DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 173/10
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Troops in East Timor relay for cancer
Members of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in East Timor have raised $33,000 during an 18
hour relay for the Cancer Council Queensland from 15 to 16 May 2010.
ISF troops ran, walked, danced and pack marched overnight around a 400 metre track at ISF
headquarters in Camp Phoenix Dili, as part of the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life.
Sergeant Linden Bleijie, a Physical Training Instructor in the Australian Army and ISF event organiser,
said the day achieved many goals including raising awareness of cancer, supporting members of the
ISF who have loved ones affected by cancer and providing a fun, team oriented activity for the hard
working troops.
“Participating in Relay for Life unified us with people back home,” said Sergeant Bleijie. “We had a
live video link back to the event in Kawana on the Sunshine Coast where my brother and mother were
participating. The locals at Kawana Surf Club were so excited to see the Australian Defence Force
personnel cheering for them from across the sea in East Timor,” Sergeant Bleijie said.
“My mother from the Sunshine Coast is a cancer survivor so the cause is very special to me,” Sergeant
Bleijie said.
Morale amongst the troops was high as ISF members set up camp, decorated tents on the Camp
Phoenix sports field and enjoyed music from a local East Timor band. Exhausted members collectively
made thousands of laps over the 18 hours.
A
candle light ceremony provided a moment of reflection for ISF personnel who know someone
touched by Cancer.
Cancer Council Queensland representative, Miss Hayley Mill, visited the ISF in East Timor for Relay
for Life. “It’s amazing to see you guys commit to this campaign when you’re already working so hard
for another cause, the ISF cause in East Timor,” said Miss Mill.
Commander of the International Stabilisation Force, Colonel Simon Stuart, who participated in the
relay congratulated ISF members for their dedication to the worthy cause.
“I am so proud of the effort shown by the ISF in support of this event. This event was not only fun,
healthy and physically challenging, but was also good for the soul. I enjoyed participating and seeing
what ISF members got out of it as they work hard over here on Operations,” Colonel Stuart said.
“I also hope we can all think about the steps we can take as individuals in the future to fight cancer
through fundraising or indeed making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking,” Colonel Stuart said.
Relay For Life is an annual fundraising event which raises funds vital for Cancer Council Queensland’s
work into cancer research, patient support services and education programs.
The Australian-led ISF operates in East Timor at the invitation of the Government of East Timor and in
support of the United Nations to maintain stability and provide a secure environment for the ongoing
development of East Timor. Approximately 550 personnel are deployed in the ISF including around
140 New Zealand Defence Force members.
Media note: Images are available from Defence at
NEWS 
