Australian and Timor-Leste Defence Force engineers braved dangerous seas and oppressive heat to bolster the supply of drinking water for remote communities on a small island north of Dili.
The soldiers, working under the Defence Cooperation Program - Timor-Leste (DCP-TL), travelled to Atauro Island for eight days to practise deploying water purification systems during a simulated humanitarian disaster.
Despite high annual rainfall in Timor-Leste, villages such as Arlo and Douro face water insecurity.
Arlo is hidden deep in the heart of Atauro Island, and regularly lacks access to running water during periods of low rainfall.
Douro is perched atop a mountain range that separates Atauro's east and west coast.
In total, 1100 litres of drinkable water was delivered to both communities' schools.
About half was stored in Army water jerry cans, with the rest added to water tanks.
Sergeant Heath Crotty said the jerries were a massive hit with the community.
"They traditionally use whatever they can to store water, like old oil bottles or old jerry cans," Sergeant Crotty said.
"The Timorese were extremely grateful for the drinking water and pleased to see their nation's military working alongside Australia."
This collaborative activity was part of a broader partnership aimed at building the capacity of the Timor-Leste military to prepare for and respond to crises.
Sergeant Crotty said the activity demonstrated the towed water-purification system could be deployed quickly to provide water to remote communities.
DCP-TL handed over two water-purification systems this year. They are capable of purifying 140 litres of sea water an hour using reverse osmosis.
"These systems are also utilised by 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Darwin and are the cutting edge of technology in the military water purification world," Sergeant Crotty said.
The Defence Cooperation Program aims to develop English language skills, maritime security, peacekeeping skills, disaster resilience, engineering, logistics, infantry skills, governance, finance and communications across the Timorese Defence Forces.
