My Final Commitment as Timor-Leste’s Honorary Consul in Melbourne and Victoria

Last week, I honoured my final commitment as Timor-Leste’s Honorary Consul in Melbourne and Victoria, as guest speaker at Mansfield’s “Friends of Venilale” 15-year celebration.

It was a joyous occasion, attended by many long term supporters of Timor-Leste in the Mansfield community and beyond.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste representative in Victoria. As my term has ended, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Timor-Leste community in Victoria, and the many friendship groups actively engaged in supporting Timor-Leste, for their support and encouragement over the past three years.

I would also like to sincerely acknowledge the cooperation and support of the Victorian Government, and Victoria University, during my term, and for many years prior to my term.

Some time ago, I recommended to the Timor-Leste Government that it consider appointing a suitably qualified full-time Timor-Leste national as Consul-General, given the size of the Timorese population in Victoria. Similar full-time appointments have been made in NSW and NT. I look forward to the announcement of my successor in due course.

In the meantime, I stand with the Timor-Leste people at this time of desperate need following recent devastating floods causing widespread damage and threatening an outbreak of Covid cases.