Exercise Christmas Hop 2025 has brought Christmas cheer to some of Queensland's most remote communities, helping children and families celebrate the festive season.
The annual initiative reflects Defence's commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and sharing goodwill during the holidays.
Australian Defence Force personnel visited communities including Mornington Island, Doomadgee, Weipa, Normanton, Kowanyama, Cloncurry, Badu Island, Horn Island, Masig Island, Pormpuraaw, Aurukun, Longreach and Burketown.
A Royal Australian Air ForceC-27J Spartan and C-130J Hercules aircraft played a key role in delivering toys, sporting equipment, education resources and apparel, generously donated by organisations across the country. The exercise was supported by the Australian Army's 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, working alongside Air Force crews to make the deliveries possible.
These donations were coordinated in partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), which has worked with Defence since 2021 to bring joy to children in regional and remote areas.
The AOC plays a central role in sourcing and coordinating donations from organisations nationwide, ensuring communities receive high-quality goods that promote education, sport and wellbeing. This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and making Christmas special for families in remote locations.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
"Exercise Christmas Hop is about spreading joy and supporting communities in Far North Queensland during the festive season.
"This initiative reflects the strong connection between our Defence Force and remote communities, and highlights the generosity of Australians who help make Christmas special for every child."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh:
"ADF personnel are driven by a desire to serve our nation. For some ADF service means being away from their families and loved ones at Christmas, so they understand the importance of bringing some Christmas cheer to our remote communities.
"Well done to all the Defence members who took part in this year's Operation Christmas Hop, and thank you everyone who donated so generously or helped behind the scenes."
Quotes attributable to Commander Air Mobility Group, Air Commodore Benjamin Poxon:
"Exercise Christmas Hop delivers real outcomes for remote communities, while ensuring our aircrew and support personnel are trained to operate in remote areas.
"Exercise Christmas Hop balances meaningful community engagement with airlift training opportunities for the Royal Australian Air Force."
