Our People in NSW
Jess Bingham - RANDWICK SOLDIER DOING HIS BIT FOR TIMOR-LESTE
These days Jess, a former student at East Sydney High, is a gunner with the 4th Field Regiment, which is based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
The 22 year old is now serving with the International Stabilisation Force in the fledgling new nation.
“I’m a radio signaller for the section, I keep communication going between soldiers and headquarters,” said Jess.
This is his second deployment to Timor-Leste since joining the Army in 2005 and he’s currently based in the town of Gleno, south west of the capital city, Dili.
“I enjoy going to the gym and the pay!” Jess said.
“I joined the military because I wanted to serve my country and it’s a challenging lifestyle,” he said.
When he’s not trying to improve the lives of Australia’s overseas neighbours, Jess enjoys music and spending time with mates.
“I’m really looking forward to having a holiday when I get back,” said Jess.
He’s one of about 780 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving in Timor-Leste as part of Operation Astute, the Australian Government response to the Timorese Government’s 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 for all.