Our People in VIC
Philip Brown - WERRIBEE AIRMAN PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days the former student of Para Hills High School is normally a public servant in the Defence Material Organisation. But Philip is also a Flight-Sergeant in the Air Force Reserves. It means he is now working in Contract Services Management within of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Dili.
Philip first joined the Air Force Reserves way back in 1981, and this is his second tour of duty to Timor Leste.
“Coming to Timor Leste a second time is a real privilege. I am really pleased to be working with such a great team of people.
“It is also fantastic working with — and meeting — the local people.
“However the best thing is seeing the real and beneficial changes that have happened in this country since I was last here in 2000.
“Dili is now a bustling and busy city with people going about their daily trades and business. Life is getting back to normal,” Philip said.
The local purchase of stores is Philip’s primary role, and he is certainly kept busy.
“My job can involve obtaining anything from phone cards to stationary, even to building materials. But the motivation is strong —being able to help out the local people and serve my country on operations again.
“When the call came through that I was needed in Timor Leste, I spoke to my wife and took leave without pay for six months from the public service,” Philip said.
Philip 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.