OPERATION HANNAFORD
In Response to: Devastating bushfires
Location: Cudlee Creek, SA
Completed: 18 Jan, 2020 – 22 Mar, 2020
Objective
Op Hannaford began on the 13th of Jan 2020 in Lobethal SA, after the fires in the Adelaide Hills region destroyed 86 houses and damaged over 160 more, as well as burning through hundreds of hectares of farmland and vineyards. Almost two-thirds of the wine-growing region has been burnt or damaged during the fires.
Multiple waves were deployed with up to 30 volunteers each time. Each wave was “boots on the ground” for a week providing similar services to those in Willawarrin. There is no other organisation as willing to roll up its sleeves to help the survivors of natural disasters.
Story behind the name
The op is named for the Flight Lieutenant Hector Roy Hannaford, recipient of the distinguished flying cross for outstanding service and leadership flying Kittyhawks in the Mediterranean theatre of operations in 1944.
