Commandos Return 2019 Timor Leste 23 June - 3 July 19

We are proud to announce that Commandos Return is on again for 2019 Commandos Return 2018 is a joint venture between the Australian Commando Association (ACA) and Veterans Care Association (VCA) to conduct a trip to Timor Leste. Currently VCA is conducing immersion tours of Timor Leste known as Timor Awakening through the support of Bolton Clark (RSL Care) and RSL Qld.

Commandos Return 2019 Timor Leste 23 June - 3 July 19

OUTLINE BRIEF - COMMANDOS RETURN (TA9) TIMOR LESTE The aim of Commandos Return (Timor Awakening (TA)) is to improve the health and wellbeing of Australian Commandos and their families. The program consists of holistic health education, individual and group interaction, a reflective experience in Timor-Leste and follow up engagement and coaching. The resilience of the men of the 2/2 Ind Coy in WW2 and their unique friendship with the Timorese people is a legacy that we embody through our friendship with the Timorese veteran community. Timorese Veterans of the 1975-1999 resistance struggle join the TA journey. Many lessons they successfully employed in 24 years of guerrilla warfare were learned from their fathers who supported the 2/2 in WW2. Timor- Leste is an ideal location for healing and growth. The country, people and veterans show us that anything is possible and give us perspective to how we can make choices to live a healthy and purposeful life.

Many former members of the Regt’s have experienced this activity and it has been well documented of its benefits through Doctors, Phycologists of its ability for those wanting to move forward in life.

•Itinerary:

• Sunday 23 June RV Darwin

• Monday 24 June Darwin to Dili - Arrive Dili PM stay at Timor Plaza (Overnight)

• Tuesday 25 June Dili – Admin Brief, Santa Cruz Cemetery & Statue, East Timor Development Agency (ETDA) (Lunch) Christo Rei (Jesus Statue), Jose Ramos Horter’s House.

• Wednesday26JuneDilitoSame-Daré-2/2&2/4Memorial,Aileu-FALINTIL HQ75–99(Lunch),Maubisse2/2AtkonJapBn,(OvernightSame).

• Thursday27JuneSame–Localactivities&Tours(OvernightSame).

• Friday28 JuneSame toSuai–ViaBetano -HMASVoyagerwreck& landing in ’42 (OvernightSuai)

• Saturday29JuneSuai–Balibo,viaBobonaro–2/2HQ‘42,BCC,4CdoAO2001 &MalianaDCoy,4CdoAO2001,(Overnight@BaliboFortBHQ4Cdo2001).

• Sunday30JuneBalibotoLiquisa-BatugadeACoy4CdoAO2001,BoarderXing toWestTimor,AidabalatenCCC,4CdoAO2001(OvernightLiquisa).

• Monday01JulyLiquisatoDili–DecompressionTimorPlaza

• Tuesday02JulyDili-Shopping,FinalDinnerTimorPlaza(OvernightDili)

• Wednesday03JulyDilitoDarwin-DepartDiliAMArriveDarwin,Returnto homeLocPM.

Commandos Return 2019 Timor Leste 23 June - 3 July 19

If you would like to attend this immersion program you must meet and accept the following requirements: ๏ Eligibility to Attend - Be a financial member of any Australian Commando Association (ACA) in

QLD/NSW/VIC or WA, a member of one of the Commando Company / Squadron / or Regiments, or a family member of a commando killed in action / killed in training. Carers are also welcome if required, however they must be physically fit.

๏ YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A TIMOR VETERAN OR A MEMBER WHO HAS DEPLOYED TO ATTEND THIS PROGRAM

๏ PROPOSED ATTENDEES - 10 Personnel maximum

๏ Media - Australian Embassy - Dili, Timor Leste News crews, Social Media ect.

๏ Expressions of interest & General information brief - Please send expressions of interest

via email to acaqld_president@commando.org.au no later than 5 march 2019.

๏ Support staff - VCA will provide a guide (MAJ Mick Stone, RTD), a Medical Nurse, Doctor, Psychologist, Padre (Gary Stone), Vehicles & Drivers (Eco trek TL local company)

๏ Cost - $2000AUD per person (normally $6000) which includes flights from Darwin to Dili return, transport in country, all accomodation and meals. Additional cost to you are flights from home location to Darwin return, and any spending money.