Both members, part of a ‘128 Transport Troop’, have been deployed in their capacity as qualified truck drivers to provide support to ‘Operation COVID-19 Assist’ to deliver essential medical supplies and equipment to ADF personnel on the frontlines.
Private Shawky said he was proud to be helping his fellow ADF members in a collaborative effort to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
“It’s a pretty good feeling. I wasn’t expecting to be part of this. I was called up at short notice and we were straight out of the Horsham depot and straight here to Melbourne and straight into it,” he said.
“It’s been a great experience so far. Being from the country I’ve never driven in Melbourne before. It’s a bit scary at first – it’s memorable.”
Private Shawky said skills he learnt back home in his civilian life were proving useful for his deployment.
“Seeing Melbourne under the restrictions is pretty incredible. It’s far from the hustle and bustle I’ve seen before,” he said.
“My civilian skills involve working with people. Talking with people is something I really enjoy doing – it’s transferred over to my reservist job with the Army.
“Part of the job is being on the road, in the public eye, so being able to deal with people is crucial.”
Private Shawky said he had been transporting supplies to and from areas around Melbourne where ADF personnel needed them most.
“It’s already helped a lot. Delivering supplies is a crucial part of COVID-19 Assist. Without us, the stores don’t get moved, people don’t get what they need, so we’re a very important part of the operation,” he said.
The deployment is part of a larger operation that started in July when hundreds of ADF troops were sent to help ‘ring fence’ Melbourne as the Victorian capital was forced into a second coronavirus lockdown.
Daily COVID-19 increases in the hundreds during July prompted the State Government to call on 1000 ADF members.
Personnel were sent to help with contact tracing, delivering essentials to public housing residents, community engagement, to assist police at vehicle checkpoints and with compliance checks.
And in recent weeks, hospital staff and Army medics were sent into Victoria’s aged-care centres as part of efforts to contain growing coronavirus outbreaks.
The Horsham privates expected to be deployed for a total of five weeks throughout July and August and would continue to support the frontline where needed.
The privates were also providing regular supply drops to Bendigo, Horsham and Shepparton.
“Our role is important because we are getting vital supplies to ADF personnel on the frontline,” Private Emmett said.
“It’s a good feeling.
“It’s giving something back to the local communities and helping them out as best we can.”
Private Emmett said although he was far from home he was glad he could contribute to ADF efforts.
“What I am doing in my Reserve role is very similar to my civilian job as a courier in Horsham, except in the ADF I get to go off-road,” he said.
“It’s been a really different experience for me driving through Melbourne city at night and seeing all the lights because I’m from the bush.”
On completion of duty, the privates will undergo COVID-19 testing and isolation in compliance with Federal Government guidelines.
ADF personnel are providing members to support tasks in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria led by the Department of Health and Human Services, Emergency Management Victoria, Victoria Police, Victoria State Control Centre, Victorian Aged Care Response Centre and Ambulance Victoria.
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