His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) Tonga have provided 15 engineer trade qualified soldiers to help the Australian Army improve infrastructure in the Northern Territory community of Titjikala.
The soldiers are in the community as part of the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme (AACAP), which is a collaborative partnership between the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) and the Australian Army.
Tongan soldiers from the Regional Development Unit (Engineers) consisting of 12 carpenters, one electrician and two plumbers are in Australia from 4 July until 10 August 2015. Construction began on 13 July.
Major Chris Sampson, the Contingent Commander for AACAP 2015, said the Tongan section is helping the contingent deliver improvements to local infrastructure.
“The addition of the Tongan soldiers allows us to make further developments in the community and surrounding areas,” Major Sampson said.
Major Robert Brown, Standards Officer Training and Development said one of the Tongan’s main tasks was the construction of a male change-room at the sporting facility.
“The construction work was concrete block work on a concrete pad, with a pitched roof, timber trusses and with electricity and plumbing as standard.
“The Tongans were the first of the three international contingents to arrive so they were responsible for site layout, initial construction of formwork, concrete pad and initial block work.
“These few weeks have also been a great opportunity for Tongan and Australian soldiers, along with Indigenous community members, to share trade skills and cultural knowledge.”
Media note:
Media wishing to visit AACAP should register their interest with Media Ops on
(02) 6127 1999. The Contingent Commander, Major Chris Sampson, will be available for comment.
For more information about AACAP visit www.army.gov.au/Our-people/Army-Indigenous-community/Army-Indigenous-initiatives
Imagery is available at www.images.defence.gov.au/S20151844
Media contacts:
Major Marianne Phillips - 0424 546 052
Defence Media - (02) 6127 1999
