Conference in Timor-Leste brings friends and community together

Members of Wangaratta Friends of Lacluta (WFOL), Mansfield Friends of Venilale and Indigo Shire Friends of Atauro, were among the local contingent to attend the 5th International Conference of Friendship Groups held in Dili, Timor-Leste over two days in July. The objective of the conference was to strengthen the bonds of friendship between municipal councils and communities in Australia and those in Timor-Leste, with the opening ceremony officiated by Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, with Timor-Leste Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, and Australian ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson. More than 200 people from 20 friendship groups - some who have been working together for more than 20 years - joined Timor-Leste leaders from government, authorities, administrative bodies and other organisations from both countries for the event. The conference aims to reinforce people-to-people and government-to-government connections, fostering deeper engagement and collaboration at the local level. It was a fitting way to end this year's expedition to Timor-Leste by WFOL's Karen Jones, Linda Sexton, Brian Thompson, Barbara Broz and Andy Kimber. WFOL chairperson Karen Jones said it had been an enjoyable and successful trip. "The conference reinforced the value the Timor-Leste government places on the work being done by friendship groups at a local level, and the commitment to work together in the future," she said. "It was a fabulous opportunity to network with others (both Timorese and Australians), hear about the programs funded by Australia, and discuss priorities which include addressing the needs of women, young people, people with a disability, and for vocational education." Ms Jones said while on the ground, the team worked with their long-time friend, translator and new liaison person Benny Gonsalves, who she said is passionate and committed to working with WFOL. "He is also a talented musician and wrote a special song called Building Bridges, Not Walls about our friendship, which he and Andy sang at the conference in Dili," she said. "We have also employed a new disability support person to make short visits to disabled children in their homes. "Very sadly our last person passed away suddenly while in her early 20s – which is the reality sometimes with Lacluta’s remoteness and lack of medical facilities." Ms Jones said they purchased a number of re-useable menstrual kits in Lacluta - made by a trained local sewer - for the Mother and Baby Bags the group provides to vulnerable mothers. She said they continue to strengthen their partnership with the new local technical vocational school – appreciating the motivation and forward thinking of the principal. "Our first two tertiary scholarship students from this school both have jobs now in agriculture – which is so important to the food security of the nation," she said. Ms Jones said the group is now focussing on working more closely with the local administration on the ground via their liaison person, and strengthening their vocational scholarship program and process. They also continue to work closely with the new leadership at the local medical centre, assisting with priorities government is unable to meet, and working together to support those with a disability. Andy Kimber said he continues to be impressed by the positivity and dignity of the Timorese people, despite the level of poverty still experienced. "Our still very isolated community of Lacluta is operating so much better than observed on our first trips 20 year ago, with a very functional medical clinic and a permanent doctor present," he said. "There are improved educational facilities too, with the new technical vocational school." Andy said attending the conference was most rewarding, and many contacts were made with people from Timor-Leste and other nations, who are trying to get to grips with the country's past and future. He is looking forward to working with Benny on a project to relate the incredible story of Lacluta to the outside world, while the three local groups in the Indi electorate are also planning a special event to celebrate 20 years of friendship with their Timor-Leste communities. Together they will host a celebration on Saturday, 20 September at the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street, where there will be music, dancing and video links back to Timor-Leste, along with raffles and other entertainment, with tickets available soon via the Friends of Lacluta Facebook page. Members of Wangaratta Friends of Lacluta have also been invited to attend a special ceremony in Melbourne on Tuesday, 12 August, where President and Nobel Peace Laureate José Ramos-Horta will be awarding the Order of Timor-Leste Medals to nominated friendship groups.

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