Tassie driver answers the call
While sailing on the Tasman Sea between Hobart and Bruny Island, Private Daniel Newman received a phone call asking about his availability to deploy to the Middle East.
CAPTION: Private Daniel Newman is deployed to the Middle East region. Story by Flight Lieutenant Clarice Hurren. Photo by Sergeant Glen McCarthy.
The Army Reserve driver from the 2nd Force Support Battalion at Derwent Barracks in Glenorchy had applied for overseas service in previous years, so he was pleased to accept the offer.
He joined the reserves in 2013.
He is now on Operation Accordion for four months, and is gaining valuable experience.
“In Tasmania, I work as a civilian maintaining boats and water sites for Huon Aquaculture,” Private Newman said.
“I fix the generators, maintain the nets and monitor all electrical systems on aquaculture leases off the coast of Bruny Island.
“My supervisor has always been supportive of my Army Reserve service and, when the deployment was put on the table, it was no different.
“He encouraged me and said ‘you’ve got to take opportunities like this while you are young’.”
As a member of Joint Task Force 633, Private Newman is working as a driver, transporting cargo for the air load teams and assisting with vehicle mechanic work on the protected mobility vehicles (PMVs).
“It’s been an adjustment going from a very cold Tassie winter to the desert,” Private Newman said.
“When I applied to join the Army in Year 11 while still in high school, I never expected I would be on one of the last rotations into the Middle East.
“This deployment has been a good experience, and I am very grateful for the opportunity.
“My advice for any reservist is: don’t be afraid to put your hand up.”
Private Newman completes between 50-100 reserve days every year, and plans to continue his active service into the future.
“While still keeping one toe in the Army camp for the past eight years, I have travelled to, and worked in, Europe, and even had a job as a baker for a period of time,” he said.
“Hopefully in the new year, I am selected for a few Army or joint exercises on mainland Australia and I can complete my promotion course.
“My love of the beautiful Tassie coastline, fishing and the water will never fade, though.”
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