Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta (left) presents the Order of Timor-Leste to of Bega Valley Advocates for Timor-Leste president David Gallan. Photos: Bega Valley Advocates for Timor-Leste.
A group of Bega Valley residents has been awarded the highest honour of Timor-Leste by the nation’s President.
The Bega Valley Advocates for Timor-Leste was presented with the Order of Timor-Leste by President Jose Ramos-Horta for supporting the young nation since its independence from Indonesia in 2002.
The group, established 21 years ago in Bega, has raised $350,000 over the years to health, agricultural, cultural and educational programs in the country.
Dr Ramos-Horta presented the medal to group president David Gallan.
The Order of Timor-Leste is the young nation’s highest honour. Established in 2009, it aims to recognise East Timorese and foreigners who have made significant contributions to the country.
Mr Gallan said it was an honour to accept the medal and thanked his fellow advocates.
“I pay tribute to the advocates no longer with us to witness this honour,” he said.
Mr Gallan also highlighted his group’s ongoing music program and scholarship, which brought a Timorese choir to perform in Australia in 2023.
Friendship group members visit Timor-Leste every year to support local groups.
Presenting the medal, Dr Ramos-Horta said he and others had learned a great deal from the Australians about solidarity and democracy.
He also noted that friendship groups such as the Bega Advocates had been an influential force in bringing about justice during negotiations over oil and sea boundaries.
A not-so-subtle reference to when the Australian Secret Intelligence Service was caught bugging East Timorese Parliament in 2004 during negotiations over maritime oil and gas deposits.
The Order of Timor-Leste medal is that country’s highest honour.
The Bega Valley Advocates for Timor Leste was established in 2004 as a friendship organisation between the local community and the new nation.
The group states on its website that it aims to assist the Timorese people in honour of their providing Australian soldiers with aid during World War II.
The group sends representatives to Timor-Leste each year.
Its current projects involve installing 2.5 kilometres of water infrastructure in a remote mountain village and supplying sewing machines to a women’s group.
