Almost a week after working to clear debris following the severe weather event that impacted the Gold Coast region on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, soldiers were surprised to be thanked personally by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Sapper Luis Salazar, of the 25th/49th Battalion, the Royal Queensland Regiment, who now lives on the Gold Coast, moved from Colombia to Australia in 2008.
He became an Australian citizen in 2014, and was honoured to meet Mr Albanese while on the ground as part of Joint Task Group 629.3.
"I feel very honoured and proud meeting the Prime Minister of Australia, presenting him with the 11th Brigade military patch and having him thank me and my section for the work we have been doing," Sapper Salazar said,
"We have been clearing so much debris from the Christmas Day storms and it has been particularly rewarding helping the Gold Coast community, where I also live, to ensure that schools can safely open."
Sapper Claire Lowe, of the 11th Engineer Regiment, said she was proud to be helping the community in their time of need.
"I'm from Tully in North Queensland and am used to floods and storm events. It's what we do, helping each other out in times of need," she said.
"I was asked to present the Prime Minister with the Joint Task Force coin. He was genuinely grateful and commented on how much he values these military coins and appreciates their military value and tradition, which is why he said he keeps them in a display case in his Parliament House office."
Commander of Joint Task Group 629.3, Brigadier Richard Peace, was on the ground observing the transformation and impact following the task's completion.
"We have been gratefully accepted on the ground on the Gold Coast," Brigadier Peace said.
"The local state schools have left care packages and drawings for our soldiers showing their gratitude. Even though these residents have been impacted and lost homes and livelihoods they are thinking of the ADF on the ground.
"Having the Prime Minister on the Gold Coast has given soldiers of the 11th Brigade a real boost. The weather continues to be hot, humid and wet and they continue to get the job done."
