Singapore’s Passport to Rockhampton

Published on 16 September 2016

Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel are set to receive their very own ‘Passport to Rockhampton’ when they touch down at the Airport this weekend for 26th annual Exercise Wallaby.

To encourage the troops to make the most of their ‘Rest and Recreation’ during the exercise, Council has prepared pocket sized guides of where to explore, eat and shop in the Region.

With more than 5000 personnel descending on Rockhampton for the Exercise at Shoalwater Bay, Council’s Chair of Airport Committee Councillor Neil Fisher said the passports aim to support local businesses while giving the troops a guide to Rockhampton. 

“The passports are a way of inviting the troops to explore the Region the way we know how to enjoy it,” Cr Fisher said.

“Their arrival is always an exciting time for us and a welcome boost to our local economy, but even more so, they are part of Rockhampton’s tradition.

“Our 26 year relationship with Singapore has certainly imbedded great economic and cultural opportunities for our Region, which we are very proud of.

“I certainly encourage our community to make the military feel welcome while they are here for the exercise,” he said.

Rockhampton Councillors will greet the SAF personnel with their passports as they arrive over coming weekends, with the first Air New Zealand flight expected to arrive at 7.30pm on Saturday, 17 September. 

The Airport will operate a total of 17 international passenger charters and six cargo flights (Antonov) for the exercise.