Soldiers released from quarantine after Victorian mission

More than 90 Australian Army personnel from Brisbane’s 7th Combat Brigade have returned home to their families after a two-month deployment on Operation COVID-19 Assist in Victoria and 14-days in hotel quarantine.

CAPTION: Soldiers from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment, (Queensland Mounted Infantry), leave hotel quarantine in Brisbane after supporting Operation COVID-19 Assist in Victoria for 10 weeks. Photo by Corporal Nicole Dorrett.

In July 2020, soldiers from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment and 7th Combat Service Support Battalion departed Brisbane in response to a request from the Victorian government to assist with its second wave of COVID-19.

Commanding Officer 7th Combat Service Support Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Colin Lingo said his troops were proud to have had the opportunity to assist Victorian communities during these challenging times.

“For many of our personnel, this was the second deployment to Victoria for the year, having also deployed on Operation Bushfire Assist,” Lieutenant Colonel Lingo said.

“Seeing our people putting their training into practise demonstrates that our teams are always ready to go where they are needed.”

On Operation COVID-19 Assist, 7th Combat Brigade personnel were involved in a wide range of tasks in support of the Victorian government.

“These personnel provided logistic support to the Department of Health and Human Services, supported COVID-19 testing locations and contact tracing, assisted the Aged Care Response Centre, conducted community outreach, and provided support to the Victorian Police and Ambulance Victoria,” Lieutenant Colonel Lingo said.

“Personnel often worked in roles that were outside their trade or training, but displayed adaptability and perseverance to complete the tasks.

“I am proud of each and every soldier from 7th Combat Brigade for their professionalism and commitment to supporting Victorian communities.”

In addition to this support in Victoria, more than 300 troops from the 7th Combat Brigade are still supporting the NSW and Queensland governments as part of Army’s contribution to Operation COVID-19 Assist.

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