Our People in NSW
Adam Cliff - WORTH THE EFFORT IN TIMOR
Adam, 23, is serving with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) on Operation Astute, the Australian Government’s effort to help restore peace in that country.
Normally based in Townsville, Adam is currently deployed with 2RAR’s Assault Pioneer Platoon conducting security tasks outside Dili.
“We’re assisting the Timorese government and police to restore security so the people can get on with their lives,” Adam said.
Four months into his deployment and with another two months to go, Adam is finding great satisfaction in helping the Timorese do that.
“We’re definitely making a difference and they really like having us around.”
Adam’s plans on his return include an overseas holiday with his fiancée Megan Castelyn and marriage in March next year.
This is Adam’s first deployment to Timor-Leste, having already served in Iraq in 2006 conducting long-range desert patrols with the Army’s Al Muthanna Task Group.
There are currently around 750 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel serving in Timor-Leste as part of Operation Astute.
The operation is part of the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in bringing stability, security and confidence to the Timorese to allow them to resolve their differences democratically and peacefully.