Defence Force Personnel In Timor-Leste Dig Deep For Christchurch

NZDF personnel in Timor-Leste serving as part of the Australian led International Stabilisation Force (ISF) have raised over USD$7000.00 to help the people of Christchurch.

The earthquake in Christchurch had a profound effect on the NZDF personnel deployed as many of them are based in Burnham. The news of the earthquake was readily available to the forces in Timor-Leste and through the wide variety of communications that are available to personnel deploying overseas, almost everyone was able to contact friends and family within a few days.

The commander of the NZDF contingent, Wing Commander Sam Leske said, “We are all very proud of our colleagues in the NZDF who are helping with the relief effort. We wanted to do something to help the people of Christchurch and fund raising is just one of the small ways we can contribute.”

The fund raising activities, including a raffle and a collection, were enthusiastically supported by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contingent in the ISF. With many of the ADF members being based in the flood ravaged parts of Queensland they were very much aware of the problems of being away from home during a natural disaster.

“The generosity of our Australian colleagues in the International Stabilisation Force is outstanding. It’s great to see that we come together in the true spirit of ANZAC and help each other out.”

70 Royal New Zealand Navy, NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel are currently deployed to Timor-Leste and are serving with 400 personnel from the Australian Defence Force. Collectively they make up the International Stabilisation Force that was deployed in 2006 to help stabilise the country following a period of violence and the request of the government of Timor Leste.

ENDS

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