Our People in NSW
Stephen Bennett - Chaplain prepares for services in Timor Leste
BONNELLS Bay’s Stephen Bennett will have a bigger job than most this Christmas while deployed to Timor Leste.
The 40-year-old Lake Macquarie resident has been deployed to Operation ASTUTE in Dili since October as the Australian Army Chaplain and is busy making preparations for the Christmas service in the tropical island nation.
The Army Captain said he is enjoying the opportunity to deploy again in support of Australian personnel after deploying to the Solomon Islands in support of Operation ANODE in 2011.
“The former International Stabilisation Force and now the Joint Task Force personnel are a really great bunch of men and women,” he said.
“The mission is very rewarding in its results for the people of Timor Leste and culturally, I have enjoyed meeting the locals and interacting with the people of Timor Leste.
“On the personal front, this trip has been invaluable in gaining experience and skills in the role of the Padre for future operations.
“I joined the Army to support those who serve in the ADF. It’s a privileged role and any members from a Private soldier to the Commander can come to me 24/7 for a chat, advice and to unburden themselves in confidence.”
The Chaplain’s role is to provide pastoral support to deployed members, monitor and respond to morale issues, facilitate religious rites, ceremonies and services and to support command with information and advice.
“As the Padre I am everybody’s mate even though sometimes I say some tough and hard-to-swallow things.
“I have the highest regard for every single person who chooses to wear a uniform in the ADF and feel honoured to be counted among them.”
Stephen said a highlight of the trip had been the interaction with the local community including visiting the local orphanages.
He added he could not wait to get home and spend some quiet time with his wife Stephanie and three children, James (16), Emily (14) and Sophie (12).
“It will be nice to get home get back into surfing, painting, hanging out with my wife, and have a decent coffee!”
Timor Leste began an exciting new chapter in its history when the Australian-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF) ceased security operations on 22 November.
After more than six years of supporting the East Timor security forces, the ISF role has changed to the redeployment of its people and equipment to Australia and New Zealand. ISF troops started to depart East Timor in late November and bases will be remediated for handover by mid-2013.