12th Chief Engineer Works

19/08/2026

05/08/2026

Project 230 Delivering Critical Infrastructure Upgrades in Papua New Guinea 🔧

Project 230, led by 12th Chief Engineer Works (12 CEW) under the guidance of Project Engineer Captain Max Cubis and Works Supervisor Warrant Officer Class Two Matthew Pfingst, continues to deliver essential infrastructure upgrades at Moem Barracks, Wewak.

Work is currently progressing across two major trade packages designed to strengthen critical base services and enhance the long-term resilience of the barracks.

💧 Trade Package 1 includes the construction of a 1 megalitre water storage tank to improve water security, alongside a new water and fire reticulation network. These works are being delivered by 6th Engineer Support Regiment (6ESR) in partnership with PNGDF tradesmen, demonstrating the value of close collaboration and shared expertise.

Trade Package 2 focuses on the remediation of the barracks sewer network, including investigation, cleaning and replacement works to restore the functionality and reliability of critical wastewater infrastructure within the Central Operations Precinct. These works are being delivered by a local PNG company, Lae Builders.

Through these important works, Project 230 continues to strengthen PNGDF capability while showcasing the enduring partnership between the Australian Defence Force, PNG Defence Force and local industry. Yumi Stap Wantaim - Side by Side, Step by Step.



17th Sustainment Brigade - Australian Army

31/07/2026

Gaining valuable experience!

Recently, the Commanding Officer of 12 CE Works visited the Crockatt Park Seawall Upgrade Project to see firsthand the progress being made on site.

Currently halfway through a year-long industry secondment with Australian Marine and Civil, Captain Luke Pressler is gaining valuable experience in contemporary civil and marine construction practices. This partnership is designed to develop junior Army project engineers by exposing them to current industry skills and technologies, strengthening the expertise they bring back to the wider Army.

Captain Pressler has embraced the opportunity, expanding his knowledge in areas such as seawall engineering and the application of emerging technologies, including glass fibre reinforced concrete.
Partnerships like these continue to build a stronger, more capable engineering workforce for the future.

17th Sustainment Brigade - Australian Army

27/07/2026

Bittersweet Goodbyes and Exciting New Beginnings!

After an extraordinary 41 years of service across both the British Army and Australian Army, we recently farewelled Captain Richard (Taff) Hall, a remarkable soldier, leader, mentor, and mate.
Four decades of dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact on countless people, units, and operations. From serving under two flags to mentoring generations of soldiers, Taff’s contribution extended far beyond the years counted on a service record. Originally enlisting as a Sapper in the British Army, Taff progressed through the ranks to become a Warrant Officer Class One. He later transferred to the Australian Army as a Warrant Officer Class Two before commissioning to the rank of Captain in January 2024. Congratulations on an exceptional career and a well-earned retirement! We wish you and your family every success, happiness and adventure in the next chapter.

We also sadly farewelled Mr Cody Eibig after his three month secondment to 12 CE Works. Cody is a structural engineer from Stantec participating in the exchange program between our two organisations. He supported a number of key project outcomes, including a scoping study report for a Papua New Guinea project and aircraft pavement design for the new HMAF Air Wing Hangar project in Tonga. We thank Cody for the time and effort he has provided to 12 CE Works over his secondment and we wish him well for the future.

And congratulations to our newest Warrant Officer Class Two, Luke Skipper. As he steps into his new appointment, we look forward to the continued positive impact he will have on our soldiers and the wider Army. Well done, WO2 Skipper!

17th Sustainment Brigade - Australian Army

26/06/2026

Incredible Effort – Push Up Challenge! 💪

Massive shout-out to the team for getting behind the Push Up Challenge – not just for the physical effort, but for what it represents. Together, we’ve worked to raise awareness for mental health and support an important cause through fundraising.
Every rep, every contribution and every word of encouragement showed the strength of the team.

Well done to everyone who took part, supported and helped make a difference! 👏 ⭐️

17th Sustainment Brigade - Australian Army

18/06/2026

🇸🇧 🇦🇺
From Vision to Reality - Nearly Complete!

As Western Border Outpost is nearing final completion we reflect on the progress the team has made since early works started in 2024. Located in Lofung, Shortland Islands Western Border Outpost provides the Solomon Islands with a facility to enhance security projection to their western border.

The outpost is built to support a Guardian Class Patrol Vessel alongside and accommodate RSIPF, Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity personnel as they go about their duties enhancing national security for Solomon Islanders.

12 Chief Engineer Works is proud to work with the Solomon Islands in the delivery of this project. This is one of the most remote and logistically challenging construction projects undertaken by a Chief Engineer Works and is made possible through the close working relationship with industry partners.

Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands
17th Sustainment Brigade - Australian Army

29/05/2026

Push Up Challenge – Ready to Go! 💪

12 CE Wks is ready to take on the 17th Sustainment Brigade Commander’s Push Up Challenge!

From 04 – 26 June, members from 12 CE Wks will complete an incredible 3,307 push ups in support of mental health charities: The Push for Better Foundation, Lifeline and headspace.

This challenge is about more than fitness – it’s about raising awareness, starting conversations, and supporting mental health within our communities.

Stay tuned for updates throughout the challenge, including highlights from our members participating in the challenge from Solomon Islands.

To track our progress, visit: https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/12CEWks/the-push-up-challenge

17th Sustainment Brigade - Australian Army

01/05/2026

Promotions and presentations!

Congratulations to members of 12th Chief Engineer Works who have recently been recognised for their dedication and service.

Corporal Angus Kellow – officially promoted to Corporal
Captain Jackson Wright – presented with the Operational Service Medal – Border Protection
Private Jade McMillan – presented with the Defence Service Medal
Major Doug Menzies – presented with the Defence Long Service Medal

Your hard work, commitment and professionalism continue to set the standard – well done all!

And a very special congratulations to Angus who has also recently tied the knot – wishing you all the very best in this exciting new chapter! 🥂

17th Sustainment Brigade - Australian Army