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East Timor Concert

East Timor is only 450 km from Darwin and has a total area about 7% of the size of Victoria.

By * - 17th May 2006 - Back to News

The forests are dense and there are arid regions like the dry areas of Australia, the highest peak is more than 3000m and the temperatures range from 15 degrees in the mountains to 40 degrees in the south. Portugal first visited the island of Timor in 1512, however their presence wasn’t really felt until after 1642 when they invaded in strength in order to exploit Timor’s rich sandalwood forests and control its internal trade.

East Timor has been through many changes influenced by the presence of former colonial powers. On the 20th of May, 2002, the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste (East Timor) became the newest nation of the twenty-first century. East Timor is attempting to deal with the new challenges presented by independence, such as the need to empower women economically in a culture that remains deeply patriarchal. 47% of women are widows, 75% of women are illiterate, life expectancy is 55 years (75 in Aus), 45% of children are underweight. Only 41% of children attend primary school (it only costs USD$3/ month) and only 20% of households have running water.

On Saturday June 3 at ARC (Art Resource Collective), Yinnar Olivia and Daniel Hurrell in conjunction with ETWA (East Timor Women Australia) and ARC are holding a special evening of family entertainment to help raise funds for projects in East Timor. All proceeds from this event will go to ETWA and a new community school based in Dili providing free education for children who don't currently have access to schooling.

ETWA raises funds and further awareness of what can usefully be done at the community level by Australians wanting to extend a helping hand to our newest neighbours in nearby East Timor. Many women in Timor support their families by weaving the widely used tais garment worn by both women and men. The woven cloth is also now being used to make other products which are finding markets in the outside world. ETWA supports this village-based industry because it helps the women create a stronger foundation for their families through co-operative making and marketing of their work.

ETWA is currently setting up a 'Gippsland Chapter. 'If you would like to provide any support for our group or become a member, call Olivia for details, 0428 221 887.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Tim Bull says rising retail crime reflects Victoria’s weak approach, despite claims of toughest bail laws
  Retail theft is surging in East Gippsland, with repeat offenders emboldened. Tim Bull calls for tougher penalties, accountability, and support for struggling households to protect businesses and local communities.
• Dr Patrick Kinsella’s decades-long contributions to healthcare, sport, media, and community celebrated at 2026 Australia Day Awards
  Dr Patrick Kinsella, East Gippsland Australia Day Ambassador, has impacted healthcare, education, sport, media, and community life for over 40 years; residents are invited to celebrate at 21 January awards.
• Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
  More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future.
• Tim Bull urges local clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program supporting volunteers, equipment, and program delivery by 26 November 2025
  Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East sporting clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program by 26 November 2025, supporting uniforms, equipment, volunteers, events, travel, and governance development.
• Darren Chester demands answers from council over delayed $5M Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk project delays
  Federal MP Darren Chester demands East Gippsland Shire Council explain delays to the $5 million Krauatungalung Walk, seeking clarity on timelines, budget and design for the community-backed all-abilities boardwalk project.
• Darren Chester presented to Five CHC Helicopter crew awarded National Emergency Medals for heroic Black Summer bushfire service
  Five CHC Helicopter personnel based at East Sale RAAF Base received National Emergency Medals for courageous, lifesaving service during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires across Gippsland communities.
• Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts
  Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending.
• Tim Bull says firewood shortage worsened by Labor policies amid abundant bush timber
  Tim Bull says Labor’s native timber shutdown has caused firewood shortages in East Gippsland, despite record bush fuel loads, urging practical policy changes to reduce fire risk and supply timber responsibly.