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Text Box: The Maryborough Friends of East-Timor developed via a personal connection of one member with an Australian relative who lives in East Timor. Other members saw the need to express solidarity with the people of East Timor after the shocking violence which occurred there in 1999 following the UN-sponsored vote for independence. Furthermore, it was recognised by the founding committee that Australian Governments of both political persuasions had historically put international political pragmatism (keeping ‘good’ relations with Indonesia) ahead of concern for the people of East Timor. This was despite the heroic role played by the East Timorese during the Second World War in supporting hundreds of Australian Special Forces troops who were sent behind Japanese enemy lines in East Timor. The Native Timorese were responsible for saving countless lives of Australian soldiers and over 20,000 Timorese were murdered by the Japanese for their efforts. The thanks Australia gave to these people after the Indonesian invasion included being the only country who recognised Indonesia as the legitimate ruler of East Timor. Even the UN did not recognise Indonesian control. Even after many massacres and forced starvation, successive Australian governments tried to understate the Indonesian brutality and only saw dollar signs in the form of joint revenue from gas and oil reserves in the Timor Strait. Finally, Australia did go into help East Timor after the post-election violence. The Australian Army led a multi-national Peace Keeping Force which drove out the Indonesian-backed Militia. Their actions saved many hundreds of lives. We salute out soldiers who did such a wonderful job. However, many would argue that this intervention does not fully make up for our Government’s lack of concern over almost 30 years and the debt we owe the East Timorese for their war-time courage. We hope that our small act of solidarity can go some way to making amends. Please visit all the sections of this website to learn more about our town, Maryborough, our sister township, Loi Huno and our support projects.

 


 

 


 


 


 

* A special word of appreciation to Darren Skelton and the Maryborough and District Advertiser for their great support! *

 

(Website design, banners, photo enhancement & upgrade donated by West Digital Solutions, Maryborough:

Mob: 0439 306 997 ~ westdigitalsolutions.com)

All suggestions/enquiries to myb_easttimor@hotmail.com)

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