Our People in QLD
On The Look-Out For Illegals - Michelle Beesley
Driving high-powered sea boats, weapon training, and steering a multi-million dollar latest-generation Navy patrol boat is keeping Tweed Heads local Michelle Beesley ‘on the go’ these days.
After completing study at Tweed River High School in 2000, Michelle dabbled in hospitality as a kitchen hand, cook and barmaid at cafes and restaurants throughout town.
Eventually Michelle felt the lure of a more adventurous life afloat. “I joined the Navy in 2008 for a new career,” she said, “to travel, meet new people and to have fun doing it.”
Now 25, Michelle is based in tropical Darwin and protecting Australia’s maritime borders from people smugglers and illegal foreign fishing vessels as part of Operation RESOLUTE.
She has specialised as a bosun’s mate, which means on deck seamanship and looking after the boat’s pistols, rifles and machine guns.
“When I’m at sea on patrol, I know I’m out there protecting my country, my family and my friends,” Michelle said.
“I’m having so much fun on patrol boats right now that I can’t imagine doing anything else!”
Michelle still gets back to Tweed Heads as often as possible.
“Seeing my family is the most important thing for me when I go home,” she said, “Then catching up with my friends, preferably for dinner in Coolangatta at Top Noodle – the best Japanese restaurant in town!”