Ground Staff Refresh Arborist Skills During Maintenance Closure

Hellfire Pass staff taking arborist training

As part of the annual maintenance closure in May 2026, Hellfire Pass ground staff participated in arborist training to refresh and strengthen their knowledge and skills in the care and management of large trees.

Located in Sai Yok, Kanchanaburi, the Hellfire Pass complex is surrounded by dense forest and mature trees. Regular tree maintenance, including trimming and the removal of dead or hazardous branches, is essential to maintaining a safe environment for staff and visitors while preserving the natural beauty of the site.

The training provided staff with practical instruction in the use of climbing and rigging equipment, safe working practices at height, and the fundamentals of tree biology and health. Participants also learned techniques for assessing tree conditions and carrying out maintenance work that supports both safety and long-term landscape management.

The refresher training helps ensure that members of the Centre’s arborist team maintain their skills and confidence, enabling them to carry out tree maintenance safely, effectively, and in accordance with best practices. Such training plays an important role in supporting the ongoing care of the Hellfire Pass grounds and ensuring the site remains safe and welcoming for all visitors.

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Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre | Ground Staff Refresh Arborist Skills During Maintenance Closure
Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre | Ground Staff Refresh Arborist Skills During Maintenance Closure

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Military officers from the Australian War College visited the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre on 6 September 2026 as part of an educational excursion to learn more about the history of the Second World War and the construction of the Burma–Thailand Railway.

The delegation comprised military officers undertaking the Australian War College’s Defence and Strategic Studies Course (DSSC), which brings together Australian and international officers from various countries across Asia and North America.

The group was received by Mick Clarke OAM, Manager of the Centre, who provided a briefing on the Centre’s establishment and history, as well as the role of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in funding and maintaining the facility.

During the visit, the delegation also laid a wreath at the Hellfire Pass Memorial to honour and remember those who suffered and died during the construction of the Burma–Thailand Railway. The visit provided an opportunity for the officers to reflect on the human experiences and sacrifices associated with the railway and to gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of Hellfire Pass as a place of remembrance and learning.

Location

Bangkok, Thailand

Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre | Ground Staff Refresh Arborist Skills During Maintenance Closure