Australian and New Zealand military personnel serving with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in East Timor have taken a short break from their duties to enjoy performances by leading Australian entertainers.
Jenny Morris, India-Rose Madderom and Andy Bull braved the heat of East Timor to perform a series of concerts as part of the 22nd Tour de Force.
This was India-Rose Madderom’s first tour supporting the troops and it is not something she will soon forget.
“It has been an amazing experience,” she said.
“It is so different from performing back home - the soldiers’ enthusiasm really made for a great atmosphere. It was such a privilege to be part of it all.”
The entertainers arrived in East Timor on Friday, 21 October, and over four days performed two concerts for more than 400 ISF personnel.
For New Zealand born Tour de Force veteran, Jenny Morris, the chance to perform for an ANZAC audience was a personal highlight.
“I have close ties with both Australia and New Zealand,” she said.
“Being able to support both Kiwi and Aussie soldiers deployed overseas together is very special for me.”
“The whole tour has been an amazing opportunity. In addition to the performances it has been really nice just to talk to the soldiers and have a conversation after the shows.”
At the conclusion of the tour, the Commander of the ISF, Colonel Luke Foster, thanked the entertainers for bringing world-class entertainment to the troops.
“Australian entertainers have a long tradition supporting deployed Australian personnel overseas,” he said.
“This tour demonstrates this tradition is still strong and we are grateful to you for volunteering your time and talent to come here and perform.”
The ISF is in East Timor at the invitation of the Government of Timor-Leste to support local security forces to maintain a secure and stable environment.
Photos of the tour are available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003=&search=11121043
Vision can be found at: http://video.defence.gov.au/
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations 02 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
