Sweetheart brooch : Timor Leste Task Group 2

Alloy and enamel stickpin badge mounted on a information backing card, all sealed in the original polythene bag. The badge features a Rising Sun badge overlaid by a scroll titled 'The Australian Army', overlaying a large white '11' on an azure blue background, all within an ovoid. A scoll in black sits on the lower portion of the ovoid, titled '11th Brigade Operational Service Family'.

The card is headed by the 11th Brigade badge (an '11' over crossed swords and an inverted boomerang, titled 'Brigade', all on an azure blue background, surmounted by a Queen's crown), a space for the badge, and a caption which reads: 'During the First and Second World Wars, soldiers deploying overseas presented loved ones with 'sweetheart brooches' before departing. Wearing them was and continues to be a symbol of pride, support and affection for someone special serving in the armed forces on operation.' The Triforces badge appears under this, accompanied by the caption 'Defence Reserves Supporting Australia's Reservists and their Employers'.

Sweetheart brooch made in Brisbane for use by 11 Brigade troops who deployed to East Timor as part of the Timor Leste Task Group 2 (TLTG-2), departing from Darwin after a farewell ceremony on 23 August 2010. The special issue of this style of badge is a departure for the Australian Defence Forces, which drew on similar badges made and purchased by departing soldiers in both First and Second World Wars.

TLTG-2, under the banner of 'Operation Astute', comprises ground forces, signallers, air support and naval assistance. They provide security to key locations such as government offices and the airport, wharves and police station, combating gang violence and protecting vulnerable groups of citizens. These last two issues have abated in recent years with increased stability returning to the country, although a rapid response group is maintained in case of emergencies.

The Task Force operates alongside the United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor (UNMIT) which was established on August 25, 2006 by UN Security Council Resolution 1704. The most recent resolution on UNMIT extended the mission's mandate until February 26, 2011. Together, the groups form the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in East Timor.