14 October 2024
Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE), Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity, visited Timor-Leste’s capital, Dili, at the beginning of October to strengthen long-held bonds and build new ones.
Australia’s IPE24 lead for Timor-Leste Brigadier Malcolm Wells said strong ties had been nurtured between both nations.
“Since Timor-Leste’s independence, the ADF has shared the journey of this nation, and us being here is a very practical demonstration of the partnership Australia enjoys with Timor-Leste,” Brigadier Wells said.
“Of course many, many friendships have been made over the years, and being here on IPE allows us to renew those connections forged through the shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the region.”
Activities involved a women, peace and security workshop, sporting events and community engagement, including a visit to the Santa Clara Orphanage, where clothing, educational and health supplies, toys and sporting equipment were donated.
'It has been an awesome experience to meet all of the kids here; they have been extremely welcoming and I will never forget this.'
For Lieutenant Patrick Carstens, the orphanage visit was a highlight.
“Straight from when we got off the bus here the kids were really excited to see us,” Lieutenant Carstens said.
“It’s been a really lovely experience for all of us. To see the smiles on their faces as we have played games with them and given them gifts has been a real highlight of our time here.
“There have been heaps of high-fives shared between us and the kids, and heaps of laughter and joy.”
For Private Rosie Mlikota, who was on her first overseas deployment since joining the ADF, being able to give back to the orphanage was an experience that would stay with her.
“It has been an awesome experience to meet all of the kids here; they have been extremely welcoming and I will never forget this,” she shared.
“You just can’t have these sort of amazing experiences in any other job.”
ADF personnel also helped an elderly woman maintain her house in the village of Hera, which included painting and gardening.
The Women, Peace and Security workshop and networking activity was an opportunity for the women from the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FTDL) and ADF to learn from each other.
Flying Officer Madeleine Fitzpatrick, one of the ADF facilitators, said she was grateful for the opportunity.
“In only three days I have learnt so much from the brave and resilient F-FDTL women – one of our closest sister armed forces – and I look forward to meeting my new friends and future leaders as we progress in our careers,” she said.
Important bonds were also made on the pitch, with the Australian Army’s men’s and women’s football and futsal teams training and playing with teams from the F-FDTL.
Commander F-FDTL Naval Wing Commodore Higino das Neves said they were very happy to host the ADF.
“We are very grateful and enthusiastic about the friendship as we continue to work together building peace and prosperity,” Commodore Neves said.
