Balibo screening to raise funds for East Timor

MELBOURNE — When the Portuguese left East Timor in 1975, ending 450 years of colonial rule, the country was annexed by Indonesia. The East Timorese wanted independence and a resistance movement grew, which operated from the rugged, mountainous interior of the country.

Following pressure from the United Nations, a referendum was held in 1999. The East Timorese overwhelmingly voted for independence. As the Indonesians withdrew, pro-Jakarta militia and their Indonesian army mentors went on a rampage of destruction.

The Australian people responded to the disaster. Many small grassroots organisations provided assistance to help East Timor rebuild.

Two such groups, the Friends of Same and the Gareth Ivory Foundation will hold a fundraising screening of Balibo at the Westgarth Cinema, 89 High St, Northcote at 9pm on September 11. Tickets are $17 and $14 concession.

All funds raised will go to support community development projects in East Timor, including funding for a food garden at Fuan Nabilan, the only institution in East Timor that provides education and training for blind and visually impaired children and young people.

Money raised will also help set up a horticulture business to provide employment for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

For information, email Catherine , phone 0416 275 591 or Esther , phone 0439 555 291.

From GLW issue 807