Army’s Cape York project
INFRASTRUCTURE in a tiny Cape York community has been given a major facelift by more than 120 Australian Army soldiers.
For the past three months, soldiers from the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program have been quietly building a lasting legacy in remote Pormpuraaw, 660km northwest of Cairns.
The diverse army workforce is made up of trade instructors, caterers, medics, dentists, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, plant operators, project managers and engineers.
The program has helped 47 Aboriginal communities since launching in 1997.
Commanding officer Major Greg Stannard said he felt privileged to lead the Far North project responsible for community infrastructure, delivering vocational training for locals as well as a range of health services.
“As soon as we arrived in Pormpuraaw, the community made us feel very welcome,” Major Stannard said.
“Throughout the 11 weeks we were there, the community were engaged in all aspects of the program.
“We offered community members valuable on-the-job training in catering, photography, maintenance, heavy vehicle and plant machinery, welding and construction and first-aid.
“The training focused on enhancing the skillsets of community members, which means the community can continue to benefit from AACAP long after we’ve left.”
Among the projects was a new shed for the local men’s group, an independent living facility, along with civil works to expand community housing.
Major Stannard said down time for the soldiers was spent getting to know the Pormpuraaw community, their country and culture.
“The army team thoroughly enjoyed their time in Pormpuraaw showing off photos of prized barramundi catches,” he said.
“The community encouraged us to try fishing and many soldiers had great success there. I think a lot of our members would happily stick around in Pormpuraaw for longer if they could.”