DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
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MSPA 238/09
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
IAN 'DICKO' DICKSON SWEATS IT OUT IN EAST TIMOR
Australian Idol judge Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson has donned a set of ‘cams’ and been
working out with the troops from East Timor Battle Group 6, during his visit to East
Timor this week.
In addition to fitness training, Dicko has been kitted out with protective equipment,
had an authentic military buzz cut and taken part in the First Lady Fun Run.
Dicko is part of a Forces Entertainment Tour, entertaining troops serving on
Operation Astute – the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) contribution in assisting to
restore peace and stability to East Timor.
“My fitness was definitely tested as the guys put me through my paces. I admire their
fitness and great sense of camaraderie,” Dicko said.
“They are doing a fantastic job over here and it was a great honour to be able to spend
time with them.”
Australian entertainers have maintained a long-established show business tradition of
performing for deployed Australian troops; one which predates the Vietnam War.
The performances are important for maintaining the morale of personnel, who are far
from home and who accept considerable hardship and risk in the service of the nation.
“Being away from their families must be tough and it was great to be able to give
something back and give them a bit of a boost,” Dicko said.
The soldiers serving in ETBG 6 are primarily drawn from 2nd Battalion, the Royal
Australian Regiment (2 RAR).
The ADF deployed to East Timor to assist the East Timorese Government, and United
Nations, bring stability, security and confidence to the East Timorese people.
Media contact:
Additional information on Operation Astute is available at:
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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