Service, smiles and Minties: Bundaberg veteran reflects on her time in East Timor

Finding her purpose 

Dannielle joined the Navy straight after school in 1996 and was deployed to Timor-Leste at just 20 years old.  

“I’d never left home or anything like that prior to joining the Navy, so leaving was a whole new experience for me in itself,” Dannielle explains. 

“When we arrived on the shores of Timor-Leste and began our peacekeeping duties, it was confronting to see what the community had gone through. 

 “While we hadn’t served on the frontline, witnessing the aftermath was still incredibly eye-opening for me. Some scenes have never left my memory.” 

From 1999 to 2013, some 18,800 Australian military and police personnel – and additional civilians – served in Timor-Leste as part of a number of peacemaking, peacekeeping, humanitarian and other operations.  

Among these was the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) peace enforcement operation, which deployed to Timor-Leste from 20 September 1999 to 28 February 2000.  

INTERFET’s mission included restoring peace and security, and facilitating humanitarian assistance operations, in response to attacks by pro-Indonesia militias on Timorese civilians. 

“When I arrived, the situation was already peaceful; the guerillas were out and the UN forces were in place,” Dannielle says.  

“My operations would be described as ‘peacekeeping’; I arrived to continue the peaceful situation in the country, ensuring the locals were able to move forward with the governance that was keeping those efforts in place.” 

Some of these operations included rebuilding schools and buildings, helping the community and socialising with the local children. 

“It was wonderful to be able to meet the local kids; they ran at us like we were celebrities and would always give us the biggest smiles. After everything they had gone through, everything they had lost, it was inspiring and heartwarming to see them so appreciative of us just being there,” Dannielle recalls. 

“I remember a bag of Minties was like gold; to us they were a $2 bag of lollies, but to them, those lollies seemed like the best thing in the world. It made you reflect on what you value and appreciate in life, and how at times we can take the little things for granted.”  

Now as a mother herself, Dannielle wishes she could go back and tell her younger self how honourable her role in Timor-Leste was and how significant her service was to those families.  

“I was so young at the time; I didn’t fully understand the significance of what we were doing over there – how important it was to the Timorese that we were there for them. 

“When you join the military as an 18-year-old you can’t quite comprehend the bigger picture. You’re instead focusing on getting up every day as per your routine, passing a fitness test and things like that. 

“Then when you’re deployed, you just focus on completing your operation; you never fully step back to understand the important opportunity you’ve been given to serve your country and be a part of Australia’s military history.” 

A new chapter of support 

After Dannielle discharged in 2002, she worked in property management, started a family and got her Certificate III in Business Administration before joining Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch in 2018 as an Admin Assistant. 

“I had just finished maternity leave and was ready to get back into the workforce. I knew I wanted to do something in administration and then saw this assistant job come up for Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch,” Dannielle says.  

“Two weeks into the role, I took the opportunity to become the Secretary and have been in this role for the last six years. I absolutely love it.” 

Dannielle says the people she’s met and the support she’s received along the way have made the role incredibly rewarding.  

“Being able to share stories with veterans who find their way into the Sub Branch, and them understanding your lingo – it was like I found my happy place again,” Dannielle says. 
 
“I’m also incredibly appreciative of the support I’ve received from the RSL District office. The secretaries were so approachable and helpful when I was just starting out. I could rely on them for any questions or concerns I had.” 

Dannielle also attributes the success of Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch to its board members.  

“Because our board members range in age, we’re able to confidently assist any member, no matter their service history, and help them uncover the most appropriate services for their specific needs.  

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old, or what arm of Defence you served in. All veterans are veterans; we’re all a part of that same family. This idea of equality and that we’re all part of the same team is instilled in you when you join the military, and should continue for the rest of your life.”  

As a younger veteran herself, Dannielle is passionate about inspiring the next generations of veterans to reach out and get involved with the RSL, whether it be utilising the services available or simply enjoying the camaraderie at their local Sub Branch. 

“Having the time to join and visit an RSL Sub Branch is definitely a barrier of entry for most younger veterans. Like myself, they struggle with the fact that they’re busy with their lives and work. 

“But, by the same token, we want to encourage the younger veterans in our area to come through our doors, to assure them that they are not alone and that there are services available that they might not have known they needed.” 

Bundaberg RSL Sub Branch offers a variety of services for all veterans, as well as a veteran support centre.  

“We offer financial assistance, counselling services, wellbeing services ... we also run a veteran support centre, which has an open-door policy. If they want to call in to just sit down, enjoy a cuppa and be left alone, they’re more than welcome to,” Dannielle explains. 

“We also have advocates willing to assist, like our Compensation Advocate Lex Roberts. He’s working closely with the advocates at Legacy, who have connections with local companies that can provide veterans with the support they need, not just through DVA. 
 
“It’s all about finding the need, meeting it, and providing a place that they can all come together.”  

25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste   

20 September 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of INTERFET’s deployment to Timor-Leste.  

Join us in honouring all Australians who served in Timor-Leste, and the sacrifice of their families.