Our People in QLD
Daniel Groves - Cairns radio man in East Timor
Cairns Army Officer Daniel Groves, 22, is on a mission.
Daniel is overseeing the installation of a new communication system across all Australian Defence Force operational bases in East Timor.
“It’s a big job, but I always wanted to join the Army and to lead soldiers on operations,” he said. “It’s the highlight of my deployment so far.”
The recently-graduated Lieutenant is now part of the International Stabilisation Force, which is assisting the East Timorese and UN maintain stability and security in the country.
“I now command 25 Australian soldiers and organise and manage all the communications equipment used by Defence Force personnel in East Timor.” Daniel said.
Daniel graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, and then attended the Royal Military College, Duntroon. It’s his second year of command.
“It is an absolute privilege to be able to lead soldiers on an operational deployment, and experience these opportunities that no other job can provide,” he said.
Daniel’s task has enabled him to visit different parts of East Timor, and he is impressed by its beauty.
“The beaches are very beautiful, and the reef actually meets the shore,” he said.
Daniel says the experience has also made him more appreciative of life’s luxuries. “We need to be thankful for everything we take for granted in Australia. A simple sewerage system here would be a huge improvement – where it is simply expected at home,” he said.
Daniel 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 Timorese .