RAAF Base Williamtown flexed its muscles for a meaningful cause this month as Combat Support Group (CSG) units faced off in the annual CSG Charity Group Workout, raising more than $2400 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a vital not-for-profit organisation focused on supporting First Nations communities by providing essential literacy resources to remote Indigenous areas where First Nations languages are the primary means of communication and traditional dialects are still prevalent.
The workout was rigorous, with four teams competing for the win. Teams from 381 Squadron, 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron, 1 Combat Control Squadron Williamtown Detachment, 26 Squadron and 1 Security Forces Squadron took part.
Squadron Leader Coen Henry, the senior Indigenous liaison officer, served as the referee and presenter for the day.
"381 Squadron won both the workout winners' trophies and the most significant combined squadron donations," Squadron Leader Henry said.
Following 381 Squadron in the final standings were 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron, 1 Combat Control Squadron Williamtown Detachment, 26 Squadron, and 1 Security Forces Squadron - all of which delivered strong performances and kept the competition tight.
'381 Squadron won both the workout winners' trophies and the most significant combined squadron donations.'
The event was structured to highlight teamwork. The workout, designed by Williamtown physical training instructors and Squadron Leader Henry, included two phases.
Phase one - 'Strength and Conditioning' - comprised 10,000 metres on the Nordic skiing machine, 10,000 metres on the rowing machine and 20,000 metres on the assault bike. Each cardio segment was paired with strength exercises as part of a superset. Phase two - 'The Finisher' - featured a 400-metre relay run, a 50-metre water jerry can carry and a leopard crawl relay.
The event concluded with an official presentation and barbecue breakfast.
"RAAF Base Williamtown CSG units raised a fantastic effort of a combined $2405 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation," Squadron Leader Henry said.
"The funds raised facilitate meaningful reconciliation outcomes and play a significant role in the Closing the Gap initiative. Such a commitment empowers Indigenous communities, helps preserve their cultural heritage, and promotes diversity and inclusion within the Air Force, establishing it as an employer of choice."
The money raised will go towards hundreds of books and resources for First Nations children.
