annual report 2016-17 - bendigo.vic.gov.au · health outposts * providing oral health education...

Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee Annual Report 2015 | P a g e 1

ANNUAL REPORT

2016-17 Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee

Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee – Annual Report 2016-17


INTRODUCTION

This is the 10th Annual Report for the Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee

(BMFC). This document covers the period 1st July 2016 to 30th June 2017 and

provides an overview of the work undertaken to support the Maubisse Community in

Timor Leste.

In presenting the Annual Report the BMFC acknowledges with appreciation many

organisations and individual volunteers who have worked with the committee during

the year to strengthen the relationship and to achieve outcomes.

Since the formation of BMFC there have been a total of 50 work and professional

teams together with 41 containers sent to provide materials, goods and equipment

needed to improve the quality of life for the local Maubisse community. This level of

contribution equates to an enormous contribution from both the Committee and the

Bendigo Community. To put this into perspective, 50 teams equate to approximately

350 volunteers who pay their own air fares and contribute their own time. The

average cost of a container is in the order of $6500 which means that in excess of

$266,000 has been allocated for this component of the Committee`s operations.

Taking into account team participation, human resources needed to load a container,

Committee time and fundraising it is fairly estimated that the Bendigo Community

has provided in excess of 600 volunteers.

Maubisse

Maubisse is located in the central highlands district of Timor Leste in the Ainaro

district. It is located 73 kilometers south of the Capital Dili and is 1400 metres above

sea level. Maubisse sub district has a population in excess of 20000 and is the main

coffee growing area of the country.


Similar to most parts of Timor Leste, the Maubisse Community faces many barriers

such as lack of local employment, health services, education, transport and

communications. The typical Maubisse resident is a member of a subsistence

farming family with limited income and accommodation. There have been

improvements in recent years; however there is still limited access to electricity,

running water and transport.


BMFC Legal status

The BMFC is an appointed Section 86 Committee by the City of Greater Bendigo

and operates in accordance with delegated authority. The Committee understands

the responsibilities associated with this status and carries out its duties with the

knowledge that it is representing the City of Greater Bendigo. The City provides an

annual contribution of $50,000. And without these funds the Committee would be

unable to deliver the full extent of projects that make a difference to the people of

Maubisse.

The BMFC and the many community volunteers express sincere appreciation to the

Council for their valued support.

Strategic Direction

The Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee is committed to developing a strong

ongoing friendship with the community of Maubisse, built on mutual respect,

empowerment and collaboration. Programs are delivered to build relationships,

promote understanding and build the capacities of local people. The BMFC is

committed to contributing to improved standards of living, access to basic and

necessary services, training, capacity building and social programs. Local

governance and cultures continue to be respected and assistance and support is

provided in accordance with the capacities of the Committee together with local

needs and priorities. A mandatory contributor to formulation of strategy and decision

making is the annual Friendship Consultation and Review held in Maubisse. This

forum is attended and has representation from all key stakeholders. Projects and

priorities are reviewed and a subsequent list is presented to the Committee for

consideration. This process is in accord with the Charter outlined in the respective

Municipal Cooperation agreements signed by the City of Greater Bendigo, City of

Ballarat and the Timor- Leste Minister for State Administration. The Charter, which

was engineered by the State Government of Victoria provides jurisdiction for the

Municipal district of Ainaro of which Maubisse is part. This Charter is consistent with

the Committee`s aims of building relationships based on mutual respect and paves

the way for a strong partnership with the Ballarat community.


Based on the considerations outlined above, during the course of the 2016/17 year

the Committee has focused on the following areas: (these topics will be addressed in

greater detail throughout this report.)

.

EDUCATION: Maintaining the focus on the very important scholarship initiative along

with teacher training for Maubisse teachers in partnership with the

Fundasaun Alola Education Consultancy team.

HEALTH:

Continuing support for Maubisse Hospital with Medical and Dentistry

training and equipment. Oral health has been an important priority and

much planning has gone into introducing a program into schools The

Committee also continues to provide assistance and support for programs

related to hygiene, nutrition and malnutrition, in particular a program for

young girls.

ARTS AND CULTURE: Continue to run programs developing and nurturing local skills and talent, particularly in schools.

PUBLIC INFRASTUCTURE / SCHOOLS Continuing to provide much needed school furniture and materials to schools throughout the sub-district. Refurbishment of the roof at the Maulau School and assisting the Agricultural school in Horaiquic through provision of gardening tools for the Agricultural school and future consideration of storage facilities.

LOCAL COMMUNITY AND LIFESTYLE Continue to provide clothing, and other items to improve the quality of life for the people of Maubisse.


2016 -17 COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Cr. Peter Cox (Chair) City of Greater Bendigo. (Until October 2016)

Cr Jennifer Alden (Chair) City of Greater Bendigo. (From February 2017)

Rod Flavell (Acting Chair November to January 2017)

Heather McNeill (Secretary)

Mark Feiss (Treasurer)

Jenny Feiss

Heather Ridge

Barry Secombe

Naidene Parry

Deborah Blake

Ian Blake

Ken Hubbard

John Jones

Liz Bannon

Mark McLouglan

George Waters


Peter Cox, outgoing Chair during the course of the year left the committee as a

consequence of the 2016 municipal elections. The BMFC sincerely thank him for his

commitment and gratefully acknowledge his leadership role over a number of years.


PROJECT AND ACTIVITIES 2016/17

During the course of this year a significant level of work has taken place. There have

been 3 work teams, a container, community celebrations and a number of

fundraising events.

Volunteers and Committee members finishing loading a container bound for Maubisse


Annual Consultation / Review

The BMFC conducted a review in Maubisse assessing the work that has taken

place, the relationships and identifying potential new projects. Team 49 which

included the presence of the Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo, Cr Margaret

O`Rourke visited Maubisse in January 2017 and conducted a number of meetings

and sessions. One of the significant gatherings was the Community meeting

attended by over 30 people, including seven Cheffe Sucos. Feedback was provided

on projects that should be continued and new priorities. This Forum is an essential

driver for the Committee`s strategic direction, however we need to mindful of the

capacity to deliver on requests. For example, a number of issues were raised

regarding water supply and sanitation. Whilst these are important projects they are

considered beyond the scope of the Committee and the view has been expressed

that energies should be devoted to working with the central Government and the

local Community in order to build the capacities to enable delivery of such projects.

The Mayor Cr O`Rourke presenting Community meeting Elidio Martins Dos Santos Yr 2 UNTL

The delegation provided the Committee with an understanding of the effectiveness of

our partnership with Maubisse and the District of Ainaro. A list of projects was

presented for consideration and this was the essential driver for the compilation of

the BMFC budget for the ensuing year. Many of these projects are the subject of this

report and others will be for subsequent Annual Reports.


Scholarship Program

The Scholarship Program continues to be an outstanding success and appreciation

is extended to Committee member Heather Ridge for her tireless energy and work in

leading and administrating this initiative. Education is a high priority for the BMFC

and for the Maubisse community who both acknowledge the enormous difference to

the lives of many young people in Maubissee

This program enables selected students to complete secondary education in

Maubisse followed by a University education in Dili. The Alola Foundation is a major

partner, facilitating the management of BMFC funding raised in Bendigo and

monitoring the progress of scholarship holders. During Team 49`s visit Scholarship

Awards were presented. It was pleasing to hear that the Sub District Administrator

spoke to the group reinforcing the importance of education and an expectation that

students work hard to make the most of their opportunities.

Midwifery Students

In 2017 there are 10 University Scholarship participants at UNTL in Dili. Study

pathways include midwifery,Science, Mechanics, Engineering, Economics, Medicine,

Accounting and Nutrition. Ten students at the Agricultural school and 18 students

from the St Inacio de Loyola High School have also been supported.


Scholarship recipients

The cost of a university education is $1200 per student which includes

accommodation, fees and books. The education committee in Maubisse, together

with Fundasaun Alola scholarship team closely monitors the academic progress of

each student.


Sr. Henrietta and students from St Inacio de Loyola High School who have been accepted into courses at UNTL Dili. 40 Maubisse students will attend this year.

Through the efforts of the Bendigo Community the sum of $16,000 has been raised

through the course of the year and appreciation is extended to individual and club

donors. BMFC make an annual contribution of $1200 to provide a scholarship to

Leonia Alves de Gloria in memory of the late Lola Millar. Leonia is studying Political

Science. The scholarship program is well supported by several Rotary Clubs in

Bendigo and Bendigo South East College who provide ongoing funding to support a

number of students.


Scholarships were also provided to enable four local Maubisse students to attend

after school English Language Classes at “AH HA”, a local English Language

provider.

Dental Health

The Maubisse and District Dental Project is key priority and is making strong progress. The program is based on 2 key strategies:

* Providing support for clinical services at the Maubisse Referral Hospital and the 9 health outposts

* Providing oral health education programs in the schools

The lack of dental health services and oral hygiene education is a major health issue in Timor-Leste and the number of dentists/dental therapists is very low.

BMFC is working in partnership with the Timor-Leste Dental Project (TLDP) who have provided dental services in Maubisse since 2003.

Provision has been made annually for 2 BMFC dental teams to work with the TLDP teams and local dental staff to provide services across the district.

Maubisse Dental Hospital


Dr. Phil Hill represented BMFC in April 2017 to work with the TLDP dental team led by Dr. David Sheen and also undertake a scoping exercise for future teams.

Clinical services were delivered at a Maubisse Primary School and the Turiscai Health Centre with the following outcomes:

Patients seen: 312

Extractions : 401

Fillings/Sealants: 54

In May 2017, the Kose Nehan oral hygiene education program was introduced to 5 schools by a local dental therapist who distributed toothbrushes and toothpaste to around 1100 children.

A plan is being developed for the next 3 years to coordinate dental services provided by the hospital and visiting dental teams.

Community Arts (Visual Arts)

This program continues with great success. The Art and crochet classes have been

the source of inspiration to the extent there have been continuing activities. It is

pleasing to note during the course of the year the community has taken the initiative

of organizing and participating in many events without the presence of the BMFC.

Community and School Art participants


Another Arts team visited Maubisse in May 2017. A team of 5 visual art teachers led

by Jenny Feiss conducted visual art classes in schools over a period of 13 days.

This was the third Team visit and on this occasion 600 keen students participated

over 21 sessions. An exhibition of the work produced by students was held at the

conclusion of the sessions for the community and schools to enjoy. It is pleasing that

these students were able to productively utilize the quality resources that were

donated by the Bendigo Community. It was also heartening to receive enthusiastic

local support from people such as Sister Henrietta and Father Feliciano. In addition

four visits were made to Kindergartens for participation in singing and art sessions.

An invitation has been extended to continue the program next year.

In accordance with the appropriate protocols of cooperation the Art Delegation met

with Ministry of Education Officials to provide a briefing on the curriculum and to gain

permission to teach in schools at the conclusion of daily classes.

Day For Girls

This is the second year that the BMFC have supported the Days for Girls, a program

focusing on hygiene education for young girls together with accompanying kits.

Days for Girls kits being handed out by Sr Henrietta


Team 50 handed out kits to 33 girls and 15 teachers and it has been requested that

this support continue into the future.

Ultrasound Equipment

In conjunction with team 50 the BMFC auspiced a delegation to train Doctors and

Midwives in the use of Ultrasound equipment. We were fortunate to have the

services of Wayne Downie and Natasha Roussel who are qualified and accredited

radiographers and sonographers employed by Keystone Radiology in High St.

Bendigo. The training, particularly for the Maubisse hospital was, productive. Whilst

local Doctors and midwives had some knowledge of ultrasound, by the end of the

visit they were able to identify key elements necessary for pre-birth scans. The

delegation reported that whilst the practitioners are competent and keen to learn,

there are issues with outdated equipment, particularly for X rays. This along with a

lack of IT infrastructure at the Hospital and clinics does present many challenges.

Ultrasound training

Keystone Radiology donated 3 serviced Ultrasound machines (two working and one

for spare parts). In addition, both Wayne and Natasha spent several days providing

valuable training at Dr Dan`s Bairo Pite clinic in Dili.

Overall this was a successful visit and both Wayne and Natasha reported that they

believe they made a significant difference. Obviously much more assistance is

necessary and we trust that further trips with the view of building capacities and local

skills will eventuate soon.


10 Year Celebrations

On October 7th 2016 the BMFC celebrated its 10th year of working with the Maubisse

community.This celebration was held at the Uniting Church Hall in Bendigo and was

an opportunity to reflect on the progress and work of the Committee over the last 10

years.

The evening was extremely well attended and it was pleasing to receive support

from so many people who have assisted the Committee in its endeavours.

The gathering was entertained by the Violet Street Choir under the tutelage of Choir

Master Jim Rinaldi and provided a wonderful rendition of three popular tunes.

Committee member Heather Ridge and Kirsty Sword Gusmao AO at our celebration.

We were all privileged the receive an address from two keynote speakers , Dr Kirsty

Sword Gusmao AO , Goodwill Ambassador for Education in Timor Leste and Mrs

Rae Kinsbury ,Honorary Consul for Timor Leste in Victoria. Letters of congratulations

were provided from Emma de Sousa De Freitas, Education Program Manager at the

Fundasaun Alola Foundation (Dili) and from Senor Luis Casimiro Lopes, District

Administrator Maubisse Sub district.


Kirsty speaking to the gathering.

The Celebration was an outstanding success and appreciation is extended to the

hard working sub committee who contributed enormous time and energy towards

this event.

Knitted Clothing

The BMFC continues to receive contributions from Patti Cotton and her dedicated

team of knitters from throughout Victoria. The items knitted by the team are at


present filling half a container and are distributed by the Sub District Administration

throughout the Maubisse area and to the Hospital and pre–birth mothers` clinic. The

local Community continue to provide regular positive feedback on how much they

appreciate this important contribution as can be seen by the note from Sr Henrietta.

Patti`s group of knitting women are loved and adored in Maubisse. Almost every home has been

touched by their delicate warm, soft knitted products. Some babies even wear the knitted wool to

baptism ceremony at the church. Grateful thanks to all of them from the mothers and babies in

Maubisse.

Product of the wonderful work done by our Knitters

Fundraising

This year the Committee have been quite active in organising events for fundraising.

Overall an amount of $5052 was raised as a result of fundraising film evenings at the

Star Cinema together with fundraising dinners at the Stadium and Farmers Arms

Hotel. This year the Committee held a stall at Lake Weeroona for the Rotary

Australia day celebrations.


Committee member Deborah Blake at a fundraiser

It should also be mentioned that much planning has taken place for the organization

of a heritage walk to be held in September of this year. Six heritage buidings,

including Sacred Heart Cathedral, Uniting Church Forest Street and a private home,

will be open for the afternoon together with one property that will host a Devonshire

Tea.

These events not only provide an avenue for raising needed funds but also provide

the opportunity to inform the community about activities and to solicit support.

Agricultural School

The Maubisse sub district with the support of the Government are enhancing and

developing the Agricultural School. The Committee will be providing support with

Curriculum together with materials and equipment and a delegation is planned for

next year. The Committee will provide financial support for the construction of

storage facilities and is in the process of contributing garden tools that have been

donated to the local community.


Maulau Roof

Previous Annual Reports have made mention of this important project. Maulau is an

isolated town situated in the central highlands, approximately 30 minutes drive from

Maubisse.

Maulau School

After much planning and consideration a Rotary team undertook this work in October

2016. Team 48, in collaboration with the local community removed and replaced the

roof, installed a new ceiling together with new lighting and flashings.

Newsletter

The first edition of the BMFC newsletter came out in July 2016 and has been

produced on a regular basis. This has been an excellent medium for providing the

community with up to date information on activities and projects. Deborah Blake has

been the key liaison person working with Latrobe University Marketing students. The

Committee expresses its gratitude in particular to Stephanie Beer for her work on

this project.


BMFC PARTNERSHIPS

The BMFC relies heavily on partnerships formed both locally and in Timor Leste.

The Committee acknowledges the value of the following relationships:

Timor Leste

Ainaro District and Sub District Administration together with the nine local

Sucos and associated sub villages

The Carmelite and Franciscan Sisters in Maubisse provide valuable links to

the Maubisse community. The Sisters greatly assist the BMFC with

communication, accommodation and contacts. The Carmelite Fatuhada

Convent in Dili provides accommodation for work and professional teams en-

route to Maubisse and prior to leaving East Timor.

Local Maubisse Community Committees oversee a range of projects including

container unpacking, Scholarships, English tuition programs and Arts program

support group.

Rotary Australia World Community Service [RAWCS] Dili - based Rotarian

Daryl Mills, offers advice and valuable assistance with containers, logistical

arrangements in Timor Leste, transport and general support for work teams.

Following the conclusion of Daryl`s tenure, this work has been continued by

RAWCS staff, Judite Martins and Mario de Jesus.

Fundasaun Alola assists building capacity in education and health in

Maubisse and other parts of Timor Leste and provides exceptional oversight

of the Scholarship Program in Maubisse. The Foundation has a strong

relationship with the Timor Leste Ministry of Education and is an accredited

agency providing teacher training throughout Timor Leste.

Australia

Department of Education and Training [North West Victoria Region] supports

continued salvage of surplus furniture, building materials and equipment from

de-commissioned Bendigo schools

North West Victoria Regional schools provide on-site study tour training

opportunities for the Alola Foundation Education Consultancy team [Camp Hill


Primary School, Axedale Primary School, Kennington Primary School,

Eaglehawk Primary School, Huntly Primary School, Golden Square

Kindergarten and Bendigo Senior Secondary College].

Latrobe University Bendigo Campus, North Central Goldfields Regional

Library, Kip McGrath, Bendigo Football Netball League, Laurel Street

Primary School and Strathfieldsaye Primary School for donation of uniforms,

sports equipment, school resources and school furniture.

Rotary Clubs of Eaglehawk, Bendigo South, Bendigo Sandhurst, Bendigo

Strathdale and Chadstone East Malvern, whose members continue to support

committee programs and projects, volunteering at working bees, and

participating in work teams in Timor Leste,.

Fasso Transport Bendigo, Bendigo District Trotting Club and Grays Bendigo,

whose practical and financial support with the cost and logistics of dispatching

containers is highly valued.

Rotary International – Rotarians from many clubs volunteer and provide

significant financial contribution by self-funding work teams and making

donations.

Strong working links with local service clubs including Zonta International,

Bendigo and support from Lions Club of Bendigo.

AFS Partners in Success Chartered Accountants [Andrew Frewin & Paul

Byrne]

Donors – groups, service clubs, businesses and individuals supporting with

fundraisers, financial donations, and community based projects (knitting) and

donations of goods.


MUNICIPAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT

During the course of this year the City of Greater Bendigo and City of Ballarat signed

a municipal agreement which formalized the intent to develop and strengthen

cooperation of the respective municipalities with the Ainaro District.

This document has enabled the formation of a joint Bendigo and Ballarat Friendship

Committee which is to function as a group to share information on the respective

operations of both Committees. This will also enable discussions on possible

collaborative projects and avoid duplication of effort. It is intended that this joint

Committee meet on a quarterly basis and a forum involving representation from all

members of respective Committees be held annually. It is anticipated that

consideration will be given to projects that will provide the opportunity to develop

local skills and provide opportunities to professionally enhance critical areas such as

education, municipal administration and strategic planning.

FINANCIAL POSITION

The financial accounts of the BMFC have been audited by the Accounting firm AFS

the Special Purpose Financial Report, as at 30th June 2017 is available for perusal

upon request.

The Committee received a total of $75,434 in income and expended a total of

$71,812. The Break up is as follows:

Containers, Freight $6338.

Volunteer Teams $39,021

Scholarships $17300

Sundry Expenses $9153

BMFC have total assets of $ 44,124 which is effectively cash on hand and cash at

bank.

Appreciation is extended to our Treasurer Mark Feiss for the significant amount of

work required to maintain the Committees` Finances.


CONCLUSION

The BMFC conducts itself in the belief that an indicator of the strength of a

Community is the degree of capacity to give to others in need. Through this

Committee Bendigo has reached out to another community abroad on the

understanding that our friends in Maubisse are in need of support.

The Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo Cr O`Rourke summed up the significance

of the work of the BMFC:

The relationship that has been built over ten years by the Bendigo Maubisse

Friendship Committee is extraordinary. Over that time more than 500 people

from our municipality have played a part in the relationship and rebuilding of

the Maubisse Community, which is commendable and highlights the strong

spirit of volunteerism in our community. (BMFC Newsletter March 2017)

annual report 2016-17 - bendigo.vic.gov.au · health outposts * providing oral health education...

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