Toucan Express East Timor T-shirt : Lieutenant D J Perryman, RAN

Place Asia: East Timor
Accession Number REL32373
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Polyester; Cotton
Maker Unknown
Date made c 2000
Conflict East Timor, 1999-2013
Description

Faded blue polyester cotton T-shirt. Screen printed on the back in shades of green, black, red and white is a steam engine superimposed on a blue circle. The body of the locomotive is made of a Victoria Bitter (VB) beer can, and another can is carried in the tender. Around the edge is a yellow circle with black lettering 'TOUCAN EXPRESS EAST TIMOR'. The image is repeated in a smaller form on the front of the T-shirt over the left breast. Underneath it in white is 'DILI CANTEEN'.

History / Summary

This T-shirt was purchased by Lieutenant Duncan John Perryman, RAN, while serving in East Timor as part of the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) in 1999-2000. On 15 September 1999 the UN Security Council authorised a multi-national peace enforcement mission in East Timor, to restore peace and security and to facilitate humanitarian relief efforts.

7000 troops led by Australia secured East Timor, with the exception of the Oecusse enclave, which was secured in mid October 1999. International relief efforts were put in place and displaced people were permitted to return to their communities. Indonesian forces were withdrawn from East Timor. On 20 October 1999 the Indonesian Parliament resolved to formally ratify East Timor's separation from Indonesia allowing the UN Security Council to approve the establishment of a UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET).