A story of healing, reconnection and renewal

Support to the rescue 

At 18 years old, Guy joined the Regular Army then spent the next 36 years in infantry. Over the course of his career, he served in an infantry battalion, the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), as a training instructor with the Special Forces, as a Commissioned Officer which saw him posted across Australia looking after the training and development of the infantry trade, and then deployments overseas as a Commando, before three years as a squadron commander in The Pilbara Regiment. 

“In that time, I’ve also been deployed on several operations, including two to Timor-Leste with INTERFET and later the UN,” Guy says. 

“The first time was for five months in late 1999, when I was in the SAS. We were part of General Cosgrove’s strategic reserve: RESPFOR, or the Response Force. Our role was to provide the immediate reconnaissance force for the peacemaking mission in Sector West along the northern part of the Indonesian border, which was the Australian area of operations. 

Foot patrol in Bazartete, East Timor

“We also covered areas much further south, where other INTERFET units had yet to visit, to employ our specialist driving skills to bypass landslides and destroyed bridges.  

“Basically, we were a ready force that was equipped with strategic long-range communications. We had extra medical training, special equipment and skills, like our own linguists, that allowed us to deploy in the field for long periods of time without the support of anyone else.” 

His first deployment to Timor-Leste was one of the hardest postings Guy had ever experienced in his career. He arrived amidst tough, warlike conditions with the mission to prevent the militia from disrupting the peace process of the United Nations, which was supporting East Timor becoming a sovereign nation. 

“It was physically demanding and relentless in its execution. We’d be working days, weeks on end in the field in tough, mountainous terrain, and jungle conditions during the wet season,” Guy recalls. 

INTERFET officials meeting with locals in Bazartete, East Timor

“But the local people were still being terrorised and harassed by the militia. It was devastating to see whole villages destroyed or burnt. As there was limited UN police presence, they needed the additional support of our patrols observing the border to stop more militia crossing over. 

“One of my most memorable moments was when I helped deliver a baby boy, Joshua. The situation was still dire, but I remember the father rushing to us looking for a doctor and assistance. We arrived just in time. In many ways it felt quite symbolic: new life being born into a new, liberated country. It was truly impactful. 

“The locals were tough; sometimes they would be fighting off the militia themselves with bamboo poles. But they were always so happy and appreciative of our support. They were truly happy people despite all the atrocities they endured. It made me want to go back.” 

Guy returned for six months in 2003 for a second mission to support the peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations Head Quarters. This time, the conditions were a lot more peaceful. 

Meeting with Joshua's family in 2003

“Our duties that time included a lot of infrastructure repair and general support for the Timorese. I was truly impressed, once more, by the incredible people. It was so fascinating to see how they lived and how they had moved on,” Guy remembers. 

“I was so inspired by the locals and their way of life that I wanted to go back to Timor-Leste again for a third time, but actually be posted there rather than deployed for a mission. So almost 20 years later, when I had the opportunity to do a Tetun language course and take a posting there as a military advisor, I took it.” 

An awakening experience 

Guy was posted to Timor-Leste for three years as part of the Defence Corporation Program. That’s when he came across Veterans Care Associations’ Timor Awakening Program.  

“We provided some logistic support to the program during my time there, but what I remember most was witnessing the amazing transformation of the people who participated in the program.  

Timor Awakening members in Suai, Timor-Leste

“To see these people – many who had mixed feelings about returning to the country due to the trauma they endured – come away from the experience visibly lifted, made me realise how impactful Timor Awakening’s peer-led support is and made me reflect on how we deliver support to veterans in general. 

“To see this program get people up and about in a positive, supportive environment made me reflect on what is truly effective to someone who may not be in a good space.” 

When Guy returned home from Timor-Leste, he was invited to participate in Timor Awakening’s Gold Coast program. 

“At the time I didn’t think I needed any support, but I realise now that I, like many others, was operating at such a level of stress that it had become my norm and was in fact impacting my life. 

“The program showed me that there are some simple strategies you can implement to improve your general health, mental health and relationships. For me these were life changing – but for many, these were live saving.  

“I especially liked how the program was peer-led and not run by scientists or doctors; it was a supportive group of people who all shared similar lived experiences.” 

Australian and New Zealand veterans with Timor Awakening at the site of New Zealand Army (1RNZR) WO2 Tony Walser' death

Guy says it was encouraging and validating to listen to other members’ experiences and witness them overcome their troubles. 

“A particular part that stood out for me was hearing some of the veterans – who were initially diminishing their service because they had not deployed – overcome their self-doubt and realise that their service was just as valuable as that of those who had deployed. 

“It was wonderful to learn about the many simple strategies you can use to make you more aware of your wellbeing. In the military you tend to focus on the organisation – like the platoon or your particular ship’s department – rather than you as the individual; this experience allowed me focus on myself and become an active participant in my own recovery.  

“I definitely left the program feeling more energised and connected with myself, my family and my communities. 

“The program also gave me an insight into what I need to put in place before I transition out of the Defence Force, whenever that may be. Timor Awakening has prepared me for this eventuality, and it is no longer daunting.” 

Later this year, Guy will be returning to Timor-Leste to commemorate the 25th anniversary of INTERFET’s deployment, and hopes to reconnect with the now 24-year-old Joshua. 

Guy meeting with Joshua (age 3), and his mum in 2003

“I’m excited at the thought of returning to find Joshua’s village. I’d like to think he won’t be there but in university in Dili, and I’m a bit nervous thinking about if he is OK…it will be interesting to see how his life has changed since the last time I saw him,” Guys says. 

Ahead of the significant anniversary, Guy wants to reiterate the importance of commemorating Australia’s peacemaking and peacekeeping operations. 

“We can’t underestimate how impactful Australia’s contribution has been to peacekeeping in our world history; it should not be thought of as a less significant form of service,” Guy explains. 

“Australia’s involvement in peacekeeping operations around the world has been truly life-changing to those affected. In many cases, those people we’ve been fortunate enough to assist can now go on and live a life of peace, free of war. We should feel honoured to have been able to provide them with this new way of life. 

“For us, it might have been a few tough months we had to endure away from our families, but to them, it was the start of the rest of their lives in safety.” 

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.