Image Gallery 2007
20 August 2007
The Defence Cooperation Program - Residential compound phase 2
The Defence Cooperation Program in Timor-Leste is a commitment by the Australian government and the ADF to help to develop a capable and sustainable Timorese Defence force. There are currently 20 ADF personnel deployed to Timor Leste as part of the program.
Previous members of Defence Cooperation have established that it is worth coming to Timor for one to two year postings in order to build better relationships with the FFDTL. In 2003 plans were developed to build the first a residential compound for the deploying personnel and their families who work in Dili and the first four of those houses were built in 2005.
After a pause last year the government has agreed to the second phase and complete rest of the housing so more families can come to Dili. This program has now started with the official "turning of the first sod" at the site for the second round of housing.
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 850 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. The ADF provides support to these police operations as required.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is working alongside the ADF to assist with this mission.
| 20070817adf8099240_174 The first sod has been turned at the site for the second round of housing under the Defence Cooperation Program in Timor-Leste, where 20 ADF personnel are working with locals to build a residential compound in Dili. (Date taken: 17 August 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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