ON behalf of the 3rd Brigade , I welcome newly-arrived families . Townsville is also a welcoming city and the city ’ s community , sporting and business associations will make you feel at home . In particular , please attend the Defence Community Organisation Welcome and Information Expo at the RSL Stadium from 10am until 1pm on Saturday , February 4 . The Expo includes plenty of information for those new to Townsville – and may also update those who have been part of Townsville life for a while . ❑ ❑ ❑
THIS year the 3rd Brigade , with support from many other Army and joint formations and units , becomes operationally ready . From July , we will be on the frontline of Australia ’ s Defence response for planned and contingency operations . I am confident we have the best team in place to achieve our readiness requirements . Success in readiness depends on mutual support from us , our families and our community . |
From the
Commander ’ sDESK This support is a two-way process . We support our families and community – and our families and communities support us . To that end , I urge you to avail yourselves of the Defence Community Organisation ’ s many resources as well as those of our own Geckos Family Centre .
❑ ❑ ❑
WHILE our focus is on readiness , we also take time to fulfil our ceremonial duties throughout the year . These duties began last week with the Queensland official Australia Day flag-raising ceremony held at Jezzine Barracks . The ceremony featured the raising of the Australian , Governor ’ s , Queensland , Townsville , Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags . It was an impressive and |
inclusive ceremony highlighting our shared value of respect . On a day that honours our Nation ’ s traditions , the service men and women participating from Cairns and Townsville did us proud . Front and centre was a Royal Guard of Honour provided by the 1st Battalion , The Royal Australian Regiment parading the Queen ’ s and Regimental Colours of the unit . They were ably supported by the 1st Battalion Band and Flag Orderlies from the three services , including personnel from HMAS Cairns and RAAF Townsville . Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey inspected our troops , clearly impressed with the excellent turn-out and conduct of those on parade – particularly given the challenges imposed by the hot weather . The formalities concluded with a Royal Australian Air Force fly-past and a traditional 21-gun salute provided by the 105mm ceremonial guns of the 4th Regiment , Royal Australian Artillery . The rumble and drifting smoke from the high ground reminded all that Townsville is indeed |
imbued with a proud military heritage - one that continues in 2017 .
❑ ❑ ❑
THIS time last year we were focused on individual and unit readiness training . While that ’ s still critically important , our priority now is to unite and work as a reinforced combat-ready brigade . We are a team of teams - so no matter where our support comes from - the three Australian Defence Force services , or our international allies - they ’ ll be made to feel welcome and valued . In an uncertain world , our time has come to step-up . Good luck all , and good soldiering . -COMD 3Bde BRIG Chris Field AM , CSC
|
||
8 | FEBRUARY 2017 |