By Councillor Rae Perry*
Darebin City Council first raised the issue of supporting democratic processes in East Timor with the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) four years ago. Victorian Local Governments had not previously been very active in international political matters but the VLGA decided to support the development of democracy, peace, order and good governance in East Timor.
In late 1999, Darebin, Port Phillip and Moreland City Councils were the first to establish ‘friendship’ relationships with towns in East Timor.
A ‘Statement of Principles for Local Governments Working in East Timor’ was signed by East Timorese leader Xanana Gusmão, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), the Victorian Local Government Minister, and the VLGA President. This document gives guidance to Councils wishing to start new relationships, while the VLGA East Timor Working Group oversees the Friendship Program in Victoria.
Some successes of the Friendship Relationships in East Timor include rehabilitation of civic buildings, support for agricultural projects and women’s programs, training and assistance with local governance and the provision of humanitarian aid.
The following Victorian Councils and communities have Friendship Relationships in East Timor.
- Cities of Moreland and Hume – Aileu
- Cities of Yarra and Darebin – Baucau District
- Daylesford and District Friendship Group – Bobonaro
- Friends of Emera (Casey) – Emera
- City of Greater Bendigo – Ossu
- Moonee Valley City Council – Liquica
- Maryborough Friends of East Timor – Loi Huno
- Mornington Peninsula Shire Council – Los Palos
- Kingston City Council – Manatuto
- Whitehorse Friends of Oecussi – Oecussi
- City of Boroondara – Same
- City of Port Phillip– Suai
- Frankston City Council – Tutuala
- City of Greater Geelong – Viqueque
- Ballarat Branch of Australia East Timor Association/City of Ballarat – Ainaro
*Councillor Rae Perry is a Darebin City Councillor, MAV Board Member and ALGA Board Member.
For further information contact Darebin Councillor, Rae Perry, email rperry@darebin.vic.gov.au, telephone (03) 9240 1112 or VLGA Administration Officer, Clare Murrell, email clare@vlga.org.au or telephone (03) 9347 2233.
