Image Gallery 2007
20 June 2007
Visit to Balibo
Members of the Australian led International Stabilisation Forces (ISF), Timor-Leste participated in the Inauguration of the Primary School, funded by nuns working with the Mary Mackillop foundation, in the District of Balibo. The community of Goublin welcomed the ISF delegation headed by Chaplain Charles Vesely and Captain Peter Allen with a series of traditional Timorese ceremonies.
Afterwards, all the members attended a thanks giving mass for the opening of the school and took part in the celebrations that followed. The ISF members will work closely with the community over the next months to facilitate the building of other amenities including development of Potable Water points at the schools in the community. The ISF medics will also provide basic first aid training to the community to develop sustainable self sufficiency and basic health care skills.
Operation ASTUTE is the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in restoring peace to their country.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has deployed to Timor-Leste with a mission to assist the Government and the United Nations to bring stability, security and confidence to the Timorese to allow them to resolve their differences democratically and peacefully.
There are approximately 1100 ADF personnel currently serving in Timor-Leste. This force will remain in Timor-Leste continuing to provide a robust response capability to support the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Police force.
Police from Australia and 24 other nations throughout the world provide security in Dili.
| 20070615adf8095516_063 Padre, Chaplain Charles Vesely is greeted by a local nun soon after arriving at the location of the newly-built primary school in the district of Balibo. (Date taken: 15 June 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20070615adf8095516_110 Members of the Anzac Battle Group stand with newly-presented East Timorese Tais around their shoulders at the commencement of the inauguration ceremony for the newly-built primary school. (Date taken: 15 June 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20070615adf8095516_316 Captain Peter Allen and Sister Mary Tes, a nun from the Daughters of our Lady of the Sacred Heart, cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark the opening of the Primary School in Balibo. (Date taken: 15 June 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20070615adf8095516_345 Members of the ANZAC Battle Group stand together with Sister Mary Tes and all the community members celebrating the opening of School at Goublin in the district of Balibo. (Date taken: 15 June 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
