Friends of Ermera THE fifth anniversary of the independence of East Timor was celebrated in Casey at the weekend with a special flag raising ceremony.
The East Timor flag was jointly raised by mayor Colin Butler and Gil Santos, representing the many East Timorese people now living in Casey.
“The people of East Timor have suffered hardship for many years but have shown an enormous spirit in their struggle for independence,” Cr Butler said.
“While independence was finally won, this new beginning still requires ongoing work to build the institutions of democracy as well as education, health and legal systems.
“I am pleased to acknowledge the role of the people of Casey in assisting that rebuilding.”
Casey Council has taken positive steps over the past few years to help its friendship city, the Ermera district, rebuild, including an initiative to fund the travel costs for one person each year to come from Ermera for training and professional development. Local school students and teachers are also playing an active role. Over many years, seven Casey schools and one kindergarten have developed ongoing friendship links with schools in Ermera.
Members of the local East Timorese community in Casey have also raised funds to build a primary school in Nunutali. The ceremony and celebration also acknowledged the efforts of the Friends of Ermera, a group established by concerned Casey residents.
“The Friends of Ermera have tapped into the groundswell of goodwill towards East Timor and harnessed the support of many organisations and individuals,” Cr Butler said.
“They continue to raise funds and to organise the provision of goods and services and technical advice.”
Friends of Ermera president Jan Trezise, who recently returned from East Timor, spoke of her experiences as a United Nations observer in the second round of presidential elections, and of the work that continues in that community by Casey people and organisations.
