Fed: Australians rally to ensure a happy Christmas in Timor

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-1999
Fed: Australians rally to ensure a happy Christmas in Timor

Volunteers, stars, war veterans and the corporate community are ensuring a fine festive
season for Australia's 4,000-strong force in East Timor - and territory locals.

Defence Force chief CHRIS BARRIE has returned from East Timor full of praise for the
Interfet forces, as RSL volunteers assemble Christmas packages for the troops.

In Melbourne, preparations are underway for next week's Christmas concert in Dili,
at which JOHN FARNHAM, KYLIE MINOGUE, THE LIVING END and other stars will entertain the
troops.

Corporate sponsors have donated cash and kind for the event, which will be televised
on the Seven and Nine networks from 7.30pm (AEDT) next Tuesday, December 21.

And volunteers have set up camp in Westfield shopping centres throughout the nation,
selling Dili Bags for $25 each to raise money for the CARE Australia effort in Timor.

The Australian Defence Force has been overwhelmed with donations of 30,000 teddies
and 50,000 pairs of thongs for Timorese - ample to send to the region before Christmas.

Veterans Affairs Minister BRUCE SCOTT has announced an extended deadline for Christmas
mail to East Timor to the close of business this Wednesday.

AAP RTV lm/mfh/kbw/jn

KEYWORD: TIMOR AUST (CANBERRA)

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