I was there!!
This one day deployment is looking like becoming a more regular thing for large incidents on KI.
There have been major problems in getting crews (both fire crews, and IMT's) on 3 or 5 day deployments to KI....and then issues with getting accommodation at certain times of the year (like school holidays!) etc.
This deployment came over on the first flight from Adelaide, and returned on the last one back....makes for one long day, but at least it is only one day, and not 3 or 5.
I think these short term deployments for KI are an excellent idea.
As for food - I'd have to agree with you - the Logistics people, and the catering people (for this deployment) were mostly locals, and did an excellent job on the food...
Certainly the IMT's from the mainland, and the locals have had lots of practice lately on KI, and previously, food was a problem...but everyone seems to have learnt from the previous fires, and have done a top job this time
Pip