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Compere
and author, Bessie Bardot announces the night’s entertainment
at the first of the Baghdad venues of Tour de Force II.
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Photo:
SGT Bill Guthrie
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A
group of Aussie entertainers are currently proving a major hit
with Australian Defence Force personnel throughout the Middle
East.
The group, including rock group The Choirboys, comedian George
Smilovici, singer/songwriter Drew McAlister and author Bessie
Bardot are playing a series of concerts in many locations throughout
the Middle East and Iraq to provide a small “reminder of home”
for the almost 920 Australian Defence Force personnel in the region.
The troops in the Middle East represent Australia’s contribution
to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq, and the country’s
commitment to the international coalition against terrorism.
“It has been a phenomenal experience, and from what we have seen
so far you can only be inspired by what a great job our Defence
Force people are doing in tough conditions,” said Choirboys’ vocalist
Mark Gable.
“We are playing to big and small groups, but it doesn’t matter
because the response of the troops has been fantastic.
They really accepted us into their world and really like having
us here to give them a break from their routine.
“What we’re doing is, in a very small way, showing our appreciation
to all the ADF personnel who are doing so much over here.”
The tour will wind up this week with a number of performances
for the crew of HMAS Adelaide in the Northern Persian Gulf.
While on tour, the entertainers have been supported by a contingent
of 18 members from the Royal Australian Air Force Central Band.
The Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, Brigadier
Peter Hutchinson, praised the entertainers for making the trip
and providing quality entertainment what is a difficult and dangerous
environment.
“These entertainers have provided us with a fantastic reminder
home, and are to be congratulated on making their valuable contribution
to the welfare of the Australian Defence Force personnel over
here,” Brigadier Hutchinson said.
