News at Friends of Baucau

I am writing to let you know about some important news about the future of the Friends of Baucau.

In May this year Yarra City Council and Darebin City Council passed resolutions to support the transition of the Friends of Baucau to become a sustainable, independent incorporated community association. This transition will take place during the remainder of 2010 and will include some financial support until the end of 2012.

As many of your will be aware, March 2011 is the 10 year anniversary of the signing of the original Friendship Agreement between Darebin and Yarra City Councils and Baucau, Timor-Leste. This change does not mean the end of that Friendship Relationship - Darebin and Yarra City Councils have resolved to enter into discussions with a view to re-sign a Friendship Agreement with the District of Baucau.

Darebin and Yarra will, during the course of the new phase of the Friendship Relationship, focus their relationship on local government activities. This reflects the changing needs at the District Administration in Baucau as Timor-Leste moves towards adopting a system of democratically elected local governments.

The Friendship relationship has achieved much over the course of the past 10 years including our major project - the reconstruction of a building and it's development as the Baucau Buka Hatene ('Baucau Want to Learn") Friendship and Learning Centre (BBH). Friends of Baucau have also been the major source of funding to this centre for programs since BBH opened 6 years ago including:
- English classes
- computer classes (provided by InfoTimor)
- womens' development program
- youth program
- library
- an internet cafe
There is still much to be achieved at BBH and for the Baucau community more generally. We are seeking community members to be a part of the team in creating, driving and growing the new Friends of Baucau.

There will be an opportunity over coming weeks to attend an Information session to find out more about this change and an invitation will be distributed soon.

If you would like to play a role in the future of the Friends of Baucau you can contact Fiona Young on 8470 8332 or email fiona.young@darebin.vic.gov.au to express your interest or find out more about the changes.