The legacy of Australia’s Balibo 5 is set to continue as Balibo House Trust and Spend It Well, have combined resources to support the redevelopment of a new P-2 School in Belola, near Balibo.

Last week, in my capacity as Honorary Consult of Timor-Leste to Melbourne, I attended a heart-warming opening ceremony for this new school in Belola. It was so lovely to see the community come together to celebrate the opening, with much joy, smiles and laughter marking the occasion. Shirley Shackleton, the widow of Balibo 5s Greg Shackleton, now aged 87, was in attendance and the life of the party.

The renovation of this school, which will accommodate up to 100 pre-schoolers from the region, is one of many important steps forward being made in Timor-Leste to improve the conditions and opportunities for their people. In the case of this school, having a safe, clean space, with male and female toilets, makes attending school much more appealing.

The opening of the school made into onto Australia’s Channel 7 News, click on this link to watch the story.

Ruth and I have been long-time supporters of Timor-Leste and development within Balibo. In 2016 were involved in the funding to develop a dental clinic. We have also been supporters of both the organisations involved in this project, Balibo House Trust and Spend It Well.