NEWS 05
TORRES NEWS THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023
C-27J Spartan demonstration strengthens ties
ABOVE LEFT: Community engagement on Badu Island with No. 35 Squadron and ADF members during Exercise Coastwatcher Wallaby 23. BELOW: Executive Officer, Squadron Leader Nathan Thompson, No. 35 Squadron, greets members of the Badu Island community.
ABOVE RIGHT: Corporal Jordan Oakley, No. 35 Squadron & Corporal Ashleigh Shannon, Defence Force Recruiting, greet members of the Badu Island community during Exercise Coastwatcher Wallaby 23. Pics PTE Dean Armstrong, Department of Defence.
A flight to Badu – part of Exercise Coastwatcher Wallaby 23 in mid-July – was to demonstrate the C-27J Spartan’s unique capabilities which will strengthen ties between 35 Squadron and Charlie Company, 51st Battalion, The Far North Queensland Regiment (51FNQR). 35 Squadron executive officer and pilot Squadron Leader Nathan Thompson
want to reassure the locals that when they look up at the sky and see our aircraft, they know that we are there to help,” Squadron Leader Thompson said. He emphasised the importance of strengthening ties with Charlie Company and broader 51FNQR. “The C-27J Spartan is unique among ADF aircraft, allowing access to the remotest airfields in the
said communities in the Torres Strait were set to benefit from C-27J Spartans’ increased capability to land and take-off on shorter and less prepared runways. To demonstrate the C-27J Spartan’s unique capability, 35 Squadron crew employed advanced flying techniques to take-off and land on Badu Island’s approximately 800m long runway for the first time,
with the local community lining the airfield to cheer them on. The C-27J Spartan then went on static display and the local community was invited on board to chat with the crew. Squadron Leader Thompson said the community support was imperative. “Community engagement is so important because we
Torres Strait Islands and providing an aerial resupply to the Charlie Company ground forces when they are deployed to islands without an airfield,” he said. Charlie Company was mostly made up of Torres Strait Islander soldiers, who provided surveillance of both land and sea in the local area, including the strategically significant Prince of Wales Channel
‘maritime choke point’. “Exercise Coastwatcher Wallaby 23 was a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the C-27J Spartan capabilities, and how it can support our joint forces and the Torres Strait Island communities,” he said. Leading Aircraft Woman Raba Nona, 35 Squadron $380 inclusive for your special aviation was ad there rate for 8technician ad booking 19x4 for Julyelated 2023 totoJune 2024. and greet the crowd and reunite with family.
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Rural fire brigades hold hope for extra staff BY CARLI WILLIS Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) says it is committed to employing an additional 114 additional staff to support frontline Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers, the locations of which were yet to be determined. At the time of printing there were no paid full time support staff based in the Northern Peninsula Area or Torres Strait. Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said RFS volunteers played a crucial role in keeping the nation and beyond safe. He said this year volunteers had already been deployed to south west Queensland and had assisted with firefighting efforts in Canada. “At the same time, they have
kept their own communities safe and prepared them for the upcoming season through a variety of mitigation efforts,” he said. “RFS members perform their work, not for recognition or reward, but because they are dedicated to their communities, often sacrificing time away from their jobs and loved ones. “I encourage all Queenslanders to get behind their local brigade and show their support for these incredible people who help our communities in so many ways.” In a statement to Torres News, a Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) spokesperson said the staffing model was still being finalised. “The process to procure new equipment is [also] underway, with funding allocated from the Queensland Government,” he said.
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