Our People in VIC
Sean Collins - GEELONG SOLDIER PLAYS HIS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Sean, a former student of St Josephs College, has reached the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 and he’s based at Randwick in Sydney. But his skills have found him deployed to Dili as a Contract Services Manager with the International Stabilisation Force in Timor Leste.
Sean joined the Army in 1991, and this is on his second tour of Timor Leste.
“My role involves the contract management of hire vehicles and the supply of various engineering parts. I am also the Company Sergeant Major of the Contract Management Cell, which means administering the various personnel and getting involved with planning and preparation for tasks.”
Having been to Timor Leste in 2000, Sean is particularly pleased with the changes that have occurred in the last seven years.
“This tour I can see that progress has been made with infrastructure — and that the local people are able to go about their daily lives.
“We are now, as Aussies, integrating with the people here and establishing friendships. I really enjoy interacting with the local people and seeing the positive influence that the international contingent is having on the country.
“From a personal perspective I am also doing a job that contributes to making a difference. I am getting into some real electrical and mechanical engineering work and that is very satisfying,” Sean said.
“I had a grandfather who served in the infantry during World War Two so I’m proud to follow in his footsteps.
“It’s also important to me that I do a great job and create an even better way of managing contracts and putting good procedures into place. If there is less work for my replacement then I’ll have done my job!” Sean said.
With still three months left of his deployment, Sean is also looking forward to getting home to his wife, Catherine, and to catching up with his mates.
Sean 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.