Melbourne celebrates East Timor's independence

Issue 

By Edward Rutkinn

MELBOURNE — After 27 years of working for their country's freedom, the East Timorese community in Melbourne and their Australian supporters celebrated their newly-won independence on May 20.

Collingwood Town Hall was packed with some 2000 people, who watched a replay of the independence celebrations in Dili on a giant video screen and listened to musical performances, speeches and an official ceremony.

After a candle-lit ceremony, the national anthem "Patria, Patria" was played while a large flag of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste was unfurled above the main stage.

Perhaps the most moving speech came from Etervina Groenen, from the new nation's department of foreign affairs. Groenen paid tribute to all those East Timorese not able to celebrate because they had sacrificed their lives in the struggle. We can be glad that they have not died in vain, she said.

Among the other speakers were Yarra mayor Sue Corby; the president of the Timorese Association in Victoria, Salustiano Freitas; the secretary of the Victorian Trades Hall Council, Leigh Hubbard; and Helen Hunt of the Australia-East Timor Association.

From Green Left Weekly, May 29, 2002.

Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.