It’s here somewhere: LCpl John Austin, 1RAR, working in the Anzac Battle Group’s Q store in Dili. Photo by LS Kade Rogers
Q STORE personnel drawn from different units have formed a strong bond working under busy conditions in Timor-Leste supporting the International Stabilisation Force (ISF).
The QM at H-Pod Dili, Capt Ian Hemerik, has had extensive experience in Timor, this rotation being his third. Everything in his Q-store is elevated 30cm off the ground in preparation for the rainy season.
Capt Hemerik said what he and his team enjoyed most was that every day was different.
“Some people have the same sort of routine day in and day out but for us each day is unique; we just don’t know what will happen,” Capt Hemerik said.
Forty personnel work in the Q store based at H-pod in Dili.
A weekly barge brings in supplies to Dili and essential equipment is brought in to theatre every two days when required. The staff work with Patricks Defence Logistics (PDL) to bring equipment into theatre.
Capt Hemerik said working with the PDL had posed some interesting challenges.
“The Defence personnel on deployment are available 24/7 while the civilians working with us have regular work hours and then go home,” he said. “Working with the PDL, there is a requirement to support the local community which sees the employment of civilians with varying degrees of English comprehension.”
The Q-store personnel’s tasks include preparation for a resupply, movement and sustainment of field equipment deployed throughout the country.
Before deployment, they got together to foster teamwork with regards to the logistics procedures to support the infantry companies.
“This bonding process has resulted in close working relationship here in Timor-Leste,” Capt Hemerik said.
