Heavy loss of friendly mate to all
ONE of two soldiers killed in an army truck rollover near Townsville has been remembered by friends and family as a “friendly and hardworking” man.
Brendon Payne, 29, died alongside a fellow soldier, who is yet to be identified, after their vehicle left a remote road at Dotswood, west of Townsville, and rolled down an embankment on Monday afternoon.
Mr Payne and the 40-yearold man, both members of the Brisbane-based 7th Combat Brigade, died at the scene.
Defence Minister Peter Dutton has paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the tragic crash near Townsville on Monday, saying the government was committed to supporting those Diggers that were part of the men’s “Defence families”.
“I want to recognise the Defence rescue and medical teams who attended that scene in the most difficult, traumatic of circumstances. Sadly, the members were unable to be saved,” he said.
“I want to say to all of those at Gallipoli barracks and to all of those in particular at the 7th combat brigade that this Parliament and all Australians feel for you today, for the families of those lost and we know that there will be very significant grief at Gallipoli barracks today and at Lavarack barracks, and indeed around the country.
“The Defence family is a very tight one, and we know that not only the families but the Defence families of these two men will be greatly mourning their loss, and we pay tribute to their service.
“The Morrison government is committed to making sure that we can provide every support to those Diggers.”
Friends took to social media to remember Mr Payne as a “quiet yet friendly and hardworking” man.
“My brother I can’t even speak, it’s like dagger gone into my heart,” one friend wrote on Facebook.
“You are honestly one of my best friends my brother in arms you are and always will be my brother.”
Another friend said he was “always a good dude”.
“Quiet yet friendly and hardworking,” he wrote.
“Fly high brother.” Mr Payne’s aunt wrote a touching tribute to Mr Payne and his wife Aimee.
“Yesterday we were told heart breaking news that my gorgeous nephew was killed training in Townsville in his beloved army,” she said.
“Words cannot express the heartache my family and my brother and his family losing his 1st born. Our beautiful Aimee Brendon’s wife and best friend know that we love you so very much and thankyou for coming into our lives but mostly for making our Brendon the happiest man ever.”
Chief of the Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, said family members had been notified about the incident at Townsville Field Training Area and were being provided support by Defence.
“This is a tragic accident and our deepest sympathies go to the families and loved ones of our soldiers,” he said.
“Our highest priority is caring for the families, friends and loved ones of our soldiers and we ask that you respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill added her condolences to the family of the lost men.
“Like the Townsville community, I was saddened to learn of the tragic death of two serving Australian Defence Force personnel at Dotswood yesterday,” Cr Hill said.
“Townsville is a proud garrison city and I want to extend my condolences, and the condolences of the City of Townsville, to the family and friends of the deceased as well as their Army colleagues and the wider ADF.
“The incident is a devastating reminder that our Defence Force personnel put their lives on the line to defend our country, whether they are deployed in active combat or engaged in training exercises at home.
“I’m sure this accident will resonate throughout our community and that many will be thinking of those soldiers, their families, and their friends as they are reminded of their loved ones who are also serving in the Defence Force.”
My brother I can’t even speak, it’s like dagger gone into my heart.