The Victorian Local Governance Association and the Municipal Association of Victoria have joined forces to further cement relationships between Victorian Councils and their communities and the thirteen districts of Timor-Leste.
Representing the two organisations, Councillor Bernie Millane from Whitehorse City Council visited Timor-Leste in July to create a permanent link between Melbourne and Timor-Leste. He met with President Xanana Gusmão and First Lady Kirsty Sword Gusmão to discuss the Alola Foundation. The aim of the visit is to create a position in the Local Government and Interior Ministry for linking Local Governments in the two countries.
“We are looking to employ someone from Timor Leste, who speaks both Tetum and English, to help foster these important relationships,” Bernie Millane said. “It is essential that the work is done by someone from Timor-Leste as the aim of all of our work is building and strengthening community and local governance.
“We have developed a network of friendship cities within Victoria, but people need to see where the money and effort is going. They need feedback and this position will help fulfil that need. With the massive infrastructure and communication problems, we need someone in Timor- Leste to keep information flowing.”
Councils have been providing equipment and staff exchanges to assist in the rebuilding of towns and villages. They have also rallied community support in the form of cash donations and equipment. Councillor Millane said the new position was essential as community groups needed information about the spending and future needs.
“When this position is created, Local Governments, communities and schools can gain an understanding of the impact of their work,” Councillor Millane said.
Several Councils have established formal friendship relationships with districts throughout Timor-Leste, cementing lifelong associations and providing vital aid material for these communities.
Councils involved in the VLGA’s Friendship Cities Program include: Aileu – Hume and Moreland, Ainaro – Ballarat, Baucau – Darebin, Lospalos – Mornington Peninsula, Manatuto – Kingston, Viqueque – Greater Geelong, Same – Boroondara, Suai – Port Phillip and Liquica – Moonee Valley.
The relationships are not confined to Victoria, as other Local Governments outside of Victoria, such as Brisbane, has a relationship with Oe-cusse and Canberra with Dili.
