Young Australian Artists To Entertain Troops In Timor-leste
A group of young Australian performers are on their way to Timor-Leste as part of the eleventh morale-boosting "Tour de
Force" concert tour.
They are volunteering their time and talent, following a long-established tradition that pre-dates the Vietnam War. The
performers for this tour are:
* The McClymonts - a country music group comprising of sisters Brooke, Samantha and Mollie McClymont;
* Amber Lawrence - country music singer/songwriter;
* Troy Kinne - comedian; and
* Daniel Lissing - musician and actor.
These artists will perform concerts in several locations around Timor-Leste in order to provide a "taste of home" for
Australia's forces deployed there, giving them a chance to hear new Australian voices and stories, as well as see the
live shows.
Some of the entertainers are already well-versed in these Tours: The McClymonts spent Christmas 2006 entertaining the
troops in the Middle East, and Daniel Lissing was part of the Tour de Force in the Solomon Islands in August 2004.
Amber Lawrence, who is performing in the Tour de Force for the first time, said: "I think it must be so hard and lonely
for our troops overseas at times, so they deserve to have someone come over and sing them a few songs."
It will also be the first trip for Melbourne-based comedian Troy Kinne, who hopes the concerts will serve as a reward
for the work Australian troops are doing.
"They are over there working 'for us' taking all the risk themselves, so hopefully we can help too by giving the troops
a break from work, so that they can then continue to do their job," said Troy.
"It is also a way of acknowledging that their efforts and sacrifices are appreciated, and not going unnoticed."
All the artists are available for interview prior to their departure early next week, and while in Timor-Leste.
ENDS