Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
09 May 2007
Operation CATALYST - Tour de Force 7
The latest group of Australian entertainers are now doing their bit to boost Diggers’ morale in the Middle East and Afghanistan - and they are doing it for free.
It’s a showbiz tradition that dates back to even before the Vietnam War, and this is the seventh tour that has gone to the Middle East.
This is the seventh morale-boosting Tour de Force concert tour for Australian Defence members serving in the Middle East.
The performers for this year’s concert, hosted by MC Renee Brack, are: Cat Southern, Big Brother Little Brother (Adam and Mat Hedditch), Wayne Deakin, The Dickster (Richard Kaminski).
Approximately 500 personnel, drawn mostly from Darwin's 1st Brigade, make up the Overwatch Battle Group (West) - 2 (OBG(W)-2). The Battle group is helping the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Provincial Governments build a secure and stable Iraq. OBG(W)-2 operates in the Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces as part of the multi-national force.
| 20070427adf8205214_0004 In order to entertain the troops at the Security Detachment (SECDET) in Baghdad’s green zone, the performers and their Australian Defence Force (ADF) support crew were suitably protected to travel Route Irish, considered the most dangerous 12km of road in the world. (Date taken: 27 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070427adf8205214_0034 An Iraqi soldier with some of the "Tour de Force" performers in front of the tomb of the unknown soldier in Baghdad. (Date taken: 27 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070428adf8205214_0014 Wayne Deakin gets a quick 'refill' while sitting in Saddam's chair at the palace in Camp Victory Baghdad. (Date taken: 28 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070428adf8205214_0016 The "Tour de Force" performers and their and their Australian Defence Force (ADF) support crew in Saddam’s palace at Camp Victory in Baghdad. (Date taken: 28 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070428adf8205214_0023 Big Brother Little Brother (Adam and Mat Hedditch) sit in Saddam's chair at the palace in Camp Victory Baghdad. (Date taken: 28 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070428adf8205214_0035 Big Brother Little Brother (Adam and Mat Hedditch) in Saddam’s palace at Camp Victory in Baghdad. (Date taken: 28 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070428adf8205214_0047 Cat Southern enjoys the views from Saddam’s palace at Camp Victory in Baghdad. (Date taken: 28 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070428adf8205214_0089 Cat Southern at the Saddam's Victory over America palace in Baghdad. (Date taken: 28 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070428adf8205214_0090 Big Brother Little Brother (Adam and Mat Hedditch) at Saddam's uncompleted "Victory over America" palace in Baghdad. (Date taken: 28 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070428adf8205214_0093 Wayne Deakin at the Saddam's "Victory over America" palace in Baghdad. (Date taken: 28 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070429adf8205214_0075 Wayne Deakin performs on stage for the troops at Ali Air Base, Tallil. (Date taken: 29 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070429adf8205214_0141 The Dickster (Richard Kaminski) performs on stage for the troops at Ali Air Base, Tallil. (Date taken: 29 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070429adf8205214_0170 Trooper Michael Kent, Renee Brack and Private Clement Poland after a concert at the Ali Air Base, Tallil. (Date taken: 29 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070429adf8205214_0238 Gunner Kim Stevens volunteers for some audience participation with Renee Brack on stage. (Date taken: 29 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070429adf8205214_0255 Cat Southern performs on stage for the troops at Ali Air Base, Tallil. (Date taken: 29 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070429adf8205214_0268 A coalition audience enjoys the Tour de Force concert at Ali Air Base, Tallil. (Date taken: 29 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070429adf8205214_0271 Cat Southern performs on stage for the troops at Ali Air Base, Tallil. (Date taken: 29 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070429adf8205214_0356 Cat Southern and her band performs on stage for the troops at Ali Air Base, Tallil. (Date taken: 29 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070430adf8205214_0002 The Tour de Force performers and their and their Australian Defence Force (ADF) support crew visit the Ziggurat at the ancient city of Ur, near Ali Air Base, Tallil. (Date taken: 30 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070430adf8205214_0021 Trooper Michael Kent of the Overwatch Battle Group (West) - Two shows Renee Brack the .50 cal machine gun, mounted on his Australian Light Armoured Vehicle. (Date taken: 30 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070430adf8205214_0047 Renee Brack and Overwatch Battle Group (West)-Two member Private Jason Wust. (Date taken: 30 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070430adf8205214_0054 Tour de Force performers Wayne Deakin and Renee Brack chat with Private (PTE) Daniel Coombe, PTE Samuel Hopkins and PTE Shane Said from the Overwatch Battle Group (West) - Two. (Date taken: 30 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070430adf8205214_0078 Tour de Force performer Wayne Deakin chats with Private (PTE) Daniel Coombe, PTE Samuel Hopkins and PTE Shane Said from the Overwatch Battle Group (West) - Two. (Date taken: 30 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070430adf8205214_0140 Trooper Scott Kernot from Overwatch Battle Group (West) - Two gets involved in some audience participation with Renee Brack. (Date taken: 30 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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