Our People in WA
PTE Matthew Chandler - YOUNG SOLDIER IS DRIVEN TO SUCCESS
The 18 year- old, from Hillarys in Perth Western Australia, serves with 16 th Battalion, the Royal Western Australia Regiment, is involved in Operation DELUGE as a member of the Security Task Group who provide low risk searches and checkpoint security during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in Sydney from the 2 nd to the 9 th of August.
“I’m thinking of joining the Army full time, so I’m trying the Reserves and so far I’m liking he whole Army concept,” Matthew said.
The Private, joined the Army Reserve in February this year was offered the opportunity to join Operation DELUGE at the last minute.
“I was asked by my commanding officer on the Saturday and excepted it straight away. By Monday I was in Sydney… it’s all been pretty exciting,” he said.
Operation DELUGE is Matthew’s first major task since enlisting in the Reserves however he is looking forward to October when he gets his first chance at an overseas deployment to the Solomon Islands on Operation ANODE.
“I’m going to the School of Infantry , in Singleton (NSW) for six months. While there I’ll train to be ready to replace anyone that’s injured over in the Solomons, ” Matthew said.
While in Sydney , Matthew hopes to see some of the sights, however he realises that his job like that of his fellow Diggers is vital to the success of Operation Deluge.
“I’ve never been to the Sydney before and I don’t think this trip I’ll have much chance to see much of its attractions, however I think the Army will give me the Chance to visit Sydney again in the not too distant future,” he said.
Matthew is one of approximately 1500 Defence personnel deployed as part of Operation DELUGE, to support the security aspects of the APEC 07 Leaders’ Meetings in Sydney during September.
The Australian Defence Force will act in support of the NSW Police and other government agencies as part of the overall security arrangements for the APEC 07 Leaders’ meetings.
A range of capabilities will be in place throughout the period of the meetings in support of the New South Wales Police to ensure that Australia stages a safe, secure and successful event for the delegates.