Media Room: Media Releases

IAN 'DICKO' DICKSON SWEATS IT OUT IN EAST TIMOR

Well known Australian television personality Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson has donned a set of ‘cams’ and worked-out with the troops from the Timor Leste Battle Group (TLBG) VI, during his visit to East Timor this week.

In addition to fitness training, ‘Dicko’ was kitted out with protective equipment, had an authentic military buzz cut and participated in the First Lady Fun Run.

Ian Dickson is part of a Forces Entertainment Tour, entertaining troops serving on Operation Astute – the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) contribution stability operations in East Timor.

“My fitness was definitely tested as the guys put me through my paces.  I admire their fitness and great sense of camaraderie,” Ian said.

“They are doing a fantastic job over here and it was a great honour to be able to spend time with them.”

Australian entertainers have maintained a long-established show business tradition of performing for deployed Australian troops; one which predates the Vietnam War.

The performances are important for maintaining the morale of personnel, who are far from home and who accept considerable hardship while on operations.

“Being away from their families must be tough and it was great to be able to give something back and give them a bit of a boost,” Ian said.

The soldiers serving in TLBG VI are primarily drawn from 2^nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR) from Townsville.

Media note:

• Still imagery is available at http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/
• Additional information on Operation Astute is available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opastute/index.htm

Media contact:  Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664