Our People in NSW
Drew Baker - GRAFTON SOLDIER DOING HIS BIT FOR TIMOR-LESTE
These days Drew, a former student at South Grafton High School, is a private with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, and is normally based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
The 23 year old rifleman is now part of the International Stabilisation Force in the fledgling new nation.
“We have a number of tasks including, providing security to helicopters and being ready to stop any trouble in town,” said Drew.
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, meeting different people and seeing different cultures,” said Drew.
“I joined the military because I wanted the experience, I was keen to travel plus it’s a steady job!” he said.
When he’s not trying to improve the lives of Australia’s overseas neighbours, Drew enjoys playing computer games.
“I’m really looking forward to catching up with mates and my family as well as having a beer when I get home!” said Drew.
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.