Our People in QLD
LBDR Dave Allan - SALISBURY SOLDIER BRINGS PEACE TO DILI STREETS
Dave, a Lance Bombadier with the Townsville-based 4th Field Regiment, is currently serving with the Australian-led International Stabilisation Force in Timor-Leste. For Dave and his gunner mates, their work in Dili has seen them taking on the role of infantrymen, patrolling the streets to provide a strong security presence through liaison with the local communities.
These presence patrols have been designed to rebuild confidence among the local population by reassuring them that there is security and they can go about their daily business without fear.
Dave, who joined the Army in 2002, is the 2 nd in-command of his section and is responsible for the administrative aspects of the troops, including discipline.
"I get to spend a lot of time with the guys on patrols and piquet and make sure they have everything they need to do the job," Dave said.
On being in Timor-Leste, Dave has enjoyed being a part of the stabilisation force and hopes their efforts will make a difference.
"I think the children really appreciate us being here and I hope we can have a positive effect on their futures.
"It's great to see the kids laughing and having a good time. They always come up to us with big smiles on their faces," Dave said.
After joining the Army for the discipline aspect and life experience, Dave said he wasn't totally prepared for the cultural differences between Australia and Timor-Leste.
"Something that has stood out for me is that every family appears to have a pig and rooster as pets. One guy even has a crocodile. The diversity of cultures is pretty amazing," Dave said.
The soldiers also conduct searches for illegal weapons in an effort to reduce the availability.
On returning to Australia later this year, Dave looks forward to seeing his family and friends, and his fiancé Kristy.
Dave is one of about 1100 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving in East Timor as part of Operation Astute, the Australian Government response to the Timorese Government request for assistance in restoring peace to their country.
The Australians, as part of the International Stabilisation Force, are assisting the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Police to provide a secure environment in which the country can conduct its first independent presidential and parliamentary elections since independence.