Our People in NSW
Mick Kenny - Gunnedah
15 years ago Gunnedah’s Mick Kenny used to sell ploughshares. Now the 47 year local is wearing an Australian Army uniform in East Timor, helping maintain the peace as part of the International Stabilisation Force.
Mick grew up in Gunnedah and started his career as a mechanic over 30 years ago with the family agricultural machinery dealership Goodwin Kenny (sales) Pty Ltd.
At the age of 32 he decided to do something different. He joined the Australian Army as a vehicle mechanic, and his talents have been used from the Southwest Pacific to the Middle East.
“After 15 years in the agricultural industry I was ready to try a different career,” he said.
“Now I’ve travelled widely and have broadened my trade knowledge a lot.”
The former student at Gunnedah’s St Mary’s College loved passing on his knowledge to fellow soldiers, and it boosted his rise to become the workshop sergeant for the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment in Darwin.
Mick had already deployed to East Timor during 2001-2002, so he felt sure there would be no surprises during this trip.
Instead he was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 2.
“It was a great surprise — a bonus to the work in East Timor,” he said.
“My current position involves constant liaison with contractors to ensure the vehicles are in a safe and road worthy condition.
“My work also involves the local procurement of spare parts to assist the main workshop in the upkeep of ADF owned vehicles.
Working with contractors also allows Warrant Officer Kenny to get a good understanding of the challenges facing the East Timorese and the progress they have made since the troubles of 2006.
“The lives of the people are slowly improving,” he said.
“They are a happy bunch, always smiling and polite.
“They are working hard to improve the country, especially in the area of tourism and the development of local infrastructure.
“I hope one day I can return as a tourist to enjoy the friendship and beauty of this magnificent country.”