Our People in VIC
Bradley Broadwith - WYNDHAM SOLDIER PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Bradley, a former student of Wyndham District High School, is a Craftsman in the Army and is normally based in Townsville. But now he is part of the International Stabilisation Force in Dili.
Bradley joined the Army in 2001, and this is his first tour of duty in Timor Leste.
“My role is with the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Workshop. My trade involves repairing and maintaining all the Task Force vehicles.
“I’m qualified to work on armoured vehicles and general service vehicles like landrovers, light trucks and heavy trucks.
“I am finding my time here very busy — and life can be made a bit more difficult by the heat and dust! But we get on with it and keep the vehicles on the road. That’s the way we’ve been trained.
“I always enjoy the road trips to different parts of the country. My most memorable moment so far has been a trip to a town called Gleno. We went there to inspect and carry out repairs on some vehicles.
“I liked it because we had the chance to speak to some local people and watch how they live and work together.
“The scenery outside Dili is also rugged, mountainous and different to home,” Bradley said.
When he is at home Bradley enjoys AFL, car racing and Rugby League. “I am looking forward to spending time with my girlfriend, Alyssa. I’ll also enjoy a cold beer and some good times with my family and mates,” Bradley said.
Bradley 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.