Our People in NSW
Michael Chilby - SANCTUARY POINT SOLDIER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Michael, a former student of Vincentia High School , is a Private with the Townsville-based 1 st Royal Australian Regiment Transport section. However, he is currently providing his transport services to the ANZAC Battle Group as part of the International Stabilisation Force in Timor-Leste.
Michael, who joined the Army in 2005 is on his second tour of duty and is enjoying his role.
"My job here is to transport food and personnel around the country and get them to where they need to be.
"Being a part of something that helps the Timorese people is a good feeling," Michael said.
Having joined the Army for new challenges and to experience the military lifestyle, Michael is lapping up his second Timorese deployment.
"Timor has opened up my eyes, even the second time around. The way they live and work compared to our lifestyle in Australia . The country side is beautiful though," Michael said.
With still two months to go until he returns to Australia , Michael is looking forward to getting home and seeing his fiancé Lauren and son Jayden.
Michael is one of about 1100 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving in East Timor 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.