Timor-Leste’s defence force assists Australia with construction in remote Aboriginal communities
A team of 17 Timor-Leste military engineers from the Timor-Leste’s defence force, departed Dili on Saturday to join Australian military personnel working together to build infrastructure in outback Northern Territory as part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP).
They will deploy to the town of Titjinkala, located South-East of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Here they will be fully integrated and work alongside Australian defence officers for five months. Whilst deployed they will focus on the construction of a new Community Centre, which is a large block laying task. The purpose of this facility is to improve daily life and functionality within the community.
The F-FDTL members have been preparing for AACAP in recent months alongside Australian engineers posted to Timor-Leste as part of Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program (DCP).
The supervisor of DCP Engineer Training Team, Corporal Phillip Harris, said the team has been working in preparation for the visit.
“The fact F-FDTL engineers are assisting the ADF in our own activities shows how well the F-FDTL has matured since Timor-Leste gained independence.”
The DCP-TL funded activity provides great opportunity for skills transfer and relationship building between members of the ADF and F-FDTL.
The team of 15 Timorese soldiers and Corporal Harris (right) from the ADF