Community & Business
12 June, 2021
Army moves into town
MAREEBA was a buzz after the Field Days with the Army setting up shop at the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds.
MAREEBA was a buzz after the Field Days with the Army setting up shop at the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds.
On Saturday, May 29, as agricultural machinery left the grounds, machinery of a different kind took their place across the fields.
The Australian Army has set up camp for a month in preparation before moving into Cape York to deliver infrastructure and services.
This movement is part of the annual Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP), moving personal and equipment into Pormpuraaw.
Since starting in 1997 the AACAP aims to improve health and living standards in Aboriginal communities as well as create Indigenous employment opportunities during project operations and afterwards.
“As part of this program, Army personnel will live and work alongside the community of Pormpuraaw from June to September this year,” a Defence spokesperson said.
“Delivering upgrades to infrastructure and services, provide vocational training, support community health programs and community-based activities.
“The Army personnel in Mareeba are moving equipment into place for the advanced party, who will set up living facilities for the main group, which will follow in two weeks.”
