Our People in VIC
Sapper Alistair George - HAWTHORN SOLDIER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Alistair, a former student of Scotch College , is a Sapper in the Army, normally based in Townsville with the 3 rd Combat Engineer Regiment. However, he is currently undertaking a variety of reconstruction projects in Timor Leste as part of the ANZAC Battle Group.
Alistair, who joined the Army in 2004, is enjoying his second tour of duty to Timor Leste, and helping with the reconstruction of the country.
"Building relationships with the local community is a big part of the job. We travel around and talk to people to find out the areas that need fixing up.
"We then assist in the building or reconstruction of infrastructure in partnership with the locals.
"It's important that the Timorese become involved in the projects too and see what they have achieved when all the hard work is done," Alistair said.
Having joined the Army for new experiences, Alistair says being overseas on deployment with the Army is something that instils pride and honour.
"I am really proud of the work we are doing here. It's important to improve the image of the Australian Army in the eyes of the local population and for them to see the difference we are trying to make to their lives.
"I think overall, the Timorese are very happy to have us here helping them," Alistair said.
With still two months of work to do before heading home to Australia , Alistair is already looking forward to seeing his family and friends and celebrating his 21 st birthday.
"I am stoked that I will be home for my 21 st . It's going to be a great night," he said.
Alistair is one of about 1100 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.
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.