The visit to CAPS provided an opportunity for 3 RAR to engage with the Weipa community and contribute to the development of the battalion’s junior leaders. Photo: Supplied.
They may be better known as part of our country’s frontline defence, but members of 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) showed their softer side when they lent a hand to some of Weipa’s cutest residents last week.
While in the region as part of Exercise Kapyong Wanderer 25, members from the Armoured Logistics Company within the Townsville-based 3 RAR reached out to support the Cape Animal Protection Shelter (CAPS) in Weipa, with two of the key outcomes of the exercise being engaging with local communities, and the development of the battalion’s junior leaders in the ranks of Private to Lance Corporal.
As part of her allocated 24-hour leadership stand, Lance Corporal Clancy O’Connell decided helping CAPS would be an excellent way to get out in the Weipa community and volunteer the battalion’s time in a fun and rewarding way – walking the dogs and spending time with them.
CAPS president Shayna Reeves said she had been overwhelmed by the generosity of the soldiers.
“It’s the first time anything like this has happened, so, when Clancy reached out, I was sort of amazed that they had thought of us,” she explained.
“And when she said about how many volunteers they had, that meant that every dog got out when they came down.
“Having so many volunteers from the battalion come down, you just really see that lift in the dogs.”
Members of Townsville-based 3 RAR’s Armoured Logistics Company made friends for life when they met the residents of the Cape Animal Protection Shelter last week. Photo: Supplied.
The dogs were not the only ones who thoroughly enjoyed the engagement, with Craftsman Joel Ford describing it as “one of the highlights” of the exercise.
“Meeting the rescue animals in Weipa and taking them for a walk was really special,” he said.
“They all had their own little quirks and personalities, and you could tell how much love and care they’ve been given.”
Private Scott Wilson said it had been an opportunity to witness the work CAPS did in the Weipa community.
“Getting to meet some of Weipa’s rescue animals was such a special experience,” he said.
“The staff were warm and welcoming, and it was clear how much they care for every animal; I had the chance to take a beautiful dog named Elli for a walk, and she was such a gentle, friendly soul.
“It was heart-warming to see her enjoying the fresh air and wagging her tail the whole way.
“Spending time with her really made my visit memorable, and I left feeling grateful for the work the shelter does for these animals.”
The sheer number of volunteers from 3 RAR meant every dog received some one-on-one TLC during the meeting. Photo: Supplied.
