Pulling together for a good cause

In support of mental health, No. 36 Squadron has hosted RAAF Base Amberley’s biggest fundraiser of the year with a team challenge for a tug-o-war with an aircraft.

CAPTION: No. 36 Squadron aviators pull a C-17A Globemaster III aircraft during the tug-o-war challenge at RAAF Base Amberley. Story by Flying Officer Lily Lancaster. Photo by Corporal Jesse Kane.

And you can’t get much bigger than a C-17A Globemaster III.

Every year, personnel across the ADF are moved around the world by No. 36 Squadron’s C-17A Globemaster III. For the squadron’s annual charity event, RAAF Base Amberley personnel returned the favour by moving the jet themselves in a tug-o-war challenge.

Commanding Officer No. 36 Squadron Wing Commander Dean Bolton set the challenge for the competitors.

The winner would be the squadron which could pull the aircraft the farthest in five minutes.

“It’s been a challenging time for the community and many serving in Defence. The opportunity to support Beyond Blue whilst having some fun with other base units was a great idea by the team,” Wing Commander Bolton said.

The winner of the inaugural competition was No. 36 Squadron, which pulled its own aircraft the farthest (by a huge margin). This proved to be no easy feat with the C-17A Globemaster III weighing in at about 143,000kg, a fraction of its loaded maximum weight.

Headquarters 86 Wing placed second with 1 Combat Communications Squadron, No. 23 Squadron and No. 35 Squadron placed joint third.

Wing Commander Bolton was pleased to claim the new trophy.

CAPTION: Commanding Officer of No. 36 Squadron Wing Commander Dean Bolton (left) and Leading Aircraftwoman Stacey Hayes, with the trophy awarded to No. 36 Squadron for winning the tug-o-war competition in support of Beyond Blue, at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo by Leading Aircraftwoman Emma Schwenke.

“Thanks to the talented aviators at 36 Squadron who gave their time to craft the trophy and plan the event,” he said.

“Considering recent circumstances, it was fantastic to see units from across the base come out here to compete whilst supporting a good cause.”

The real win however was the amount raised for Beyond Blue – an organisation that works with the community to improve mental health and precent suicide.

The challenge was a part of the squadron’s month-long fundraiser, raising $8513 for the charity so far.

Event organisers Flight Lieutenant Coen Imoda and Leading Aircraftwoman Megan Hughes were proud to see RAAF Base Amberley get behind the cause.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic developed, it has become increasingly apparent that looking after our mental health is a priority,” Leading Aircraftwoman Hughes said

“In doing events like the tug-o-war, we are able to support and showcase great support resources such as Beyond Blue.”

Donate to their cause at Sure as Heavy Airlift – Fundraise for Beyond Blue.

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