Our People in NSW
James Dennis - MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN EAST TIMOR
Normally based in Townsville with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Lance Corporal Dennis is currently deployed on Operation Astute, the Australian Government’s effort to help restore peace in our northern neighbour.
Now four months into his six-month deployment, James, 30, is enjoying a busy, broad-ranging role with the Timor-Leste Battle Group.
“We’re doing everything from classic infantry patrolling tasks to making sure the hospitals are stocked,” James said.
“We have a highly visible presence, constantly liaising with the village chiefs, the Timor-Leste and UN police, conducting route reconnaissance, marking landing zones and so on and just generally getting out among the community.”
“They’re very receptive to us, particularly up here in the hills outside Dili.”
This is James’ third overseas deployment with the Army since joining in 1996.
“I went to the Solomons in 2004 and Iraq in 2006, and each operation has been very different.”
He’s looking forward to a cold beer, a big steak and time with girlfriend Julianne Harvey in their Balmain home when he returns.
James is one of around 750 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving on 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.