Our People in NSW
Zac Robinson - Second time in East Timor for Port Stephens soldier
It’s his second deployment to East Timor (East Timor), and Port Stephens infantry soldier Zac Robinson says the highlight of his current tour has been witnessing the improvement for the country’s local population.
“It’s been great seeing that East Timor has improved from 2008. The country is a lot cleaner, and the people are really trying to get on with life,” he said.
Aged 19, Zac is a Private and is currently working as a rifleman in an infantry section with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Dili, which is assisting the East Timor and UN police to maintain stability and security in the country.
Zac says that he has enjoyed the great life experiences he has had as a member of the Defence Force.
“The career highlights for me would be travelling around, always meeting new friends and having good life experiences.”
He is also aware of his increasing level of responsibility.
“The longer you are in, the more responsibility and input you need to show,” he said.
Zac’s looking forward to having a bit of a holiday, seeing his family, and going to the beach when he returns to Australia.
A keen motocross rider, he’s also keen to ride his bike.
Zac 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 to allow them to resolve their differences democratically and peacefully.