Our People in TAS
Stefan Shearer - LAUNCESTON SOLDIER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Stefan, a former student of St Brendan Shaw College, is a Captain in the Australian Army and is based out of the 2nd Force Support Battalion, Hobart. But now he’s working as a Staff Officer for the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) based in Timor Leste.
Stefan joined the Army in 1994, and this is his first tour of duty to Timor-Leste.
“I enjoy being part of a stabilisation effort that is doing great things for the people of Timor Leste. The wide acceptance of our efforts by the East Timorese makes the job more satisfying.
“A memorable moment for me was playing a game of footy against a United Nations team.
“I am also running an AusKick training session every Sunday for the local children, some of whom come from local orphanages and displaced person camps.
“We now have from fifty to one hundred participants. We are also looking to expand but are not trying to take the place of soccer here!
“My first AusKick session was only the fourth time it had been run. I have been pleasantly surprised at both the skills and the attendance of the locals. They are all keen to impress and do well.
“The warm smiles and appreciation of these young people is always a highlight for me,” Stefan said.
Stefan has a long sporting pedigree, including ten seasons with the Old Launcestonians, one season with George Town and last year’s season with Hutchins School Old Boys Football Club. He also enjoys cricket, having played for Trevallen Cricket Club, and golf.
Stefan’s work in the Army also continues a long family tradition of military service.
“My maternal grandfather served in the RAAF during World War Two and my grandmother was a WREN. My paternal grandfather was a Royal Marine during World War Two and my great-great-grandfathers were both well decorated officers of the British Army, Stefan said.
Having joined the Army for new experiences, challenges and to get through university, Stefan has certainly got what he bargained for.
“It is very satisfying to do my job while deployed and to get the chance to help the people of Timor Leste,” Stefan said.
With still over four months left of his deployment, Stefan continues to use his football and military skills to support the local people and ISF troops in Timor Leste and hopes the word is being spread back home about the great job the Aussies are doing.
He is looking forward to seeing his wife, Dianna, and daughter, Annabel, when he returns home. Stefan is also keen to re-introduce himself to some local Tasmanian fine foods and wines.
Stefan 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.