Murray Barracks CA patrol DPR/TV/1263

Soldiers based at Murray Barracks, Port Moresby, recently played a major role in the Papua-New Guinea Command's patrol programme during a civic action mission in the Territory's Gulf District. The thirty man patrol travelled from Port Moresby by Army landing craft to begin a multitude of skilled tasks. One of the everyday jobs undertaken by the Army technicians is the repairing and maintenance of outboard motors and radio sets. The team repaired seventy radio sets during the current programme at Kikori. Medical aid by Army medical assistants both at the Kikori hospital and at the patrol base was also much appreciated by the local population. The medics treated more than five hundred people for tropical ulcers, infections, cuts and scratches. Soldiers and local people worked side by side on community projects such as the preparation of the site for a rural health centre, the demolition and rebuilding of old shower blocks and the restoration of existing plumbing. Army Education Corps Sergeants serving in the Territory also played their part on the patrol. Not only did they give lessons at the Kikori primary school, where they talked about their home areas of Australia, but they also helped repair school equipment. One such teacher is Sergeant John Calnan of West Beach, Adelaide, SA, whose experience in the South Australian country towns of Ethelton, Wallaroo, Kadina and Murray Bridge has stood him in good stead for his teaching role in the Territory. Also identified: Sergeant (Sgt) Paul Whelan of Wangaratta, Vic; 2nd Lieutenant Geoff Russell of Thornleigh, NSW; Corporal (Cpl) Patrick Bana of Bougainville; Cpl Julius Awan of Manus Island; Signalman Abel Jackson of Wewak; Sgt Lawrie Finneran of Botany, NSW; Sapper (Spr) Paul Lovio of Bougainville; Warrant Officer 1 Don Phillips of Holsworthy, NSW; Captain John Griffiths of Greenacre, NSW; Sgt 'Tassie' Holloway of Launceston, Tas; Private (Pte) John Karaki of Goroka; Cpl Paul Wasis of Mendi; Cpl Lomus Manna of Popondetta; Kikori man Toudo; Cpl Peter Kopp of Gosford, NSW; Pte George Siwi of Madang; Sgt Sam Pasen; 8-year-old girl Nomi; Sgt John Meyer of Carnegie, Vic; Sgt Dave Roxburgh of Albury, NSW; Spr Joe Mopa of Madang; Spr Samuel Komba of Lae.