Friends of Baucau "End of Year" raffle

Friends of Baucau Fundraising

Friends of Baucau fundraising is supported by the efforst of the Darebin and Yarra community, particularly ex-Darebin employee George Bennett. George is the chair of the Fundraising working group and is hands on in organising coffee stalls at various events.

If you would like to join the working group or assist George in future fundraising activities contact gbennett@darebin.vic.gov.au or 03 8470 8332.

The Friends of Baucau held a successful fundraising film night on Thursday 10th September at the Westgarth Cinema. Funds raised were in excess of $3,500 with almost 250 supporters in attendance.

The current fundraiser is an "End of Year Raffle", auspiced by the Thornbury Women's Neighbourhood House. There are many fabulous prizes and tickets are only $3 each available at Darebin and Yarra customer service cashiers.

Friends of Baucau Community Committee

Community Vacancy and East Timorese Vacancy.

The Friends of Baucau Friendship Relationship was formed in 2001 and is supported by a Coordinating Committee which has Council representatives and community members working together to raise funds and awareness for our closest neighbour.

The Friends of Baucau Coordinating Committee are currently undertaking a strategic review of programs and will be seeking nominees to fill two vacancies. One vacancy is for a Yarra Community representative - you will need to be a resident from the Yarra municipality (Richmond, Abbotsford, Collingwood, Fitzroy, Clifton Hill, etc). The other vacancy is for a Timorese residing in Melbourne, preferance would be someone with knowledge, background or interest in the Baucau district of East Timor.

To find out more information and register your interest contact Fiona Young , Friends of Baucau Project Officer, Telephone: 03) 8470 8332, Mobile: 0419 750 457, Email: fyoung@darebin.vic.gov.au or Web: www.friendsofbaucau.org

The Baucau Buka Hatene Friendship and Learning Centre
The Friends of Baucau which is a community project supported by a partnership between Yarra and Darebin City Councils, established a Friendship and Learning Centre in the township of Baucau, East Timor in 2004, which is similar to a neighbourhood house.

The activities now undertaken by the Friends of Baucau Friendship and Learning Centre, known in East Timor as the Baucau Buka Hatene (BBH) after 5 years of operation include:

-English language lessons,

-Women’s Development initiatives with a particular focus on anti-domestic violence...

-Computer Training, an Internet Café,

-a Community Library,

- and Youth projects.

The demand for these programs in the Baucau community is huge and we are in need of re-furbishing a 2nd building on the grounds of the BBH community centre. Ongoing financial and skills support are needed from the Yarra and Darebin Communities to support the development of the staff and volunteers at BBH community centre and see it become a sustainable, Timorese-run organisation.

How can you assist?

Financial Support is crucial for this project in 2009. Our current target each year is to raise $32,000.

Tax deductible donations can be made in the following ways:

□ Send a cheque made out to AVI to City of Yarra East Timor Project, PO BOX 168 Richmond, 3121.

□ Direct Debit: BSB #: 033 178 Account #: 211 981 Enter into Reference field: FOBAUCAU2009 and your surname.

Please make sure you email fyoung@darebin.vic.gov.au and let Fiona know when you make a transfer.

□ Through the Our Community Giving Centre Website: http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/giving/appeal_details.form?appealId=1083

□ You can also purchase packets of 100% Organic East Timorese Coffee ($7.50 per packet) and Energy Efficient Light Globes ($5.00 per globe) at the front counter of the following locations:

-Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Rd, Richmond

-Collingwood Town Hall, 140 Hoddle St, Abbotsford

-Preston Customer Service Centre, 274 Gower Street, Preston

-Northcote Library Customer Service Centre, 32-38 Separation Street, Northcote

-Reservoir Civic Centre, 23 Edward Street, Reservoir

Volunteer both here in Melbourne and/or in Baucau at the BBH community centre. Contact Fiona Young, Project Officer, for more information 0419 750 457 or fyoung@darebin.vic.gov.au

WHO WE ARE...

The Friends of Baucau are the individuals, communities and local governments of the cities of Darebin and Yarra in Melbourne, Australia, which have a Friendship Relationship with the communities and District Administration of Baucau, Timor-Leste.

The Friends of Baucau is a Council sponsored Community project, which works with the people of Baucau in East Timor to assist them with re-building their community following independence. FoB are always looking for new supporters and volunteers.

Contact Details:
Fiona Young, Friends of Baucau (FoB) East Timor Project Officer

0419 750 457

supported in partnership by the Cities of Darebin & Yarra
fyoung@darebin.vic.gov.au

Check out central website for project details http://www.friendsofbaucau.org