Our People in WA
Derek Gibb - OCEAN REEF SOLDIER DOING HIS BIT FOR TIMOR LESTE
These days Derek, a former student at Ocean Reef High School, is a private with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, which is based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
The 29 year old year old is a rifleman serving with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in the fledgling new nation.
“I help local authorities improve conditions in the country and do tasks such as mounted vehicle patrols through villages,” said Derek.
This is his first deployment overseas since joining the Army last year and he’s currently based in Baucau, east of the capital city, Dili.
“I’ve enjoyed experiencing a different culture and meeting the local people,” said Derek.
“My most memorable moment, so far, has been getting off the plane and seeing Timor for the first time,” he said.
Derek comes from a proud military family. Both his grandfathers were in the British Army during World War Two.
“I joined the military because I wanted to travel the world, do things I wouldn’t normally get to do and help people,” Derek said.
When he’s not trying to improve the lives of Australia’s overseas neighbours, he enjoys weight lifting, running and soccer.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing my family and friends and having a few beers down at the pub when I get home,” Derek said.
He’s one of about 780 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.
The Australians, as part of the International Stabilisation Force, are assisting the Government of Timor Leste and the United Nations Police to provide a secure environment for all East Timorese.