Second Combat Engineer Regiment based at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane assisted in the completion of works at the Hope Centre in Quy Nhon, Vietnam during Pacific Partnership 2010.
The largest of four engineering projects in Vietnam, 45 engineers from the United States and Australia as well as volunteers from Vietnam and United States Naval Ship Mercy conducted a refurbishment of the 50-room building. The scope of work included installing light fittings, fans, and plumbing services, tiling, replacement of the roof as well as painting all interior and exterior walls. The Hope Centre is a school for 100 disabled children and will re-open in 2011.
Australia is participating in the annual US-led humanitarian assistance mission. Twenty-two ADF personnel have joined USNS Mercy as the first of three separate Australian contingents to rotate through the region over the next three months.
The PP10 mission marks the fifth year of Australian support, and will provide engineering and medical assistance in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea.
Aimed at strengthening international relationships and interoperability for disaster relief throughout South East Asia and Oceania, ADF personnel will be based out of USNS Mercy in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and East Timor. Additionally, RAN assets HMA Ships Labuan and Brunei will provide assistance with ship to shore movements in some countries.
Press release
Ministerial Support and Public Affairs,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, Australia