Indigo Shire Council is seeking to formalise a friendship agreement with Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor) after strong ties have been established with the country through its Junior Council.

Indigo Shire Council Junior Council organiser Cr Frances Walsh said a public meeting was being held on Wednesday 3 May to discuss this possibility.

She said it was hoped from the meeting it would be agreed to forge closer ties with Timor-Leste and continue to support the country that has been of concern to many Indigo Shire residents.

“Feedback from several sectors of the community indicates there is a considerable amount of agreement for the establishment of this formal friendship agreement and we are hoping to discuss this further,” she said.

“There is a lot of concern in the community about the plight of the Timor-Leste people following the countries independence. 

“The formation of a friendship agreement will be of great assistance to the community in re establishing some kind of basic infrastructure and cohesive society.

“Our Junior Councillors have adopted the Roman Luan Village Kindergarten Sponsorship Appeal on Atauro Island.”

Cr Frances Walsh has been instrumental in the establishment of the Junior Council and has encouraged the Junior Councillors to think beyond their immediate environment. 

Cr Walsh said the Junior Councillors had committed 40% of all profits of their fundraising activities towards the kindergarten appeal.

All members of the community interested in seeing Timor-Leste move forward to a productive, self-sufficient nation are urged to attend.

Guest speaker at the meeting will be Ms Gabrielle Samson who has worked in Timor-Leste as an Australian Volunteer who has been on the island for 10 years and is the founder of the Roman Luan Kindergarten.

Mr Malcolm Styles of the Rural City of Wangaratta will speak on the process they have worked through to enter the Wangaratta friendship agreement.

Dr. Wendy Connor is a representative of the General Practitioners of the North East who have decided to give medical support the people on the island.

Date:            Wednesday 3 May 2006

Time:    7.00 pm

Venue:  Supper Room, Memorial Hall, Ford Street, Beechworth