1 December 2020
The annual dinner to bring together members of the community around RAAF Base Woomera was held on October 29.
Air Commander Australia Air Vice Marshal Vincent Iervasi hosted the stakeholder dinner, which followed a community engagement meeting that afternoon attended by Air Force personnel, land owners, pastoralists, local Indigenous people, other community members and Defence industry personnel.
Speaking at the dinner, Air Vice Marshal Vincent Iervasi said he appreciated the local community’s support of the base and willingness to work with Defence.
“It has been a tremendous day meeting and chatting with the Woomera locals and understanding and talking through the challenges facing our community stakeholders here,” Air Vice Marshal Iervasi said.
“The local community has my genuine thanks for its continued support of RAAF Base Woomera and helping Air Force meet our strategic objectives.”
Commanding Officer Air Force Test Ranges Squadron Wing Commander Jeremy Parkin said community engagement within the Woomera Prohibited Area was one of his top priorities for the squadron.
“Community engagement is vital here in Woomera with so many different stakeholders,” Wing Commander Parkin said.
“In order to meet our strategic objectives, we are sometimes required to close roads, which prevents pastoralists from using portions of their land.
“We collaborate with these communities to minimise our impact to their businesses.
“This is vital in ensuring we maintain relationships and support these stakeholders.”
The stakeholder meeting and dinner was held at the Eldo Hotel near RAAF Base Woomera.
