By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE former First Lady of East Timor will be making a special visit to the City of Casey this month to speak to the Friends of Ermera and the broader community.
Melbourne-born Kirsty Sword Gusmao, who was married to the former President and Prime Minister of East Timor Xanana Gusmao for 15 years, will be the guest of honour at the special presentation to be held on 14 August at the Narre Warren council chambers and hosted by Casey Mayoress Kay Morland.
Ms Gusmao was recently awarded the Order of Australia (OAM) in acknowledgement of her many years fighting for East Timor’s independence and the vital role she continues to play in the developing nation.
While she was the First Lady of East Timor, Ms Gusmao set up the Alola Foundation in 2001 to raise awareness of the widespread sexual violence against women and girls in Timor-Leste during militia attacks in 1999.
The foundation was named after Juliana ‘Alola’ dos Santos, who was brutally raped and taken to Indonesian West Timor during this period.
The foundation provides a wide range of important hands-on support for the women and children of Timor-Leste.
An evening with Kirsty Sword Gusmao AM will be held on Friday 14 August from 7.30pm to 9pm, with tickets $25, and $15 for students, inclusive of a light supper.
For bookings, contact Jan Trezise on 0438 393 846.
