Vet backs troop project

AN EAST Timor veteran has applauded Dandenong RSL’s support for a program that aims to send magazines to Australian troops serving in the politically sensitive country.
Dandenong resident Michael Malady, 34, left the defence force in 2000 after serving two years in East Timor and said an appeal to collect magazines for troops, and colouring books and crayons for them to give to East Timorese children as goodwill gestures, was something he wishes he could have accessed while serving abroad.
The Australian Artillery Association is coordinating the appeal.
“It will take their minds off things,” Mr Malady, who served with 2RAR, said about the magazines.
“And (the colouring books and crayons) are good for the children.
“Over there they come up to you with fresh fruit all day and with a smile, so it would be good to be able to give them something other than a shake of the hand in return.”
Liberal candidate for Bruce Angela Randall this week donated $400 of books and crayons collected from the electorate’s party members.
“I saw the previous article about the RSL asking for donations from the public and I am member of the Kiwanis International organisation – we are a community service group like Rotary – and it is our charter to help disadvantaged children.
“I put out the word to all Liberal members in Bruce to donate and we have delivered over $400 of books, crayons and colour pencils.”
Dandenong RSL welfare committee chairman John Filmer said about 300 packages would be sent abroad to troops in East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq.
“It would be dear if some people out there with unwanted magazines would like to contribute a few to send to the troops as a boost for them,” he said.