By Joyce Marsh, Woodenbong Correspondent
OVER the last 12 months the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (8/9 RAR) Brisbane, have deployed over 400 soldiers in four separate operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and the last Battalion returned to Australia in July.
It came time for extensive exercises and Commanding Officer of 8/9 RAR Lieutenant Colonel James Hammett decided to put his Battalion through it’s paces in the dense country of Unumgar State Forest just ten kilometres southeast of Woodenbong in NSW, where 600 of the Australian Army’s finest infantrymen and women slogged up and down some of the steepest hills and densest jungle that Australia has to offer.
The exercise was based from the Woodenbong showgrounds and involved the Battalions Rifle Companies and supporting elements.
After several days the activity concluded with the battalion conducting a forced march back to the showgrounds to take part in an Open Day for members of the public and local community.
To the amazement of the visitors who attended the Open Day, the Army put on a real show with interactive activities.
These included personal contact, the children using metal detectors improvising finding land mines, using night vision goggles, camouflage face painting, rides in the Bushman Tanks, handling a machine gun, give-aways of hats and drink bottles and a commentated mock battle on the hill which included smoke bombs.
For this day, the Army Officer offered the Woodenbong community a fundraising opportunity to raise funds for a local cause.
The chosen recipients were four of Woodenbong’s talented children who represent our community, school and Australia by their pursuits, three of which in sport and one education.
The recipients are: Remy Leonard for Archery representing Australia in Turkey, Ireland, USA and New Zealand; Katelyn Grimmett for Touch Football in New Zealand and in 2017 for Futsal in California; Shallin Fuller for Touch Football in New Zealand; and Isaiah Hickling who won the Prestigious Arts Scholarship and studies at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Sydney. All this travelling is expensive and were recognised for their need of assistance.
A great effort by generous local volunteers who pulled the opportunity together in short time, and with the soldiers and visitors who supported it, it raised $1800, then Rod Moreton of the Woodenbong Riding Club rallied and added a $200 donation, giving the children $500 each.
The presentations to the children were made by WPA President Christine Reid and Jody Dickens at the big Woodenbong trail bike event held last weekend which in itself was a fabulous fundraiser for the community.
There, hundreds of participants, visitors and locals were treated to the professional stunt riding exhibition by Brad Burch and Robbie Marshall of ‘Showtime’ who have come through the ranks from Nitro Circus and Crusty Demons, fireworks display, children’s activities, live music, food and merriment.
Woodenbong has had a full and rewarding month thanks to opportunities given and generous support of volunteers.
