Ship’s company volunteers for disaster relief task

As the recovery operation continues, the crew of HMAS Tobruk eagerly put their hands up for a number of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief tasks around Ormoc over the weekend of 30 November to 1 December 1.

Their first task was a clean up of New Ormoc City National High School where they were gladly welcomed by the principal Imelda Amodia.

Ms Amodia said she was very grateful that Australian sailors and soldiers had chosen her school for their clean up effort.

“School goes back on Monday after the vacation and before the Australians came we didn’t know what we were going to do,” she said.

“They have made such a difference it will be easy for us to encourage the students to come back to school.”

Seaman Peta Large said she felt it was important for the ADF to help the Philippines people.

“Being a privileged country it’s important we offer our resources when things like this happen,” she said.

Senior Warrant Officer Col Mackenzie said he was pleased with the way the sailors were working.

“They’re doing a top job here; they’re working well alongside the Army, and they’re getting a difficult job done,” he said.