Introduction to new Senior ADF Officer Brett Williams
AS I start 2023 in my role as the Senior ADF Officer for RAAF Base East Sale, I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and give you a little of my background.
This is actually my fourth time back to Sale, having first trained here in 1997 as a navigator with the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).
During that time I was lucky enough to meet my wife, Carly, who grew up on a local dairy farm in the Woodside area.
Post a short stint in New Zealand, I returned in 2004 as an instructor at the School of Air Warfare where Carly and I started a family, built a house and enjoyed the local community.
After 11 years with the Royal New Zealand Airforce, I transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force as an Air Combat Officer and had postings to RAAF Base Edinburgh and Darwin flying the AP-3C Orion.
I have served in a number of other command and staff appointments at Edinburgh, Darwin, and Canberra, as well as on operations in the Middle East and South East Asia.
My last posting to RAAF Base East Sale was in 2019 as Commanding Officer of No. 1 Flying Training School, which then transitioned to what is known today as the Air Mission Training School, where I was responsible for the training of mission aircrew. My current posting has two components. I am formally posted as the Officer Commanding Air Academy and responsible for all basic and instructor aviation related training. Not only does this include the East Sale units of No 1 Flying Training School, Air Mission Training School, Central Flying School, No 32 Squadron and the School of Air Traffic Control, but also No 2 Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce, and the combat survival and training school at RAAF Base Townsville.
Other responsibilities include the Air Force Balloon, RAAF Roulettes, and No 100 Squadron as the Air Force Heritage Squadron.
In my appointment as the Senior ADF Officer for RAAF Base East Sale, I work in partnership with the base manager for whole of base planning, operations and incident management. This includes acting as the senior representative of the ADF for ceremonial events such as ANZAC Day and other community engagement opportunities.
As part of that aspect, I look forward to working with Wellington Shire Council, particularly given this year represents the 80th Anniversary of RAAF Base East Sale.
I am very pleased to return to Sale and the local Gippsland area, and am keen to enjoy all that being back in the ‘Middle of Everywhere’ offers.
Welcome to newly posted in defence personnel, aviators and their families
THAT time of year again, and you will see new Defence personnel, aviators and their family arrive for postings to the base, and we welcome them all, particularly those who have not been to RAAF Base East Sale before.
As Group Captain Williams mentioned, Sale and the wider area has become known as the ‘Middle of Everywhere’ given its central location and access to the mountains and the beach and everywhere in between.
For those East Sale personnel and their families new to the area, you might have already seen the phrase flying on the flags in the Sale mall or on display at Day @ The Port over the weekend. But otherwise you can find out more about the great area we live in at www.themiddleofeverywhere.com.au or on the Facebook page.
You can even get an app to help you with local event updates and offers.
East Sale welcome event
IN January, the Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) organisation hosted an event for ADF members and their families in the Sale area.
The event was held at Jump and Climb Traralgon and was a huge hit with those who attended.
These events are implemented to assist ADF families who are new to the area (and sometimes to Defence) in making connections with the available support organisations, resources, local organisations and other families in the area to encourage a smooth transition for all.
ADF families come in all shapes and sizes, and although at first glance Jump and Climb appears a child centred venue, there were also childfree ADF families in attendance having a great time.
RAAF Base East Sale and DMFS appreciate the support and cooperation of local businesses and organisations in holding these types of events to support our ADF families, and to make sure all who move to this beautiful area make the most of their time here.
Australia Day Honours List
FOR those not aware, Flight Lieutenant Dave Hughes, a member of the School of Air Traffic Control, RAAF Base East Sale, was a recipient of a Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2023 Australia Day honours and awards, for outstanding achievement in Air Traffic Controller training for the Australian Defence Force.
Flight Lieutenant Hughes, who recently celebrated 40 years of service in both the RAF and RAAF, was honoured for his dedication to ensuring the best possible outcomes for Air Traffic Control trainees, and ensuring optimum capability for the Royal Australian Air Force.
Over many years, Dave has displayed remarkable insight in modernising the full spectrum of the Air Traffic Control Training System. Congratulations!
Australian Air Force Cadets
NO. 409 Squadron is the Australian Air Force Cadet unit at RAAF Base East Sale.
Sale has had cadets in the area since 1959, and has a parade night on base on Tuesday nights.
Eligibility requirements can be found at www.airforcecadets.gov.au and applications will soon close for the start of 2023.
What’s on at Dutson Range
DUTSON Training Area will be active during the periods listed for Field Training Exercises.
Some of these activities may involve demolition practices and, as such, explosions may be heard between the hours of 9am and 4pm each day.
Public recreational usage of Lake Wellington will not be affected by these exercises.
Feb 8-19: Initial Officer Training including live fire activities
Feb 27- Mar 1: Military Field Training
Whilst RAAF personnel strive to inform the public of all activities conduced at Dutson Training Area, explosions may be heard outside of the dates listed above if dictated by operational requirements.
The Range Area is depicted on the map below and RAAF poster No 207, displayed on the range boundaries.
The public are reminded that it is an offence, under section 89 and 89A of the Commonwealth Crimes Act, to trespass on Defence land, and to discharge firearms on or over Commonwealth land.
For further information, phone Sergeant Nick Young on 0429 402 049.
Operations at East Sale
FLYING training has commenced again for 2023, and the RAAF Roulettes have already started the 2023 Roulette season.
Hopefully you might have seen them on Australia Day or overhead at Day @ the Port. If you are interested in what they do, you can keep up to date with their Air Force Roulettes Facebook page.
As we get closer to the Avalon Airshow 2023, on March 3-5 for the general public, you can also get updated with Avalon news on their website or Facebook page.
If you are interested in learning more about the role of RAAF Base East Sale, you can visit: www.defence.gov.au/aircraftnoise/EastSale
This includes a link the RAAF East Sale Noise Management Plan.
The Defence approach to noise mitigation and Air Force fly neighbourly policy can also be found through the ‘Understanding Noise’ site.
