Helping the Forbes community in central west NSW is the first deployment for Private Jayden Montgomerie, who joined the Army in 2021.
One of 20 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in NSW to support communities in flood-affected areas, Private Montgomerie has been working with State Emergency Service volunteers to fill sandbags.
The Forbes town centre had already flooded when the soldiers arrived, but Private Montgomerie said the surrounding land seemed dry until it rained.
“The sandbags are for residents to use so they can reduce flood damage to their homes,” Private Montgomerie said.
“The rain didn’t last long, but there was water just sitting on the ground after because everything is soaked through.
“It made it really clear that the more sandbags we could fill the better.”
Originally from Port Lincoln, South Australia, Private Montgomerie always wanted to join the Army for the career progression it offers.
“I’d put it in the back of my mind, but Anzac Day stirred my blood and reminded me how much I wanted to join,” he said.
“The week after, I went to recruiting and applied.”
The opportunity to help fellow Australians is a key reason Private Montgomerie joined the Army.
“Everyone needs help sometimes,” Private Montgomerie said.
“These floods are tough on families and people are really struggling.
“It’s good to be able to come down to Forbes and give a hand.”
ADF personnel deployed on Operation Flood Assist 22-2 to support the Australian Government’s response to flooding in Victoria and NSW.
