Air Force brings Christmas cheer to remote communities
Exercise Christmas Hop 2025 has brought Christmas cheer to some of Queensland’s most remote communities, helping children and families celebrate the festive season.
The annual initiative reflects Defence’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and sharing goodwill during the holidays.
Exercise Christmas Hop 2025 delivered a unique experience to remote communities in Far North Queensland ahead of the holiday season.
Australian Defence Force personnel visited communities including Mornington Island, Doomadgee, Weipa, Normanton, Kowanyama, Cloncurry, Badu Island, Horn Island, Masig Island, Pormpuraaw, Aurukun, Longreach and Burketown.
“Exercise Christmas Hop 2025 has brought Christmas cheer to some of Queensland’s most remote communities, helping children and families celebrate the festive season,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
Exercise Christmas Hop 2025 delivered donated goods to remote communities, including, Olympic games sports apparel, sporting equipment, water bottles, shoes and education resources.
“The annual initiative reflects Defence’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and sharing goodwill during the holidays.”
Locals from Doomadgee gather for a group photo with former Australian Olympians Nova Peris, OAM ,(left) and Mack Horton, OAM, on the ramp of a Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan during Exercise Christmas Hop.
A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan and C-130J Hercules aircraft played a key role in delivering toys, sporting equipment, education resources and apparel, generously donated by organisations across the country. The exercise was supported by the Australian Army’s 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, working alongside Air Force crews to make the deliveries possible.
Partnership with Australian Olympic Committee
These donations were coordinated in partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), which has worked with Defence since 2021 to bring joy to children in regional and remote areas.
The AOC plays a central role in sourcing and coordinating donations from organisations nationwide, ensuring communities receive high-quality goods that promote education, sport and wellbeing. This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and making Christmas special for families in remote locations.
Doomadgee local Aiyana Gallagher, No. 35 Squadron pilot Flight Lieutenant Callum O’Connor and Olympic athlete Nova Peris.
A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan and C-130J Hercules aircraft played a key role in delivering toys, sporting equipment, education resources and apparel, generously donated by organisations across the country. The exercise was supported by the Australian Army’s 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, working alongside Air Force crews to make the deliveries possible.
The donations were coordinated in partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), which has worked with Defence since 2021 to bring joy to children in regional and remote areas.
The AOC plays a central role in sourcing and coordinating donations from organisations nationwide, ensuring communities receive high-quality goods that promote education, sport and wellbeing. This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and making Christmas special for families in remote locations.
