SECURITY across the Cape has been boosted with the induction of 12 new recruits from across Cape York into the Australian Army’s 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment.
The 51st, known as the eyes and ears of the Cape, conducts reconnaissance and surveillance across the region’s coastline in support of border security, as well as community engagement and disaster relief operations.
Their newest soldiers have just completed a two-week training course in Townsville, which includes navigation, first aid, communications and weapons training.
Recruits hail from Napranum, Weipa, Yarrabah, Mareeba and the Torres Strait islands of Murray, Stephen and Darnley.
Cape York local Private Yasmin Wasiu has been mentoring the recruits, and said she loved encouraging them to do their best and to enjoy the opportunity.
“I joined the Army in 2019 and have completed several qualifications, my favourite being the boat course,” she said.
Private Joey Kulla-Kulla is from Stephen Island and said he was proud to have joined the Army.
“I’m really happy to have gotten through the recruitment process. I was proud to be issued my uniform, and have enjoyed learning about leadership and teamwork,” he said.
Shanique Bamaga, from Weipa, has wanted to join the army her whole life.
“I have wanted to join for as long as I can remember,” she said.
The 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment is based in Porton Barracks in Cairns and has a history dating back to World War I, where the battalion took part in the last major Allied attack of the war – the Hundred Days Offensive.
