GOOD NEIGHBOURS

As a nation we must never forget the role played by our men and women of the armed forces, in their role as peace keepers as the East Timorese steadfastly sought independence.
East Timor, the worlds newest nation was granted independence on the 20th May 2002.

You are the face of Australia in our neighbouring lands,
Your role is helping others to cope with demands,
The demands of uncertainty from the civil unrest,
Other nations watch closely as if its our test,
Famine and disease pose a threat to all,
In these neighbouring lands as they ready for their call,
The call to keep peace amongst the friends of our nation,
Preparing these folk for their own celebration,
A celebration to mark, they now stand on their own,
They need leaders to lead into the future unknown,
Mark a place in history in our neighbours land,
The choice is now theirs they must now raise their hand,
When the time comes to leave with the job well done,
You achieved what was asked without the aid of the gun,
When you fly from those lands on the plane up in the cloud,
Your nation will applaud you, for your nation is proud.