Jody Hillier

Photographer unknown. (1999).  Royal Australian Air Force Logistics Officer, Jody Hillier (centre) in East Timor in 1999 as part of INTERFET deployment. Photograph sourced by Jody Hillier.

Jody Hillier launched her career as a Logistics Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1995. During her 25 years in the Air Force, Jody served at RAAF Base Amberley, was part of the VIP unit 34SQN in Canberra, and spent four years abroad in the USA working on the Joint Strike Fighter Program. At the same time, she also completed two degrees and raised two sons, now 14 and 17 years old.

In 1999, Jody deployed with the International Force East Timor (INTERFET). 

What started as a short exercise for a few days, turned into a deployment in East Timor for four months. ‘Exercise Crocodile’, so it was named, was a standout life milestone for Jody. 

While studying to be an Officer, Jody managed to defer university exams so that she could participate in the deployment to Timor. 

In Timor, she was involved in operations set-up, working in air movements, and the important role of bringing in critical supplies and cargo to rebuild the community and establish the hospital.

‘When arriving in East Timor it was difficult to see the destruction. The people were so beautiful, yet vulnerable and helpless. I felt a responsibility to help them.’ 

‘A United Nations compound had been burnt out by Indonesian militia. The locals had fled into the mountains. During the drive from the airfield into the city, we saw absolutely nobody – it was eerie.’
The difference from Jody’s arrival to her departure is night and day, as with time the community had returned to their homes. The bustling Timorese community was once again alive with street markets and gatherings taking place. 

‘Although the days were long, both physically and emotionally demanding, it was an honour to serve.’

‘The team supported one another to get through and we built lifelong connections. I am still in touch with my INTERFET teammates.’ 

In 2019, a plaque was laid in East Timor to commemorate the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who had served and the 20-year anniversary of the country’s independence. A party of serving INTERFET veterans attended these commemorations, Jody amongst them. 

‘I returned to Timor for the 20th anniversary, and it was incredible to reconnect with the team and see the progress, all considered.’

Jody is now an executive for a digital intelligence organisation and a Soldier On Ambassador.  

Jody wants to help raise the profile of contemporary veterans, particularly women, to promote awareness of the changing faces of veterans and to reflect that those veterans come from all three services, with a variety of backgrounds and gender.

Source: DVA interview with Jody Hillier, September 2024.