Our People in NSW
Luke Johnston - Barham
Luke Johnston, 29, grew up with his parents Jenni and Mark on ‘Clontarf’, the family farm. Now he normally works in Melbourne and knows as much about internet connections as he does about goats and winter crops.
But early in the New Year Luke will be even further away. He’ll be in his Army uniform and on duty in East Timor.
“I thought about the full-time Army, but tried uni first,” said Luke. “Six years later I joined the Reserve — which gives me the best of both worlds.
“Now I’m a trained rifleman, and second-in-charge of a section of eight diggers.”
Pre-deployment training has been in full-swing. One stand-out moment for Luke has been learning how to escape from a sinking helicopter.
“I’m not big on being strapped in a chair upside down and underwater,” said Luke. “I’m just glad it’s out of the way!
“It’s my first overseas deployment and I’m expecting a culture shock, despite all the culture training.
“But our main job will be supporting the police — patrolling, running check-points and talking to the locals in Tetum, the local language. I’ve already been on a two-week language course — very intense.”
Luke has some plans for his return to Australia.
“I’m hoping it will be the start of a deposit for a house or land back home,” said Luke.
And that first beer? “Straight out of Dad’s fridge!” he said.
The Australian-led International Stabilisation Force is in-country at the invitation of the East Timorese government to be prepared to support East Timorese and United Nations security forces to maintain a secure and stable environment.
All reservists are volunteers and have to volunteer again to serve overseas. Reserves can also support security within Australia at major events such as the Commonwealth Games or Heads of Government visits.
If you want to know more about Australian peacekeepers or support the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project, please visit: http://www.peacekeepingmemorial.org.au/