ANZAC DAWN AT CAMP PHOENIX

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, today attended a dawn ceremony at Joint Task Force 631 Headquarters at Camp Phoenix in Dili, East Timor.

This year marks 10 years since Australian and New Zealand forces served in East Timor as part of the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) to restore peace and security after it voted for independence from Indonesia.  

Mr Snowdon said INTERFET embodied not just the ANZAC spirit, but an international movement to restore peace, security and confidence in East Timor. 

“Today we remember the sacrifice Australians and New Zealanders have made in times of war since fighting together on the shores of Gallipoli,” Mr Snowdon said.

“It is a day of commemoration of our sons and daughters who now lie, not only at Gallipoli, but at the Western Front, in Greece and Crete, and the North African desert, in Italy, Burma, Malaysia, Singapore, New Guinea, the Pacific Islands, Korea, Vietnam, as well as a dozen more countries.

“It is a time to remember those whose graves are unknown, but whose sacrifice is never forgotten.

“And it is also a day to pay tribute to current Defence personnel who ensure the sacrifice, courage, commitment and mateship of the ANZAC spirit lives on.

“I am honoured to stand here today with the modern ANZACs; the Australians and New Zealanders of the International Stabilisation Force who are working together to maintain regional security and aid in the development of East Timor’s Defence Force.“

The Australian-led ISF is comprised of approximately 650 ADF personnel, serving alongside 140 NZDF troops.

“Our troops, whether working overseas or helping fight fire and flood at home, continue to build on their proud ANZAC heritage and on behalf of all Australians I thank them for their hard work, professionalism and sacrifice,” Mr Snowdon said.

Media contacts:

Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):           02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689

Defence Media Liaison:                         02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664