The Top Ender Magazine June July 2023 Edition

Field Regiment as ECN 109 Driver where I was
posted for 6 years. In 2001, I posted to 1CSU in
Darwin, again as a Driver. I spent 2 years there and
then was posted to the School of Transport
(Victoria) as a Driving Instructor. I did 2 years at the
school before returning to Darwin with a posting to
2 Cav Regt. Whilst at 2 Cav, I deployed to Iraq as a
Bushmaster Commander with AMTG-1. The
following year, after 13 years in the Defence Force, I
left the Army to put down roots in Darwin.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO ENLIST INTO THE ARMY?
As a kid, I was always going to be a Soldier. I joined the Army Cadets
when I was 13 and continued all through High School until I joined
the Army Reserves when I was 17. At school, I couldn’t wait to
graduate so I could join the Army! So, it’s always been something I
wanted to do.
BEST SKILL THAT YOU LEARNED IN THE MILITARY
THAT YOU STILL USE TODAY?
Most likely my sense of urgency... I don’t like to mess around. I prefer
to ‘hook in’ and get the job done right. This has served me well in my
previous jobs since leaving defence, in my personal life, and now with
my business.
BEST LIFE/CAREER ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
Balance is so important in life. Always make time for yourself, your
family and friends - “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
FAVOURITE MILITARY EXPERIENCE?
My greatest military experience would be deploying to Iraq on
AMTG-1. After training for so many years, it was great to deploy and
put that training to use.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE TOP END?
My family loves everything about the top end - we love the weather
and the Territory lifestyle, including camping and fishing at least once
a month. I am always finding an excuse to go fishing and I’m still
chasing that million-dollar fish!
TERRITORY DAY!
1 JULY
For those of you who
are new to the Top End,
you will quickly realise that
the Territory Day
celebrations are not to be
missed! On 1st of July every
year, Territorians of all ages
celebrate the anniversary of
their independence from
the Commonwealth
Government (since 1978)
with fireworks, concerts and
community events in many
areas across the Top End.
Using fireworks is dangerous and there are a number of
things to consider if you are planning to join in the festivities:
• Always light fireworks away from your body and face
• Always point the fireworks in a safe direction away from
people and buildings
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish any fires
• Ensure that you ignite fireworks in a space that is free
from flammable materials and exhilarants
• Do not pick up fireworks or debris immediately after
lighting as they can cause severe burns
• Do not purchase illegal fireworks. Only use a reputable
supplier with the correct licence to sell fireworks
• Soak ‘faulty’ fireworks in water for 24 hours prior to
disposing
• Be safe - look out for your mates and other people
For more information, head to https://territoryday.nt.gov.au/
SHARE YOU PICTURES #TERRITORYDAY
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