Our People in NSW
Mitch Dolan - Hawkesbury lad prepares for return to Australia
PENRITH’S Mitch Dolan is honing his de-construction skills in Dili, Timor Leste as part of the redeployment of Australian personnel and equipment.
The former Hawkesbury High School student, 24, and son of Karen and Michael Dolan, has spent Christmas on Operation ASTUTE and will return home in the New Year.
The Ultimo TAFE Diploma of Architectural Technology student said he was being kept busy as he and a team of construction engineers maintained a high work rate in the dusty and humid Timorese capital.
“I am a combat engineer at the HPOD (Helicopter Point of Departure) and our role so far has been to lead the deconstruction and drawdown of International Stabilisation Force establishments,” he said.
“Due to the nature of the job and the need for short term accommodation, we have actually made some alterations to existing buildings as well as remove non-permanent structures. All the tradesmen have been kept busy with plumbing, carpentry and electrical work”, said Corporal Dolan.
He said the highlights of his trip included testing his trade skills in an operational environment, meeting new friends and commanding engineer work sections.
“It’s been fascinating to work in a foreign country doing engineering work and it’s nice we are making a difference here. I’ll never forget commanding the team during the removal of the last radio transmission site for the ADF and New Zealand Defence Force and away from work, I enjoyed the rare chance to travel to Balibo for a history tour”, said Mitch.
In his spare time he likes to hit the gym, browse the local markets and explore Dili and Timor Leste at every opportunity.
The Penrith Panthers fan said he could not wait to get home and see his girlfriend Ash, his dog Oscar, go off-roading with his brother and have some time off with his family.
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 Timor Leste 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 Timor Leste in late November and bases will be remediated for handover by mid-2013.