The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Australian Army have joined forces to launch a Christmas drop of supplies to isolated Indigenous communities.
The inaugural Exercise Christmas Drop Australia will bring together personnel from RAAF’s No. 35 Squadron and Army’s 51 Far North Queensland and Pilbara Regiments.
Minister for Defence, Linda Reynolds said the exercise demonstrated Defence’s commitment to maintaining an active connection with Indigenous communities.
“RAAF C-27J Spartan aircraft flying out of Cairns and Karratha are dropping supplies to isolated Indigenous communities in North Queensland and Western Australia,” Senator Reynolds said.
“The C-27J is able to reach locations that are particularly difficult to access, including using unpaved runways and air-dropping cargo.”
She said Exercise Christmas Drop Australia was distributing first aid kits and toiletries, as well as a special festive season cargo that included bicycle repair kits, school supplies and sporting equipment.
Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel, Darren Chester said the exercise would be supplying communities at Lockhart River and Kowanyama in Queensland, as well as Roebourne and Yandeyerra in Western Australia.
“Defence has been working closely with Indigenous Liaison Officers to select the most appropriate locations to visit, based on community needs and accessibility,” Mr Chester said.
“Exercise Christmas Drop will also provide valuable practical experience for aircrew and movements personnel, and enable them to strengthen their air-drop and collection skills.”
