On Friday Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, and the Member for Deakin, Mike Symon MP, visited the 4^th Combat Engineer Regiment (4 CER) in Ringwood East.

4 CER has a long history in Ringwood East. The Regiment’s lineage goes back to the 10^th Combat Engineer Squadron who served in WWI. The Ringwood East Depot has been in continuous Defence use since 1956.

Ninety per cent of these Reservists live within a 20km radius of the depot, making the Regiment truly local to the eastern suburbs. There are 195 Army Reserve officers and soldiers stationed at the East Ringwood Depot as well as 14 full-time Army personnel.

Senator Feeney and Mr Symon MP were met by Brigadier Robert Marsh, Commander of 4 Brigade and Lieutenant Colonel Glen Pilbeam, Commanding Officer 4 CER.

Lieutenant Colonel Pilbeam briefed Senator Feeney and Mr Symon MP on the role of 4 CER, their rich history, connection to the community and active servicemen and women.

Recent domestic operations of 4 CER include deployment to Kinglake in the aftermath of the 2009 fires and a rotation to Shepparton in 2010 and Nathalia in 2012 after floods.

Currently the unit has one member deployed inAfghanistan, seven members deployed in Timor Leste and upcoming rotations to theSolomon Islands.

“It was great to meet the men and women of 4 CER and to be briefed on their significant contribution to the Army Reserves and ADF,” said Senator Feeney.

“4 CER is a wonderful example of ordinary people in the electorate of Deakin living extraordinary lives by serving to their country through the Army Reserve,“ said Mr Symon MP.

The Ringwood Depot is certainly a good neighbour to the people of Ringwood, lending a helping hand to the community wherever possible.

“We often get requests from local schools and RSLs for assistance, especially around ANZAC Day. A particular highlight was the recent Maroondah Schools ANZAC Day service on held 18^th May at Ringwood Soundshell. Lieutenant Green and 4 soldiers assisted with the official ceremony,” said Lieutenant Colonel Pilbeam. 

The Ringwood East depot is also home to 31st Army Cadet Unit and 408 (City ofMelbourne Squadron), Australian Air Force Cadets. The combined strength of these cadet organisations is approximately 170, including staff and cadets.

Media Contacts:

Senator Feeney: Dimity Paul 0477 334 324

Mike Symon: Fergus Vial 0419 691 516

Defence Media Operations: 02 6127 1999