386ECSS's enthusiastic troops weren't working long before delighted locals pitched in to help.

RAAF peacekeepers from Comoro Airfield Support Group (CASG) introduced an Aussie tradition of a different kind to East Timor on Australia Day this year, winning the willing support and heartfelt thanks of locals.

The whole of No. 386 Expeditionary Combat Support Squadron (386ECSS) Detachment East Timor, armed with rakes, lawn mowers, scrapers and paint brushes, participated in Comoro Clean-Up Day on 26 January, but enthusiastic troops weren't working long before delighted locals pitched in to help.

Children and adults alike took up tools and worked side-by-side with peacekeepers to clean up local beaches, tend the access road to Comoro Airfield and strip and repaint the Comoro sign at the entrance to Dili's international airport.

CASG member and Clean Up worker, Sergeant Greg Lloyd, said local children, especially, were amazed with the peacekeepers' efforts.

'A group of kids came out after watching what we were doing, and when they understood that we were cleaning up the main road into the airport they took it upon themselves to help,' SGT Lloyd said.

'One of the children said "You Aussies the only ones to help us!". They honestly couldn't believe that we would clean up their country for them.'

As a gesture of thanks at the end of the day, peacekeepers offered gifts of toys, colouring-in books, soccer balls and bottled water to local helpers.

Organised by CASG members Flight Lieutenant Shane Hellmann and Corporal Scott McCarthy, the Australia Day Clean-Up event aimed at lending a helping hand to the local community, but with locals embracing the concept so eagerly, FLTLT Hellmann said there were hopes the event has an ongoing legacy.

'The day was a great success. With the spirit and willingness shown by the East Timorese people, we hope the Comoro community adopts this renowned Australian event and carries it on into the future,' said FLTLT Hellmann.

FLTLT Hellmann said 'thanks to local support, more events were planned for the future, with the continued clean up and beautification of the Dili International Airport's immediate surrounds as the next job on the cards.'

By FLGOFF Michelle Butler