FIRST LADY NOW AN HONORARY ROTATION

Under a nice clear sky, with a full moon, overseeing the ceremony, the first lady of Timor-Leste, Kirsty Sword Gusmao was inducted as an Honorary Member of Rotary Club of Dili on 17^th July. The occasion was a regular meeting of the Club, but with a difference , because by invitation the meeting was conducted in the grounds of the Prime Minister and Mrs. Gusmao’s residence in Dili. Club President Tricia Johns chaired the induction ceremony in the prensence of some 50 Rotarians, and Guests. Those present included a number of visiting Rotarians from Australia, as well as some of the younger members of the Rotarian movement in Timor-Leste who form the Rotaract Club of Dili. In her regular international travels on behalf of various charitable organizations in Timor-Leste, Kirsty sword Gusmao can now also speak o behalf of The Rotary Club of Dili, as its Ambassador. This will further the awareness among others, of the needs of many in the Timorese community, and thus have other Clubs and organizations commit funds for the improvement, especially of health and educational facilities, within the urban and rural communities of Timor-Leste.

The Rotary Clubs of Dili has been in existence since the year 2000, and now has a good mix of both Timorese and Foreign National membership. Since 2000 the Club has managed funds provided by various other Clubs around the world to enhance the welfare of various communities throughout Timor-Leste. Although most of the funding has come from Rotary Clubs in Australia, other Clubs from as far a field as the USA, Great Britain, Norway, Portugal, The Netherlands, and Japan have made substantial contributions throughout the years. Though the generosity of others the Club has also been able to fund scholarships and prolonged educational experiences for many young Timorese men and women. The Rotary Clubs of Dili currently meets every Thursday night, at the Hotel Timor, with fellowship from 6pm for a seated meeting with dinner commencing at 6.30pm. Visitors, and especially visiting Rotarians from other lands are always welcome.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide, who provide Humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world. The motto of Rotary is “ Service Above Self” and all members are expected to honour that the principles of the motto, but not to the detriment of their own personal employment positions or of their families. By convention he subjects of politics and religion are not discussed in Rotary.

East Timorese in Royal Military College at Duntroon Australia

Australia is committed to Timor Leste’s Defence Force Training.

(From the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon, Minister of Defence of Australia). Two Timorese officers graduated from the Royal Military College at Duntroon on 24 June as part of an ongoing program by Autralia to provide high quality training to the Timor-Leste Defence Force. Alferes (2^nd LT) Francisco Da Silva and Alferes (2^nd LT) Helio Da Costa have both completed a range of Australian training to bring them to this point. Both have completed English language programs in Timor-Leste and Australia and 2^nd LT Da Silva completed the Defence sponsored English language Course at Charles Darwin University. Both officiers are set to complete more detailed specialist training in Australia in Engineering and Logistics respectively, before returning to Timor-Leste to pass on their skills and lead the men and women of the Timorese Defence Force. The Graduation of Timorese officiers highlights statements made by the minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP in Parliament on 23 June where he reiterated Australia’s enduring commitment to develop the Timorese Defence Force. “Helping to build a solid, well trained and apolitical Defence Force for Timir-Leste is one way that my Department can create the conditions necessary for stability to take hold and for democracy and prosperity to flourish,” mr. Fitzgibbon said. By Australian Embassy

Jackie Chan, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Mr. Jackie Chan visited Timor Leste on 24-26 June 2008 to meet and interact with young people, from across the country, including leaders of the popular martial arts groups, to listen to their concerns and hopes for the future, bringing a message of discipline, respect and unity.