DEFENCE FORCE ARRIVES IN TOWN
TOOWOOMBA residents had the opportunity to get up close with state-of-the-art Australian Defence Force equipment, following two weeks of army training exercises.
Exercise staff gave tours of the ARH Tiger helicopter, a Bushmaster vehicle and the new Hawkei tactical vehicle.
Colonel Arran Hassell said the visitor day was the perfect opportunity for the Toowoomba community to get a glimpse into life in the defence force.
“I think that there are two main benefits, firstly, for us we have been here for two weeks now, and it’s been a chance for the community to see defence and see where their taxpayer money goes,” Colonel Hassell said.
“Secondly, an event like this is actually an opportunity for everyone in the community to come and see the work defence does, the capabilities we’ve got and how we defend the nation.”
As for new recruits, Colonel Hassell said it was encouraging to see people getting involved and discovering defence might be a potential career path.
“It has been a really pleasant surprise to see everyone from kids to old men all really engaged and getting to see the helicopter that is here, the armoured vehicles and trucks we have,” Colonel Hassell said.