RHIB operations in the desert

8 September 2010

As part of the Northern Territory’s Navy Community Engagement Program, Officers and sailors from HMAS Coonawarra (Commander Richard Donnelly) and Attack Two (Lieutenant Commander Gary List) conducted a dual engagement activity with mining company, OM Manganese at Bootu Creek, NT.

The activity involved the Navy and OM Manganese providing RHIB rides for Indigenous community students/members from Tennant Creek.

OM Manganese operates the Bootu Creek Manganese mine site 120km north of Tennant Creek, where the rides were conducted in an unused open cut mine hole that has been filled with water. This mine provided a great opportunity for RHIB operations in the desert of Central Australia, a long way from where they are normally seen.

Almost 70 traditional land owners and Indigenous students from Tennant Creek participated in the activity, with many having their first ride on boat.

Able Seaman Ben King had the privilege to witness an elderly blind indigenous lady go for a ride on the water.

“When the RHIB got underway she had a smile from ear to ear,” said AB King.

The event concluded with the presentation of gifts and lunch graciously hosted by the mine site. Navy personnel were also given tours around the mine site, which involved a ride in huge trucks and tours through the processing plant.

NCEP would like to thank OM Manganese for providing both the Indigenous community and Navy members with a once in a life time experience.

As part of the Northern Territory’s Navy Community Engagement Program, sailors and officers from HMAS Coonawarra and Attack Two conduct a dual engagement activity with mining company OM Manganese (Bootu Creek). The activity involved the Navy and OM Manganese providing RHIB rides for Indigenous community students/members from Tennant Creek. OM Manganese operates the Bootu Creek Manganese mine site 120km north of Tennant Creek. The rides were conducted in an unused open cut mine hole that has been filled with water, this provided a great opportunity for RHIB operations in the desert of Central Australia.

Leading Seaman Boatswains Mate Tyler Thomson and Able Seaman Marine Technician Scott Belford from Attack 2 take students from Tennant Creek for a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat ride. Able Seaman Writer Natalie Brennan stands next to a dump truck.