Soldiers to benefit from new chapel

MEMBERS of the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR) will benefit physically and spiritually from a refurbished chapel at the Taurama Barracks that stands as a symbol of unity between PNG and Australia, says an official.
Australian deputy prime minister and minister for defence Richard Marles said the St John’s Chapel signified the ties between the Australian and PNG defence forces through a bilateral relationship and the defence corporation programme (DCP).
“Commemorating the redevelopment of the St John’s Chapel stands as a symbol between our countries, it is a place of prayer, reflection, comfort, and a place people reinvigorate,” he said.
Marles said for soldiers who had trained in Australia, know the significance of a chapel while training in the military, the importance of the chapel stands to promote solidarity between the two forces. In addition, PNG Defence Force commander Major-General Mark Goina said: “The relationship between ADF and PNGDF is very strong as shown in the continuous engagements between our countries through the DCP and we are grateful for this gift.”
Goina said the redevelopment of the chapel complimented his first line of efforts for the PNGDF focusing on people physically, spiritually and also sustaining them forward.