Recognition at Gallipoli Barracks: Major Robert Sawford Awarded for Years of Service

Gallipoli Barracks became the stage for a meaningful ceremony as Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart presented Major Robert Sawford (retd), affectionately known as “Rawby,” with a first and second Federation Star. 


Read: Enoggera Scout Achieves Coveted Baden-Powell Award


 The awards recognise his decades of service to the Army and the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME).

A graduate of the 32nd intake of Army apprentices, Major Sawford began his career in 1977 as an electronics tradesman. Over the course of 17 postings, he served in roles spanning Australia and abroad, retiring in 2022. He reflected on his career with gratitude, highlighting the diverse opportunities it afforded him.

Robert Sawford
Australian Army officer Major Robert Sawford receives his second Federation Star from Lieutenant General Simon Stuart at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane (Photo credit: Sergeant Dustin Anderson/defence.gov.au)

Among his career milestones was participating in Exercise Longlook in North Yorkshire, England, during which he joined Exercise Lionheart, the largest NATO troop movement since World War II. In 2001, he led the Ninox Validation and Support Team, conducting critical evaluations of night-fighting equipment across Australia’s defense forces. This role also involved supporting infantry troops in East Timor, a mission later commended for its success and value.

In 2012, Major Sawford served as a team leader during Exercise Pacific Partnership aboard the United States Navy Ship Mercy, delivering humanitarian aid to the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Outside his military service, Major Sawford’s personal life reflected a touch of history. He married Jennifer Waddington, the eldest daughter of Lord and Lady Waddington, at the Church of St. Margaret, Westminster Abbey, with a reception at the Palace of Westminster attended by Margaret Thatcher. A London newspaper called the union “Ms. Waddington will wed Wizard from Oz.”

Major Sawford humorously recalled addressing concerns during his officer selection board in 1999 about his wife’s suitability for officers’ mess functions. He assured the panel that Jennifer, who had been presented to Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, had attended far grander events.


Read: New Resource from Play Matters to Support Enoggera Playgroup Families 


Summing up his journey, Major Sawford described his career as incredible and heartfelt, emphasizing the significance of the recognition to him, his family, and his colleagues. His decades of service leave an enduring legacy of leadership and dedication to the Australian Army.

Published 6-January-2025

Australian Army to Acquire New Unmanned Aerial Surveillance System, Build Gallipoli Barracks Facilities

The Australian Army is set to acquire twenty-four new uncrewed aerial surveillance systems to be manufactured in Brisbane. Facilities at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera will also be established to support the delivery of these new capabilities.



Boeing’s Insitu Pacific Pty Ltd has been tapped to supply the Australian Army with 24 of their signature “integrator” platforms, associated ground systems and integration services. The acquisition is meant to boost the Army’s capabilities in gathering intelligence, undertaking reconnaissance and surveillance missions, and acquiring targets for weapons systems across the Australian Defence Force.

Production of the unmanned aerial surveillance system has already commenced, with delivery expected in 2023 and 2024.

“This is just one example of the way the Morrison Government is growing our sovereign capability,” Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Dutton MP said regarding the acquisition which is part of the Defence’s $650-million investment.

“This project will enhance the Australian Army’s capabilities by harnessing the innovation and cutting-edge technologies being developed right here in Australia.

The new platform will be manufactured at Instituto Pacific’s facility in Brisbane whilst the components will be sourced from suppliers around Queensland and across Australia. The project will be further supported by a $56 million investment in facilities to be built at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera.



Minister Dutton said that 80 per cent of the $650 million budget will be spent in Australia using Australian companies and technology to manufacture, maintain and operate the platform throughout its life. A total of $307 million alone will be committed to the acquisition and initial contract period with Instituto Pacific Limited and is expected to support 130 new and existing jobs in Brisbane and across Australia.

“People may not have always associated Brisbane with the defence industry in the past, but projects like this demonstrate the real opportunities advanced manufacturing can offer now and into the future,” Member for Brisbane, Trevor Evans, said.

Army’s Move From Enoggera To Rockhampton Expected To Create Thousands Of New Jobs

As the 7th Brigade relocates from Enoggera to its new base in Rockhampton, the Gallipoli Barracks will be undergoing much-needed upgrades, to make it a hub to develop new capabilities to support space- and cyber-warfare.


Read: Australian Army to Acquire New Unmanned Aerial Surveillance System, Build Gallipoli Barracks Facilities


The establishment of new ADF bases in Central Queensland, which includes the new Rockhampton base, is expected to create around 21,000 jobs and provide up to $4.5 million boost to the regional economy.

Enoggera training
Photo credit: 7th Brigade – Australian Army/Facebook

Central Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (CQROC) said Army’s 7th Brigade has outgrown its home at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera.

The Enoggera barracks, according to CQROC is a high cost-of-living destination for Army personnel and their families, as it is located away from its primary training area, the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

“To ensure Army’s 7th Brigade can be ready now and future-ready, it needs to be relocated to a new base adjacent to its primary training area. More training, more often, will strengthen the 7th Brigade’s capabilities to defend Australia and its interests,” CQROC stated in its Defence Strategy.

In September 2021, Kennelly Constructions was selected to deliver the works for the Gallipoli Barracks.

The firm is aiming to achieve 100 per cent local content for the project in a bid to support the local economy.

“I am pleased to see Australian businesses thrive and create a stronger industry in the Defence market,” Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said.

rockhampton military base
Plans (Photo credit: CQROC)

Meanwhile, the new military base at Rockhampton ensures that new military facilities will be closer to emerging security threats in the South Pacific.

Some of the key base precincts of the Rockhampton Army Base include the brigade headquarters, vehicle storage, medical and artillery facilities, sports precinct, golf course, mounting facility, and a commercial precinct.

New Military Vehicles to be Based in Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera

Rheinmetall Defence Australia has announced their successful tender for the $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 contract. Under this contract, Rheinmetall  is set to deliver up to 225 combat reconnaissance vehicles to the Australian Army, with over 100 of the new military vehicles to be based in Lavarra Barracks, Townsville and Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera.


Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s BOXER 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle for the LAND 400 Phase 2 Credit: boxercrv.com.au

Opportunities are expected to grow in Queensland after Rheinmetall Australia’s big win in the hotly-contested LAND 400 Phase 2 program. The first 25 military vehicles will be built in Germany. Australians will be put into teams to learn the necessary skills in Germany before coming back to Australia to build the remaining 200 CRVs. Most of the military vehicles will be built in Queensland.

Photo credit: boxercrv.com.au

In a statement, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said, “The LAND 400 Phase 2 contract to deliver the next generation of combat reconnaissance vehicles to the Australian Army is a catalytic project, and attracting a global defence giant like Rheinmetall to Queensland will create opportunities for local industry for decades to come.”

The project is expected to be an economic game-changer since it will create 450 advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs for Queenslanders. It is expected to contribute $1 billion into the state’s economy in the first 10 years.

Photo credit: www.rheinmetall-defence.com

Three Brisbane businesses that had teamed up with Rheinmetall will particularly benefit from this project. These are NIOA based at Brisbane airport, G & O Kert at Acacia Ridge, and Hilton Manufacturing at Wacol. These companies will hugely benefit from the transfer of technologies and skills, making them even more competitive. This opportunity also opens up more work for locals in Brisbane and nearby suburbs, and provides more highly-skilled jobs in the local community.

Following the successful bid for the LAND 400 Phase 2 program, Rheinmetall will establish its manufacturing hub, the Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Brisbane.