Australia Day serves as a powerful symbol of unity and national pride, encapsulating the remarkable journey that the country has undertaken to become the ‘Lucky Country’ it is today. It is a day to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and histories that have intertwined to create a nation known for its diversity and inclusivity. As we gather to commemorate this special day, we reflect on the extraordinary amalgamation of individuals who have contributed to shaping the Australian identity.

From the early days when some arrived as convicts seeking redemption, others as refugees escaping hardship, and some in pursuit of a brighter future, our nation has grown into a vibrant melting pot. The collective efforts of those who came before us, along with the indigenous peoples who have inhabited this land for millennia, have cultivated a society that embraces resilience, tolerance, and mutual respect.

Australia Day is a moment for all Australians to stand together, acknowledging our shared past and looking optimistically towards the future. It is a day to recognize the stories of those who laid the foundation for the nation, as well as those who have continued to build upon it. We revel in the fact that, despite our diverse origins, we have forged a common bond that unites us as one people, proudly moving forward as a nation.

The commendable initiative taken by some shopping centres, exemplified by the noteworthy efforts of Bonnyrigg Plaza, reflects a broader commitment to fostering a sense of national pride. As these participating centres embrace the significance of Australia Day, they play a vital role in amplifying the message of unity and celebration. It’s heartening to witness businesses joining hands in promoting a shared identity, acknowledging the importance of community, and contributing to the collective spirit that defines Australia.

The enthusiastic participation and engagement of the community, as highlighted by the praise for Bonnyrigg Plaza, showcase the resonance of these efforts. It is a testament to the strength of the Australian spirit, as the community proudly lends its voice to the celebration of this nation’s achievements and potential. The acknowledgment of such initiatives fosters a sense of belonging and reinforces the idea that every individual, regardless of their background, is an integral part of the Australian story.

In applauding the team at Bonnyrigg Plaza, we not only commend their dedication to fostering a sense of national pride but also recognize the broader societal impact of such endeavours. As we collectively celebrate Australia Day, let us take pride in the harmonious mosaic that is our nation, a testament to the enduring spirit of inclusivity, resilience, and the shared values that bind us together.

Written by Ray Payne OAM

Townsville, Australia’s largest garrison city, is set to undergo a $35 million upgrade encompassing both its army and air force bases. Currently hosting over 4,500 Australian Defence Force personnel, an additional 500 will relocate to Townsville by 2025 as part of a significant defence restructuring unveiled in September.

Last year’s strategic defence review underscored the necessity of enhancing the capabilities of Australia’s northern bases. With Townsville emerging as the new focal point for the Australian Army, the federal government emphasized the imperative for modern, purpose-built facilities at both Lavarack Barracks and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Townsville to support crucial defence capabilities.

This is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring necessary upgrades across Australia’s northern bases, crucial for enhancing the defence force’s capacity to safeguard Australians.

The refurbishment plan allocates $16 million to RAAF Base Townsville, specifically targeting Hangar 75, housing vital air capabilities. This funding is in addition to the $700 million designated for RAAF Base Townsville to accommodate the army’s new AH-64E Apache helicopters, scheduled to be stationed in Townsville from 2025.

Lavarack Barracks will receive $19 million for the development of a new military working dog facility, training yard, dog obstacle course, messing facilities, and other critical capability infrastructure. Construction has already commenced at both bases, undertaken by local businesses, fostering opportunities in the trades and construction sectors, and generating over 600 jobs in North Queensland.

The emergence of Ukraine’s kamikaze drones, specifically the first-person view (FPV) drones, on the battlefield has indeed garnered attention due to their effectiveness and low cost. Here are some key points regarding these drones:

1. Adaptation from Hobbyist Drones: The FPV drones in question were originally designed for hobbyist racing, weighing no more than 500g. However, in response to the conflict, these drones have been adapted and modified to carry munitions, such as rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), turning them into inexpensive and agile weapons.
2. Munition Capabilities: Despite their small size, these racing drones can carry RPGs weighing up to 1kg. This allows them to effectively target and damage Russian tanks and groups of soldiers in high-speed, one-way “suicide” missions.
3. Low Cost: One of the significant advantages of these kamikaze drones is their affordability. Costing less than $1,000, they are disposable, and Ukrainians do not need to worry about retrieving them after use, making them a cost-effective option compared to more traditional military drones.
4. Evolution in Battlefield Drone Technology: Experts suggest that FPV drones represent the next evolution in battlefield drone technology. They combine speed, manoeuvrability, and affordability, making them a specialized tool for specific military applications.
5. Limited Range: The range of these FPV drones is relatively limited, typically around 5km to 10km. However, within this range, they can be highly effective in targeted attacks.
6. Control via First-Person View: The unique aspect of these drones is their control mechanism. Pilots use goggles with a live-streamed camera feed from the drone, providing them with a first-person view. This immersive control allows for greater accuracy and the ability to execute surprise attacks in enclosed spaces or patiently wait for a target.
7. Strategic Advantages: The combination of speed, manoeuvrability, low cost, and immersive control provides these drones with strategic advantages, allowing for flexible and targeted military operations.
8. Concerns and Impact: The use of such drones has raised concerns and garnered attention on social media platforms. Their impact on the battlefield, particularly in asymmetrical warfare, underscores the evolving nature of military technology and tactics.

In summary, Ukraine’s kamikaze FPV drones represent a cost-effective and innovative addition to the military’s arsenal, showcasing the adaptability and ingenuity of improvised drone technology in conflict zones.

While both Australia and the rest of the world adjusted to the challenges posed by economic headwinds during this period, the People’s Republic of China, ever the revolutionary force, began reasserting its influence in the region, often engaging in actions that fell just below the threshold of direct armed conflict.

China’s increasing hostility towards and aspirations for the post-Second World War order have become more pronounced in recent years. This has prompted nations across the Indo-Pacific to realize that the concept of the “End of History” may not be a reality, and the world is once again confronted with the possibility of armed conflicts between nations.

The nation faces numerous challenges that demand a thoughtful and targeted approach to ensure that Australia, traditionally known as the “Lucky Country,” maintains its fortunate status.

Australia has traditionally enjoyed its position as the “Lucky Country,” benefiting from abundant resources and opportunities while being geographically isolated from the major centres of power and competition that fuelled devastating conflicts in the 20th century. However, the contemporary world presents a vastly different landscape.

The global balance of power has gradually shifted away from Europe and North America towards Asia and the Indo-Pacific. This shift is driven primarily by the resurgence of China and, to a lesser extent, India – ancient powers supported by the remarkable rise of regional nations such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, and others.

Australia’s economic growth over the past three decades, fuelled by the strong demand for its raw mineral and agricultural wealth, as well as its services, economy, and the lucrative real estate market, has shielded the nation from the harsh realities of the contemporary world. This economic insulation proved effective during the Asian Financial Crisis and the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, further solidifying Australia’s “Long Holiday from History.”

ED: From my inbox from Bob Buick MM.

I always thought that this quote by Wilma Mankiller “Whoever controls the education of our children controls the future.” originated through the Fabian Society

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabian_Society.

However, the ALP government (Whitlam) with the “free tertiary” implementation of Wilma Mankiller’s quote was introduced and so started the control of education in Australia.

I noted that during the Hawke/Keating Labor government (1983-1996) the tertiary students were indoctrinated by socialist educators. Then with the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd Labor government, the “control of the education of our children and hence the control of the future” had expanded downward to pre-school and primary education controlled by the nations’ teacher unions. It’s now 2024 and all state-control education centres, some half a century since the ALP’s implementation of Mankiller’s quote Australia’s Western Democracy threatened with Wokeism, a tool of Marxism, and becoming accepted throughout Australia’s daily living by those under fifty years of age.

As an Octogenarian I fear that within a decade, or two Australia will not be the Commonwealth of Australia but the Socialist Democratic of Australia.

My reason for this judgement is, that except for Tasmania all state and territory governments are socialist. The states of Victoria and Queensland and the territory of the ACT are applying extreme-left socialist policies of control. Control of the people was applied by all states and territories in 2019 with the isolation of all states/territories with border closures and control of the people by police implementing government acts and regulations. To my knowledge, none of those Acts or Regulations has been removed and could be reintroduced at a moment’s notice.

Therefore, governments throughout Australia can control the people at any time and that is Marxist Socialism, which could be a reality by 2040!

A message for those under fifty, Climate Change and the Nett Zero/Renewables are always promoted by the Woke Folk as gospel, you fail to understand that nature and the climate/weather are always changing and have since the formation of planet Earth many billions of years ago. Nett Zero and Renewables will be recorded in history as the greatest hoax applied to humanity when the planet enters a cooling period.

 Bob Buick 

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has deployed to Anderson Air Force Base, Guam to participate in the United States Navy-led exercise, Sea Dragon 2024.

From 8 to 24 January, two RAAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft and 51 personnel will conduct anti-submarine warfare missions alongside US Navy P-8A Poseidon, Indian Navy P-8I Neptune, Republic of Korea Navy P-3CK Orion and Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force Kawasaki P-1 aircraft.

The participating nations and aircraft will conduct a range of flying missions to track, identify and target submarine vessels, demonstrating their capacity to work together and operate effectively.

Exercise Sea Dragon Detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Jacqueline Killian, said the exercise provides an environment for the participating nations to further develop their interoperability and share tactics with one another.

“Exercise Sea Dragon provides a unique opportunity for crews from RAAF No. 11 Squadron to gain tactical experience conducting anti-submarine warfare missions with our Indo-Pacific partners,” Squadron Leader Killian said.

“Across the two weeks of the exercise our aviators will overcome a range of challenges, working to safely and effectively operate together.

“The training accomplished on Exercise Sea Dragon will ensure we are prepared to integrate within a maritime environment and provide effective deterrence for Australia’s maritime security.”

The P-8A Poseidon remains the RAAF’s primary anti-submarine warfare platform and will continue to provide maritime security both domestically and deployed overseas.

The ADF is providing support to the Queensland Police Service via the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in response to floods affecting North Queensland communities following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

From December 17, personnel from HMAS Cairns and 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, have been providing assistance to Cairns residents affected by flooding, in support of emergency services.

Cairns Mayor Terry James, described the effort of the ADF personal as crucial to response efforts following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper both within the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) and on the ground in the community.

“The precision and planning acumen bought by the ADF has been nothing short of remarkable, their ability to coordinate and plan is world class,” Mayor James said.

“I have been able to reach out to the Commander and his team who have provided solutions to the complex problems we are facing.”

Members from 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, HMAS Cairns and Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment responded as soon as possible and have been assisting with immediate emergency evacuation efforts across the region to help keep the community safe.

Following requests from emergency services via NEMA, Defence deployed two Army CH-47F Chinooks and two AW-139 helicopters from Townsville to Cairns.

The helicopters assisted transporting about 150 emergency service personnel and equipment to Cairns, and evacuated isolated residents.

Corporal Charlotte Mears, flight crew on the AW-139 dedicated to the emergency response provided by the ADF, has reflected on the effort.

“The community has been great to work alongside and are grateful for our help and very patient given the circumstance they are facing. The flood can be a scary time for everyone,” Corporal Mears said.

“When they knew Defence was coming, it seemed to help calm them and we could see the relief on their faces when we arrived.

“There are people who have lived in this community for a very long time and say they have never seen anything like this.”

The Commanding Officer of Cairns, Commander Alfonso Santos, said Defence helicopters evacuated about 290 civilians from Wujal Wujal in North Queensland from December 19 to 21.

“Defence will remain responsive to changing requirements and continue to adjust to meet the needs of affected communities as identified by the Queensland Government and the Local Disaster Management Group – Cairns Region,” Commander Santos said.

ADF personnel have moved more than 10 tonnes of stores, including food and medical supplies into remote communities by Army helicopters. They also transported Red Cross personnel.

The Commander of Joint Task Group 629.3, Brigadier Richard Peace, said he was proud of the efforts of his group in supporting the North Queensland communities.

“Our soldiers are mucking in by supporting local and state emergency services personnel, and together, under very challenging environmental circumstances, doing whatever they can to support the people of Cairns and surrounding communities,” Brigadier Peace said.

Defence is continuing to provide support to isolated communities through the evacuation of people and transportation of supplies.

Soldiers from the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR), 2nd Health Brigade, and Land Combat College bid farewell in a ceremony held at Defence Precinct Edinburgh in Adelaide. This marked their departure for Operation Kudu in the United Kingdom. The 90-member contingent is set to contribute to Australia’s ongoing support in training the Armed Forces of Ukraine in response to continuous Russian aggression.

On January 8, alongside family, friends, and local and federal politicians, members of South Australia’s Ukrainian community actively participated in the ceremony. The event featured a Ukrainian Orthodox blessing and traditional customs. Acting Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite expressed pride in the troops heading to the UK, emphasizing their role in defending the Ukrainian people and assisting in the training of Ukrainian soldiers against Russia’s illegal acts of aggression.

President of the Association of Ukrainians in South Australia, Frank Fursenko, underscored the crucial ties between Australia and Ukraine, highlighting the significant impact of the war and acknowledging Australia’s support as vital for Ukraine’s situation.

This deployment represents the fifth rotation of Australian troops and the inaugural participation of 7RAR in the UK-led multinational training mission. Major Michael Jack, the contingent commander, expressed readiness to lead his soldiers, emphasizing the qualities of 7RAR soldiers as physically and mentally tough, professional, compassionate, and courageous. The focus of the mission revolves around basic infantry tactics, leadership, and small-team training.

Commander of the 9th Brigade, Brigadier Tim Orders, reminded the troops of the importance of their mission, stating that their presence symbolizes hope and solidarity in a time of need. He highlighted that their efforts would not only strengthen the coalition’s resolve but also uphold the values of democracy and peace worldwide.

Read before opening the attached video.

The experiment is carried out with a small 1.5V lithium battery cell! Take a good look at the state of the container that held the water following the test!

In an electric car, all the batteries represent 400 volts direct and weigh 180 kg. It’s in English but the images are enough to explain the phenomenon. Lithium mixed with water explodes and releases enormous intensity of heat. This is why firefighters can’t put out a fire on an electric car!

This is the main reason why we don’t want electric cars in underground car parks.