As teams work to remove unexploded ordnance across East New Britain, personnel are working to build trust, raise awareness and help communities stay safe.
Operation Render Safe comprises personnel from Australia, Papua New Guinea, France, Japan, the United States Australia, Papua New Guinea, the United States, Japan and other international partners to reduce the threat of wartime ordnance remnants and connect with the people living among them.
Captain Stephen Smith said the chance to work closely with the community was one of the most meaningful parts of the mission.
"It's not just about clearing remnants of war - it's about building relationships within the local community," Captain Smith said.
"You can't separate safety from community. If they trust us, they'll talk to us - and that helps everyone."
In early June, personnel from the explosive ordnance disposal team, Wallaby One, visited Sikut Matupit Primary School in Rabaul with international partners, engaging with students and teachers about the dangers of unexploded ordnance and the importance of staying safe around suspicious items.
'The more we can engage, the more confident people feel reporting something unusual.'
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force officer Captain Masato Furusho said the visit was an important opportunity to connect with the local community.
"It was a valuable experience to engage directly with the people here," Captain Furusho said.
"Building relationships helps strengthen the mission and our shared understanding."
After the school visit, the team spoke with local residents about the risks unexploded ordnance poses and how to report anything that looks suspicious.
"The more we can engage, the more confident people feel reporting something unusual," Captain Smith said.
"That's how we keep communities safe."
Operation Render Safe continues throughout June.
