Our People in NSW
Corey Williams - East Timor opens mind for Kurri Kurri Soldier
While initially a little hesitant about some of the cross-cultural experiences he was going to have, Kurri Kurri soldier Corey Williams says a more open mind about doing different things has been something he’s enjoyed learning while on deployment with the Australian Army.
Corey is 22 and serving as an infantry soldier with the Timor-Leste (East Timor) Battle Group, part of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Dili.
He was surprised by the welcome he received from the locals, and the state of the country on this, his first operational deployment.
“The people were friendlier than I thought they would be, and Dili was more established than I thought. The traffic, or amount of it, was also a surprise,” he said.
His highlight has been being able to get out and about, seeing different people and different towns while conducting patrols and training throughout the country.
He is looking forward to seeing his eight-month-old son Saxon and wife Danielle when he returns to Australia.
The International Stabilisation Force (ISF) is assisting the Government of East Timor and UN to maintain stability and security in the country.
Corey is one of some 650 Australian Defence Force personnel now serving in East Timor with Operation Astute
The operation is part of the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of East Timor to assist in bringing stability, security and confidence to the Timorese.