Cleaning up the Sergeants’ Mess at Murray Barracks

Australian Defence Force (ADF) members from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) work with PNGDF members to complete improvement works at the PNGDF Sergeants’ Mess at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby.

AUSTRALIAN Defence Force (ADF) members from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), recently joined members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) in a building improvement project at the PNGDF Sergeants’ Mess at Murray Barracks.

The joint activity brought ADF and PNGDF personnel together to carry out maintenance and improvement works around the facility increasing safety, use and the look of the Sergeants’ Mess building.

Working side-by-side, soldiers completed the building works, with the initiative providing an opportunity for both forces to build connections beyond formal training, highlighting the importance of cooperation, shared experiences and mutual respect. Throughout the project, soldiers exchanged skills and stories, while making improvements that directly supports the welfare and morale of PNGDF personnel.

The activity reflects the enduring partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea, demonstrating the value of hands-on engagement in building trust, interoperability and long-term relationships between the two forces.

Through the Defence Cooperation program (DCP) the ADF and the PNGDF remain committed to working together on practical initiatives that support capability development and reinforce the close ties between the two nations

Australian Defence Force (ADF) members from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) completing improvement works at the PNGDF Sergeants’ Mess at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby.

Story by Sam Vulum

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