Our People in the NT
Murray Pearson - DARWIN SOLDIER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
Like most Territorians, Murray started life somewhere else. Murray was educated at St Stephen’s School in Auckland, but these days he’s based in Darwin as a Major in the Army’s Legal Corps. It has scored him a job as the legal officer with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) based in Dili.
Murray joined the Army in 2003, and this is his first tour of duty in Timor-Leste.
He’s keen to continue the long family tradition of military service. “My grandfathers were in both World Wars and I had a great-uncle killed at Gallipoli. A cousin in the Royal New Zealand Air Force has also served in Timor Leste. I want to continue my family tradition, pay respects to my forebears and render good service to my country in a time of great change,” Murray said.
As the international contingent’s legal specialist, Murray has certainly relished his part in helping the people of Timor Leste. “It has been pleasing to see the beneficial effects …. We can see people increasingly going about the business of daily life with smiles on their faces.
“It makes me happy and proud to be a small part of a large, committed team that is assisting all this to occur,” Murray said.
“An especially memorable moment for me was visiting a small village in remote Timor Leste village. The smiles and appreciation of these people is always a highlight for me.”.
Murray is one of about 850 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving in Timor Leste as part of Operation Astute, the Australian Government response to the Timorese Government request for assistance in restoring peace to their country.
As part of the International Stabilisation Force, the Australians are assisting the Government of Timor Leste and the United Nations Police to provide a secure environment for all East Timorese.