Recognition for outstanding performance
JUST before the Christmas holidays, Norm Minard was recognised for his performance over several decades at RAAF Base East Sale as part of the Land Management Team and Domestic Services Cleaning Team.
Norm first started working at RAAF Base East Sale in 1982/83 as a student undertaking work experience.
Initially working in the Land Management Team responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the grounds, trees and gardens across the Base, Norm moved across to the Domestic Services Team, becoming the most recognised cleaner across the Base.
Throughout his career, Norm has personally cleaned every building from the Medical Centre, Training Schools, the Control Tower and the Pilot Training School.
In 2023, he returned to the Land Management Team, and to his true passion – working outdoors – where he has single handedly raised the Base’s overall grounds and gardens to an extremely high standard, which is often commented on by staff and students alike.
The Senior ADF Officer, Group Captain Brett Williams and the Base Manager, Jim Sutton presented Norm with a certificate, commending him for his dedication and hard work which is evident for all to see.
The certificate continued by stating Norm should be justifiably proud of his efforts and how he has continuously been approachable and friendly to all Base personnel.
Norm’s contribution over many decades has been simply amazing, becoming a stalwart of the Base. His diligence, professionalism, work output and friendly demeanour has been exceptional.
Group Captain Williams finished by thanking Norm, on behalf of all members of RAAF Base East Sale, for his effort, stating his passion, personable nature and work ethic are exemplary and that his achievements have brought credit upon himself, Ventia and the Royal Australian Air Force.
Aviator Training expands
RESPONSIBILITY for delivering Air Force’s Airborne Electronics Analyst (AEA) Initial Course recently transferred from 292 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia to the Air Mission Training School (AMTS) at RAAF Base East Sale.
One of the graduates of the first AEA course was Aircraftman Mujtaba Hakimi (Mitch).
Growing up in an ethnic minority family in Afghanistan, Mitch lived in constant fear of violence at the hands of the Taliban.
At the age of eight, Aircraftman Hakimi’s family fled the instability of war-torn Afghanistan, immigrating to Australia in 2009 with the promise of a better life.
“Prior to immigrating, my parents had known nothing but conflict their entire lives,” Aircraftman Hakimi said.
“In the hope for us to have a better childhood, an education and a chance at a future, my parents decided to leave.
“Arriving with no knowledge of English, by the age of 12, I had mastered the language well enough to be enrolled into a primary school to attend my first-ever classroom lessons.”
Aircraftman Hakimi continued his passion for education while completing high school at Adelaide’s Thomas More College, where he sparked an interest in aviation.
“After gaining my commercial pilot license, I was looking for an aviation role in Defence,” he said.
Aircraftman Hakimi’s aviation knowledge was recently enhanced with his successful completion of the first AEA Initial Course to be run at AMTS.
“The course began with intensive theory at the start but I really enjoyed the sim phase where I had to put all the theory learned into practice,” he said.
“This tested my situational awareness, analyst ability and prioritisation skills constantly. I really enjoyed the challenges of making progress with each sim event to learn skills and abilities to be (an) excellent aviator.”
What’s on at Dutson Range
DUTSON Training Area will be active during the periods listed below 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 performed.
February 1-9 – Military training including blank ammunition, and;
February 22-24 – Military training including irritant agents.
While RAAF personnel strive to inform the public of all activities conducted at Dutson Training Area, explosions may be heard outside of the dates listed above if dictated by operational requirements.
Warning to hunters
IN the interest of public safety, notification is hereby given that access to Dutson Training Area is prohibited.
Dutson Training Area is still an active weapons range, and presents a significant hazard to all persons within the range boundaries.
The hazard not only exists during range activation for weapons exercises, but also during times of inactivity.
This is due to the very high levels of Unexploded Explosive Ordnance on this range, some dating back to World War 2, much of which is in an unstable condition.
Unmarked silted in bomb craters present another significant hazard.
Signs are clearly visible to denote the range boundaries and any areas with unexploded ordnance.
You 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.
The Dutson Range boundaries are depicted above.
For further information, phone Sergeant Nick Young on 0429 402 049.
Aircraft Operations at East Sale
IF you are interested in learning more about Military flying operations, visit defence.gov.au/about/locations-property/aircraft-noise/military-flying
This includes a link to Noise Management and mitigation and the Air Force Noise Management Strategy.
The Defence approach to noise mitigation and Air Force fly neighbourly policy can also be found at the above link.
General information
ANY enquiries relating to activities at RAAF Base East Sale, should be directed to the Air Base Command Post on 5169 9892, or via email to esl.abcp@defence.gov.au
RAAF Base East Sale Manager, Jim Sutton and Senior ADF Officer Group Captain, Brett Williams congratulate Norm Minard on his lengthy career maintaining grounds at the base.
Dutson Training Area Range Boundaries.
