DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 069/09
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
JOINT TASK FORCE SOLDIERS MOVE THEIR SEARCH TO
MARYSVILLE
Soldiers from the ADF’s Joint Task Force 662, assisting in the search operation, have
relocated to bushfire-devastated Marysville, to join Victoria Police in the new search task.
The soldiers, in conjunction with poice officers, will conduct a methodical and reasonably
detailed examination of fire-affected building sites in Marysville, as well as several other
communities in the eastern section of the bushfire-affected area, including Narbethong and
Buxton.
Commander of the Joint Task Force, Brigadier Michael Arnold, said it will not be an easy
process, but the soldiers have the skills set and training to undertake the task to a high
standard.
“We have provided 12 teams of six persons, who are lead by a Victorian police officer,”
Brigadier Arnold said.
“This new task was undertaken by the police at the behest of the State Coroner. The intent of
the search is to ensure that a reasonable effort has been made to validate that each fire-
affected site has been cleared of human remains. The police asked for and received our
assistance in order to expedite the task.”
Since arriving in Victoria 10 days ago, the Reservists from News South Wales, South
Australia and Western Australia have been operating out of the Kinglake area, clearing
approximately 664 premises in Kinglake itself, as well as at Castella, Toolangi, Steels Creek,
Chum Creek and Dixons Creek.
On Wednesday, the Joint Task Force forward headquarters, currently located at the Kinglake
Community Centre, and its Quick Response Force, will also be moved to Marysville, to
provide support to the searchers.
“I speak on behalf of all of the officers and soldiers of JTF 662 when I say we have been
greatly rewarded and profoundly moved by our experience of working with the state
emergency services and the people of Kinglake,” Brigadier Arnold said.
“All of my people are deeply impressed with the community's spirit in the face of terrible
adversity and their determination to rebuild both their lives and their town. We are grateful
for the opportunity to help our fellow Victorians in their time of need.”
Brigadier Arnold said troops have been moving around the affected areas as required by
Victorian authorities, helping with search tasks and providing services and facilities to the
community.
Since being asked to assist with the immediate aftermath of the bushfires, Defence has played
a vital role by building emergency accommodation and community service hubs, constructing
firebreaks and containment lines, clearing roads and fallen trees, and assisting Victoria Police
in the ongoing task of searching for victims.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
