Department of Defence While many Australian soldiers are returning home for Anzac Day, some will travel back to the communities they served in during Operation Bushfire Assist 2019-20. Troops are taking part in commemorations in communities where they have a strong connection – either the place they think of as home, or where they bonded with locals during the devastating summer fires. Around 130 officers and soldiers are on the move across the nation, visiting places like Eden on the NSW’s south coast, Mallacoota in Victoria and Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Commander Forces Command, Major General Matt Pearse, AM, said it was important for soldiers to preserve the connections they have built in some of the worst fire-affected areas.