Our People in QLD
Mark Barnes - BUNDABERG SOLDIER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Mark is a Warrant Officer Class Two in the Army with the 1st Aviation Regiment and is normally based in Darwin. But now he is working as a technical specialist with the International Stabilisation Force in Timor Leste.
Mark joined the Army in 1986, but this is his first tour of duty to Timor Leste.
“Deploying on operations is something that I have waited for during my whole career in the Army. I am finally able to use my experience and training overseas in a real military operational situation.
“My role involves developing and writing a maintenance management plan to ensure we have safe maintenance procedures within the Joint Task Force and all its units.
“It keeps us very busy. It’s also rewarding because this plan will ensure our equipment stays on-line and therefore the task force can keep operating,” Mark said.
Being able to deploy to Timor Leste was an opportunity that Mark was very pleased to accept. “We obviously are paid well and that is a huge incentive. But importantly the chance to work with other people, other cultures and carry out my duties to the best of my ability is the best motivating factor.
“We are also here to assist the people of Timor Leste and I never lose sight of that fact. Helping out the local people and ensuring that they can live in conditions that are safe and secure is our overall mission,” Mark said.
“My most memorable moment so far was a trip to a place called Gleno. We were able to speak to the locals and really get into observing their customs and traditions.
“I had a grandfather and an aunt in the RAAF so we do have a small military background in our family,” Mark said
Mark is looking forward to getting outdoors and fishing, shooting and four-wheel driving when he gets home. “I am also looking forward to being reunited with my wife, Debbie, and my two daughters, Lisa and Kymberly,” Mark said.
Mark 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.