Our People in VIC
Felicity Burrowes - BEAUMARIS SOLDIER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Felicity, a former student of Mentone Girls' Grammar School, is a Lance Corporal in the Army Reserves with the Watsonia-based 3 rd Military Police Company. However, she is currently providing her policing expertise to the commander of the International Stabilisation Force in the troubled capital, Dili.
Felicity, who joined the Army Reserve in 2004 is enjoying her first tour of duty to the emerging country where her role sees her out on the streets of Dili regularly.
"I work with the International Stabilisation Force and UN Police to provide policing support and also conduct general military police duties. It's great to work within such a professional section. Some members have extensive experience in their field which provides excellent guidance.
Having joined the Army Reserve for new challenges and potentially a full time career, Felicity has got what she bargained for.
"This deployment has been full of great experiences. I loved being a part of the security team for the recent Tour de Force concert by Australian entertainers. I met all of the entertainers and have developed some great friendships, especially with Carl Barron and the Sydney band Jonah's Road," Felicity said.
With two months left before returning home to Australia , Felicity is very much looking forward to catching up with friends and family and getting a new addition to her family, a German Shepherd puppy.
"It will be awesome to get home, but I am enjoying my time here immensely. I am meeting new people and making new friends. Seeing a beautiful country develop and experiencing a new culture and a new language.
Felicity 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.