DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
CPA 089/08
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
AIR FORCE’S NEW RECRUIT TRAINING UNIT –
ON TIME, ON BUDGET
Air Force’s new recruit training precinct at RAAF Wagga was today officially opened by
Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd AO.
The new facilities for 1RTU were part of the RAAF College Relocation project.
Approximately $60 million was invested at Wagga. The project has been delivered on time
and on budget.
The new state-of-the-art facilities include a new headquarters building, multi-storey living-in
accommodation buildings, training facilities, a physical fitness centre, medical and dental
facilities, weapon and field training areas, improved mess facilities and a recruit recreation
facility.
Over 1500 people were involved with the construction of the 1RTU facility for approximately
two years. Over 60 per cent of the contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers were from the
local community.
“The new 1 RTU provides a world-class environment for our trainees’ introduction to Air
Force life,” Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd said.
“The RTU project has been successfully delivered, through excellent collaboration between
Air Force, Defence Support Group and the contractors, Thiess Pty Ltd and Coffey Projects.”
1RTU includes approximately 100 staff. All Air Force airmen and airwomen recruits
(Permanent and Reserve) will begin their service life here. At any one time up to 360 recruits
will be undergoing training at 1RTU. About 1200 recruits will go through 1RTU each year.
The recruit course comprises nearly 11 weeks of training. The course includes RAAF values,
equity and diversity, occupational health and safety and first aid.
The move of 1RTU from Adelaide to Wagga streamlines the transition from recruit training
to initial trade training.
About three quarters of 1RTU recruit graduates will stay at RAAF Wagga to complete their
initial trade training.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
