Our People in VIC
Paul Costa
Paul, the recipient of a record-breaking five awards at the 2007 Victorian & National Country Music Awards and an Artist Of The Year winner at the Australian Independent Country Music Awards, was one of a group of entertainers from Australia who volunteered their time and talent for the tour.
“It was a priceless experience,” said Paul who shared the stage with Krystal Forscutt, of Big Brother fame; comedian Fred Lang; and the all-female punk rock group Legless.
“The response from the troops was fantastic. I was blown away by how friendly and appreciative they were of us coming over here,” he said.
The concerts were held at several locations including forward-operating bases in Baucau and Gleno, and Camp Phoenix in Dili. One particular highlight for Paul was performing for the troops of the Australian Army Aviation detachment.
“At the end of the gig everyone jumped up and had a jam for the last song, including some of the diggers, which was totally unbelievable.”
However, it was the intimate, acoustic performance at a local orphanage in Dili that stands out the most to Paul.
“The kids are just amazing - I will never forget the way their faces just lit up when we started playing and then the rush to join in the ‘Hokey Pokey,’ clapping, dancing and singing.”
When asked what his advice would be to other performers considering going on similar tours, Paul’s response was instant: “Do yourself a favour and come over here! It’s an unforgettable experience - I have grown as a performer, and the time I spent with the troops was absolutely priceless, unforgettable.”
Tour de Force takes entertainers to all theatres of operation where Australian troops are based, bringing a little bit of home to the men and women of the ADF who are away from their loved ones for extended periods of time.
There are currently around 750 ADF personnel serving in Timor-Leste as part of Operation Astute.
The operation is part of the Australian Government’s response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in bringing stability, security and confidence to the Timorese, to allow them to resolve their differences democratically and peacefully.