July 2022 Newsletter
DOWNLOAD PDF: ATLAS Newsletter – July 2022 Welcome to the July 2022 edition newsletter of ATLAS, the Australia Timor-Leste Advancement Society. This month we cover: Ongoing Development in Timor-Leste a Priority Advancement in Australia/Timor-Leste Relations Education and Training a High Priority … Read More
Winnie the War Winner – 80 Years Ago
The few hundred Australians who had moved into Portuguese Timor in December 1941 initially had no contact with the outside world. They lacked their own radio equipment until they constructed a wireless from pieces of machinery, wire, and broken radio … Read More
RIP Max Stahl
Max Stahl was a true friend of the Timorese people and their fight for justice. Max witnessed and filmed the Santa Cruz massacre where more than 250 East Timorese people were killed by Indonesian soldiers who opened fire on a … Read More
Doing it Hard in COVID Time
Recently, news reports warned that the health system in Timor-Leste was “in danger of collapsing” following increases in COVID-19 cases. The delta variant of the virus has caused a large upsurge in the number of new cases. The capital Fili … Read More
Remembering Carmel Budiardjo
Carmel Budiardjo died recently at the age of 96. She was one of the world’s greatest fighters for human rights in those countries whose human rights have been trampled on by the Indonesian military (TNI) with support and acquiescence of … Read More
Moringa – Drumstick Tree
There’s a tree that grows all over Timor-Leste called Marungi or Morgina (Moringa oleifera). It also grows across Asia, Africa and South America, although it is native to India. It’s called the miracle tree or the tree of life. Why? Because … Read More
The Santa Cruz Massacre – 30 years on
November 12th 2021 Marks the 30th anniversary of the massacre at the Santa Cruz cemetery in Dili, Timor-Leste. This was the event which finally roused the world to what had been going in East Timor since 1975. The Indonesian occupation … Read More
“Moringa” – a great meal-maker
There’s a tree that grows all over Timor-Leste called Marungi or Moringa (Moringa oleifera). It also grows across Asia, Africa and South America, although it is native to India. It’s called the miracle tree or the tree of life. Why? … Read More
2021 Floods – Can you Help Timor-Leste?
Dear Valued Supporter, You have no doubt seen the devastation wreaked by the recent flooding in Timor-Leste. Lives have been lost and there has been a large amount of property damage. The impact has been exacerbated by a lengthy COVID-19 lockdown in … Read More
COVID in Timor-Leste
Up until very recently, the COVID-19 news from Timor-Leste was rather encouraging, as few cases were reported and people responded to social distancing and mask-wearing well. Churches had been closed, but parishes were ensuring that people had enough food. The … Read More
Education and Jobs
One of the main aims of repaying the debt of honour owed to the Timorese is to assist them in education and job creation. Lisa Wahab, the principal of Mary Immaculate Catholic School Bossley Park, is an educator with a … Read More
Children’s Protein Supplement Project Update
Brother Francis of the Missionaries of the Poor in Maliana reports that the Children’s Protein Supplement Project is going well. They now have 90 children attending. In the beginning the children were shy, but now come running when the Brothers … Read More
Rest in Peace, Jon Lewis
Jon Lewis was a great photographer. He died recently after a long illness. East Timor supporters are indebted to him for many of his works, not the least of which is his iconic portrait of Paddy Kenneally (father of ATLAS … Read More
The Great Untold Story of World War II
Australian troops entered a territory administered by Portugal, a neutral power World War II, against the express wishes of the administrators. The Australian invasion breached Portuguese neutrality. The Japanese were moving south in the early 1940’s and fully intended to … Read More
Fundraising at St Marys
On the weekend of December 12/13, ATLAS’s indefatigable Rayella Haines conducted another successful stall. All proceeds will go to ATLAS works in Timor-Leste. Thanks to generous donors and the cooperation of the Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Rosary … Read More
The Timorese people finally freed themselves from Indonesian control
Forty-five years ago, on 7 December 1975, East Timor was invaded by the Indonesian army– the fourth largest in the world. Troops, ships and planes swept onto the half-island, killing scores of people. The Timorese were at the mercy of … Read More
COVID no match for Timorese seasonal workers
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 … Read More
Good meals for children
In Saburai near Maliana in Timor-Leste, the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) Brothers feed over 50 children each Saturday. They provide a protein rich meal to help the children’s development. Br David (in the white habit) is responsible for this … Read More
Fard’s Gift
ATLAS received this wonderful account of Patrick Knight and his family who have generously supported St Therese’s Orphanage at Maubara for many years. ATLAS and the Maubara Orphanage thank the Knight Family sincerely for their wonderful support. “In 2008 at … Read More
How the Timorese saved our men
World War II On 17 December 1941 t he first of 400 men of the 2/2nd Independent Company began to arrive in Dili, violating Portuguese neutrality. Later, another 300 of the 2/4th Independent Company landed There were never more than 700 … Read More
A big thank you to a big-hearted group of supporters!
The St Mary’s Parish Craft Group and Computer class has once again excelled itself in its fund raising efforts for St Therese’ Orphanage, Maubara, Timor-Leste. The craft group raised $850 through sales of its products and from the proceeds from … Read More
Education – Key to Development
In 2019, ATLAS is proud to continue to assist with education in Timor-Leste. We are supporting twelve students from Maubara orphanage attending Senior Secondary Schools or Technical High Schools in Dili. This is only possible through the generosity of donors … Read More
2018 Timor Time – a great success
The fourth Timor Time was held at Dooleys Lidcombe Catholic Club on Saturday 25 August 2018, and what a great day it was! Over 190 people packed the beautiful venue, gathering together for a great meal, a social catch-up, and … Read More
Graduate Nurses extend a helping hand
For a number of years, Graduate Nurses from Calvary Health Care Adelaide have raised funds to support Health projects in Timor-Leste previously conducted by Sister Joan Westblade RIP. The 2017 Graduates were no exception. Despite a very challenging year of … Read More
Sewing school uniforms in Timor-Leste
Liz and Gordon Biok recently went to the Carmelite Convent in Fatuhada to meet Sister Santina and Sister Inacia and talk about the sewing project. Four sisters were there and they freely discussed the progress of the first stage of … Read More
Save the Date! It’s Timor Time 2018
You may have noticed a new image on our homepage. That’s is because we are excited to announce that we have organised our Timor Time event for 2018! The event will be held at Dooley’s Lidcombe Catholic Club on Saturday … Read More
Eyeing Timor-Leste – A Successful Visit
Jenny Shepherd and Kylie Knellwolf, nurses, and Nicole Frazer, clinical support officer, visited some ATLAS projects in Timor-Leste in May 2018. The main purpose was to undertake a vision screening program. The program facilitates diagnosis, intervention and treatment to optimise … Read More
The latest “Timor Time” – 2017
A wonderful afternoon was enjoyed by over 200 people at Dooleys Lidcome Catholic Club. Special guest from Timor-Leste was Alipio Simoes, a student who has just completed his IT Diploma in South Australia. The entertainment was superb and the food … Read More
Another terrific effort
Rayella Haines held a garage sale recently, bringing in much-needed funds for the young women being educated in Timor-Leste by ATLAS. As usual, she spent a great deal of time sourcing goods, pricing them, advertising the event and being on … Read More
“Vitál Woodwork” – A great development
During August 2017, Vitál’s wife Francisca attended ETDA (East Timor Development Agency), an independent not-for-profit NGO providing vocational training in Dili. She completed a 4 week course in word processing, spreadsheets and presentations. The computer training is already benefiting ATLAS with Francisca … Read More
Craft Group Sales and Donations
The members of the Craft Group at St Marys have been long time supporters of the orphanage at Maubara, Timor Leste. They generate funds through the sale of their lovely craft products and through coin collections made at each meeting. … Read More
Supporting ATLAS projects
Mother’s Day presented a great opportunity for Rayella Haines, an ATLAS member and parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, St Marys, to run a stall to raise funds for the children at Maubara orphanage. The stall was very … Read More
Chris’s Timor-Leste News
In this last visit we enrolled Vitál’s wife in a computer course which she started on July 3. This will be followed by an administration and finance course to improve her business skills so she can look after the paperwork … Read More
Getting to Understand Each Other
In the last twelve months ATLAS has invested in improving communications in the Woodwork Project by funding language training. Last August 2016 while in Dili Chris Scharf completed a two week Basic Tetun course at the Dili Institute of Technology … Read More
Raffle Winners
The Raffle was drawn on 19 March 2017 Congratulations to: 1st prize Mr Del Christie of Blaxland 2nd prize Mr Paul McGrath of Moorebank 3rd prize Howard Vanjour of OLR St Marys Two consolation hampers: … Read More
ATLAS supports young women’s education
ATLAS Support After receiving a proposal from the Carmelite Sisters early in 2016 and studying the feasibility of the project, ATLAS decided to provide financial support. An agreement between the two parties was then made which covered areas such as … Read More
Education of Girls and Young Women in Timor-Leste
The Situation Women and girls in developing countries are often denied opportunities for education. Yet it is one of the most critical areas of development and the single most effective way to improve the lives of individuals and … Read More
Woodwork Project: Vitál’s Sydney Experience
In the month of October 2016 Vitál de Jesus from the ATLAS Woodwork Project, visited Australia for ATLAS Timor Time 2016 Luncheon, some woodwork training and promotional work for ATLAS. On arrival Vitál was pleased to catch up with old … Read More
Visit of Sister Inacia
Sister Inacia Mafalda, a Carmelite Sister, arrived in Sydney in October 2016 as a guest of ATLAS. The primary purpose of her visit was to attend and speak at the Timor Time 2016 Luncheon as well as to make contact … Read More
Timor Time 2016
Timor Time was held again at Dooleys Catholic Club in Lidcombe. It was a great day! There were over 230 guests, and Dooleys’ lovely room could not have held any more. Special guests included Sister Inacia Mafalda, a … Read More
Helping Vitál’s business to develop
A business support agency known as IADE came to Vitál’s house to meet Vitál & Francisca and to look at the woodwork business. When Vitál showed him the crosses and educational equipment the man said “Oh, this is a very … Read More
Progress in Aileu
Chris wrote of his experiences in the countryside: “At Aileu we visited the local school which has facilities to enable children with disabilities to learn there. The staff were incredibly enthusiastic to show us the school, and as with most … Read More
Completion of Water Project in Dili
ATLAS member Chris Scharf made a site visit on 11th August 2016, and confirmed that water is now delivered to the water tanks at the women’s accommodation on the top of the hill (as in the scope of the original … Read More
Timor Time 2016
Who wants to be a very lucky Melbourne Cup winner? Come along to Timor Time for some fun with a purpose – the support of ATLAS projects in Timor-Leste Timor Time will be on Sunday 16 October, 2016 12 noon … Read More
Success!!! Woodwork Project relocated
Why is something simple such a great thing? Finding land and building a shed in East Timor is not as simple as going to a real estate to buy land and then down to Bunnings to buy the materials. Vitál … Read More
Meeting Sister Inacia
Recently, members of the ATLAS Board had the pleasure of meeting in Canberra with Sister Inacia Malfalda Fatima from Timor-Leste. Sister Inacia is responsible, on behalf of the Carmelite Sisters, for the program of financial support which ATLAS provides for … Read More
Girls’ Education: A Lifeline to Development
Women and girls in developing countries are often denied opportunities for education.[1] Yet, it is one of the most critical areas of development and the single most effective way to improve the lives of individuals and families as well as … Read More
Disabled people
After visiting the piggery site, the group went to Metinaro near the army base and visited a community house for disabled people, most of whom are crippled. A training centre is being built, so that the disabled people can teach … Read More
Kitchen at Maubara
Sister Inacia and the Carmelite Sisters are in the final stages of finishing off the new kitchen at Maubara Orphanage. They have had an amazing job done! Chris Scharf reported that they needed to assess the old tank, which was … Read More
Chega! Exhibition
A group including Chris went to see the Chega! Exhibition in the old Balide gaol. The Museum details many of the nightmares experienced by East Timorese people during World War II, and during the Invasion and Occupation which ended in … Read More
Chris Scharf’s visit to Timor-Leste
In February, Chris Scharf visited Timor-Leste on behalf of ATLAS. He was there for two months, meeting those involved in ATLAS projects, assessing the work being done on the ground and making recommendations to the ATLAS Board. He also looked … Read More
An Anniversary Year
The people of Timor-Leste have observed many anniversaries this past year. It is 40 years since the first Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, which occurred on November 28, 1975. At that time, the Indonesian military … Read More
The Maubara Orphanage
Progress is evident in the building of the new kitchen at St Therese’s Orphanage, Maubara. Thanks to the untiring efforts of the Carmelite Sisters and the generosity of ATLAS donors, the building is half way to being complete. … Read More
Remembering, not forgetting
ATLAS was founded in memory of Paddy Kenneally, an Australian commando who was forever grateful to the Timorese for the assistance they gave Australia during World War II. Paddy always said: “All we ever brought them was misery.” … Read More
Newsletter – September-October 2015
Welcome to the ATLAS September Newsletter. Download it here: ATLAS-Newsletter-Sept2015 Timor Time was a wonderful event. on September 27th. The newsletter will fill you in…. You can have this newsletter sent to you by email if you wish. Subscribe by joining … Read More
Timor Time!
An Information Day for ATLAS, (Australia Timor-Leste Advancement Society), which included a most enjoyable dinner, was held on Sunday 27th September at Dooleys Catholic Club Lidcombe. The Board and Committee of ATLAS organised the event, and the 200 people who … Read More
St Marys Craft Club
St Marys Parish Hall is a-buzz every Thursday morning St Marys Craft Club with the sound of chatter, the clack of knitting needles and the whizz of crochet hooks! The Craft club is in action, producing all sorts of colourful … Read More
A Healthy Start
The right start in life is a healthy start – and that is the only start from which children can realise their promise and potential. We owe that to every child, everywhere. (UNICEF report 2013) Despite recent efforts, malnutrition remains … Read More
Newsletter – June 2015
Welcome to the ATLAS June Newsletter. Download it here: ATLAS-Newsletter-June2015
Don’t forget Timor Time on September 27th. A great opportunity to meet together, and support a great cause, plus enjoy a fine meal.
Read more or book a ticket…
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Sewing for their lives
For some years a group of women have gathered together in Dili as “St Joseph’s Sewing Group”. Their aim is to develop their sewing and management skills to make their group self-supporting. As a small and independent enterprise, the group … Read More
Children needing care
Children who do not have their biological parents to care for them can find themselves in situations of serious threat, particularly in the developing world. These children are the most likely to be neglected, discriminated against, exploited and suffering from … Read More
Give someone a fish….
Most people are aware that despite improvement in the last few years, nearly half of the Timorese population lives below the poverty line, in poor housing and without access to clean water and sanitation. A recent program designed to address … Read More
Newsletter – May 2015
Download the May 2015 Newsletter: ATLAS-Newsletter-May2015.
Here is the second newsletter of ATLAS, the Australia Timor-Leste Advancement Society. It was wonderful to know that ex-Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão attended Anzac Day ceremonies in Australia, and you can read about that in the newsletter. We’re going to be having an information event on Sunday 27th September which we think will interest you greatly. You can read about this and about St Therese’s Orphanage in this edition. Very best wishes to you from all at ATLAS.
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Visitors on Anzac Day
The strong links between Australian and Timorese people received an extra boost at the centenary of ANZAC in April 2015. Each capital city was fortunate to welcome a number of Timorese veterans in the very well-attended marches held on Anzac … Read More
Protecting vulnerable children
Despite the tremendous efforts to develop the country since it gained its independence in 1999, East Timor remains one of the poorest countries in Asia. 41% of the population live below the poverty line of US$0.88 cents per capita per … Read More
Newsletter – April 2015
Download the April 2015 Newsletter: ATLAS-Newsletter-April2015.pdf.
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Our Inspiration – John (Paddy) Kenneally
John (Paddy) Kenneally was a young private with the 2/2 Independent Company of the Australian Army which was stranded in Timor by the Japanese invasion of 1942. After his return to Australia he did everything in his power to … Read More
Water on tap, but not yet up the hill
There is an educational institution in Dili called Instituto de Ciências Religiosas (ICR), and it is a formation centre for lay people and teachers for Catholic religious education which has been working successfully in Timor-Leste for 25 years. It has … Read More
We Wood Work
The woodwork project was established by Gerald Kenneally to honour the memory of his father “Paddy” Kenneally, an Australian soldier on Timor in 1942.There is demand in Timor-Leste for school furniture such as blackboards, cupboards, tables, desks, as well as … Read More
A Recent Visitor to Maubara Orphanage Shares Her Thoughts
We received this reflection from Meg Haynes, who with her friend, Anna Brooks, spent some time at the Maubara orphanage earlier this year. Both are ex-students of Radford College in Canberra. Meg is keen to keep contact with the orphanage and, hopefully, … Read More
ATLAS Newletter Spring Edition
Our first ever edition of the ATLAS Newsletter is now available for members and visitors to read. Thanks to our communications team for their hard work. I hope you enjot reading it and if there are any projects you want … Read More
Annual Report 2014
We are pleased to provide a copy of our Annual Report for all our members and supporters. This is the first annual report of ATLAS since its humble beginning just over 10 months ago and we have already come such … Read More
News from St Therese’s Orphanage, Maubara, East Timor
Recently ATLAS received a report from Sister Inacia, Carmelite Sister, responsible for St Therese’s Orphanage, Maubara, East Timor. It provides details about the life and activities of the children. We are very pleased to share this information with you. One … Read More
Water Project Fund Raising Raffle
We are are conducting a raffle to raise money for a water reticulation project to source fresh water for St Thomas Aquinas College, Dili (Institutu Ciençias Religiosas – ICR). This organisation is an Institute of higher education which is owned … Read More
Hillston Parish Fund Raising
This week we received a Wonderful donation from the Community of Our Lady of Good Counsel Hillston of $2600 to go towards the support of the St Theres’s Orphanage at Maubara. At present, St Therese’s provides a home for 46 … Read More
ANZAC Day 2014
Today we remember those Australian men and women who gave their lives for my homeland, Australia. However today I also wish to honour the many East Timorese who gave their lives protecting the men of 2/2nd and 2/4th commando units … Read More