Bowen honours responders to cyclone
TOWNSVILLE soldiers who helped rebuild communities devastated by Cyclone Debbie have been honoured with a historical ceremonial march in Bowen.
The 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment from the 3rd Brigade at Lavarack Barracks was on Friday granted Freedom of Entry to the Whitsunday region, in Bowen, in recognition of their help during and after Cyclone Debbie.
Hosting officer was Major General Steve Day, a former Commanding Officer of 3CER, and official guest was Commander 3rd Brigade Brigadier Chris Field, who was State Recovery Co- ordinator.
The Freedom of Entry protocols included a ceremonial “challenge” by Queensland Police Inspector Steve O’Connell during the march.
Whitsunday Regional Council mayor Andrew Willcox said by granting a Freedom of Entry, the region was demonstrating its trust and commitment to building a strong relationship with Australian Defence Force.
“Our North Queensland Army Brigade is part of that community, and they, with the emergency services and citizens of the Whitsunday region were there to lend a hand,” he said.
The Regiment’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer Harris, said her unit’s work stretched from Bowen to Mackay and as far west as Collinsville.
“The 3rd Brigade, but particularly the 3rd Combat En- the gineer Regiment, has a long and proud association with the North Queensland Community,” she said.
“We are proud to be part of this region and stand ready to support in times of need.”
Lt- Col Harris said the emergency response was a team effort, including government, emergency services and volunteers who came together in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie. The regiment of 300 soldiers stayed on in Bowen for Remembrance Day celebrations on Saturday.