Our People in NSW
Michael Hamer - Timor time for Quakers Hill soldier
Quakers’ Hill sportsman Michael Hamer recently celebrated his 25th birthday with a difference – driving Army trucks in East Timor. But he was able to take time out for a bit of cake.
These days Michael is a mechanic with the International Stabilisation Force assisting the East Timorese and UN police maintain stability and security in the country.
His role involves loading food, water, and other supplies onto trucks and driving these to bases outside Dili where Australian and New Zealand personnel are stationed. He says he’s a better driver than ever.
“We go all over the country, and the roads are very steep and windy, so we have to really concentrate. We average around 40 kilometres per hour.”
Michael says he’s enjoyed the extra responsibility that has come with being deployed. “I am the task commander of the convoys, which is something I was expected to step up to,” he said.
“I am also a fitness leader, so I am in charge of our gym on base, and run the physical training sessions with the soldiers and officers, which is great.”
Michael has had three uncles in the Australian Navy, one in the Air Force, and a grandfather served in World War II.
Michael started off working as a shed build er and air-conditioning installer before he decided to follow the family’s military tradition.
“I’ve now been in uniform three years but this deployment has been the highlight so far. It’s been great to be able to get to the country, and the celebrities coming over for the entertainment tour was fantastic,” he said. “I had never heard of Ian Moss before but he was great, and the fact that they were so happy to spend some time with us was cool.”
Michael has also been impressed by the beauty of East Timor. “It really hits you when you’re driving along the coast that it is such a beautiful country.”
Michael is looking forward to catching up with his fiancée Sarah and daughter Noelani when he returns home. As an accomplished rugby league player, he is also looking forward to catching up with his team mates.
“I’m on the Australian Army and Defence Force Rugby League teams and I can’t wait to get out on the field with my mates,” he said.
Michael is one of 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 East Timorese .