Our People in WA
Andrew George - FROM UNI TO DILI
Andrew has taken a break from his law studies and put on his Air Force Reserve uniform, and he’s now on duty as a watchkeeper with the International Stabilisation Force in Dili.
Andrew joined the Reserve in 2001, and has already seen active service in the Middle East in 2006. This is his first tour of duty in Timor Leste. He is finding the experience different, but very rewarding.
"This is a peacekeeping mission and getting Timor Leste back on its feet is something that I believe in passionately.
"My role is to serve on the Headquarters staff. This task includes general coordination and assisting in the military response to civil disruption. It is a tough job sometimes — working in field conditions with heat and disease — but someone has to do it.
Being able to deploy on operations and work in Timor Leste was an opportunity Andrew was pleased to accept.
"There is no doubt that our legacy — here and now — will shape the future of this country for several generations to come. I feel privileged to be a part of that," Andrew said.
"My most recent memorable moment was distributing rice to a school in a remote part of the country, not far from Balibo. I had about 150 kids rush up and start kissing my hands - such is the respect for the Australian uniform.
"They are real battlers here. Families are ravaged by disease such as tuberculosis, leprosy, dengue and malaria, yet they are always happy to say hello, and Timorese hospitality cannot be faulted.
Andrew is looking forward to returning to his studies when he returns home. "What can I say? Peacekeeping is no holiday and campus life seems an absolute mile away!" Andrew said.
Andrew 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 Australian are assisting the Government of Timor Leste and the United Nations Police to provide a secure environment for all East Timorese.