North Queensland benefitted from the presence of 100 Timorese workers in 2020. Despite all the bad news that COVID brought, crops were harvested and the community was strengthened through this partnership. Once again, the Timorese people came to the aid of Australia, this time by supporting local industries. During World War II, the Timorese befriended and helped Aussie soldiers, and our government honoured them by providing silver coins as some minimal payment. Here, the Timorese were able to earn money to send home to their families in one of the poorest nations in South East Asia. The crops are in, and the Timor/Australia bond remains strong.
Learn more about the hard work and respect from Australian farmers that these incredible East Timorese have earned.