatened to put Chrysler out of business. In a major restructure, Chrysler split its traditional manufacturing operations into ‘car platforms’ and eventually succeeded in reducing the product-development cycle time. This provided the company the advantage of product focus, but compromised its ability to learn from its own experiences.

With a clear need for communication across the different platforms, employees began to meet informally to discuss specific problems, learn what others were discovering, and explore new ideas. Management recognised the value of these new groups and sanctioned and supported them. Participation in these groups helped employees to work more efficiently, and communities of practice became an integral part of Chrysler.

Leading companies in all industries have discovered that CoPs are critical to connecting people, creating business opportunities, and preserving technical excellence across multiple business units, geographical regions, and project teams. Source: Cultivating Communities of Practice; Wenger, McDermott and Snyder.

SAFETY in NUMBERS

The Defence Security Authority is developing a strong security culture as being integral to Defence business and vital to the success of the organisation.By Edward Huddy

Every day, large numbers of security officers and other security specialists work to implement protective security policy across the diverse organisation that is Defence. Many of these individuals are isolated – in some

cases geographically – within their Groups and

Services. The challenge that faces the Defence

Security Authority (DSA) is to devise a means to

network these individuals into the larger protective

security environment.

DSA has met this challenge with the establishment

of the Defence Security Community. In simple

terms, the community initiative is focused on

achieving a greater level of collaboration and

mutual support among these security specialists.

Development of the community initiative has

been guided by contemporary thinking about

communities of practice (CoPs) and how they can

support knowledge retention and management

within an organisation. In some multinational

companies, CoPs have been effectively established

to allow information sharing and problem solving

to be conducted across and beyond business unit

boundaries.

As part of its community initiative, DSA is

developing a number of dedicated activities to help

promote a positive security culture within Defence.

The initiative is broadly split into face-to-face

and information communication technology (ICT)

enablement aspects.

Regional Security Officer liaison meetings

are currently the main forum for face-to-face

engagement and information dissemination among

community members. In future, DSA is looking to

expand the scope of these meetings by adding

protective security as an agenda item to existing

security conferences and leadership forums.

DSA has also recognised the need to improve

access to information, expertise and advice on

demand, as well as provide a space for security

specialists to come together to share and

exchange ideas.

The organisation responded to this need by

launching the Defence Security Portal in early July.

The portal partially supersedes the existing DSA

intranet site through the transfer of all protective

security information, support and tools to the new

location.

The DSA intranet site will remain active, but

will be limited in scope to specific information

concerning the organisation.

Designed as a one-stop shop for security

specialists, key features of the portal include:

› improved access to and presentation of up-to-

date security information and resources, with

a particular focus on security officers and other

security specialists

› a wider variety of supporting resources,

including a security toolkit for security officers

› a library containing policy advice and strategic

planning and legacy documents

› quick access to a range of Defence security

contacts, and

› links to Group and Service security sites and

information.

The portal will continue to be updated and will

introduce new capability to support the community.

A range of online tools will facilitate networks

of communities of interest among Defence’s

regionally dispersed security professionals

including:

› an interactive space, such as a discussion board

or forum, where community members can raise

queries and issues with other members

› readily accessible advice on security

implementation such as a FAQ or other

knowledge management tools, and

› a security risk management awareness tool.

One of the structural elements of the community

initiative is the improvement in governance of

security risk management. Defence requires a

consistent and integrated approach which allows

comparison and analysis of security risks across

the Groups and Services and supports DSA’s

assurance function.

To assist in the identification and analysis of these risks, DSA – in consultation with the Defence Security Risk Ownership Working Group – is developing a Security Risk Management Governance Framework.

This project may also see the establishment of small, self-managed, regionally based security officer groups to review security issues affecting Defence and Defence industry. These groups would be designed to increase direct engagement among security officers and with DSA.

The Defence Security Portal is available on the DRN at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/security.

For more information about the Defence Security Community, contact Edward Huddy from the DSA on 02 6266 2594 or at edward.huddy@defence.gov.au

43www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

INSERT TITLETHE LAST WORD

Three motorcycling mates with various links to the Australian Defence Force completed what is known as ‘The Long Ride’ from Sydney to Darwin earlier this year. With the aim of raising money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Navy Reservist Lieutenant Commander Peter Schilling and his mates Chris Osborn and Rob Biggin rode more than 9000 kilometres in seven days.Defence Magazine caught up with Peter after the ride for a debrief.

With the purpose of the ride being to raise money and awareness of prostate cancer, how have you gauged its success? Did you achieve your target?There was no set financial target for the ride. The

intention was to raise as much money as possible.

The ride raised approximately $240,000 which

was considered outstanding by the organisers,

Chris and Gail Dunne. Chris is a Reservist in the

Air Force.

This was the third ride organised by Chris and Gail.

The first was in 2007 in support of the Royal Flying

Doctor Service, which raised $50,000. The 2008

ride travelled to Perth in support of prostate cancer

and raised $20,000. It is rumoured that the next

ride will be to Alice Springs in 2011.

During the ride Chris contacted a number of

news media to gain publicity and raise additional

funding.

When the ride arrived in Darwin, ABC Statewide

interviewed four of the riders who had been

treated for prostate cancer. I watched Statewide

when it was broadcast and I was very impressed

with the questions asked by the ABC and the

riders’ responses. The basis of the message

was get a PSA test done and possibly a physical

examination of the prostate gland.

What was the driving force behind doing the ride, and is this the first time you’ve made such an attempt?This was the first time I had attempted a ride of

this length. In my younger days, I have ridden from

Nowra to Melbourne a few times when travelling

between home and my ship.

My riding mate, Chris Osborn (ex-Army), and I

had been talking about riding around Australia

for a couple of years and we thought that a ride

to Darwin would be a good training run to see if

we could we get along with each other for the full

round Australia trip. Who was going to disturb who

with our snoring?

There were actually three riders from the ACT in

our group. The third member was Rob Biggin (an

ex National Serviceman) who works for DFAT. It

turned out Rob and I snored the loudest and I had

to supply Chris with a set of ear plugs.

Chris is in his late 50s and I am in my early 60s.

Chris was diagnosed with prostate cancer three

to four years ago so we have both had concerns

regarding prostate issues.

What route did you take from sydney to Darwin?

What kind of support did you receive from communities, and also Defence, plus were there any memorable moments?I circulated notices about the ride and requested

financial sponsorship through my caravan club,

amongst work colleagues and via the DRN

classifieds. The response was very quick and very

satisfying. My main source of sponsorship was

through my Everyday Heroes website. I raised

$3,282 in personal and online donations and

Defence people contributed $412.

Every day was a memorable event. Meeting such

a diverse range of people from all over Australia

was memorable. To ride such long distances in one

day is memorable. You know you are in outback

Australia when you pull out of your motel and turn

north and your GPS tells you that your next turn is

in 675km.

The most memorable moment of the ride was our

departure from Tennant Creek just on day break.

We rode out through the gap, the sun was coming

up on our right and lighting up the hills and road

side on our left. The colour of the orange earth and

all the different greens of the roadside foliage in

the first still hour of the day was magical.

What was the greatest piece of support/advice you received before or during the ride?Everyday Chris Dunne stressed that the ride was

not a race. Travel at the speed you are most

comfortable with, remember there are some

sections with considerable distances between

petrol supplies, keep yourself well hydrated, be

The route for the ride was to start at Glenbrook

on 1 May 10 – Nyngan – Charleville – Longreach

– Winton – Mt Isa – Tennant Creek – Katherine –

and finish at Darwin on 8 May.

Chris and I rode home via Adelaide and the Great

Ocean Road (just as a small side trip). In the 22

days we were on the road Chris covered 9,400km

and I rode 9,200km. Not sure how the difference

occurred because we rode everywhere together.

One explanation could be Chris was riding on the

outside of the lane and I rode on the inside.

What were the greatest challenges along the way?I am an insulin dependent diabetic on an insulin

pump and had to carry extra insulin. I towed a

trailer which contained a small WAECO fridge/

freezer which kept my insulin at the required

temperature and half a dozen beers cold (for the

end of the day’s ride). The biggest challenge was

to find a motel/cabin refrigerator that worked

properly. In the end, I had to take my WAECO into

the room each night to ensure that the required

temperature was maintained for my insulin.

The ride was extremely well organised with all

accommodation and some evening meals booked

and paid for in advance. So these issues did not

create any challenges.

www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine42

careful when passing road trains travelling in

either direction, and above all, enjoy yourselves.

What is one thing we should all know about prostate cancer?

According to the Australian Institute of Health

and Welfare, prostate cancer is the second most

common cancer diagnosed in Australia (behind

non-melanoma skin cancers) and the second

greatest cause of cancer deaths in men. It is

estimated that more than 18,700 new cases have

been diagnosed in Australia.

Tragically, more than 2,900 Australian men each

THE LONG RIDE

year die from prostate cancer. In the early stages,

there are few symptoms of prostate cancer,

however if detected early, prostate cancer is

often treatable and curable. This is why men aged

50 and over, or 40 if there is a family history of

prostate cancer, should not wait for symptoms;

they should talk to their doctor about prostate

cancer – a simple blood test and possibly a rectal

examination could save a man’s life.

Would you do the ride again?

You betcha. Just give me an hour to pack and hook

up the trailer.

LeFT: LCDR Peter Schilling on the road between Winton and Mt Isa in Queensland during The Long Ride. RIgHT: The riders during a roadside police breath test near Avon Downs in the Northern Territory.

LeFT: A couple of standard road trains during a brief stop between Katherine and Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.

BeLOW: Peter (left) and his riding mate Chris Osborn at Barcaldine in Queensland.

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