A MOUNT Gambier soldier involved in support efforts on Kangaroo Island has praised the resilience of the community in light of the “substantial devastation” caused by the bushfires.
Best known in the Limestone Coast for diving into some of the region’s premier caves, Lieutenant Robert Main from the 10th/27th Battalion, Royal South Australia Regiment has been doing his best work above ground this week.
The Reef 2 Ridge manager arrived on Kangaroo Island on Monday joining 250 other soldiers – including over a dozen from the Limestone Coast – in the Australian Defence Force’s humanitarian response to help the stricken communities on the island.
Lt Main joined the army in 2015 and is acting as the Commander for a group of soldiers deployed to the island for Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20.
“A deployment like this is not very common, but it really gives you a sense of duty and is a chance to give back to the community,” Lt Main said.
“I have been amazed by all of the soldiers commitment and motivation to help in any way they can.”
But what amazed Lt Main more was the resilience of the Kangaroo Island residents who have lost everything.
“The resilience of the people has astounded me, we are seeing people who have lost their homes and their livelihood and they will still stop to thank us and offer a drink of water,” Lt Main said.
“It is actually pretty inspiring.”
Lt Main said the main purpose of the Australian Defence Force presence on the island was to help emergency services in any way they can.
“We are currently assisting them to protect lives and property and our main focus will eventually shift to assisting individuals on the island,” he said.
“For example on Wednesday we were involved in removing a tree from the driveway of a farmer’s property to allow emergency services access to infrastructure and water supply.”
He praised the volunteers who have been tirelessly working to protect homes on the island and help contain the fire raging on one half of the island.
“The volunteers are just incredible, from the Country Fire Service who have been firefighting to the State Emergency Service who have been assisting and making sure everyone has what they need,” he said.
“It has just been a superhuman effort from all involved.”
Predominantly seen as “war fighters”, Lt Main said this was the side of the army Australia did not often get to see.
“I think the public probably forget that we as Army Reserves are there for the Australian people and will step up at any time and do what we can,” Lt Main said.
“We do not train for this specifically, but our war-fighting training is intense and prepares us to adapt in challenging circumstances and environments.
“This is one of those situations where we were ready to respond.”
With fire danger conditions forecast to worsen yesterday and communities still under threat, Lt Main revealed there was no current timeline for how long they would spend on the island.
“The devastation is substantial and driving through and seeing the amount of farmland and native vegetation that has been burned has been pretty surreal,” he said.
“I am proud to be here alongside the other soldiers assisting where we can and they all want to remain on the island for as long as they are required.”
