Image Gallery 2007
25 December 2007
Santa visits Dominican Orphanage in Dili
Australian and New Zealand troops from the International Stabilisation Force have had a long-established relationship with the Dominican Orphanage in Dili since arriving in May 2006. Through the efforts of the force's Military Police Section and the goodwill of the people of Singleton, NSW, Santa Claus visited the orphanage and handed out individual presents to each of the children there.
Santa Claus was assisted by a team of helpers who wrapped the presents and provided a Military Police escort for the visit. The children warmly embraced the day and performed a concert of thanks.
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 780 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.
| 20071223adf8208022_048 Major Colin O'Dell, aka, Santa Claus, greets the children of the Dominican Orphanage in Dili during a Christmas event organised by members of the International Stabilisation Force in Timor-Leste. (Date taken: 23 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071223adf8208022_061 Major Colin O'Dell, aka, Santa Claus, gives a gift to a young girl from the Dominican Orphanage in Dili during a Christmas event organised by members of the International Stabilisation Force in Timor-Leste. (Date taken: 23 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071223adf8208022_065 Sergeant Elizabeth Crean watches on as a child from the Dominican Orphanage in Dili opens his present during a Christmas event put on for the children. (Date taken: 23 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071223adf8208022_116 (L-R) Commander of the International Stabilisation, Brigadier John Hutcheson, Sergeant (SGT) Elizabeth Crean and SGT Mary-Anne Holland wait with presents for children from the Dominican Orphanage in Dili, during a Christmas event held for the children. (Date taken: 23 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071223adf8208022_135 Organiser of the event, Sergeant Mary-Anne Holland, waits with another present as Major Colin O'Dell, aka, Santa Claus, gives a gift to a young girl from the Dominican Orphanage in Dili during a Christmas event in Timor-Leste. (Date taken: 23 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071223adf8208022_163 Major Colin O'Dell, aka, Santa Claus, and other members of the International Stabilisation Force sing with children and staff from the Dominican Orphanage in Dili during a Christmas event organised by members of the ISF in Timor-Leste. (Date taken: 23 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071223adf8208022_171 Sergeant Mary-Anne Holland watches on as a child from the Dominican Orphanage in Dili opens his present during a Christmas event put on for the children. (Date taken: 23 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071223adf8208022_196 Flight Sergeant Lorelle Richards helps a child from the Dominican Orphanage in Dili open her present during a Christmas event put on for the children. (Date taken: 23 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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