THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Saturday, 24 May 2008
044/2008
WELCOME HOME PARADE FOR THE 3RD RECONSTRUCTION
TASK FORCE AND 3RD TIMOR LESTE BATTLE GROUP
Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, will attend the Saturday 24 May
Welcome Home Parade and Concert in Townsville, to welcome home Defence
members who recently served in Afghanistan and Timor-Leste.
More than 1000 Defence personnel will gather on Townsville’s Strand, with friends,
family and the wider community to enjoy the free concert and receive well-earned
praise from the Minister and senior Defence personnel.
At 2.00pm, members of the Reconstruction Task Force – 3 (RTF-3) and the Timor
Leste Battle Group – 3 (TLBG-3) will march down The Strand before stopping to
enjoy a 3.00pm concert led by acclaimed performer Shannon Noll. The concert,
which also features Beccy Cole, Clair Clarke, comedian Gary Bradbury and the 1
RAR Band, is open to the public.
Mr Fitzgibbon said the nation could be proud of the achievements of the returned
Defence personnel.
“These men and women have served our country with pride, and deserve to be
recognised for the commitment and sacrifice they have made on behalf of all
Australians,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“This is a chance to pause and recognise the value of the contribution by our service
people, as well as that made by their families and friends who play key roles in
supporting our troops while they are on deployment.”
Mr Fitzgibbon said the Welcome Home Parade and Concert was an ideal way for the
Government and Townsville community to thank their soldiers and show appreciation
for the important tasks undertaken overseas.
“The Government is pleased to have the opportunity to recognise and reward
Townsville residents for their support to Defence members by joining with the
Townsville City Council and staging this wonderful community event,” Mr Fitzgibbon
said.
“I would like to thank the Townsville City Council, including the Mayor of Townsville,
Councillor Les Tyrell, for their support in helping to bring this event to fruition,
together with the Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Brigadier John Caligari.”
Media contacts:
Mark Tanzer (Defence Public Affairs NQ):
0407 467 235
Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
