Image Gallery: April 2007
Concert boost for Middle East diggers
27 April 2007
The latest group of Australian entertainers are now doing their bit to boost Diggers’ morale in the Middle East and Afghanistan — and they are doing it for free.
It’s a showbiz tradition that dates back to even before the Vietnam War, and this is the seventh tour that has gone to the Middle East.
It’s even the third overseas trip for some of these performers, like St Kilda comedian Wayne Deakin. “So far I’ve been to East Timor and to the peacekeepers in the Sinai but this is my first time in the Middle East.”
But it’s the third Middle East trip for Brisbane-born and Sydney-based comedy duo Big Brother, Little Brother. “Our wives worry when we go, but I’ve been buying my wife a piece of gold jewellery each time I come back. This time my wife’s pregnant so we’re both hoping she doesn’t have the baby before I get back,” said Little Brother, Matt Hedditch.
Big-name singers and musicians like Kylie Minogue and James Blundell occasionally feature in these Forces Entertainment tours, but most of the performers are just about on their break-through point when they volunteer — like country singer Beccy Cole, who toured the Middle East last year and was inspired to write “Poster Girl”, which then went to number one on the country charts. This time round it’s 2006 Toyota Starmaker winner Cat Southern’s chance to get her boots in the dust.
Of the six country singers who have toured the Diggers, five have won Golden Guitars at Tamworth, and the sixth missed out because they were up against one of the other five. It’s an indication of how good these acts are.
But the last word goes to former Digger Richard Kaminski, who has taken up a new life as a comedian with the stage name of Dickster. “When I was a Digger I really appreciated these shows. Now it’s my turn to be the one at the front — so wish me luck!”
This is the seventh morale-boosting ‘Tour de Force’ concert tour for Australian Defence members serving in the Middle East. The performers for this year’s concert are: Cat Southern, Big Brother Little Brother (Adam and Mat Hedditch), Wayne Deakin, The Dickster (Richard Kaminski) and Renee Brack.
Approximately 500 personnel, drawn mostly from Darwin's 1st Brigade, make up the Overwatch Battle Group (West) - 2 (OBG(W)-2). The Battle group is helping the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Provincial Governments build a secure and stable Iraq. OBG(W)-2 operates in the Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces as part of the multi-national force.
| 20070425adf8205214_0009 Big Brother Little Brother (Adam and Mat Hedditch). (Date taken: 25 April 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070425adf8205214_0011 Big Brother Little Brother (Adam and Mat Hedditch). (Date taken: 25 April 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070425adf8205214_0025 The Dickster (Richard Kaminski). (Date taken: 25 April 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070425adf8205214_0032 The Dickster (Richard Kaminski). (Date taken: 25 April 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070425adf8205214_0040 Wayne Deakin. (Date taken: 25 April 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070426adf8228278_058 Renee Brack interviews a Leading Aircraftman Aaron Beavington during the 2007 FACE concert in Baghdad. (Date taken: 26 April 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070426adf8228278_082 Cat Southern performs to a multi-national crowd during the 2007 FACE concert in Baghdad. (Date taken: 26 April 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070426adf8228278_135 Renee Brack and Cat Southern meet some Australians after the 2007 FACE concert in Baghdad. (Date taken: 26 April 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20070426adf8228278_165 Big Brother Little Brother comedian Mat Hedditch talks to with Wing Commander Steve Rampant after the 2007 FACE concert in Baghdad. (Date taken: 26 April 2007) Low Res | High Res |
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