Friends of Vemasse
This community group provides fundraising and support for the people of Vemasse, Timor-Leste.
Cr Josh Fergeus is Council's liaison with this group.
About
Council's support of the Monash Friends of Vemasse is an adjunct to the formal Friendship Agreement the Council has signed with the people of Vemasse. Timor-Leste is the poorest country in our region and one of the world's poorest. Vemasse is a sub-district of the District of Baucau and consists of seven villages and 24 hamlets.
Nearly 400 years of neglect and suppression during the Portuguese colonial period was followed by the brief but brutal Indonesian occupation until the referendum of 1999. When Indonesians were forced to leave, they took what they could with them and destroyed what they couldn't.
At independence on 20 May 2002, most East Timorese people were living on less than $1 a day. Malnutrition rates continue to be highest in the world, with 46 per cent of children under 5 suffering from chronic malnutrition. Many households experience annual food shortages, largely due to poor agricultural productivity and insufficient output to last the whole year. Climate variability worsens shortages and severely impacts household food security.
The major aim of the group is to develop a long-term relationship with people of Vemasse, to share resources to assist people build their livelihoods and to listen to their stories.
Friendship Agreement - Vemasse and Monash
In December 2008, Monash City Council agreed to form a Friendship Agreement with the Sub-District of Vemasse.
This was signed by both parties in May 2009, and renewed in 2023 and 2025.
How We Work
There are 3 key principles driving the Australian Timor Friendship Network.
These are respect and support Timorese decision making, and a long-term commitment to meaningful and sustainable outcomes and building partnerships based on mutual respect and understanding.
What We Do
- We listen and provide moral encouragement.
- Support volunteer social workers, assisting those with a disability, and supply disability aids.
- Raise funds to support new community initiatives in consultation with the administrator of the sub-district of Vemasse.
- Provide educational equipment such as books, uniforms, computers, sporting and musical equipment.
- We have assisted in setting up a kindergarten in a remote area as well as supplying toys and playground equipment.
- Provide funds for emergencies such as floods.
- Where possible make yearly visits to friends in Vemasse.
How can you help?
Become a Friend of Vemasse:
- $20 per annum.
- Make a donation.
- Register to receive information on the group's activities.
- Offer your help at future fundraising events.
- Volunteer your skills that may be of use here and in Vemasse.
Contact
Friends of Vemasse: The President Gillian Lang and Secretary John Hempenstall can be contacted via email: Monashfov@gmail.com
City of Monash: Governance team, via email councillorsupport@monash.vic.gov.au