Media Room: Defence Alert

HMAS TOBRUK DEPARTS FOR PACIFIC AID MISSION

What:              HMAS Tobruk will depart for Samoa and Tonga loaded with stores and equipment for reconstruction purposes following last month’s tsunami.

When:             8:45am for a 10:00am departure, Tuesday 27 October 2009.

Where:           Media wanting to attend the departure should arrive by 8:45am at main gate HMAS Kuttabul, Corner of Wylde St and Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo, New South Wales. Photo identification will be required. 

Who:               The Commanding Officer of HMAS Tobruk, Commander Peter Thompson, will hold a media doorstop at 9:15am.

The Royal Australian Navy’s heavy landing ship HMAS Tobruk will depart Sydney loaded with a range of goods, equipment and relief aid destined for Samoa and Tonga.

The Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) has donated a fire truck to Samoa to replace one destroyed during the tsunami.  This is part of an ongoing relationship the MFB has shared with the Samoa Fire and Emergency Service Authority (SFESA) for almost 20 years.

There will also be $150,000 worth of construction stores and heavy machinery to assist in the recovery work and a large consignment of donated goods from businesses and the Australian community.

Media contact:

Dane Svenson                                                                                               0411 203 579

Defence Media Liaison:                                                     02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664