Our People in NSW
Emily Smyth - Entertainment Tour tops Timor time for Wagga soldier
Adelong girl and Army soldier, Private Emily Smyth says she saw stars when she met some of her music idols at last month’s Forces Entertainment Tour in East Timor.
It was the highlight of the first deployment for Emily (19), who is a transport driver serving with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Dili, which is assisting the East Timorese and UN maintain stability and security in the country.
Soldiers serving in East Timor had a chance to mingle with and talk to visiting celebrities on the entertainment tour, including Australian Idol judge and Vega 91.5fm breakfast host Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson and Australian music icon Ian Moss.
Having grown up listening to one of her Dad’s favourite bands Cold Chisel, Emily couldn’t believe how brilliant Ian Moss was on and off the stage.
“It was like magic watching Ian Moss play on stage. He just captures you. Whether you know his songs or not, he’s a brilliant entertainer,” Emily said.
“My parents love Cold Chisel and my old man plays a lot of Mossy’s music – just not as good – sorry Dad!
“My favourite part of the tour was definitely being able to hang out with the celebs and getting Ian Moss to call my parents at home. They were ecstatic!
“I definitely think the performances lifted the moral and attitudes of the troops. I hope the entertainers know how much we appreciate them coming, performing and socialising with us,” Emily said.
The 19 year old says that she misses her family and friends everyday.
“When I get back home, the first thing I want to do is have a few beers on the front veranda with family and mates. A holiday to the coast is definitely on the agenda, as well as investing in a house.”
Emily is one of some 650 Australian Defence Force personnel now serving in East Timor with Operation ASTUTE. The operation is part of the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of East Timor to assist in bringing stability, security and confidence to the Timorese.