Our People in TAS
Chris Dickson - Burnie photographer in East Timor
Burnie-raised Leading Aircraftsman Chris Dickson reckons he has the best job in the world.
Chris (29) has now specialised as a military photographer and is part of the action in East Timor. He’s part of the International Stabilisation Force which is assisting the East Timorese and UN maintain stability and security in the country.
But Chris wasn’t always behind the camera. He first joined the RAAF as a plumber in 2001, and went to Bougainville in that role in 2004. “My job there was to provide purified water to the camps,” he said.
Chris decided on a career change three years ago, and transferred to photography within the RAAF.
“I was always interested in photography as a kid. I was interested in what our military photographers did and it went from there,” he said.
“My career highlight was being posted to the ADF’s deployable Public Affairs Unit in Canberra, which allows me to work with other photographers and spend my time doing something that I love. That’s how I ended up in East Timor,” he said.
“I have loved working with the infantry. It’s very different to what I’m used to, and the guys are really good to work with. They are really nice people and they enjoy their jobs, so that rubs off. It inspires me to do a good job for them,” he said.
Chris says he had some surprises when coming to East Timor.
“Dili was a little more built up than I thought it would be, but the villages were how I pictured them,” he said.
But the biggest lesson he learned was a simple one.
“It’s the power of a smile and the gesture of a wave. One smile, and a wave, and everyone’s faces light up,” said Chris.
While he has been in East Timor, Chris’s wife Alana has been doing her RAAF basic and trade training.
“I’m looking forward to seeing her in uniform when I return home,” he laughs. “I have missed Alana and my pets while I’ve been away, but overall, I think I’ll miss East Timor more when I go than I have missed home,” he said.
Chris is one 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 .