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Op Astute Images

09 May 2007
Ballot paper distribution in Timor Leste

The Government of Timor Leste and United Nations election officials work with Australian International Stabilisation Force troops to load a Black Hawk helicopter with vital ballots destined for some of the country’s most isolated polling stations in the eastern province of Lautem.

While the primary role of the Australian-led International Security Force (ISF) in Timor Leste is to assist the Government of Timor Leste and the United Nations Police provide security throughout the nation, some elements of the force have also been providing direct support to the current Presidential election (08 May) by ensuring even the most isolated communities are given their chance to vote.

Under the command of Captain Tim Hiddins, a Black Hawk helicopter from B Squadron of the Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment was called upon to pre-position ballot papers for around 4000 isolated Timorese in the far east of the country after monsoonal rains prevented planned vehicle movement into the area.

Captain Hiddins and his crew were required to pick up the ballot papers and their escort officers from Los Palos in the Lautem District and deliver them to the small village of Luro. On arrival in Luro, election officials had prepared road transport to set out on delivery treks into the mountains to get the ballots to the voters.

Captain Hiddins said his crew, including co-pilot Lieutenant Michael Elderfield and loadmasters Trooper Darren Magor and Trooper David Jones, were pleased to be able to play a small but important part in the Presidential election process.

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In the morning before take off, Co-Pilot Lieutenant Michael Elderfield prepares a S-70 Black Hawk helicopter for flying.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Loadmaster Trooper Tim Hiddins conducts pre take-off checks of a S-70 Black Hawk helicopter before departing for Los Palos.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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The Captain of the S-70 Blackhawk helicopter, Captain Tim Hiddins, talks to United Nations election officials upon arrival in Los Palos.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Captain of the S-70 Black Hawk helicopter, Captain Tim Hiddins (right) and Loadmaster Trooper David Jones await the arrival of the ballot papers in Los Palos.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Lieutenant Michael Elderfield hands out lollies to local children in the town of Los Palos in eastern Timor Leste.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Loadmaster Trooper David Jones shows ballot paper escorts and members of the PNTL (Timor-Leste National Police) the S-70 Black Hawk helicopter while in Los Palos.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Loadmaster Trooper David Jones shows ballot paper escorts and members of the PNTL (Timor-Leste National Police) the S-70 Black Hawk helicopter while in Los Palos.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Captain of the S-70 Black Hawk helicopter, Captain Tim Hiddins (centre left) and Lieutenant Michael Elderfield talk to United Nations Election Supervisor Horacio Hernandez (centre right) and a member of the Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR) on the procedures involving the distribution of the ballot papers.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Loadmaster of the S-70 Black Hawk helicopter, Trooper Darren Magor gives members of the PNTL (Timor-Leste National Police) and other United Nations officials a safety brief of the S-70 Black Hawk helicopter prior to take-off for Luro.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Loadmaster of the S-70 Black Hawk helicopter, Trooper Darren Magor waits for passengers to arrive for boarding prior to take-off for Luro from Los Palos.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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The S-70 Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter lands in Los Palos to collect ballot papers for distribution in Luro.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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A S-70 Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter lands in Los Palos to collect ballot papers for distribution in Luro.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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United Nations election officials wait in Los Palos with ballot papers ready for loading onto the S-70 Black Hawk helicopter for transportation to Luro.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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The Government of Timor Leste and United Nations election officials work with Australian International Stabilisation Force troops to load a Black Hawk helicopter with vital ballots destined for some of the country’s most isolated polling stations in the eastern province of Lautem.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Loadmaster Trooper Darren Magor helps members of the Government of Timor Leste and United Nations election officials load a Black Hawk helicopter with vital ballots destined for some of the country’s most isolated polling stations in the eastern province of Lautem.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Loadmaster Trooper Darren Magor helps members of the Government of Timor Leste and United Nations election officials load a Black Hawk helicopter with vital ballots destined for some of the country’s most isolated polling stations in the eastern province of Lautem.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Loadmaster Trooper Darren Magor helps members of the Government of Timor Leste and United Nations election officials load a Black Hawk helicopter with vital ballots destined for some of the country’s most isolated polling stations in the eastern province of Lautem.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Loadmaster Trooper Darren Magor loads and ties down vital ballots in a S-70 Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter destined for some of the country’s most isolated polling stations in the eastern province of Lautem.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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A member of the PNTL (Timor-Leste National Police) helps offload ballot papers in Luro from a S-70 Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter upon landing.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Members of the PNTL (Timor-Leste National Police) and other United Nations election officials help offload ballot papers from a S-70 Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter upon landing in Luro.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Members of the PNTL (Timor-Leste National Police) and other United Nations election officials help offload ballot papers from a S-70 Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter upon landing in Luro.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Watched by interested onlookers, members of the PNTL (Timor-Leste National Police) and other United Nations election officials help offload ballot papers from a S-70 Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter upon landing in Luro.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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The S-70 Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter takes off from Luro after offloading vital ballot papers.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Members of the PNTL (Timor-Leste National Police) and other United Nations election officials help offload ballot papers from a S-70 Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter upon landing in Luro.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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Members of the PNTL (Timor-Leste National Police) and other United Nations election officials help offload ballot papers from a S-70 Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter upon landing in Luro.

(Date taken: 08 May 2007)
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