Our People in NSW
Matt Clow - WODONGA SOLDIER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Matt, a former student of Wodonga West Secondary College , is a Corporal in the Army with the Brisbane-based 4th Military Police Company. However, he is currently in charge of a military police section in the troubled capital, Dili as part of the International Stabilisation Force, working with the UN Police.
Matt, who joined the Army in 1999 is enjoying his first tour of duty to the emerging country where his role sees him out on the streets of Dili regularly.
"I am the section commander of a military police section, so I ensure all members of the section are prepared and ready to do their job.
"I also provide specialist military police support to commanders, as well as providing overall security to dignitaries," Matt said.
Having joined the Army to follow in his father's footsteps, and for a solid and satisfying lifestyle, Matt is lapping up his Timor experience.
"It's an interesting job, working with the UN police and meeting people from around the world.
"Putting a smile on the faces of the local Timorese makes it all worthwhile too. I think they understand that we are here to help them.
"The kids always seem pleased to see us," Matt said.
Apart from his daily duties, Matt, along with some of his other military police mates, has also taken on the role of teaching the local kids how to play Aussie Rules football, as part of the Auskick program.
"The kids love it. They aren't too bad at it either. It was only a matter of time before the Aussies did something to introduce AFL to them," Matt said.
Matt is one of about 1100 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving in Timor Leste as part of Operation Astute, the Australian Government response to the Timorese Government request for assistance in restoring peace to their country.
The Australians, as part of the International Stabilisation Force, are assisting the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Police to provide a secure environment in which the country can conduct its first independent presidential and parliamentary elections since independence.