Warramunga to Mid-East – PP4-5Mental health strategy launch – PP2-3

SERVING AUSTRALIA WITH PRIDE

NEWSNAVYVolume 60, No. 19 , October 19, 2017

An MRH90 conducts a VERTREP with HMAS Sirius last month during a dual RAS with HMA Ships Melbourne and Darwin while deployed on Indo-Pacific Endeavour. Photo: LCDR Scott Carter

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2 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 19, 2017

SGT Dave Morley

CDF’s annual mental health walk around Lake Burley Griffin on October 5 was a resounding success, with more than 600 Defence, police and emergency service members taking part.

CDF ACM Mark Binskin said it was important to get everyone out to support those suffering from mental health issues.

“A lot of times people feel isolated, they feel lonely and so they’re not feeling like anyone understands what’s going on,” ACM Binskin said.

“They don’t want to reach out. I just want to tell them that’s wrong, everyone here today is here to support them and we can see the demonstra-

tion of that with all the walk-ers.”

ACM Binskin said he was happy with the day’s turnout.

“It sure beats a commit-tee meeting, getting out with friends and colleagues and walking and talking about the issues,” he said.

“I’d just like to thank every-one for turning up, both person-ally and as CDF.”

CO HMAS Harman CMDR Alison Westwood said she was walking for mental health because she dealt with people on a daily basis who suffer from mental health conditions.

“So I believe it’s really important for me to show my support for them,” CMDR Westwood said.

“It’s also important for Defence to hold these types of

events to increase the awareness of mental health.

“One of the things we strive for is to break down the stigma often associated with mental health.

“We also need to ensure people are getting the right level of support at the right time to assist them with their mental health conditions and to provide a good level of health support.”

CMDR Westwood said it was a great day to get out and show support to colleagues and friends who might be suffering from a mental health condition.

“We want them to know we are here to support them and be able to point them in the right direction to obtain profes-sional assistance and encourage people not be afraid to ask for assistance,” she said.

Opportunity to stamp out the stigma

The ADF has launched an extensive plan to deal with mental health and wellbeing over the next five years, SGT Dave Morley reports

More information on ADF men-tal health services is available on the ADF Health & Wellbeing Portal at www.defence.gov.au/Health/HealthPortal/

The all-hours support line (ASL) is a 24-hour confidential telephone service for ADF members and families – 1800628036

1800 IMSICK is a national 24-hour service providing health support for all ADF personnel within Australia. To access the service, ring 1800467425.

HELP AT HAND

A walk of support

DISPELLING the stigma attached to mental health is one of the key aims of the Defence Mental Health and

Wellbeing Strategy 2018-2023.Acting CDF VADM Ray Griggs

and Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty launched the strategy at Russell Offices on October 10 – World Mental Health Day.

At the launch, VADM Griggs said in 2014 he spoke at a mental health event and highlighted that one in five people would experience some form of mental health issue.

“I observed that in that year, I was actually one of those one in five. Interestingly enough, some people said it was inappropriate for me to say that, which I thought was weird,” VADM Griggs said.

“The whole point of trying to break down the stigma around men-tal health is being open and honest, and talking about it. Importantly it’s about making sure people feel com-fortable that you can talk about it.”

He said Defence had come a long way in its approach, but had to “keep pushing hard”.

“There are still people across the organisation who believe their career is over if they raise a concern about their mental health,” he said.

“We’ve got to keep coming back with data and information that shows that’s simply not the case; and we have that already. But it’s not just about data, it’s about con-vincing people we, as a senior leadership team, are serious about saying it’s okay to put your hand up and that our commitment flows down through the organisation.”

VADM Griggs said early iden-tification and intervention was the key to recovery.

“We have to talk more about recovery, we have to tell more of the stories we know are out there of people who have been affected by mental health and have come

through the other side, and are pro-ductive and have continued on with their careers,” he said.

VADM Griggs said Defence had some excellent mental health pro-grams and services.

“I don’t think there’s an organi-sation in the country that puts as much effort into mental health pro-grams and management as we do,” he said.

When he attended the recent Invictus Games in Toronto he also took part in a senior leaders’ confer-ence about wounded, injured and ill personnel.

“It was clear to me that things like our suicide awareness and pre-vention programs are making a mas-sive difference inside the ADF and they are world-leading in terms of the results,” he said.

VADM Griggs congratulated the team who brought the new Defence

Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy together, saying it struck the right balance between recog-nising both the similarities and the unique elements of ADF and APS service.

Mr Moriarty echoed that senti-ment, saying he was impressed the strategy represented the range of issues around Defence’s military and civilian workforce.

“It does come down to the prin-ciples of One Defence, of mutual respect and understanding of the particular attributes that each part of this amazing organisation bring to it,” Mr Moriarty said.

“It’s important to have a healthy and productive workforce, so we’ve got to look after our people to deliv-er good Defence outcomes for our country.”

The strategy’s core theme is Fit to Fight, Fit to Work, Fit for Life.

At the launch of the strategy, acting CDF VADM Ray Griggs shared his experience of how people reacted when he revealed he had dealt with a mental health issue. Photos: Jay Cronan

EDITORIALDirectorDavid Edlington

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DEFENCE has been developing a new tool, PostingConnect, which aims to improve the posting process for ADF members and their families.

One of the key features of PostingConnect is the ability for members to give access to their partner, or other nominee, to view the tool and help with posting activities.

PostingConnect will be launched to a pilot audience in Queensland on October 31. Personnel in the cur-rent posting cycle and posting from Brisbane, Cairns, Ipswich, Toowoomba or Townsville are invited to be part of the trial to help shape a better posting experience for ADF members. To become involved, contact posting.improvement@defence.gov.au

To find out more, go to the Posting-In/Posting-Out project page on the Defence Restricted Network.

Improving the posting process

THE new Defence Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2018-2023 is the culmination of much work and the next step on the journey for Defence to improve the mental health of its people, according to Commander Joint Health AVM Tracy Smart.

The strategy – with the theme of Fit to Fight, Fit for Work, Fit for Life – consolidates reforms and initia-tives, incorporates the latest mental health research, and implements a whole-of-organisation approach that recognises the needs of our integrat-ed military and civilian workforce.

The strategy acknowledges the similarities and unique elements of the ADF and APS workforce, while recognising the need to implement tailored services and initiatives. Its objectives apply to everyone in Defence, but also reflect the specific and additional challenges posed by military service.

AVM Smart said the importance of the strategy was that mental health and wellbeing was a strategic issue for Defence, not only for serving members and civilian employees, but also for transitioned veterans.

“It’s important we outline our strategy, including some new pro-grams to show we’re continually improving our approach to mental health and wellbeing,” she said.

“We deliver a really good men-tal health service in Defence and that’s been validated by the National Mental Health Commission Review that came out earlier this year.”

Joint Health Command’s Director-General Mental Health Rehabilitation and Research, David Morton, said the latest strategy encouraged people to give as much attention to their mental health as their physical health.

“It’s much easier to get people to attend to physical health issues because the mental health ones tend to be a little bit harder for people to see,” Mr Morton said.

He said consultation had been an important part of preparing the strategy.

“In 2015, we went out to each of the services and visited a range

COMMANDER Joint Health AVM Tracy Smart said the main thrust of the new strategy was that mental health was everyone’s business.

“The number one strategic objec-tive is about leadership and shared responsibility,” AVM Smart said.

“Mental health and wellbeing is increasingly part of our command and leadership training, person-nel management and human per-formance considerations. It is about how we encourage people to look out for each other.

“It’s about command and man-agers and supervisors, but it’s also about the individual taking part, and

families that support them. We all have a role to play in mental health and watching out for each other, so we all need to be aware that mental health problems can develop, and they can be exacerbated by certain factors.”

AVM Smart said everyone had to look at how to create the right situa-tions and right awareness on mental health.

“Probably the biggest part of it is it’s a whole-of-Defence issue,” she said.

“The key here is it’s about capa-bility, but it’s also about your indi-vidual wellness and long-term life,

because there is a life after Defence.”She said this needed to be done

because of its capability effect.“If we need to be ‘Fit to Fight’, or

in the case of the APS, ‘Fit to Work’, we also need people to attend to their mental health so they are ‘Fit for Life’ – it’s not just about the relatively short period while they’re in Defence, it’s beyond that,” she said.

“Underpinning that then, if you don’t feel you’re quite right, if you feel there are some issues you need to deal with, then present early and deal with them before they get bigger.”

The ADF has launched an extensive plan to deal with mental health and wellbeing over the next five years, SGT Dave Morley reports

‘‘ – AVM Tracy Smart, Commander Joint Health

The number one strategic objective is about leadership and shared responsibility.

An issue that’s ‘everyone’s business’

Mental health ‘a strategic issue for ADF’

Tips to stay mentally well - Page 22

of bases and spoke to commanders, members and also health providers, and said to them, ‘What would help progress mental health issues?’ A similar process was undertaken with APS employees by Work Health and Safety Branch.

“Then we collated this informa-tion to formulate the strategy and the action plans that will operate under it over the next few years.”

AVM Smart said a mental health advisory group, which was set up in 2015, also provided input to the strategy.

The group comprises psychiatrists and psychologists and other people from outside Defence who have an interest in mental health and have done some work in the veterans’ space, as well representatives from the services, Defence Community Organisation, Defence Families Australia, Veterans’ Affairs, and the Veterans and Veterans’ Families Counselling Service.

“Research we’ve done, and a study done with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare look-ing at suicide rates in ADF and ex-serving members, have been factored in,” AVM Smart said.

She described the strategy as an evolution rather than a revolution.

The strategy takes on a One Defence approach that recognises the needs of our integrated workforce.

“We’ve taken other things into account, like Pathway to Change – some of the cultural and wellbeing parts of that as well,” she said.

“It’s more holistic and there are some new ideas, concepts, programs and initiatives that weren’t looked at in the past.”

Action plans for the services, Defence People Group and Joint Health Command will accompany the Defence Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and will outline activities to meet strategic objectives. These will be monitored and reported on twice a year.

CO HMAS Harman CMDR Alison Westwood with ADF personnel and Defence public servants who participated in the 2017 CDF Mental Health Walk around Lake Burley Griffin.

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4 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 19, 2017

As HMAS Warramunga leaves the wharf at Fleet Base East (above), members of the ship’s company farewell family and friends (above left and left). Photos: ABET Christopher Szumlanski

LSET Nathan Spilling with his mother Sue Bailey, centre, and extended family members. Photo: ABET Christopher Szumlanski

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BLOOD CHALLENGE

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6 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 19, 2017

LCDR Ainsley Slattery

A SENIOR sailor who overcame a fear of needles and blood – allow-ing her to become a regular donor – achieved her 50th donation last month.

POML-P Erica Lower started her blood donation journey in 2006 after her supervisor, who had a rare blood type, encouraged her to give it a go.

“I was hesitant at first, as I had never been able to be around blood or even discuss the subject without feeling squeamish and light-head-ed,” PO Lower said.

“I remember being told at my first donation that only three per cent of the population donated and the supply could not keep up with demand.

“I realised that donating blood is such a worthwhile cause and really doesn’t take much effort on my behalf, so I have continued to donate.”

After being told a few years ago that she had great veins for donating plasma, PO Lower has been donat-ing plasma about every two weeks since.

“There have been numerous breaks, due to overseas visits, medi-cal reasons and pregnancy; howev-er, I have tried to keep it up as best I can,” she said.

“As the mother of three-year-old

twins, I am now even more aware of how vital blood and plasma supplies are to this large part of our society.”

Donated blood is vital for the high number of premature babies and the numerous medical issues affecting multiple birth pregnancies and newborn babies.

“I will definitely continue to donate for as long as I can,” she said.

Working at Navy HQ South Australia, PO Lower has organised a number of group donations over the past few years. She now drives the Defence Blood Challenge in South Australia, motivating many to donate.

“I take great pride in encourag-ing and promoting this event,” she said.

“I was very proud of our achievements and donation numbers last year considering we are such a small unit.”

PO Lower managed to time her 50th donation to coincide with the first South Australian dona-tion for the annual Defence Blood Challenge.

Friends, families and associ-ates can all contribute to the Navy tally by registering under the Navy Red25 team with the Blood Service.

For more information on the Defence Blood Challenge visit https://www.donateblood.com.au/red25

A mark of bravery

Giving blood a family affairDONATING blood is a family affair for LCDR David Sutherland, who donated blood for the 257th time last month.

In Japan at the same time as his son, CO HMAS Dechaineux CMDR Dan Sutherland, who is also a regular blood donor, LCDR Sutherland talked about the 2017 Defence Blood Challenge, and how he began donating.

“It was the threat of violence,” LCDR Sutherland said.

“I was stationed on HMAS Moresby, during the transition to independence of Seychelles in 1976.

“They were worried about potential unrest, and needed more blood supplies.

“It was Florence Nightingale stuff – blood drawn from a large syringe and a glass of rum was offered afterwards.”

Since then, he has been involved in a specialised area of blood donation.

Being O negative, LCDR Sutherland’s blood is used to develop Anti-D immu-noglobulin, given to pregnant women to prevent Rhesus disease.

He said donating also provided per-sonal health benefits.

“Blood donation is also a way to manage my hereditary condition, hemo-chromatosis. By giving blood regularly, I avoid a build-up of iron in my blood, which can lead to organ or tissue dam-age,” he said.

LCDR Sutherland said he would donate blood for as long as he could, and knew his son would continue to donate long after he was unable to.

This year, donors to the Defence Blood Challenge are encouraged to donate more than once, or to donate whole blood and plasma.

LCDR David Sutherland, LSCIS Amelia Manderson and SWO HMAS Stirling WOCIS Andrew Bertoncin fill out a health questionnaire before giving blood at the Red Cross Blood Donation Centre in Rockingham as part of the Defence Blood Challenge. Photo: LSIS Bradley Darvill

POML-P Erica Lower was supported by fellow POs Kirsty Semmens, left, and Warren Sanders when she made her 50th donation at the Regent Blood Donor Centre.

Figures at October 13

7NEWSOctober 19, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

James McPherson

THE Sea Power conference drew to a close on October 5 after three intense days of presentations, bilateral meetings, industry engagements and discussions on the future of naval operations and mari-time capabilities.

Exploring the theme ‘Navy and the Nation’, the conference featured presenta-tions on the critical role a high-function-ing industrial base plays in supporting a burgeoning naval enterprise.

Running alongside the Pacific 2017 International Maritime Exhibition in Sydney, the conference showcased Australian industry and ingenuity, while increasing understanding between the organisations.

CN VADM Tim Barrett said the three-day conference and international maritime exposition attracted leading strategists on maritime matters and was an opportunity to consider the future of the Navy and its place on the global stage.

“This year’s conference has seen com-pelling presentations on the significant changes we can expect in the next 30 years,” VADM Barrett said.

“The navies of today are facing more uncertain threats than ever before, and bringing together academia, political and military leaders helps all nations grapple with the challenges we face.

“With the significant investments Australia is making in the maritime domain over the coming decades, the world’s attention is on Australia and how we are working with industry in preparing for the future.

“We took the opportunity this week to showcase Australian capabilities to our international partners and explain what we bring to multinational responses to

emerging threats and relief efforts.“With our latest and greatest war-

ship, HMAS Hobart, we have been able to show the high calibre of Australian defence industries and the depth of capa-bility in our fleet.

“Navy senior leadership have met with counterparts from 37 countries and held extensive discussions on how we can all work more cooperatively to share infor-mation, expertise and, through it, maintain a rules-based order on the high seas.”

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the conference was a hallmark event for Defence and Australia.

“This is a crucially important gathering and it comes at a time of enormous invest-ment by Australia,” Mr Turnbull said.

VADM Barrett said it was critical for deepening relationships between nations and the industries which support the naval endeavour.

“Pacific 2017 in conjunction with the Sea Power Conference is taking place at one of the most significant times for this nation,” VADM Barrett said.

“Australia is currently undertaking the most ambitious re-capitalisation of its naval fleet since the Second World War and building a national enterprise for ship-building and sustainment.”

He said the conference afforded the opportunity “through our conversations to foster a greater understanding between Defence and industry and between our regional partners to have far reaching dis-cussions on matters of global importance.

“This congress allows us to reflect, to challenge and to consider what the nation-al naval enterprise of the future must become and the changes we need to make to meet the challenges of the dynamic environment in which we operate.”

Envisaging the futureNavy chiefs talk strategy

CN VADM Tim Barrett gives the opening address at the Sea Power conference. Photos: LSIS Helen Frank

Participants at the conference held at Darling Harbour.

CN VADM Tim Barrett at a display at the Pacific International Maritime Exhibition. Photo: POIS Phil Cullinan

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8 NEWS www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 19, 2017

CPL Bill Solomou

IN the lead-up to Remembrance Day, Australia Post, with the assistance of five proud serving ADF women, launched a Women in War series of stamps on the steps of the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne last month.

Officially issued on October 6, the stamps are the fourth in a series, which commemorate a century of service since World War I, and acknowledge the evolv-ing role of women in war and conflict, as well as in peacekeeping efforts.

To mark the launch, a selection of ADF members each held a stamp that had some significance to them.

LSML-P Zoraya Tibos and ABMED Lillie Heymann, of HMAS Cerberus, had the proud honour of holding the Afghanistan/Iraq and the World War I themed stamps respectively.

Both said they were honoured to rep-resent Navy.

“It is important to commemorate and celebrate the service that women before us have given for their country,” LS Tibos said.

“I was selected to hold the

Afghanistan/Iraq stamp as I served in Afghanistan in 2015, and most recently on Operation Accordion.

“I felt privileged to serve in that thea-tre with other men and women in the ADF, and felt like I was contributing to something much bigger than anything I had previously in the Navy.”

She said the stamps recognised the women who had served in previous wars and how their efforts directly contributed to Australia’s mission.

“To be able to hold the Afghanistan/Iraq stamp and know that I stand with all women who have served in those theatres of war is both humbling and empower-ing,” she said.

AB Heymann said it was a privilege to be involved in the launch.

“It is not often that a junior medical sailor at my level, that has not really been in the spotlight so far in her career, gets highlighted,” she said.

“I have been a medic in the Navy for close to eight years. One of the stamps I was given was an image captured back in WWI of a nurse, and I was selected because I represent modern military nurses.”

Stamps laud role of women

ABMED Lillie Heymann and LSML-P Zoraya Tibos, of HMAS Cerberus, at the launch of the Women in War stamp issue. Photo: LSIS Nina Fogliani

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9NEWSOctober 19, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Andrew Bujdegan

DURING a visit to the east coast in August, the crew of HMAS Waller opened the hatches to shed some light on those who sail the depths.

Over nine days the Submarine Recruiting Team supported Waller’s visits to Sydney and Brisbane, holding information sessions at Sydney bases HMAS Watson, Waterhen, Kuttabul, and Gallipoli Barracks, to dispel myths and tempt some current and potential Defence personnel to try the ‘silent service’.

Australia has operated submarines since 1914, with HMAS AE2 wreak-ing havoc in the Dardanelles during the Gallipoli campaign, and have been operating the current diesel-electric Collins-class since the early 1990s.

As an expanded submarine fleet will be delivered ready for operations in the early 2030s, getting the right people for the job is important, but hard to achieve when you do most of your work out of sight.

Information sessions were held to support Defence Force Recruiting staff in Parramatta, Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast.

Waller also hosted 20 sea riders for a true behind-the-scenes experience.

One of the lucky few, SBLT James Blumer, said the experience had dis-pelled his assumptions.

“I had nominated for the sea ride with the intention of proving definitely and for absolute certainty that subma-rines were not for me,” SBLT Blumer said.

“The hands-on tour showed me that life in a submarine was not what I had originally thought it to be and I thoroughly enjoyed the small-boat feeling.”

With a crew of about 40, subma-riners receive comprehensive role-

specific training, as well as learning the skills to perform multiple tasks on board. The small team environment relies on everyone to be a professional to get the job done.

Australian submarines have mixed messing, which means both males

and females share accommodation on board, an attribute unique to the sub-surface Fleet.

The boats are based in Western Australia at Garden Island.

The sessions enabled the team from Defence Force Recruiting to better

understand the unique and challeng-ing career path of the service and will help them to identify and better inform future submariners.

For more information about a career in submarines, visit navy.defencejobs.gov.au/submariners/

Silent service on show

Defence Force Recruiting candidates on the gangway of HMAS Waller at Fleet Base East. Photo: POIS Yuri Ramsey

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11NEWSOctober 19, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

THE ADF deployed additional humanitarian supplies earlier this month to provide relief to communi-ties displaced from Vanuatu’s Ambae Island with the island’s Manaro Volcano threatening to erupt.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from the island, with about 8000 taken to the island of Espiritu Santo, and about 3000 more to the nearby islands of Pentecost and Maewo.

Personnel have delivered much needed humanitarian supplies. Tents for temporary shelter, kitchen sup-plies and lighting are providing relief to families and improving community safety. Clean water is also being provided.

The Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Susan Ryle, said the aid was helping people who had to leave practically every-thing behind on the island.

“The government here in Vanuatu declared a state of emergency and evacuated the entire Island of Ambae,” Ms Ryle said.

“People were displaced and they’re being housed on Santo, Maewo and on the Island of Pentecost.

“The Australian aid includes tents for families, community tents, and a number of kitchen sets carrying pots and pans that can be used for basic cooking.”

HMA Ships Huon and Choules

were deployed to assist in the distri-bution of aid and supplies to those that had had to leave their homes.

Sailors from Huon assisted local aid workers erect community tents in Luganville, to shelter some of the Ambae Island residents.

Many displaced residents had been without shelter since arriving in Luganville, where the population swelled to almost double its usual size.

Other Huon crew members erected tents on the island of Espiritu Santo.

HMAS Choules assisted with the distribution of relief supplies between the islands.

Navy’s contribution was part of Operation Vanuatu Assist, which is the ADF Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief contribution to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-led support to the Government of Vanuatu.

Director Humanitarian Operations DFAT Craig Kentwell said it was fan-tastic to have Huon in the region.

“There are a number of men and women from the ship who are happy to volunteer and come up and help out the people who’ve been evacuated from Ambae,” he said.

“Most of the stuff that we have here was delivered by an ADF C17 Globemaster.

“More flights came in over the next couple of days.”

Helping friends in need

Deputy High Commissioner to Vanuatu Susan Ryle speaks with Matthew Clark, of DFAT’s crisis response team, on the wharf at Luganville as HMAS Huon prepares to come alongside. Photos: LSIS Jake Badior

ADF personnel in HMAS Choules load stores and equipment onto a landing craft.

LEUT Zac Segger and other members of HMAS Huon’s ship’s company erect a tent in Luganville.

LSCSOMW Januario Callos helps LACW Laura Gale unload Australian aid supplies during the relief effort.

Members of all three services, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade representatives and Vanuatu locals with pallets of Australian aid and humanitarian supplies in Vanuatu.

www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 19 , 2017 1312 CENTREINDO-PACIFIC ENDEAVOUR

LTCOL Phil Pyke

THE recent delivery into Dili Harbour of a deployable hospital and medical supplies resulted in an emotional reun-ion for LEUT Andrew Vergelius.

It was the first time LEUT Verge-lius had returned to Timor-Leste since 1999, when he served as a Black Hawk pilot, ferrying locals who required evacuation from the enclave of Oecussi during the country’s inde-pendence struggle.

When HMAS Adelaide anchored off Dili as part of her Indo-Pacific En-deavour deployment, LEUT Vergelius went ashore in a landing craft which delivered supplies for Timor-Leste De-fence Force’s multinational engineer-ing exercise Hari’i Hamatuk.

“In 1999, I served in my first operational deployment in East Timor and was stationed out of Dili during the Interfet campaign,” LEUT Vergelius said.

“During that time we flew count-less sorties day and night in chal-lenging conditions to many provinces, providing security overwatch, stores resupply and an aero-medical evacua-tion capability to numerous locals who suffered from a range of tropical-borne diseases.”

During landings in the enclave of Oecussi, many local children would come out to the helicopters to sit and talk with the pilots and crew.

“Many of these children had lost parents, due to illness or the militia campaign that sought to kill young men and women in night raids on their villages,” LEUT Vergelius said.

“They had been forced to hide in the caves up in the mountains many kilometres away in order to escape from being killed.”

He remembered a little girl nick-named Noi who, with her brother Ninho, were regular visitors to the Black Hawk crews.

“One day I saw them approach the aircraft and Noi unfolded a beautiful silk shawl with my name on it,” he said.

“This was a wonderful gift from young Noi, who handmade this shawl and presented it to me as a gesture of friendship and goodwill. After we left Timor, over the years I often wondered what had happened to them.”

ABIS Richard Cordell

FEMALE members of HMAS Par-ramatta participated in the first wom-en’s leadership forum held on the island of Yap last month during the ship’s visit to Micronesia as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour.

Elements of the joint task group are participating in bilateral and multilateral engagements across the region, to promote security and sta-bility and Australia’s commitment to making effective contributions to hu-manitarian operations.

The women’s leadership forum was the first time such an event had been held on Yap, which was facili-tated by the island’s gender adviser, Linda Teteth.

The sailors and officers attended the event along with women who hold key leadership roles in Yap, as well as prospective future leaders. The aim of the forum was to exchange leadership experiences at all levels from both cultures.

It was an opportunity for the crew members to explain how the RAN is actively promoting women in leader-ship, with employment opportunities across all ranks and rates.

As the Maritime Logistics Officer in Parramatta, LCDR Natasha Con-new heads the department that man-ages all the stores, administration and meals for the 190 crew.

“It was inspiring to hear the expe-riences of these women who play a critical role in maintaining the culture of Yap,” LCDR Connew said.

“In many ways, we share similar challenges – just in a slightly differ-ent cultural context.”

CO Parramatta CMDR Simon Howard hosted a lunch for a number of officials and local dignitaries, in-cluding the Lieutenant Governor of the island state of Yap, James Yanget-mai.

“Australia is committed to devel-oping strong and positive relations with regional nations and through events such as this luncheon we hope to build friendship, trust and mutual understanding to increase our ca-

WO Christopher Garner

‘NAVY, the team works’ is a famil-iar theme to those who have seen the recruitment ads, but it’s a tru-ism every day at sea where the crew relies on each other to keep the ship working to optimum performance.

Recently during trials on board HMAS Toowoomba, Marine En-gineering Officer LCDR Ray Poz-zebon discovered a ruptured hose in the controllable pitch propeller system, which led to some innova-tive thinking and a safe and practi-cal engineering solution.

The damaged piece would have imposed severe restrictions on Toowoomba’s speed and manoeu-vrability, and loss of the system would mean key trials would not be completed.

A replacement hose was not held on board so a command meet-ing was quickly convened to dis-cuss possible options.

“We considered options rang-

ing from taking a hose fitting from one of the non-essential systems through to waiting for a replace-ment hose to be dispatched to the ship from a warehouse ashore,” LCDR Pozzebon said.

Weapons Electrical Engineer-ing Officer LCDR Richard Carter recalled a recent briefing in his department about a similar hose repair kit they used to repair the five-inch gun.

“I remembered we had this hose repair capability on board already and suggested it might be possible to use it in the controllable pitch propeller to restore capability until we could get back to shore,” LCDR Carter said.

“Crew members from the weap-ons electrical engineering team worked closely with their counter-parts in the marine engineering de-partment to manufacture a replace-ment hose for the propeller using suitable hose and fittings from the repair kit.”

LCDR Pozzebon developed a hazard risk assessment and con-tacted the relevant Navy engi-neering authorities to discuss the proposed use of the manufactured hose until the replacement could be sourced.

“The replacement hose was quickly prepared and fitted restor-ing full propulsion capability to Toowoomba, leading to the rare sight of gun maintainers helping to fix the propeller system,” LCDR Pozzebon said.

The maritime logistics organi-sation sourced and arranged deliv-ery of an original equipment manu-factured hose to be fitted during Toowoomba’s next scheduled port visit.

“The cooperation between ship departments and the responsive-ness of shore organisations to sup-port ships’ crews at sea, outside of normal business hours, clearly demonstrates that the Navy team does work,” LCDR Pozzebon said.

More than a decade later, LEUT Vergelius received a Facebook mes-sage from an East Timorese woman.

He was unsure who the woman was until after further exchanges he discovered she was Noi.

“Somehow over the years she had

remembered my name,” LEUT Verge-lius said.

When he stepped ashore from the landing craft to reunite with Noi and Ninho, it was an emotional time for the Navy officer, seeing the two children, now adults, again after so many years.

Now in their 20s, Noi had received a scholarship to study a degree in Bali, while Ninho had joined the Timor-Leste Defence Force, with postings to the Royal Military College at Duntroon and the United States Military Acad-emy at West Point, New York.

“It is such a wonderful ending for two people who were affected by the loss of their parents and I feel proud that I have become accepted as part of their family and referred to as ‘broth-er Andrew’,” LEUT Vergelius said.

LEUT Vergelius said he was grate-

ful to feel he had played some part in giving them a future and is now assist-ing Ninho establish the first interna-tional school in Oecussi, to which he has pledged a substantial donation of his own money.

Emotional reunion evokes fond memories

LEUT Andrew Vergelius is presented with a tais from Noi at rheir reunion in Dili last month, as Ninho, left, looks on. Photo: POIS Andrew Dakin

Crew shows theme not empty words

Women share experiences at forum debut

pability to operate together,” CMDR Howard said.

“Parramatta has the honour of be-ing the first major fleet unit to visit this small island nation for many years.”

The ship’s company also conducted training with the crew of Micronesia patrol boat FSS Independence.

Parramatta’s boarding party under-took a cross-deck exchange in the Aus-tralian-gifted Pacific-class patrol boat.

Led by SBLT Patrick Brown, Par-ramatta’s team also conducted a board-ing exercise in Independence.

SBLT Brown said it was a fantastic and unique international training exer-cise.

“When we reviewed the sequence of events used in a boarding we were able to cross-reference our experience with theirs,” he said.

“As a result, we learnt a lot of things from each other.”

LSCD Jackson Sharp was the sec-ond-in-charge of the boarding and fa-cilitated the training.

“The opportunity to conduct a boarding in Independence was highly valuable as it allowed all members of the team, experienced or otherwise, to gain exposure to boarding operations on an unfamiliar platform,” LS Sharp said.

“The crew in Independence were incredibly engaging and willing to take part in our exercise, which further en-hanced the learning opportunities and experience that all of the team gained.”

LCDR Natasha Connew with Linda Teteth and Leanne Lance at the women’s leadership forum on Yap. Photo: ABEW Ryan McKenzie

HMAS Parramatta’s seaboats speed away in the waters of Yap during an exercise with a local crew. Photo: ABIS Richard Cordell

LCDR Richard Carter points out affected compartments on the damage control board.LCDRs Richard Carter and Ray Pozzebon with the electrical hose repair kit. Photos: SMNEW Brandon Gilroy

DAY OF NOTE IN DILI

While it was business as usual for most, a visit to Timor-Leste was more meaningful to some of those participating in a joint task group in the region, LCDR Helen Ward reports.

HMAS Adelaide recently joined HMA Ships Toowoomba and Darwin offshore from the Ti-mor-Leste capital of Dili on the

18th anniversary of the RAN task force’s arrival for Operation Interfet in 1999.

All three ships are deployed on Op-eration Indo-Pacific Endeavour, an ADF joint task group deployment to the Indo-Pacific region focused on security coop-eration and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises.

Four highly experienced crew mem-bers who had previously served on op-erations in Timor-Leste were on board Toowoomba.

In 2006 ABBM Darren Young was only 19 when he joined his first ship, the previous Adelaide, three days before sailing to Dili.

“I had barely finished my training and there I was watching green tracer rounds light up the night sky over Dili,” AB Young said.

“I couldn’t believe my training would be put to the test so quickly but I was confident I could do my part.”

POCSS-U Mark Skinner was also in Adelaide in 2006 and recalls watching the tracer rounds, but he was a lot closer to Dili.

“I was part of the ship’s boarding party in 2006 in a rigid hull inflatable boat collecting imagery of the wharf and surrounding areas in preparation to se-

cure the wharf if required,” he recalled.XO Toowoomba LCDR Hamish

Frazer was Adelaide’s Operations Of-ficer controlling the ship’s movements off the coast of Dili in 2006.

“It’s great to be back and see Dili is obviously prospering,” he said.

SBLT Bruce Mills had a much differ-ent role in Timor-Leste in 2002.

“I was a vessel master Corporal with the Army’s 10th Force Support Battalion in Townsville,” SBLT Mills said.

“The roads were very poor and dan-gerous so it was my job to take some Japanese soldiers and their equipment, which were part of the operation, around to their outpost in an enclave on the western side of the island by boat.

“I haven’t been back since 2002 but what I can see from the deck of Toow-oomba, it looks like Dili has developed into a modern city.”

Throughout the day, Toowoomba conducted routine harbour patrols in support of Adelaide while she unloaded medical stores for a Timor-Leste De-fence Force-hosted exercise.

Apart from Timor-Leste, Indo-Pacif-ic Endeavour is also enhancing military cooperation with some of Australia’s key regional partners including Brunei, Cambodia, Micronesia, India, Indone-sia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand.

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15BOOK REVIEWOctober 19, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

Story behind the opThe Smack Track

Author: Ian McPhedranRRP: $33Reviewer: SGT Dave MorleyPages: 304Publisher: Harper Collins

DON’T judge a book by its cover – well-known journalist and author Ian McPhedran’s latest book,

The Smack Track, is a top read.McPhedran spent a fortnight

on board HMAS Darwin in May 2016 during her highly successful Operation Manitou deployment.

He was given wide-ranging access to the ship’s company and CO CMDR Phillip Henry, and has written an extremely positive story on how Navy is fighting piracy and stopping the spread of weapons and illicit drugs to the West.

The book details not only Darwin’s achievements, but those of the many Australian warships that have carried out hundreds of success-ful boardings in the Gulf and Indian Ocean over the past 27 years.

If you’ve done an Operation Manitou deployment, you’ll recog-nise many of your mates named or pictured in the book.

The stories of the sailors and officers in the book go way deeper than just telling of their deployments – the author personalises the men and women by delving into their private

lives, sometimes leaving no stone unturned.

McPhedran describes his own experience, and inexperience, on board Darwin, as he learns the TTPs (techniques, tactics and procedures) for safety, and with some dignity maintained, getting in and out of

his rack each night. When Darwin returned to Australia, McPhedran met the ship at Jervis Bay and rode up to Sydney to witness the homecoming ceremony and celebration, and thus complete his story on the ship.

This time he was allocated a lower rack where his previously learnt skills

were no longer required. McPhedran also includes interviews with current and former AFP members who shed light on the bigger picture regarding the illicit international drug trade.

The book is well-illustrated with dozens of colour photographs and a four-page glossary for non-nautically-

inclined readers, however, the addi-tion of a few detailed maps would have been helpful.

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Contact navynews@defencenews.gov.au

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16 FEATURES www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 19, 2017

THE crew members of HMAS Huon packed a lot into their recent deployment to Lord Howe Island.

CO Huon LCDR Jason Mullen said the 10-day deployment had been an invaluable training opportunity for the crew.

“Especially the mine warfare and clearance diving departments, achiev-ing some great results in challenging surface conditions,” LCDR Mullen said.

Huon was greeted by local legend and Navy Liaison Officer Clive Wilson who, at 84, is planning to retire later this year and pass the role on to his eldest son, Craig.

The crew’s primary mission was to work up the clearance diving team on board to a maximum depth of 60m. This highly technical dive is one of the most dangerous activities the divers participate in and is taken very seri-ously by all involved.

Over five days, the dive team, augmented by members of the Mine Warfare and Clearance Dive Group and HMAS Diamantina, conducted a number of dives allowing them to hone their individual skills, and work as a team at greater depths.

The work-up, which consisted of four dives to 20, 30, 42, and 60m, proved Huon’s capability of working to such depths.

The capability that it provides to Navy was demonstrated in the MV22 Osprey recovery operation conducted by CDT1 off Gladstone in August.

The team also conducted demoli-tion serials and executed procedures for the location and disposal of a teth-ered buoyant mine. The crystal clear waters offered the perfect environment for the trials, the success of which will be summarised in a post-activity report.

The majority of Huon’s time was

WITH little opportunity for HMAS Huon to organise a dedicated adven-ture training period this year, the perfect challenge presented itself to test the physical and mental tough-ness of even the fittest on board.

An eight-hour return climb to the summit of Mount Gower await-ed eight brave crew members who were led by a local guide.

After a 1km walk along the rug-ged edge of the western coastline to the base of the mountain it became apparent some members would find it more difficult than others and a team effort would be required to see all eight climbers finish before the sun disappeared that evening.

With helmets donned, the team began the first of four distinct inclines, each more challenging than the last.

At the steepest section, it took them about an hour to climb 300m, aided by anchored guide ropes. With every metre of elevation gained the view became more spec-tacular, an encouraging distraction from the aches and pains.

After navigating some cliff-side goat tracks, where one wrong step would be greeted with a 600m verti-cal drop, they finally made it.

At 875m, the summit is fre-quently covered in low-level cloud, making for a unique environment. The volcanic clay is extremely slip-pery and every footstep became a calculated one.

HMAS Huon’s crew made the most of a deployment to Lord Howe Island, SBLT Liam Northend reports

Showing Howe it’s done

spent tucked away in the lee of the 20-30 knot south-westerly trade winds.

The ship’s company also took the opportunity to engage with the local community.

Six personnel visited the Lord Howe Island Central School, where they engaged with the 30 primary school students, aged between five and

12, along with the island’s five high school students undertaking their HSC by correspondence.

Crew members spoke about life in the Navy and the career options it offers, and gave a presentation about Huon’s capabilities. They were bom-barded with questions from their enthusiastic audience members.

Huon also flexed her sporting mus-cles, fielding a team of touch rugby players against the locals in a friendly, but very competitive game.

Huon’s Devi ls Touch Team defeated the semi-professional Lord Howe Island Woodhens 4-2 despite some raucous support provided by the islanders on the sidelines.

The tourist attractions provided a welcome break from the busy days and restless nights caused by the persistent roll of the prevailing south-westerly swell.

The tiny island, about 400nm off the coast of Port Macquarie, has a small population and allows only 400 visitors at any one time.

The path was lined with moss, the bird life intensified, and the worlds rarest palm tree – the Little Mountain Palm, which is only found on the summit of Mount Gower – began to dominate the flora.

The team was greeted with the most breathtaking 360 degree views. The entire crescent island stretched into the sea, the turquoise lagoon was sheltered from the

breakers, and Balls Pyramid, far to the south, loomed menacingly from the ocean.

The descent, which somehow seemed steeper, more dangerous and difficult than going up, was all that was left.

With the motivation of a famous island burger awaiting all at the bot-tom, and with gravity on their side, they cautiously made their way down.

On a mountain high

The crew on the deck of HMAS Huon, with Balls Pyramid in the background (far left and below left) and one of the team taking part in the deep dive work-up in waters near Lord Howe Island (left).

The eight crew members who conquered the steep climb to the summit of Lord Howe’s Mount Gower.

Crew members talk to students at Lord Howe Island Central School.

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17TRAININGOctober 19, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LEUT Will Singer and LSIS Brad Darvill

THE Perth Wildcats basketball team navigated hoops of a dif-ferent kind during teamwork and leadership skills training at HMAS Stirling last month.

Under a cunning plot con-jured by Navy’s PTIs, the bas-ketballers were collected from the Rockingham Foreshore unaware of the schedule that lay ahead.

LSPTI Simon Horner said their mission was to test the players’ physical and mental resolve under duress and fatigue in unfamiliar situations.

“The coaching staff wanted to see players develop their teamwork and leadership skills and to see how effectively the players communicated with each other when under pres-sure,” LS Horner said.

“As professional athletes, they adapted well to change and understood that some things cannot be controlled, and to ensure the change did not impact their ability to perform a task.”

The team from the School of Survivability and Ship Safety turned up the heat when the players experienced simulated helicopter firefighting and the “pump and flood” at the fire ground, which gave them a taste of damage control techniques.

Senior instructor CPOMT Stuart Hall said the players’ performance in the flooding compartment was a highlight of the fire ground activities.

“We were extremely pleased with how efficient and quick they were,” CPO Hall said.

“As a professional team, it was impressive to watch how well they coordinated and organised before each activity.

“When confronted with situ-ations that were foreign to them they stayed focused and were able to think and react quickly.

“The natural leaders of the team took charge during this evolution, which is very familiar to Navy when prioritising jobs during a fire or toxic hazard.”

The Wildcats finished with a physical training session on the beach using ropes, logs and kay-aks that tested their physical and psychological threshold.

“Mental toughness was test-ed as teams were allocated, and the competitive spirit started to increase among the players,” LS Horner said.

“It took every person in the team to push themselves to the absolute limits to complete the task, with no player wanting to let the team down.

“The positive reinforcement displayed between the play-ers certainly created the drive required to get through the task.”

Exercise a slam dunk

Lucus Walker, of the Perth Wildcats, hammers in wooden wedges to stop water flooding into the damage control trainer during the team’s training visit to HMAS Stirling. Photo: LSIS Bradley Darvill

Look forward

10795271_DHA_x4_Half_Page_FA.indd 4 11/08/2017 5:14 pm

18 TRAINING www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 19, 2017

NAVY’S newest aviation capability has been stretching her wings off the eastern seaboard, with the Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit (AMFTU) conducting first-of-class flight trials with the EC135 helicop-ter in aviation training vessel MV Sycamore.

The trials are an important step in developing the safe limits for opera-tions of a specific helicopter to a par-ticular class of ship.

It was the first time any aircraft had operated from Sycamore, allowing her aviation facilities to be tested and her crew to be introduced to embarked helicopter operations.

Sycamore is operated by a con-tracted crew. The ship’s flight deck team is also staffed by contractors, under the supervision of a Navy heli-copter control officer.

CMDR Andrew Rohrsheim is the only permanent Navy officer posted to the ship.

“Sycamore will provide Navy with a range of services, but first among equals is aviation training,” CMDR Rohrsheim said.

“With specified aviation support systems and a dedicated flight deck team, she will soon be able to provide trained and qualified sailors, officers and aircrew for immediate benefit to the Fleet.”

The trials were held in Jervis Bay and waters off Cairns.

LEUT Tim Craig, of the AMFTU, said the data collection presented unique logistical challenges.

“Sycamore does not have a hangar

Trials a soaring success

and subsequently can’t embark a heli-copter overnight,” LEUT Craig said

“Arrangements had to be put in place for the aircraft to make a num-ber of overnight stops, and eventually operate from the Cairns International Airport each day.”

Test pilot, and trial lead, LCDR Martin Stiles, praised the perfor-

mance of everyone involved.“The first-of-class flight trials

progressed efficiently, on schedule, and achieved a high rate of data col-lection,” LCDR Stiles said.

“We completed more than 200 day and night recoveries, along with transfers, deck movements, and other tests.

“This positioned us well to achieve all the trial aims and provided the most efficient ship’s helicopter operating limits for ongoing opera-tions.”

The primary beneficiary of these trials is 723SQN and the new helicop-ter aircrew training system program.

“This will deliver a highly skilled

workforce with rotary wing flying training for Navy pilots, aviation war-fare officers, as well as Army pilots and loadmasters,” LCDR Stiles said.

Instructors will conduct staff train-ing and deck landing qualifications at the end of the year, to prepare to instruct the first batch of students in 2018.

An EC135 prepares to land on MV Sycamore’s flight deck during the first-of-class flight trials off the east coast recently. Photo: Wayne Dunlop

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19TRAININGOctober 19, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

LCDR Jason O’Gorman

WHILE participating in Indo-Pacific Endeavour, HMAS Darwin carries with her a group of Navy’s future leaders.

Eleven warfare officers under training have embarked on a journey that will take them through the full range of experi-ences they are likely to encoun-ter on a warship at sea.

The junior officers are on their way to becoming warfare specialists, and some may get further qualifications in naviga-tion, hydrography, meteorology, oceanography, submarines,

clearance diving and mine warfare.

Since Darwin has been at sea, these officers have been able to experience the com-plexities of operating within an integrated task group as it is put through its paces in preparation for the task ahead.

From basic ship manoeu-vring, navigation and situational awareness, to day and night time replenishment evolutions, the officers have been under the watchful eyes of Darwin’s experienced bridge team led by navigator LEUT Simon Murray.

MIDN Theodore Squires has enjoyed getting some hands-on experience.

“In most of our careers so far we have only been spending time in the classroom learning about all of this,” he said.

“It’s exciting to get on board the ship to see and feel how it all works in the practical sense.

“Being involved with such an important operation is pretty special, too.

“I’m looking forward to get-ting as much experience as I can.”

To know more about maritime warfare roles, visit https://navy.defencejobs.gov.au/jobs/maritime-warfare-officer

Leaders of the future

The junior officers under training in HMAS Darwin. Photo: LSEW Nathan Streeter

20 GANGWAY www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 19, 2017

ABBM Erica Fish, left, and SMNBM Debra Toby flake down one of HMAS Hobart’s berthing hawsers on the forecastle of the ship in preparation for the ship’s commissioning ceremony last month. Photo: ABCSO-U Tara Byrne

CO HMAS Ballarat CMDR Paul Johnson and his operations room team at HMAS Stirling during Exercise Viking Raider last month. Photo: LSIS Lee-Anne Cooper

POA Nicholas Anderson talks with personnel from the Singapore Navy during a crossdeck between HMAS Adelaide and RSS Resolution during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017. Photo: POIS Andrew Dakin

POET Christopher White, LSET Paul Taylor and ABET Ryan Paterson work with the Pinpoint II Circuit Card diagnostic system in the circuit card assembly test and repair facility at Fleet Support Unit - West. Photo: CPOIS Damian Pawlenko

WOET Brian Poole and LCDR Graeme Wong, from the Navy Bash Team, with their car Navy 820 alongside HMAS Waller before the team’s departure on the 2017 Navy Variety Belmore to Buffalo Creek Bash in August. Photo: ABIS Bonny Gassner

LSCSO Ellie Graham and SMNCSO Tessa Wilson read the notes that accompanied their laundry bags gifted to them by Aussie Hero Quilts. Photo: POIS Yuri Ramsey

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21PERSONNELOctober 19, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

OFFICERDefence Force Magistrate1 x Absence without leave – DFDA s 24(1).The member was accused of being absent without leave. The member pleaded not guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge. The member was dismissed from the ADF and sentenced to four months’ imprisonment with a two-month non-parole period. Absence was for a period of more than 150 days with a return of service obligation outstanding.

OFFICERDefence Force Magistrate1 x Absence without leave – DFDA s 24(1).The member was accused of being absent without leave. The member pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge. The member forfeited seniority in rank and was fined $5000. Absence was for a period of less than two days.

OTHER RANKDefence Force Magistrate

1 x Assault – DFDA s 33(a).The member was accused of assaulting another member in a public place by repeatedly punching him to the head. The member plead-ed guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge. The member was sentenced to 49 days’ detention (with 14 days suspended).NCODefence Force Magistrate

1 x Assault – DFDA s 33(a).The member was accused of assaulting anoth-er member in a public place by slapping him on the face. The member pleaded guilty to the charge and was found guilty of the charge. The member was severely reprimanded and fined $500 (to be paid in instalments).

All Court Martial and Defence Force Magistrate trial results are subject to command-review and appeal. The results are of trials across the ADF.

POML-C Rob Bateman

THE ship’s company of HMAS Cairns took to the water in a less typical fashion in September, getting out in kayaks to contribute to cleaning up local waterways.

The Great Northern Clean-Up takes place just before the Tropical North wet season and after the tourist season, to help prevent rub-bish being swept into the water, as part of the Clean Up Australia campaign.

Since the campaign started in 2009, 26,398

volunteers have removed about 1584 tonnes of rubbish from 717 sites north of the Tropic of Capricorn.

The crew from Cairns joined the effort this year by undertaking a kayaking expedition in Trinity Inlet on September 22.

XO LCDR Matthew Richardson and a team of 14 personnel set off from the Cairns boat ramp and paddled along more than five kilometres of shoreline, collecting eight bags of rubbish from areas only accessible from the water.

“A great deal of plastic was collected, along with a substantial amount of fishing tackle,” LCDR Richardson said.

The kayakers received positive feedback from the general public and there was some public participation from the shoreline.

“It’s fantastic to see the Navy paddling around Trinity Inlet gathering rubbish,” said one lady as she passed by the group.

Navy has a strong commitment to minimis-ing the impact on the environment in which it operates, both at sea and ashore.

SEPTEMBER TRIAL RESULTS

Cairns cleans upHMAS Cairns personnel with the bags of rubbish retrieved from Trinity Inlet.

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22 HEALTH www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 19, 2017

WITH mental health in the spotlight this month, it’s timely to seek advice from the experts on how

to maintain mental health.The senior psychologist with the

Regional Mental Health Team at the Joint Health Unit, Southern NSW, MAJ Nicole Walker, said she was pre-sented with a range of symptoms, but the most common tended to be work-place stress and relationship issues.

MAJ Walker said ADF members tended to spend a great deal of time away from family and friends, which is expected and anticipated, but could still result in issues at home or in their personal lives.

“While the members themselves may be aware of this particular aspect of their role, quite often their spouse is left to tackle and manage the day-to-day issues that frequently arise as a normal part of life,” she said.

“This can cause stress for the mem-ber due to the lack of ability to assist, the tension between work and home, and the guilt they may experience as a result.”

Maintaining physical fitness and getting sound sleep also assists in maintaining good mental health.

“Exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health for many reasons and to reduce both depressive and anxiety symptoms; the old adage of a health body leads to a healthy mind is actually true,” MAJ Walker said.

“Firstly, reconnecting with our external environment; secondly, par-ticipating in activity with other like-minded people; and thirdly, simply

maintaining physical health to cope with the effect stress has on the body.

“Sleep is a good indicator of how well stress is being managed.

“The key to sound sleep is routine, like going to bed and getting up at the same time on most days of the week, ensuring the sleep environment is con-ducive to good sleep, such as a com-fortable bed, low temperature, dark room, reduced noise and effectively managing stress.”

MAJ Walker said relaxing and tak-ing part in enjoyable activities, as well as being in positive relationships, also helped with maintaining mental health.

“We all need to have more than just work in our lives. Being able to put work aside and engage in an activity we simply enjoy doing ensures bal-ance and helps with stress manage-ment,” she said.

“Humans are social beings; we like to be around other humans.

“Forming and maintaining positive social relationships as well as relation-ships with family have been shown to have a strong effect on our ability to manage stress.”

MAJ Walker said the theme of the new Defence Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2018-2023 – Fit to Fight, Fit to Work, Fit for Life – suggested people needed to actively engage in positive life management from a holistic perspective in order to enable their ability to perform their roles.

“We are not simply ADF members; we take on many different roles and a positive contribution in one area of our life is likely to lead to a positive con-tribution to other roles,” she said.

Exercise has a positive effect on mental health, SGT Dave Morley reports.

Healthy body, healthy mind

How to stay mentally well KEEP IT SIMPLE: Do what you like doing GO STEADY: Increase your activity levels gradually STAY CONNECTED: Where possible, join a group PLAN: Develop a routine that suits you  BREATHE: Incorporate the outdoors, reconnect with

your environment REST: Get a good night’s sleep

Exercising in groups and, where possible, outdoors, helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Photo: LSIS Bradley Darvill

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23SPORTOctober 19, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS

SGT Dave Morley

SOCCER fans can look forward to some serious action when ADF footballers meet in Sydney for the ADF Football Federation (ADFFF) National Championship.

The best of the best from across the Services will play at Cromer Park, Manly, the home of Manly United FC, from November 3-9.

ADFFF vice-president MAJ Steven McNaughton said it would be a gruelling week for the expected 240 players, coaches, officials and support staff.

“Not only will the three Services be vying for the silverware, but the Kiwis will also be competing,” he said.

The Kiwis will bring a squad from Air Force and an Army female squad, and the Kiwi contingent com-mander, FSGT Dan Young, said everyone was excited at the prospect of competing at this level.

“Particularly our female competitors, who will have the busiest draw, with five teams,” he said.

MAJ McNaughton said the involvement of the Kiwis should bode well for all Services with the extra games.

“This is great news for the Navy, in particular, who will be keen to get back into the winners’ circle, a place familiar to them,” he said.

“Winning and silverware aside, the main goal of the ADFFF for this event is for players to promote teamwork, instil a sense of pride in their respective Services, and for members to showcase their skills at the highest level within the ADF.”

The ADFFF will also select the ADF squads. MAJ McNaughton said these squads had been

important over the years, representing the ADF in the UK, New Zealand and throughout Asia.

He said they would also benefit from the rela-tionship that had been formed between the ADFFF and Australia’s football governing body, the Football

SGT Dave Morley

ADF CYCLISTS from across Australia will be in Canberra from October 21-27 for the 2017 National Cycling Carnival (NCC).

ADF Cycling president LCDR Andrew Willett said the annual carnival would include road, track, BMX, cyclo-cross and mountain bike disciplines.

“Each of the disciplines will be graded to ensure maximum participation, from introducto-ry to advanced levels, with the majority of NCC events to be held either within, or in prox-imity to, Stromlo Forest Park, Canberra,” LCDR Willett said.

“ADF Cycling’s primary objective for the NCC is to pro-mote the sport of cycling, in all its disciplines, and to bring its members together in the spirit of participation and competi-tion.”

LCDR Willett said the NCC would also provide an opportu-nity for ADF cycling members to develop skills in their respec-tive cycling disciplines.

“A number of cycling skills clinics will be conducted dur-ing the week-long NCC, with these being open to riders of all skill levels and competencies, from novice to elite,” he said.

“Participants will be strong-ly encouraged to use the exper-tise that will be available, in order to develop individual skills applied to cycling.”

Cyclists put skills to test in Canberra

National titles action

Federation of Australia. “This year’s ADFFF squads will be involved in curtain-raiser games against qual-ity state opposition before an A-League and W-League match during the Remembrance Day weekend rounds,” he said.

“This is a massive deal for the ADFFF and is anoth-er opportunity for our Defence members to showcase a part of life in the Services in front of a large civilian audience.”

All ADFFF National Championship games are free to the public and game times generally start from 1pm-9pm each day, except on November 6.

The biggest matches of the championships will be Air Force v Army men on November 5, and a big dou-ble header on November 7, with Army v Navy women and men.

For further details of game times, go to the ADFFF Facebook group by searching for the Australian Defence Football Federation.

Midfielder POET Steven Sheakey, right, defends during a semi-final game of the Nirimba Cup competition at Randwick Barracks last year. Photo; ABIS Nicolas Gonzalez

Tables turned in final

SMNMT Zachary Storry fends off a tackler during the grand final. Photo: LSIS Nina Fogliani

CPL Bill Solomou

AS THE Richmond Tigers held up the AFL premiership trophy at the MCG, it was a different story in downtown Doveton for the Dogs of HMAS Cerberus, as their winning streak and dream of back-to-back premierships was shattered.

Playing in the Southern Football League third grade grand final at Power Reserve Oval, the Cerberus team – comprised of staff and students from Navy, Air Force, and Army – had ended the season as minor premiers, with 16 wins and one loss.

On the big day, the team got off to a great start kicking three goals, three points and keeping the opposition to just four points at half-time.

However, after the long break, their opposition, the South Yarra Lions, came out fighting and eventually out-scored the Dogs, to win by 16 points 7.7-(49) – 4.9-(33).

Cerberus club executive Chris Harrison said the team had beaten their opposition by 42 points in the qualify-ing final a few weeks earlier.

“On grand final day, both teams played exceptionally well and it was a hard fought contest throughout the

entire match,” Mr Harrison said.“Both teams were exhausted and

gave their all.”Best players for Cerberus were

LSMT Dimitri Garoufalis (2 goals), SMNMT Zachary Storry, M Parker, POB Adam Quinn and ABMT Christopher Madson.

Cerberus playing coach PO Quinn was recently named the league’s best and fairest player.

“It was a great honour and one of the highlights of my AFL career, although I would definitely trade it for a premiership,” PO Quinn said.

“In the grand final, we had a lapse

in the third quarter and that cost us the game.

“That’s why they call it the premier-ship quarter.

“I was extremely happy with the effort and commitment the players put in through the season.”

PO Quinn said he was looking for-ward to the team going one better next year.

Mr Harrison said the executives of the club were pleased to announce the Cerberus team would be fielding a female team in the local 2018 competition.

© Image courtesy of Department of Defence

Assisting serving and ex-servingADF members and their familiesin times of injury, illnessand crisis.

rsldefencecare.org.au

Volume 60, No. 18, October 19, 2017

SPORTABMT Chris Wearne, of the HMAS Cerberus Dogs, makes a tackle during the Southern Football National League grand final.Photo: LSIS Nina Fogliani

GUTS BUT NO GLORY

Grand final loss ends

HMAS Cerberus winning streak

Page 23

Our athletes make a

splash in Toronto

POML-SC Ian McCracken, of HMAS Stirling, competes in the breaststroke event at

the Invictus Games. Photo: LSIS Jayson Tufrey

LAP OF HONOUR

A special four-page lift-out

www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS October 19, 2017 32

THE 2017 Invictus Games closed in Toronto on October 3 with a celebration of spirit, a dose of classic rock and the official handover to the 2018 hosts from

Sydney.The eight-day event, aimed at helping the

wounded, injured and ill with their recovery, was capped by a two-hour ceremony at the Air Canada Centre.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, was joined by former US vice-president Joe Biden, Invictus Games Foundation Chair Sir Keith Mills and other dignitaries who presented participation medallions to the competitors on their way to the arena.

Prince Harry presented a medallion to the team captains after the 17-country parade of nations. During his closing speech he said Toronto had delivered the biggest Invictus Games yet, along with the most incredible atmosphere, which made the competitors feel like the stars they were.

“This is the moment,” he told the athletes.“I told you to be ready to see lives change

right before your eyes, but I didn’t tell you some of those would be your own.

“Let these games inspire you to do some-thing bigger in your family, in your community and across the world.

“Right now, you’re at a high. You thought this was a summit you wouldn’t climb, but you have made it.

“Right here, right now, shoulder-to-shoulder, you are Invictus.”

During the ceremony, highlights from the week attended by more than 75,000 people were shown on video screens, with live performances by Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams, Coeur de Pirate, Kelly Clarkson and Bachman & Turner between the speeches.

Team United Kingdom’s Mark Ormrod, a triple-amputee Afghanistan veteran, won the award for exceptional performance, determina-tion and dedication while Team Afghanistan won the above-and-beyond award for sports-manship, commitment and spirit.

Although there is no official tally, Team Australia brought home 51 medals – 16 gold, 22 silver and 13 bronze.

Highlights of the games included the thun-derous action of the wheelchair rugby, the awe-inspiring prosthetics at the track events and the blur of bicycles during the cycling.

Many will also remember wheelchair tennis player SQNLDR Danny Jeffrey’s performance as he gave the crowd a show by rocking out to AC/DC’s You Shook Me All Night Long to psy-che out the opposition in the play-off against the United Kingdom.

Former soldier Kristin Lane became a world-wide media sensation when he took a snooze on the pool deck at the swimming and was woken up by none other than Prince Harry.

Former soldier Michaela Gilewicz made countless strangers cry after being overcome by emotion during the opening ceremony viewed by millions across the world.

People, including members of the Ontario Police Department who provided security and escorts, stopped her in the street to say how she affected them and Prince Harry even tapped her on the shoulder to tell her how he was close to tears as well.

The Invictus Games showcased the very best of Canada’s hospitality as locals embraced the Games, purchased every ticket and cheered on the competitors, as well as engaging with them and their families to hear their stories.

Close to 1500 volunteers worked a total of 80,000 hours to ensure everything ran smoothly for the teams from 17 nations.

The Invictus Games once again inspired the world with displays of remarkable grit, cama-raderie and heartfelt stories of recovery – a reminder these athletes are not defined by their injuries.

Expressions of interest are already being sought for athletes and coaching staff for the Australian 2018 Invictus Games.

More information can be found at www.defence.gov.au/Events/InvictusGames/2018.asp. Nominations close on October 31.

CPL Mark Doran was part of the team that travelled to Toronto and reports on all the action

LIFE-CHANGINGTEAM Australia wheelchair rugby coach WOCIS Andrew Bertoncin, of HMAS Stirling, usually coaches rugby and cricket.

When he was asked to support Team Australia for the 2017 Invictus Games, it was an opportunity not to be missed.

Any sport originally coined “murderball” has excitement written all over it.

WO Bertoncin said it was a great experience and a huge learning curve for him.

“I needed to learn the concept of wheelchair rugby, which was a challenge as I don’t have wheelchair skills at all,” he said.

“The strategy of the game was easy to pick up, so then I built in the drills for the team.”

The Australian team trained with, and played against, the NSW wheelchair rugby teams in the lead-up to Toronto.

Contact between wheelchairs is allowed and players frequent-ly collide as they attempt to stop their opponents and take control of the ball.

WO Bertoncin said the team benefited from the one-on-one mentorship by the NSW and Australian Paralympians who taught them the basic skills of defence, screening and passing.

“The game is actually more like NFL football with the blocking tactics to allow someone a clear path to cross the tryline,” he said.

“The chairs are made to take a fair bit of contact, which is a big part of the fast-paced, exciting game.”

WO Bertoncin said it was an intimidating experience to walk into the arena with the team at the opening ceremony.

“I could sense how proud the Australians were and the respect the crowd had for the veterans. It was an amazing experience.”

Team Australia played well in the pool matches to beat Canada 28-8 in the first game and then won against New Zealand 20-13.

Denmark gave the Aussies a lesson with their 25-10 win, as did the UK during the semi-final winning 26-19.

The bronze match against USA was a fast, close match, but some quick scoring in the second half gave USA the 23-18 win.

WO Bertoncin said Team Australia played above expectations.“Some members of the team had never competed in wheel-

chair rugby before, which shows how well the team developed,” he said.

“We were fairly close to the USA for the bronze medal, but at least we beat the Kiwis, and we put on a good show.

“It was great to see how well our players did, especially in the last game.”

‘I could sense how proud the Australians were’

POML-SC Ian McCracken, of HMAS Stirling, had a mini stroke in 2015 which left him with a brain injury.

He was motivated to become an Invictus Games athlete after supporting the team in last year’s games in Orlando and has been swimming as his main source of rehabilitation.

PO McCracken said he exceeded his personal goals during the 2017 games.

“It was a thrill to represent Australia, which is something I never thought I’d be able to do,” he said.

“It was an honour and a privilege.“In my freestyle and breaststroke

heats I lowered my time by about 3sec, but my biggest highlight was being within .01sec of making a final.

“It was fantastic to be a part of the swimming team, and after all the train-

ing we did, watch them walk away with 13 medals.

“Watching the three Australian girls stand on the podium after winning gold, silver and bronze in the 50m freestyle was definitely a stand-out moment.”

PO McCracken said there was an amazing buzz in Toronto.

“The mood in the athletes’ village was fantastic – everyone was happy – it was infectious,” he said.

“Mixing with the competitors from the other nations gave us the chance to learn about each other’s recovery jour-neys and I also met other stroke victims.

“Their stories were amazing and I have about 40 new friends on Facebook who I will be staying in touch with.

“Our staff and coaches were with us every step of the way and my swimming

coach LEUT Amy Beal was my rock.”PO McCracken said there were many

emotional moments during the games.“During the closing ceremony I shed

a lot of tears of joy,” he said.“After 10 months of pushing my

body as much as I could it all became a reality to me.

“Health-wise, I’m fitter – I’ve dropped 12kg and also lowered my cholesterol. Mentally, I’ve never felt stronger.”

PO McCracken said his expression of interest was already submitted for the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney.

“I just have to push myself a bit harder in the pool as I desperately want to make the finals in front of a home crowd,” he said.

“I still have a long way to go on

my recovery journey, but the Invictus Games have helped enormously.”

As circumstances made taking his family to Toronto difficult, PO McCracken invited the nurse who ini-tially helped him after his stroke.

Jillian Brown, of Fiona Stanley Hospital, said it was a wonderful privi-lege to be invited to the Games.

“To see where Ian started with the total loss of movement in his right side to the progress he has made is abso-lutely incredible,” she said.

“He now has about 90 per cent of his movement and coordination back.

“The games also helped me deal with my PTSD from dealing with hor-rific scenes and demonstrated how important they are, not just for the com-petitors, but their families as well.”

Wheelchair rugby coach WOCIS Andrew Bertoncin was pleased with the improvement of his team over the duration of the Invictus Games. Photos: CPL Mark Doran

‘It felt wonderful’POMED Latisha Baker, of HMAS Creswell, has back, arm and leg injuries after being hit by a car while rid-ing her motorbike.

Returning to sport and fit-ness after being sedentary for a long time helped her remain motivated and she competed in indoor rowing and wheelchair basketball during the Invictus Games in Canada.

PO Baker said the Team Australia camaraderie and team spirit was raised another notch during the flight to Toronto and received another boost on arrival at the athletes’ village.

“We then began travel-ling to all the events to cheer each other on,” she said.

“Walking into the arena with Team Australia during the opening ceremony at the Air Canada Centre was the most emotional moment for me.

“It was fantastic to meet competitors from the other nations – it was just like talk-ing to old friends.”

PO Baker said the Toronto experience clicked when she began her first event.

“It was exciting to see my teammates competing, but when it was then my turn, it became real,” she said.

“I achieved personal bests in the women’s IR6 indoor rowing four-minute endur-

ance final with 976m and the one-minute sprint with 276m.

“It felt wonderful.”PO Baker travelled to

Toronto with her mother Donna Thompson and an old school friend Katie Brien.

The support of the com-petitors’ family and friends formed valuable memories and new friendships and was a form of therapy for all involved.

PO Baker said the best part of the Invictus Games was seeing the physical and mental changes in the athletes compared to what they were like during the first training camp in January.

“There have been mas-sive improvements within the team,” she said.

“I’ve come from not doing any form of fitness to where I am now, and I will be con-tinuing to train in rowing and most likely wheelchair bas-ketball as well.”

PO Baker said she would face major surgery in the coming months, which meant she would be unable to apply for next year’s Invictus Games.

“I’d love to be in the team again, but I can’t delay the operations anymore – I will definitely be going to Sydney to support the next Team Australia,” she said.

‘Mentally I’ve never felt stronger’

Prince Harry meets POMED Latisha Baker, left, and CPL Sonya Newman during a training session on the day before the start of the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada.

POML-SC Ian McCracken, left, swim coach LEUT Amy Beal and WOCIS Andrew Bertoncin at the 2017 Invictus Games opening ceremony.

A special four-page lift-out

Game on Down Under

THIS year I have had the absolute privilege of working with an exceptional group of people; our Invictus Games team. From the

first training camp in January through to the closing ceremony in Toronto a few weeks ago, our team has been truly inspirational.

The 2017 Invictus Games brought together more than 550 athletes from 17 nations.

Their stories are unique and the journeys they are on are so important. Their individual and collective courage is there for all to see.

In the space of 10 months, as they underwent preparations for this amaz-ing event, I witnessed a profound change in a number of the Australian team. The increased confidence they now have in themselves and the opti-mism about their paths forward leaves me in no doubt about the tenacity of the human spirit.

The Invictus Games redefine the meaning of triumph. It’s not about victory, it’s not about the medals and it is not about backing a champion

VCDF VADM Ray Griggs

team. It’s about personal achievement; it’s about getting to the start line. And it’s about watching a triple amputee take to the pool, being urged on by thousands of cheering spectators, then emerging with a beaming smile and a real sense of accomplishment.

To say it is inspirational is really an understatement.

Adaptive sports generally, and Invictus specifically, provide our wounded, injured and ill with renewed purpose. Participation presents a chance to change direction and the opportunity to help rebuild.

Together with other initiatives like the ADF Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills pro-gram, adaptive sports give our people different recovery paths that can com-plement and enhance more traditional treatments. We recognise the funda-mental importance of these different pathways.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ to recovery because the experiences and individual circumstances of our people are unique.

The reasons current and former ADF members take part in the Invictus Games are varied, encompassing eve-rything from combat wounds to sick-ness and mental health injuries.

Crucially, there is no hierarchy of injuries; nobody is more important than any other team member.

At the end of the day, it is the road forward that is more important than the road that has been travelled, as hard and as challenging as that road has been.

In this regard the Invictus Games has been a great mechanism to help break down the stigma of mental health.

One of the things that has struck me throughout this year is the courage and support of the incredible families. People so often forget that families are on the recovery journey as well, and for them it is sometimes harder than it is for the serviceman or woman.

But as they go about their work largely unsung and unheralded, it is impossible to ignore the tremendous effect they have on those they support. That’s why it was good to see family and friends of our athletes in Toronto in such numbers, and with such a great spirit.

Another unsung group are the coaches, team management and sup-port staff. This is simply no ordinary sporting team.

It has to be about the competitors and the families all the time, and this requires real and sustained commit-ment.

The team this year has been excep-tionally well supported.

Whether you are a competitor, family member, coach, medical practi-tioner or simply someone who has had the privilege of watching it all come together – you cannot help but be changed by the Invictus experience.

If you or someone you know would benefit from the Invictus experience, remember that regardless of whether you are a current or former serving member, there are opportunities to get involved.

Nominations are now open for athletes and coaches to form the 2018 Australian Invictus Games team, with more information available at http://www.defence.gov.au/Events/InvictusGames/2018.asp.

As they say, game on Down Under.

Australian co-captains CAPT Emma Kadziolka and SGT Peter Rutland and their families wave the Invictus flag, which will be brought to the games in Sydney in 2018. Photo: CPL Mark Doran

The Australian Invictus Games team and staff members at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, Canada. Photo: LSIS Jayson Tufrey

4 October 19, 2017 www.defence.gov.au/news/NAVYNEWS