Firstly, I would like to thank all those members who replaced themselves when they were unable to do their rostered duty on Wednesday night. We appear much more professional to our visitors when our members can slot into their allocated roles and aren’t racing around looking for someone to do something.
Secondly, I would like to thank all those members who stepped in to fill the roles. With most of the nomads still away, I know you are being asked to attend to the meeting duties more often than normal. Your dedication is greatly appreciated.
We heard a very interesting and heartfelt story from Teresa Fraga about her terrifying journey from the mountains in Timor Leste to Portugal and finally to the safety of the City of Casey. Teresa was only two years old when her family was forced into the mountains to hide from the invading Indonesian army in 1974. Teresa told us a little of her Mother’s story, about how she was widowed at 33 years old and left to care for eight children while trying to keep them all safe in an unimaginably dangerous place. Teresa’s family are now safe and living in Australia.
Jan Trezise is the editor of the book “From Timor-Leste to Australia, Seven Families, Three Generations, Tell Their Stories”. This book was launched at Bunjil Place, City of Casey on Sunday 24 June. Jan explained how close Timor is to Darwin and gave us an insight into the violent history of invasions that the country has suffered.
The number of Timorese people killed during these invasions is dreadful. The nation has gained its independence, but the cost in lives has been enormous.
Before the meeting, Gus and I were talking to Teresa and we found out she came from a place on the way to Balibo. A place we are all somewhat familiar with.
That’s it from me for this week.
Over and out.
