Our People in WA
Ashley Shaw - Army Reservist working towards a better Australia
“I enjoy what I do and my employer is very supportive, but was just looking to get out there and meet new people and learn new things,” Ashley said.
Ashley is a patrolman from the Pilbara Regiment 2 Squadron and is working with NORFORCE as part of Operation Outreach the Australian Defence Force’s logistical contribution to the whole of government Interagency Task Force. The effort he is contributing is towards improving the lives of Indigenous Australians in remote Northern Territory communities through education, health and logistical support.
“Helping the community is very warming, I especially enjoy getting to know the kids and their families,” Ashley said.
Working with Family Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA) the ADF is also providing transportation of the child health check teams, made up of civilian nurses and doctors from all parts of Australia, into remote aboriginal communities throughout the Northern Territory.
NORFORCE (North West Mobile Force) is one of three Regional Force Surveillance units across Northern Australia supporting Operation Outreach. Adding to the strength of NORFORCE are soldiers from the Pilbara Regiment who are providing assistance in aboriginal communities across the Tiwi Islands and the NT including the community of Wadeye.
NORFORCE have built significant goodwill, trust and recognition in indigenous communities over the last 25 years and has a high proportion of Aboriginal soldiers whose language and understanding of indigenous traditions is relied upon to ensure a successful mission.
Although his mind is currently on the job in the community of Wadeye, Ashley is looking forward to returning home to his fiance Deanne.