Our People in WA
David Harding - A DIFFERENT KIND OF MINISTRY
David, 51, is serving with the Army on Operation Astute, the Australian Government’s effort to help restore peace in that country.
Normally based in Townsville with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, David is currently deployed as the Padre for Timor-Leste Battle Group 3 and the International Stabilisation Force Headquarters in Dili.
Four months into his deployment, David’s greatest satisfaction has come from sharing the same daily tasks and challenges as the soldiers and simply being around when they need him.
“The ministry here is very much broader than anything I’ve experienced before in my four years in the Army. The Task Force soldiers themselves are a very diverse bunch and, unlike the civilian ministry, here I’m working across the full range of denominations,” David said.
“The deployment has given me a new appreciation for what’s important to the soldiers.”
David’s family connections with the military are extensive.
“My wife Lynn is currently serving as the 3 Brigade Welfare Officer in Townsville, my son Bradley is ex Navy, my daughter Josephine is about to join the Army Reserve.”
“My Dad Wilfred and two of his brothers served with the British Army, my brother Andrew is ex Navy and my brother Paul was ex Army Reserve.”
David is looking forward to a holiday in Cairns with Lynn after his return to Australia in February.
Operation Astute is part of the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in bringing stability, security and confidence to the Timorese to allow them to resolve their differences democratically and peacefully.