Overview
The VLGA has been directly involved in supporting Timor-Leste since 1999 when Cr Rae Perry, in her capacity as Policy Officer, was the VLGA representative on the Australian delegation at the Independence referendum.
The concept of 'friendship relationships' came to fruition early in 2000, following the visit of the then leader of CNRT, and now Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmão. He signed a document which set out the principles for the operation of local governments in Timor-Leste, along with the Victorian Government, the VLGA and the MAV. The friendship relationships were then initiated with the aim of developing friendship, support and cross-cultural understanding at a grass-roots level between the people of Timor-Leste and the people of Australia through local governments and their communities.
Strategic Plan
The Timor-Leste work of the organisation is informed by outcomes A.4 Learning, and B.1 Engagement and Empowerment of the Strategic Plan.
The VLGA will build partnerships with training bodies across Australia, Asia and the Pacific and facilitate quality training programs which strengthen the capacities for councillors, officers, and community members.
The VLGA will assist communities, groups, and individuals to engage and work effectively to achieve high levels of participation and engagement between local governments and their communities.
VLGA Approach
The VLGA established a Timor-Leste Working Group that has supported the development of, currently, around 50 friendship relationships, involving nearly 60 local governments. The continuing development of friendship relationships reflects the enormous goodwill towards Timor-Leste and the people of Australia through their local governments and their communities.
While friendship groups are autonomous and operate independently, some principles apply to all the friendship relationships, namely:
- Respect and support for Timorese-led decision-making
- Assistance provided is sustainable
- Long-term commitment (10 year minimum)
- Relationships based on mutual respect and collaboration
The VLGA has sent observer delegations to the Presidential elections in 2002 and 2007 and the Parliamentary elections in 2007. The VLGA also co-ordinated the ‘Working Together for East Timor Conference and Expo’ in Melbourne in 2003, and co-hosted with the Timor-Leste Ministry of State Administration the ‘Strengthening Communities through International Friendship’ conference in Dili in 2008.
Current Activity
The VLGA supports the establishment of offices in Dili and Australia to support the work of friendship groups and, at the request of the Minister for State Administration and Territory Management, is preparing a training program for elected officials and appointed officers, as Timor-Leste introduces local government from 2010.
In addition to the
Timor-Leste Working Group, which supports the development of Timor-Leste friendship groups, the VLGA manages an email distribution list of these friendship groups and associates throughout Victoria and Australia. This enables communication across a vast number of groups. If you would like to be added to this list or would like any further information, please contact the Timor-Leste Project Officer below.
News
The VLGA Timor-Leste Working Group hosting a Forum on Tuesday 16 February at the VLGA offices on 'Preparing for Municipal Government in Timor-Leste'. This was an opportunity to discuss the transition to elected municipal government in Timor-Leste and the implications for Friendship Groups. If you missed this forum you can watch the webcast at
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-vlga-s-timor-leste-working-group.
VLGA Contact
Timor-Leste Project Officer
Gary Jungwirth
T:
+61 3 9349 7986
E:
Send Email