Fond farewell after troops’ bushfire help
NEARLY 100 Papua New Guinean troops were farewelled in Townsville last week, making their journey home after helping bushfire-devastated communities.
The 3rd Brigade held a ceremony at Lavarack Barracks on Friday and gave gifts to members of the PNGDF for their relief efforts.
PNGDF had 99 personnel who worked alongside 70 Townsville troops to form Task Group Dingo, which contributed to Operation Bushfire Assist.
Officer Commanding Task Group Dingo Major Ben Jankalns said the joint operation deepened friendships between the two militaries.
“We are incredibly proud of the long-lasting friendship and working relationship we have developed with the PNGDF,” Major Jankalns said.
“It is moments like this that remind us of the strength and depth of enduring partnerships.”
Head of the PNGDF contingent Major Gabriel Gwaibo accepted a gift on behalf of his soldiers.
“This deployment was very special to us,” Major Gwaibo said.
“Working together has really enhanced our relationship with the 3rd Brigade and we hope it will only grow from here.”
The two engineer units from the PNGDF and Townsville’s 3rd Combat Engineer
Regiment will work together once again when they meet on Exercise Puk Puk in Papua New Guinea this year.
The strong ties between 3rd Brigade and the PNGDF are regularly reinforced through training, capability and peopleto-people engagements as part of Australia’s Defence co-operation program, which is now in its 41st year.
In late February, troops from both armed forces returned to Townsville after spending nearly a month in
Victoria helping areas hit by bushfires. Affected communities were supported by defence force personnel who helped clear roads, build bridges and gained access to cut off areas.
They operated as part of Joint Task Force 646 in the Omeo region of Victoria.
About 2900 ADF personnel, including 830 reservists, are supporting Operation Bushfire Assist.
About 43 international military personnel are supporting the bushfire response.