Supporting Defence at Scale: AE Smith Delivers Temporary Camp for TS25

ENOGGERA, QUEENSLAND.

As part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 (TS25), AE Smith delivered a full-scale temporary accommodation facility for the Australian Defence Force at Gallipoli Barracks. Running from June to August 2025, the project required rapid mobilisation, complex site management, and the coordination of multiple trades and subcontractors, all to support one of the largest military exercises in the region.

Building a Camp in Record Time

The project required rapid mobilisation and complex coordination, with site works spanning everything from power systems to catering. Within weeks, AE Smith and its partners created a self-contained facility complete with:

• Weatherproof accommodation tents fitted with stretcher beds, timber flooring, and eco-mat ground protection.
• On-site amenities including bathrooms, toilets, and laundry facilities.
• Power and lighting supplied by a temporary generation system, with phone charging points and lighting in each accommodation area.
• Catering facilities, including a fully equipped commercial kitchen and mess hall to serve personnel at scale.
• Water and waste systems, with fresh water supply, greywater and blackwater management, and secure disposal.
• Support services such as cleaning, grounds maintenance, and controlled site access.

Leading the Delivery

The camp’s delivery was led by Luke Webb, with critical support from Clinton Avenell and Timothy Willis. Their leadership ensured every stage of the project, from design and construction to site management, deconstruction, and make-good works, was delivered seamlessly.

Recognition and Collaboration

The Downer Defence team received multiple acknowledgments recognising the support supplied to the exercise. Commander of the Australian Special Forces Group, Brigadier Craig Shortt, personally thanked the team for their contribution and presented Service Delivery Manager, Luke Webb, and EMOS Operations Manager, Jared Morkel, with the Special Operations Command Medallion as a gesture of appreciation.

In addition, Luke received a Certificate of Recognition from the Exercise Directors, Air Commodore Bellingham and US Colonel Hall, on behalf of the AE Smith and Downer Defence team.

Image above: Operation Talisman Sabre Team awarding Luke Webb with certificate

More Than Infrastructure

For the ADF, TS25 is about strengthening capability and readiness. For AE Smith, it was about bringing together expertise in engineering, project management, and service delivery to make that possible. The temporary camp at Gallipoli Barracks stands as an example of what can be achieved when large-scale infrastructure needs to be delivered quickly, safely, and without compromise.