The Australian Defence Force contribution to the tsunami-ravaged Indonesian region is winding down with the return of the majority of Australian Defence Force personnel over the next few weeks.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said the Air Traffic Controllers and ANZAC Field Hospital medical team will return home to Sydney tonight. The Engineer Squadron Group will return home next week and HMAS Kanimbla will return later this month.

The Engineer Squadron Group handed over water purification equipment to Indonesia yesterday as one of the last major humanitarian contributions by Australia as part of the emergency disaster relief mission.

One of the engineers’ final tasks has been to clear debris from a damaged mosque. A modest ceremony was held to mark the occasion and hand over the equipment.

Senator Hill said at its peak there were more than 1000 ADF personnel deployed to the Indonesian region to assist with the humanitarian effort as part of Operation SUMATRA ASSIST.

Senator Hill said the ADF has been conducting a progressive handover of responsibilities to the Indonesian Government and International Non-Government Organisations who are now better placed to provide the people of Indonesia with the type of long-term specialist support they require.

"Tonight our Air Traffic Controllers and ANZAC Field Hospital medical team will arrive back in Sydney," Senator Hill said.

"These people have done a remarkable job in providing support and hope to the people of Aceh. Their assistance was vital to the recovery operations.

"The medical personnel were part of the 154-strong team including New Zealand and Indonesian medical staff, made up of doctors, nurses and medical assistants.

"They have added another chapter to the long, distinguished and proud history of the ANZAC tradition."

Before the hospital was able to accept its first patient, the staff had the enormous task of clearing and cleaning the building of mud and bodies, removing and replacing damaged medical equipment and then refurbishing it.

The staff treated 3700 patients, performed 279 surgical procedures and delivered 19 babies.

Senator Hill said the withdrawal of the ADF did not signal the end of Australian assistance.

"The Australian Government has committed a $1 billion assistance package to our regional neighbours and we are working with the Indonesian Government on the best way to deliver the much needed benefits to the Indonesian people."

Aid provided by the ADF as part of the operation includes approximately:

• 1200 tonnes of humanitarian aid distributed by air;
• 70 aero-medical evacuations;
• 2530 people transported by air;
• 3700 medical treatments (AFH);
• 4.7 million litres of clean water produced;
• 9000 cubic metres of debris cleared;
• 1000m of road cleared;
• 1700 large drains cleared;
• 6 large fishing boats salvaged.