Our People in NSW
Katrina Clarke - MP enamored by the locals
“Apart from provision of specialist police support to the task force, a big part of what I do here is manage locally employed civilians — and it’s been very rewarding,” she said.
Immersed in the culture and exposed to a new language has given Katrina experiences and insights that only working closely with others can give. “I find the local people to be culturally rich, highly individual, proud and fun loving with a strong sense of family identity,” she said. “I admire their outlook on life, their deep faith, less reliance on materialism and above all a focus on relationships and support for the family unit.”
While she’s enjoying Afghanistan, home is where the heart is and Katrina is looking forward to returning to Ambarvale west of Sydney where her fiancé, Tony, is waiting. “Ambervale is quiet and the people are friendly – it’s a little pocket of paradise.”
Katrina also has fond memories of Coffs Harbor where she grew up particularly of mentors who helped her through her school years. “A lot of teachers who helped me are highly respected – that’s the link I have with Coffs,” she said. “There are good people to be found wherever you go.”
Some 900 Australian Defence Force personnel are now in Afghanistan as part of Operation SLIPPER, Australia’s commitment to assist Afghanistan achieve a stable and secure future. Army engineers are focused on reconstruction and community-based projects while a Special Operations Task Group is operating to disrupt Taliban extremists' command and control and supply routes.