We are the individuals, communities and local governments of the cities of Darebin and Yarra, Australia, which have a Friendship Relationship with the communities and District Administration of Baucau, Timor-Leste.

We aim to support the people of Baucau in their reconstruction process through a long-term friendship based on mutual respect and cooperation. The relationship provides an opportunity for cooperation and friendship between communities and encourages cultural exchange. Our key focus is to build capacity through the promotion of training, mentoring and employment opportunities delivered via a range of jointly agreed activities and projects.

Baucau District is situated 129 kilometres east of Dili and is the second largest district in Timor Leste with a population of 104, 571. Baucau town is the second largest city after Dili, with a population of approximately 16,000. Baucau is also a major religious centre and the home of the Bishop Basilio Nascimento, a legendary Timorese regional and national leader. The architecture in Baucau reflects the colonial period of the Portuguese as well as the era of the Indonesian occupation. Sadly, during reprisals following the 1999 referendum for independence, much of Baucau's basic infrastructure and assets were destroyed as many buildings and schools were looted, damaged and burnt.

A visit during May and June in 2000 by a working party, comprised of representatives from the cities of Yarra and Darebin, marks the beginning of a relationship with the Baucau District Administration. The working party and community leaders in Baucau identified a number of community developmental projects that would be of benefit to the people of Baucau. The relationship was formalised by the signing of a Friendship Agreement on 30th March, 2001 by Sr Marito Reis, District Administrator Baucau and Cr Marlene Kairouz Mayor, City of Darebin and Cr Sue Corby, Mayor, City of Yarra.

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Our Principles
Friends of Baucau support and promote the following principles:
- Human rights and social justice for all people
- Gender equality
- Sustainable social and economic development
- Good governance and active citizenship
- Community empowerment and civic participation
- Consultation, collaboration and joint agreement on projects

Strategic Plan 2005-2008
In October and November of 2004 discussions with the Coordinating Committee were held to review the Friends of Baucau Strategic Plan for 2002-2005. The result of these discussions was the Strategic Plan for 2005-2008. Our new Strategic Plan reflects our priority goals as well as provides the framework for activities under the Friendship Agreement for the next three years. The Strategic Plan is presented as an outline with detailed implementation arrangements that are to be developed in consultation with key stakeholders.

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Friends of Baucau meetings
Friends of Baucau operates through two groups-the Friends of Baucau Group, that is open to the public, and a Friends of Baucau Coordinating Committee, who is responsible for the overall coordination of Friends of Baucau activities. The Friends of Baucau Group and Coordinating Committee meet bimonthly alternating between Yarra and Darebin. See "what's new?" for the next meeting times or click here for 2007 meeting plan. In addition, Friends of Baucau have five working groups that also meet bi-monthly. The Friends of Baucau Groups are where all community members and partners can get involved in Friends of Baucau activities. These are:
- Women's Development working group
- Fundraising Working Group
- Sustainable Technologies Working Group
- Tourism Development Working Group
- Youth and Education Working Group

There are currently more than a dozen friendship relationships between Local Governments and their communities in Victoria and towns and districts in Timor-Leste. A 'Statement of Principles for Victorian Local Governments Working in Timor-Leste' was developed and signed by Xanana Gusmao, then President of the CNRT (National Council of Timorese Resistance), the Victorian Minister for Local Government, the Victorian Local Governance Association and the Municipal Association of Victoria on 4th May 2000. [link] Victorian Local Governments are involved in friendship relationships with Timor Leste cities and districts because of their commitment to social justice issues. Furthermore, they recognise Australia's responsibilities to our newest neighbours of whom we share a strong historical connection and extensive people-to-people links.
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Partners
Friends of Baucau work with many valued partners that assist us with our projects in Baucau and Melbourne. We place a great deal of importance on these relationships as partnerships are an integral part of Friends of Baucau philosophy. The work of such organisations as Australian Volunteers International, Coffee Mio, RMIT University and the Alola Foundation is extremely helpful to and greatly appreciated by Friends of Baucau. To find out more about our valued partners, visit Partnerships.
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Friends of Baucau Project Officer (Melbourne, Australia)
A Project Officer funded by the cities of Yarra and Darebin coordinates the Friends of Baucau program. Natalie Moxham is employed on a part-time basis and has offices in both municipalities, at the City of Yarra offices (Richmond Town Hall) and at the City of Darebin offices (Darebin Council).

Community Development Worker (Baucau, Timor Leste)
Friends of Baucau has an Australian Volunteer who is working with the Baucau District Administration and Friends of Baucau programs. Friends of Baucau has had Australian Volunteers since 2003. The position is administered by Australian Volunteers International (AVI), a valued partner of Friends of Baucau. Lorraine McBride is the current Community Development Worker/Australian Volunteer Internaiton and has been in Baucau since April 2004. Read Lorraine's Reports.