The family of Australia's latest military casualty in Afghanistan has described him as a "kind soul".
Gregory Michael Sher was a "man of purpose and committed determination", his family said in a personal statement released on Wednesday.
Private Sher, 30, was killed in a rocket attack in Oruzgan Province, in southern Afghanistan, early on Sunday evening (AEDT).
He was the eighth Australian Defence Force soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002, but the first killed as a result of indirect fire.
He leaves behind his parents, two brothers and a partner, who are receiving support from the defence department.
"Greg, for all who knew him, was a man of purpose and committed determination," their statement says.
Described as a quiet achiever who always got the job done and would do anything for anyone, the family says his decision to serve the nation was a "true indication of his character".
"He always wanted to help and be of assistance. He was an extremely positive person with a kind soul."
The family have thanked the public for their support, but asked the media to leave them in peace to grieve in private.
Private Sher was born in South Africa in 1978 and moved to Australia with his family in 1986.
He joined the Australian Army in 1998 as an army reserve infantryman and was deployed to East Timor in 2002.
For his service in East Timor, Private Sher received several awards, including the Australian Active Service Medal, the United Nations Transitional Authority in East Timor Medal and the Infantry Combat badge.
He has also been awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the NATO medal and the Australian Defence Medal.
Meanwhile, Victorian Premier John Brumby has expressed his condolences to Private Sher's family.
"I guess this is the price that families pay and that we all pay for defending Australia and defending world security and world peace," Mr Brumby said.
"My heart goes out. I know all Victorians' hearts go out to the family concerned. As I say, it's a price that unfortunately can be paid by those who defend our state and defend our nation overseas."
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