Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters

Next Garage Sale - Sat 3rd March 9 - 3

2012-02-13T22:27:00.000-08:00

The next East Timor Sisters Garage Sale will be held at 8a Russell Road, Leura. We are seeking good quality donations NOW for our next garage sale. Please deliver to our new venue. All funds raised support projects for women and children in East Timor. For more information please phone Jane on 4784 1765.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Annual Report

2011-11-21T01:39:00.001-08:00

To find out what BMETS has achieved over the past 12 months download a copy of our Annual Report here.

Last Garage Sale for the Year!

2011-10-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

BMETS will be holding its last garage sale for the year on Saturday 3rd December from 9 - 3pm at 8a Russell Rd, Leura. Good quality donations are sought. Please deliver to the sale address above. For more information call Suzie on 4784 1718.

All funds raised support projects for women and children in East Timor.

Book Sale Success

2011-10-31T20:31:00.000-07:00

The BMETS Book Sale once again reached new heights at the weekend selling over 300 boxes of books and raising over $13,000.

BMETS Sisters, Ruth, Wendy and Jennifer were the backbone of the sale sorting, cleaning, packing and moving around 400 boxes in total.

As usual it is a real team effort with support from the entire group and with help from Brothers Steve, Bob, John, Tom, Jake and Rick.

"I can't believe that we sold so many books over two days. It surpassed our expectations" said Ruth."Of course we can only do it with the generosity of our donors who provide excellent quality and such a range of titles. I would like to thank the buying public who kept us busy all weekend bringing out new books by the box load."

All funds raised from the Book Sale will support projects for women and children in East Timor. For information about the group and what we do, call Suzie on 4782 5133.

Book Sale, CWA Hall, Megalong St, Leura 29 & 30 October

2011-10-13T23:22:00.000-07:00

There is still time to clean off your book shelves to donate to the annual BMETS Book Sale, which will be held on the weekend of Saturday October 29th / Sunday October 30th 2011 at the CWA Hall in Leura. We are collecting donations for the next two weeks!

This fundraiser raises over $10,000 for our projects in Timor-Leste - your read books are another's new pleasure and we turn your generosity into scholarships and literacy strategies.

Donations can be left anytime on the front veranda at 8 Westbourne Ave, Wentworth Falls. Please contact Ruth on 4757 1953 for more information.

Please no text books, encyclopedias, videos or magazines.

And put the dates in your diary to attend - books are well sorted, categorized, mostly $1.00 each and we will have over 10,000 of them! We will replenish the stock all weekend

Many thanks for your support

Elsa Pinto - Congratulations and thank you.

2011-10-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

I really want to share you about this news, maybe you heard already
form Mana Judy. I just want to let you know that I already graduated
and completed my studies. I graduate on the 18th of August 2011. And
guess what? I got the highest mark in my faculty of Agriculture, I am
the best student. You all can imagine how happy I was! And I'm still
happy until today! Although it takes quite long time, yet finally I
made it!!!!

Dear sisters, thank you so much for your support, without that
scholarship, I am not sure that I could finish it and graduated on
18th of August 2011. Maybe it will take me longer and longer!!!! Thank
you so much from the bottom of my heart.

Now, I am working for a local company that deals with coffee, it
called Alter Trade Timor (Alternative trade). It's about people to
people trade. We organize farmers group here, buy coffee from them
with good price and export to Japan. It's not only about coffee but
it also about social services; we also accelerate some social program
in the community we deal with. Keep the relationship for all time, not
only coffee season. It's quite related to my major Social Economic
Agriculture, so I like it. Yet, I also still want to find another job.
I have been working here as part time since last November, I want to
get some ideas about organizing farmers group.

Now I have a very big ambition to continue my master studies. I want
to study and get more knowledge. I am not satisfied if I could only
finish my fist degree. First degree is the beginning, now I have to
move forward. Not many young women can do their master study. I have to
work, get
some experiences and apply for a scholarship. The other important
thing for me is to improve my English skill. I really need to prepare
myself for that.

Yeah, more or less this is some new update form me. I apologize for
taking quite long to let you know about this news, because after
graduated on the next day I went to Ermera and just got back to Dili
on 25th of August.

Thank you very!
Much of Love to you all my sisters,

Elsa Pinto

Book Sale, CWA Hall, Megalong St, Leura 29 & 30 October

2011-10-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

The Annual East BMETS Booksale is scheduled for Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October at the CWA Hall, Megalong St, Leura (next to the Bon Ton Cafe).

A huge variety of books, CDs and DVDs can be found at very affordable prices. The majority of books are $1 so you can afford ot stock up o n your reading for the coming year.

We are still seeking donations. Call Ruth on 4757 1953 to arrange delivery of your items.

We hope to see you there!

Trek For Timor Kangaroo Valley

2011-10-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

A message from our intrepid walkers - Anne McKenzie and Mary Waterford...................

Hi friends and supporters
We may not have been the fastest (40/47 teams) but I think La Lao Halimar
sang the loudest, had the most fun and, to top it off, had the NUMBER 1
support team at Saturday's Kangaroo Valley Trek for Timor! We started
singing on Friday night and didn't stop until we went to bed Saturday
night.... yes some of it was tuneless but all in good spirits and well led
by our woman of song Josie!

All donations over $20 are tax deductible. go to
http://www.kvrp.org.au/page1/page10/page10.html
Read more about the lighting project at
http://www.kvrp.org.au/page4/page5/page5.html

We (Jem, Josie, Mary, Kay and I) were on the track at 10 past 6 on Saturday
morning fully decked out in our rain gear as it was drizzling. We were happy
though as the day before it was 32d and windy. Drizzly and cool was great
even though we missed all the beautiful views along the way.

We loved walking in to our first checkpoint, an hour ahead of time, to
Maggie with a big sign and Maria with a big gluten free cake, and all the
comforts of home (including hot water and face washer) - yes we were spoilt
rotten and this goes some way to explaining why we took a while - it was so
hard to leave such luxury and pampering.

One of our highlights (being the very fine chorus that we were) was the
"Corridor of Surprises". This was a relatively flat section near the end of
the 2nd section and 2 very talented people had put together a "guess the
song" corridor. Each of the 11 sculptures was brilliant in both thought and
execution. (you can see us climbing the "Stairway to Heaven" and trying to
blow out the "candle in the wind"). Once guessed then we had to sing them to
the next one a few hundred metres up the road. We only missed one (can you
guess it? attached) but we still took to the podium anyway!

We were unsupported at checkpoint 2 but the wonderful T4T organises put on
soup, hot drinks and good cheer for everyone. The event was beautifully
organised even though they had to contend with all sorts of dramas - the NP
lighting a fire the day before and closing part of the track (due to rain
could reopen at 10am on the day!), the weather (cold for their very
courageous and dedicated volunteers), and various other little hiccups we
learnt of after the event.

The river crossing was fun. I SOOOO nearly made it across without getting my
boots wet but took a tumble off the last rock and had wet boots (changed at
next chpoint). Mary made it and everyone else took sensible precautions and
took their boots off!

We arrived at Jack's Corner to an engineering feat - a tent heaven! I nearly
wish it had have been raining so we could REALLY appreciate it. Maggie,
Maria and Amanda again waited on us hand and foot (and we loved it).

We finally lifted our very full and satisfied tummies off the chair and
headed out on our last 12km section most of which we did in the dark and to
the sound track from the Sound of Music. The track was good (apart from the
odd wombat hole... not sure if any walkers were lost down these) and so we
practically ran home to the chaff bag! Unfortunately we were so fast, and
there was no mobile coverage so we couldn't warn our support team of our
speed. We finished an hour earlier than we thought and of course we all
walked in to our own version of "We've been walking 'round the mountain all
day long...." and were greeted by a very excited Bush Lemons Tart team
(Jocelyn, Jen, Sharron & Angela) who finished 3hours earlier but WAITED for
us to arrive! It was great to be cheered in (totally forgot to get a pic
though).

With only 1 fall, a few blisters and a few tight bits we were very happy and
proud of ourselves. You can imagine what we were most looking forward to...
yep a long hot shower. But ... there was a blackout at the caravan park and
we had to settle for a warm sponge bath. I quite liked it as it reminded me
of what we were doing this all for.... Timor. I bathed like this for 4
months when there and was happy to do it again!

If you haven't already donated I would encourage you to do so. This is a
great event for a wonderful cause we are doing well in our fundraising but
would love to come in the top 3 fundraisers as THIS is what this event is
all about!

All donations over $20 are tax deductible go to
http://www.kvrp.org.au/page1/page10/page10.html
Read more about the lighting project at
http://www.kvrp.org.au/page4/page5/page5.html

You too could have this "feel good" feeling next year at the BM T4T. Save
this in your favourites http://www.trekfortimorbm.org.au/. From my
experience I can say it is a fantastic way to get fit, feel good and get
close to group of friends!

Thank you so much for your support, La Lao Halimar are very proud and we had
a ball!

Love to you
Anne & Mary.

Fundraiser for East Timor

2011-10-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

Education is the key to reducing poverty in East Timor

2011-04-20T03:32:00.000-07:00

In countries all over the world education is the key to unlocking the future of communities and developing nations. In neighbouring East Timor, this is even more important when only around half the population have attended school.

Local community workers, Judy Finch and Gail Clifford, are currently undertaking volunteer placements in East Timor working on programs that will improve the lives of women and their communities. Both women are members of the Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters (BMETS) and are in Timor with Australian Volunteers International (AVI).

Gail Clifford based in Maliana, west of Dili, is helping to establish a library and community centre. Gail says “When getting an education in Australia is something many take for granted I am always struck by the enthusiasm of the Timorese for learning. BMETS has provided resources for the centre such as a printer and laminator. This has enabled the volunteers at the Centre to develop their own resources and tools for learning.”

In Dili, Judy Finch has been working with local women’s group, APSC-TL. APSC-TL has a long association with the Blue Mountains with some members visiting as guests of BMETS. Currently Judy is focussing on the scholarships that BMETS funds in East Timor.

In her recent report to BMETS, Judy said “One student, Rosita Vital, made a particular impression on me. She is a women in her late 30s or early 40s who was in the independence movement. She has 20 brothers and sisters and now works for the Women’s Network in an administration role. She cried and cried while she spoke, talking about how important the opportunity of the scholarship was to her. She has done really well, the whole room broke into cheering and clapping.”

Judy finished her report by saying “It seems to me that the only way out of poverty is education. Let’s keep these scholarships going, my friends! We may only be supporting a very small portion of those in need but we are doing something really useful!”

Over the next six months BMETS will be promoting it’s scholarship program for women and girls. “Only about half of women and girls ever get any sort of education. We see education is linked to women building a future for themselves, their families and their communities. We are calling on support from the Blue Mountains community to assist us to continue the scholarships program. From as little as $20 a month you can sponsor a girl or woman to have an education.” said BMETS member, Suzie van Opdorp. For more information call Suzie on 4784 1718 or email bmetsgroup@gmail.com.

Trek for Timor - Kangaroo Valley

2011-02-27T03:19:00.000-08:00

Advance notice - reserve the 24th September for the Kangaroo Valley Trek for Timor. Call Mary on 4757 4478.

Literacy and Libraries Project - Timor Leste

2011-02-27T03:15:00.000-08:00

Are you interested in hearing more about how you can support literacy in East Timor? Community member and member of BMETS, Jasmine Payget, will be giving a talk on establishing literacy programs by developing libraries in East Timor on March 31st. For more information call Jasmine on 4759 3783.

Next Sisters Meeting will be held on Monday 7th March at 7pm

2011-02-27T03:14:00.000-08:00

The next BMETS meeting will be held Monday 7th March at 7pm. We welcome new members. Our meetings are held in the MCRN meeting room which is located at the back of Lawson Library, Cnr San Jose Ave and Badgery's Crescent, Lawson. For more information call Suzie on 4784 1718.

Garage Sale Results

2011-02-27T03:04:00.000-08:00

Once again a great big thank you to everyone who supported the sale. Without the steady stream of donations from the community and sales we would not be able to carry out the projects much needed in East Timor.

"We were really pleased with the results. We are always astounded by the number of items we sell and what they translate into much needed cash. It is a win for the environment as we are re-using the precious donations. Our customers buy terrific bargains and the women and children benefit directly from our community's generosity." said Libby Sayers who hosts the sale at her home in Wentworth Falls.

"It's good to have a little break. We can collect donations again after the 1st April for our next sale scheduled for Saturday 6th May." said Libby.

For more information you can call Libby on 4757 3415 or Suzie on 4784 1718.

BMETS February Meeting

2011-01-21T12:29:00.000-08:00

We won't be having a general Sisters meeting in February as we are holding our annual planning day on Sunday 6th February from 9.30 - 1.30 at Blue Mountains Women's Health and Resource Centre, 124 Lurline Street, Katoomba.

BMETS always welcomes new members. For more information call Suzie on 4784 1718 or 4782 5133 (w).

Garage Sale February 26 from 9 - 3 in Wentworth Falls

2011-01-20T23:46:00.000-08:00

The next East Timor Sisters Garage Sale will be held Saturday 26th February from 9am - 3pm. We are seeking your good quality donations to make this sale a success. There are always lots of bargains to be had and at the same time you can help raise funds for projects for women and children in East Timor.

The sale will be held at 22 Pritchard Street, Wentworth Falls. For more information call Libby on 4757 3415.

We hope to see you there!

RESULTS OF THE OCTOBER BOOK SALE

2010-11-16T02:41:00.000-08:00

Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters does it again! As a result of the book sale in October the Sisters raised over $11,000. That's a lot of books.

As well as raising funds, the book sale gave us an opportunity to catch up with friends, supporters and customers. We thank you all for coming, helping and shopping.

We look forward to meeting you again at next year's sale!

2010-10-10T02:30:00.000-07:00

Next Sisters Meeting will be held on Monday 11th October at 7pm at Mountains Community Resource Network in Lawson. Cnr San Jose and Badgery's Cres. We always welcome new members. For more info call Suzie on 4784 1718.

Next Garage Sale - Sat 27th November 9 - 3

2010-10-10T02:26:00.000-07:00

Our next garage sale fundraiser will be held 9am - 3pm Saturday 27th November at 22 Pritchard Street, Wentworth Falls. Good quality donations are always welcome.For more info Call Libby 4757 3415.

TREK FOR TIMOR : SEPTEMBER 2010

2010-10-10T02:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.trekfortimorbm.org.au/

Results at Last!

From the Trek For Timor Committee:

At last the final figures are in and we are delighted to say that we have just topped the $60,000 mark. What a fantastic job you did – you are all fundraising stars. Here’s the fundraising league table at close of business on Friday. Many congratulations to the three top fundraisers for a brilliant effort. We are all so grateful for your hard work.

Our committees will be meeting soon to decide on how the funds should be spent and we will let you know, both by email and through the website. And as the projects get underway, we will be posting photographs to show the results of your tremendous efforts. Thank you all!

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

250 intrepid trekkers walked either 13 or 45 kilometres to raise funds for community projects in East Timor. Each participant agreed to raise at least $150 for the cause and donations so far exceed $60,000!!

First past the post in the 45km were the Hills Trekkers, Karen, Emidio and George, who finished in 10 hrs and 40 mins and never even looked tired. In the 13 km trek the clear winners were Fairweather Furber Foursome, 25 minutes in front of the next team. Well done Margit, Mark, Rebecca and Jane.

The youngest team prize goes to Team Awesome with an average age of 21 years. And with an average age of more than three times Team Awesome, the clear winners in the oldest team category were the Vintage Blueberries

And the Top three fundraising teams were In Hot Water, Trampingonandonandonandonalongers and Fitness Frenz Team 1.

Book Sale, CWA Hall, Megalong St, Leura 30 & 31 October

2010-10-10T02:17:00.000-07:00

Good quality books, CDs & DVDs required now. Turn your unwanted books, CDs and DVDs into cash for East Timor. Deliver them to 8 Westbourne Street, Wentworth Falls or call Ruth on 4757 1953.

-Trek for Timor – fundraiser for East Timor

2010-07-28T05:19:00.000-07:00

Register your team NOW at www.trekfortimorbm.org.au for either the 13km or 45km Trek for Timor to be held on 18 September 2010.

Only 60 teams of 4-6 people will be given this unique opportunity to trek this very scenic route through the World Heritage Blue Mountains National Park.

Each walker pays a $30 registration fee (to cover the costs of the trek) and raises at least $150 in sponsorship. ALL of the sponsorship money will be used by Blue Mountains Friendship Group and the Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters to fund much wanted education and training programs and programs for women and children in East Timor.

East Timor is one of the newest and poorest nations in the world and is also one of our nearest neighbours. A little money goes a long way in Timor and through the strong relationships established by these local groups education and training has been identified by the Timorese people as a priority. In Hato Builico, the sub-district at the base of Mount Ramelau (at nearly 3,000m) there is only schooling to presecondary level, so for students to complete their education they must leave the district. The Blue Mountains groups already provide over 60 scholarships to school and university students.

So get a group of friends or work colleagues together, book your place NOW (you can change team members up to the start of the event), and start fund raising. You will be guaranteed to have a great time while doing something very worthwhile. To register online and for more information go to www.trekfortimorbm.org.au.

For more information please contact: Elaine Telford E: thetelfords@gmail.com

Don’t’ want to walk but like to be involved? Could you volunteer for a checkpoint or marshall's job (orientation session on Saturday September 11th)– email Mary on eo@wscf.org.au

Trek for Timor Blue Mountains Organising Committee

Maggi Williams
Phone: (612) 4787 6614
Mobile: (61) 0437 775 075

Please support Trek for Timor - September 18 2010
www.trekfortimorbm.org.au

Garage Sale Results

2010-06-25T01:27:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone who supported our last garage sale. We raised over $3,000 at our new venue. We were thrilled with the results. The next sale will be held 14th August at 22 Pritchard Street, Wentworth Falls. If you wish to donate goods to the sale call Libby on 4757 3415. Check the Blue Mountains Gazette "Garage Sales" section for further details!

Sisters visit to East Timor

2010-06-25T01:19:00.000-07:00

A number of members of the Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters Group are visiting East Timor over July. The purpose of the trip is to re-connect with our women friends in East Timor, Beba Sequeira and Laura Abrantes as well as visit the projects we have established. We will also be reconnecting with Blue Mountains friends Fiona Christian and Anne McKenzie who have been travelling and working in East Timor since March this year.

"It is always wonderful to re-connect with our sisters in East Timor. The work they do is truly magnificent. Each time we visit there are minor celebrations that help to build the work and maintain the connection." said Mary Waterford on behalf of the group.

The group will also visit projects in Hato Builico and Bugoro.

Next Sisters Meeting will be held on Monday 5th July at 7pm

2010-06-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

Next Sisters Meeting will be held on Monday 5th July at 7pm at Mountains Community Resource Network in Lawson. Cnr San Jose and Badgery's Cres. For more info call Suzie on 4784 1718.

New venue for BMETS Garage Sale

2010-05-07T19:54:00.001-07:00

The next sale is scheduled for 9 - 3 Saturday 22nd May. The garage sale has moved from Blackheath and will be located at 22 Pritchard Street, Wentworth Falls. We are still looking for good quality donations. Please deliver donations to this address. We always welcome volunteer helpers. For more information call Suzie on 4784 1718. We look forward to seeing you then!

May meeting of Blue Mtns East Timor Sisters

2010-05-07T19:52:00.000-07:00

Next Meeting scheduled for 7pm Monday 10th May at MCRN. A;; welcome. For more information call Suzie on 47841718.

Next meeting of Blue Mtns East Timor Sisters

2010-03-03T03:42:00.001-08:00

Next meeting of BMETS is scheduled for Monday 12th April 7pm at Mountains Community Resource Network, Cnr Loftus and San Jose Cres, Lawson. For more info call Suzie on 4782 5133 or email to svanopdorp@ozemail.com.au.

NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!

Turn your boundless energy into funds for East Timor

2010-02-25T01:34:00.000-08:00

Trek for Timor 2010
When? September 18th 2010
Where? Blue Mountains National Park
What? 50km and 15 km sponsored treks

Bushwalkers from around Australia will converge on the Blue Mountains in September to raise funds for projects in the remote mountainous area of Hato Builico in East Timor.

Choosing from a challenging 50 km trek or a slightly more gentle 15 km walk, teams of trekkers will seek sponsorship from friends, families and business colleagues.

Registrations will open in June. Keep watching this blog for the website address and more details of the Trek. Initial enquiries can be made to t4tinfo2010@gmail.com

Sydney Sisters Take Break

2010-02-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

After three years of intense activity our Sydney Sisters will take a short break. We certainly have appreciated their efforts. They are a bunch of 'crafty' women and have churned out jams, chutneys and other delights. In their own right they have fund raised for the water tank at the Women Veteran's Centre in Bugoro and contributed to other Sisters efforts.

We would like to thank our Sydney Sisters and we look forward to meeting with you soon.

Garage Sale March 20th 9 - 3 in Blackheath

2010-02-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

Another fund-raising garage sale will be held in Blackheath on Saturady 20th March from 9 -3. We are still looking for good quality donations which can be delivered to 66 Wentworth St Blackheath. Call Gail on 4787 6310. All funds raised go towards projects that support women and children in East Timor.

Visits to East Timor

2010-02-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

In January a member of the Sisters group, Gail Clifford, visited East Timor with a member of the Blue Mountains City Council Friendship Committee, Maggie Smith. They spent about two weeks in Timor Leste staying in Dili and also visiting the community of Hato Builico with whom we share a strong connection.

In Dili they caught up with Beba Sequeira from the Asia Pacific Support Collective- Timor Leste (APSC-TL) visiting the various partnership projects sponsored by BMETS in Dili. They also visited Mana Kassian in the village of Bugoro where they spoke with the pre-school teachers and got see how the pre-school is progressing.

Since 2005 the Sisters have been working with Mana Kassian to initially complete the Women Veteran's Centre which is now used as a women's meeting place and community centre. We have provided sporting and musical equipment to the young people and assisted with the establishment of vegetable gardens.

Our Sydney Sisters group generously raised enough funds to set up a water tank to ensure a safe and continuous supply of water at the community centre.

Most recently in partnership with Mana Kassian and APSC-TL we have been supporting the establishment of a pre-school in the village which is currently attended by over 60 children. This has been a most inspirational project as the women of the village have set up establishing this project from the ground up.

Gail and Maggie hired a 4 wheel drive for the slow and bumpy ride up to Hato Builico located in the Mountains about 100 kms south of Dili. On this visit Gail and Maggie were fortunate to visit Hato Builico twice.

On one occasion they were accompanied by musicologist Ros Dunlop and young people from the Arte Moris School of Arts. Ros and the young people conducted music lessons at the village schools and later performed in a concert. " It was wonderful to see the interaction between the children and the musicians. As the village is so isolated this is not something they would usually have access to." said Gail.

On the second visit, they also visited the rehabilitated community centre and met with the village people to look at future projects. They also collected letters written by the children of Mulo school for the Korowal school students. "It was lovely to see the quilts made by the Korowal students on display. at the school." said Gail.

One of the aims of the visit was to re-connect with the community and find out from them what activities and projects we can support. The visits will be discussed at planning days for both of the groups in February and from this we will develop action plans for the coming year.

Shortly BMETS Sisters, Anne McKenzie and Fiona Christian will be visiting Timor Leste for a period of 4 months. We look forward to their posts.

Update on BMETS Fundraising

2009-11-01T01:48:00.000-07:00

If you missed our wonderful Tais Exhibition & Sale we now have an outlet in Leura where you you purchase them - Manadala Massage and Holistic Living upstairs at 165 Leura Mall is holding a selection - you can call in ot contact them on 4784 2218 / mandalaholisticliving@yahoo.com.au

Next BMETS Garage Sale will be on November 28th at Blackheath - 66 Wentworth St at gails. We are collecting donations now.

We will also have BMETS goods on sa;e at our stalls over the next couple of months - Rhodadendron Festival and Lawson Festival or give us a ring on 4757 4478

Tais Exhibition - Celebrating women's culture - Sunday 11th October

2009-08-31T03:36:00.000-07:00

We will be holding our annual Tais exhibition 1 - 3 Sunday 11th October at the YHA, 215 Katoomba Street, Katoomba. We will be joined by musicologist, Ros Dunlop, who will provide us a with a multi-media presentation introducing the audience to tradtitional East Timorese culture, music and musical instruments.

Tais weaving is a form of textile production carried out by women in East Timor. Women, using a simple back strap loom, produce beautiful hand woven cloths that are used for a range of functional and ceremonial purposes.

Each district in Timor has its own unique designs, colours and styles. We purchase the tais at women's tais co-ops in Dili. These tais are purchased from women scattered across the country and brought to market in Dili for sale.

Tais production is a major source of income for women. We buy the tais using fair trade principles to re-sell in Australia. We generally do not mark up the price of the tais as the purpose of the sale is not to make money but more to create markets for the sale of tais outside of Timor. We also use the tais sales as way of educating and raising awarenessim the Blue Mountains of East Timorese culture.

Please join us and buy some beautiful Christmas gifts. All proceeds go to projects that directly assist women and their families in East Timor. For more information call Suzie on 4784 1718.

Garage Sale - 9 - 3 Saturday 26th September

2009-08-31T03:27:00.000-07:00

The next Sisters garage sale will be held Saturday 26th September at 66 Wentworth Street, Blackheath. Donations can be left on the back verandah (entry via Prince George St). We always welcome more helpers. join us Friday 25th to set up or come on the day. For more info call Gail on 4787 6310. We open at 9am. Cancelled if raining.

Book Sale results

2009-08-31T03:20:00.001-07:00

On the weekend of the 29 and 30 August, people in East Timor celebrated 10 years of independence since the referendum was held. Simultaneously the Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters ran their annual book sale. With thousands of books available the doors finally opened at 9am. The sale was continuously busy with many satisfied customers throughout the day.

The sale not only provides the Sisters with an opportunity to raise much needed cash for projects for women and children in East Timor but also enables the group to speak to people in the Blue Mountains community about life in East Timor and why we do the work we do.

At the end of the weekend we raised over $10,000. The Sisters group wish to thank everyone who donated and bought books as well as the many supporters who assisted us to promote and then run the sale. A very special thank you must go to the Book Sale Team - Ruth and Steve Moline, Wendy and Tom Whitton and Jennifer Rowe. It was a heroic effort and we love you for it!

BMETS is a project of the Mountains Community Resource Network.

BMETS ANNUAL BOOK SALE 29 - 30 AUGUST

2009-08-04T03:15:00.000-07:00

Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters will be holding their annual book sale at the CWA Hall, Megalong Street, Leura, Saturday and Sunday 29th and 30th August from 9am - 3 pm.

Do you have books to donate? We are still looking for quality books/CDs/DVDs. Please NO encyclopaedias/text books or magazines. These are hard for us to sell and usually need to be taken to the recycling depot at the end of a long book sale!! Donations can be left on Ruth's verandah at 8 Westbourne Street, Wentworth Falls or call Ruth on 4757 1953 for more information.

We hope to see you there. There will be bargains galore and fresh books coming the whole weekend. Remember all funds raised go directly to projects supporting women and children in East Timor.

BMETS Book Sale Aug 29th / 30th

2009-07-06T02:03:00.000-07:00

Join us for another East Timor Garage Sale

2009-05-02T01:10:00.000-07:00

The next East Timor Garage Sale will be held this Saturday May 9th 9 - 3. The East Timor Garage Sale provides a great opportunity to turn unwanted goods into cash for women and children in Timor Leste. You will always find some little treasure at a very reasonable price! Remember Mother's Day is coming up soon. Buy a great Mother's Day gift that your mum will love and at the same will help women in East Timor!

Donations still needed - deliver to venue anytime this week prior to sale. Venue: 66 Wentworth St Blackheath. Call Gail on 4787 6310 for more info. Cancelled if raining.

Welcome to our Sydney and Hunter East Timor Sisters!

2009-02-14T23:22:00.001-08:00

We have been working with our Sydney Sisters for some time now. The Sydney Sisters have been fund raising in the North suburbs of Sydney. They were instrumental in raising funds for the water tank for Mana Kassian's village in Bugoro. They have raised the profile of our group in their community. Well done Sydney Sisters!
Just before Christmas we were fortunate to assist the establishment of the Hunter East Timor Sisters group. We look forward to a very productive relationship with our sisters in the Hunter.

2009-02-14T23:19:00.000-08:00

Fernanda Borges visit Saturday March 7th

2009-02-07T23:24:00.000-08:00

Fernanda Borges will be visiting the Mountains on Saturday March 7th.
Fernanda is a leading East Timorese politician and the only female party leader in the Timor Leste national parliament (see below).
BMETS will be holding a Forum at Blue Mountains City Council from 2-4, which will include a screening of ETWA's Tais documentary film ‘Heru Ini Lafu: Weaving Life’.
Fernanda will be accompanied by the delightful Clinton Fernandes, who many will remember from his visit a couple of years ago. .
They will attend a MMET event at Bonnyrigg on Sunday and go to Newcastle for a HETS even on Monday!
You can also watch a short video of Fernanda at: http://abc.com.au/rn/latenightlive/features/timor/episode1.htm
More information 47574478Mary

Other related East Timor events:
The next BMETS Garage Sale is on Saturday 21st February at 66 Wentworth St, Blackheath - donations welcome Ring Gail for more details 47876310
The Springwood East Timor Support Group extends an to everyone to attend their
Concert "Music that Smiles for Children" - Sunday 15th February (2-5pm) at the - an afternoon of relaxing music, to raise much-needed funds for Topu Honis Children's Home in the enclave of Oekusi, Timor Leste. The concert will be held at The Carrington Ballroom, Katoomba. Bookings with Chris and Vanessa 4758 8030

More about Fernanda Borges -
Fernanda Borges is in Australia to coincide with International Women's Day and the launch of East Timor Women's Association (ETWA) long-awaited film. Ms Fernanda Borges, a leading East Timorese politician and the only female party leader in the national parliament, will be visiting Australia as part of IWD events, celebrating the achievements of women. This year also marks ten years since the people of East Timor voted for independence in a historic ballot. Fernanda Borges will speak about the critical role played by women in the struggle for independence, as well in cultural regeneration and national development. She will call for justice for the crimes against humanity perpetrated against the people of East Timor during the occupation. Ms Borges will speak in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra at the screening of the documentary film ‘Heru Ini Lafu: Weaving Life’. Heru Ini Lafu is a meditative and unique film that journeys into rural communities to show a side of East Timorese life that is rarely seen on the Australian screen. The film highlights women’s contributions to the independence struggle and celebrates their critical role in cultural regeneration and national development. Most importantly, the film reveals the beauty of East Timorese culture and details the creative processes of traditional Tais weaving. It also demonstrates the positive role played by Australian community groups in women's empowerment and the fight against poverty. The film is produced by East Timor Women Australia, an Australian group that has organized Fernanda Borges’ visit.

BMETS on holidays

2009-01-04T02:16:00.000-08:00

After a very fruitful year which included
* Visit to the Mountains by our Timor-Leste Sisiter, Beba Sequeria,
* Forum with Kirsty Sword Gusmao attended by almost 200 people
* Visit to Timor by three of our Blue Mountains Sisters to meet project
* At least five Garage Sales and a Book Sale raising tens of thousands of dollars
* and the production of our fourth annual calendar
we are having a rest till February.
Contact us on 47574478 or 4784 1718 if you need us,

December BMETS events!

2008-12-03T22:52:00.000-08:00

Firstly we are gathering donations now for our last BMETS Garage Sale of the year to be held on Saturday December 13th at Gail's on the corner of Prince George St amd 66 Wentworth St, Blackheath 4787 6310 - we really apprciate the generousity of the local community in making these sales such a success, both in recycling you things though us and coming on the day to buy great bargins. Please spead the word. This is also a greqt opportunity to meet our Sister from Timor-Leste, Beba Sequeria, who is visiting us in December.

Secondly, our Catalogue of Christmas gifts is available by emailing us on marywaterford@optusnet.com.au if you would like to support us by buying a gift certificate for someone that will assist women and children in East Timor. We cam also send you our BMETS Report that summerises our activities in our four years of building international friendship with our nearest neighbours.

Thirdly we have magnificent Blue Mountains east Timor Sisters 2009 Calendars - they are beautiful - A4 size, one page per month, illustrated with beautiful photographs of East Timorese women combined with art work from Arte Moris. There is background information about women and about our group. And we are abit slow to get themo out there. we are asking people to sell 3-5 of them for us @ $10.00 each - ring 47574478 if you are able to help.

And finally we are on the beg ....
Are you up-grading your laptop or know anyone who might be? The Blue Mountains East Timor Friendship Committee is trying to source a couple of lap-top computers (preferably with XP and Microsoft Office installed) to send to our partners in Hato Builico, East Timor. The computer needs to be battery powered laptop as power is only available each night for four hours. It will be going to a great home - there is currently only one computer in the community and people are very eager to learn computer skills.

Thanks so much for your support.

NEXT BMETS GARAGE SALE

2008-11-14T04:01:00.000-08:00

The next East Timor Garage Sale will be held at 66 Wentworth Street, Blackheath, Saturday 13th December 9am - 2pm. This sale will also provide an opportunity to buy some lovely Christmas gifts or pick up a calendar. We still need quality donations for this sale. Please call Gail on 4787 6310 for more info. We look forward to seeing you there!

2008-11-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

2008-11-14T03:56:00.000-08:00

2008-11-14T03:54:00.000-08:00

Traditional East Timorese Weaving Exhibition and Sale

2008-11-14T03:48:00.000-08:00

The Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters (BMETS) are holding another Timorese Weaving Sale and Exhibition on Sunday 23rd November. These exhibitions provide an important outlet for the sale of traditional weavings in the Blue Mountains. The weavings are produced by hand using a simple back-strap loom. Each one is unique and bears the traditional designs of the area in which it was made.

“Tais, as these weavings are known, are an important part of Timorese culture. Women produce tais for celebrations and ceremonies. They are handed down across the generations. They are beautifully woven and are produced as they been for centuries using this simple weaving technique.” said Judy Finch from BMETS.

“Each year members of our group visit East Timor to talk with women and communities about ways that we can assist them to achieve their goals. During these trips we purchase tais from various women’s cooperatives. This way we know that the money we pay goes directly to support women and their families. Once in Australia we sell the tais at our events. Again all monies raised go back to projects in East Timor. This way we are able to assist women and their communities twice.” said Ms Finch.

“We will be inviting our guests to purchase tais. We have a variety of sizes, colours and styles and all are at reasonable prices. They range in price from $15 to about $80. They make great Christmas presents. Coming to the exhibition is a good way to avoid the shopping malls and buy a gift that will make a difference.” said Ms Finch.

This year Beba Sequeira will be visiting the Blue Mountains and will be speaking at the tais exhibition. She will be talking about the current situation in East Timor. She will also be speaking about the work of BMETS and other Blue Mountains groups in East Timor.

The tais exhibition starts at 2.30 Sunday 23rd November and is held at Mid Mountains Community Centre, New St, Lawson. For more information call Judy Finch on 4757 4478.

2008-09-27T03:20:00.000-07:00

Next BMETS garage sale - Saturday 25th October9.00am – 3.00pm, 66 Wentworth St, Blackheath. Bric a brac, books & lots of surprises. Come and browse on the day.
Cancelled if wet. Donations of goods can be left at the above address or contact Gail on
4787 6310. If phone is unattended call a Sister on 47574478 or 47841718.
The last sale raised over $3,000!

2008-09-27T03:16:00.000-07:00

How does BMETS promote the health and well-being of women and children in East Timor?
________________________________________________________________________
BMETS recognises that it has a unique role to play in responding to the needs identified by women in East Timor. BMETS works on projects that meet the immediate needs of Timorese women whilst at the same time enhance capacity for the future. Typically the projects we support require very small amounts of funding. Because we are a small organisation, we can respond to the needs of women in an immediate and direct way. All funds are raised locally and mostly in the Blue Mountains. We could not do what we do without the support of our local community!
♀ We have established very good relationships with women and women’s groups in East Timor. These women act as our advisors and also develop & implement BMETS projects in East Timor. By working with the Timorese women’s organisation, APSC-TL, we employ two community development workers in Dili through. With their support we have established a rural outreach program which employs rural outreach workers who work with women's groups in the rural districts to create opportunities for women’s development and empowerment.
♀ We have established 30 scholarships for women and girls in East Timor.
♀ We have supported three women’s tais weaving cooperatives supporting up to 25 women and their extended families and held two successful tais exhibitions in the Blue Mountains and are planning our third exhibition later this year.
♀ We have contributed over $20,000 towards the Alola Foundation’s Mother and Baby Packs program.
♀ We have worked closely with Kirsty Sword Gusmao supporting her work with communities by providing funding for emergency relief and community welfare.
♀ We’ve assisted with the collection and writing of Women Veteran’s Stories from the Clandestine Movement. The Tetun version of the book was launched by Xanana Gusmao on International Women’s Day this year. We will launch an English version in the Blue Mountains later in the year.
♀ We have resourced and supported the establishment of a women’s sewing cooperative in the village of Hatubuilico.
♀ We have furnished a Safe-Room in Dili Hospital for victims of sexual assault through PRADET.
♀ We have raised funds for the purchase of school books in Tetun from Mary McKillop East Timor for infants and primary school children in Hatubuilico.
♀ We provided funds to complete the building of a Women Veteran’s Centre in a village community. Several Sisters visited the official opening of the building in July 2007. We are in the process of connecting the water tank to the building. The women have also started some agriculture with our help – pig breeding and growing vegies.
♀ We have contributed about $10,000 to emergency relief to assist families in East Timor to pay for basic items such as food and health care.
♀ We sell ‘fair trade’ coffee which is a partnership with 2 Door Café, Lawson. This assists the distribution of Timorese coffee whilst ensuring Timorese farmers get a fair price for their produce.
♀We have worked with Blue Mountains City Council to establish the Blue Mountains Hatubuilico Friendship Committee.
♀ We regularly hold awareness raising and educational events in the Blue Mountains. Kirsty Sword Gusmao recently visited the Blue Mountains as a guest of BMETS. We also hosted Timorese author Naldo Rei at a forum in Katoomba.
♀ We hold regular fund-raising events like book sales, garage sales and tais exhibitions.
♀ We produce an annual calendar which is a major fund-raiser for our group.
♀We have assisted East Timorese women to come to Australia to strengthen friendships, connections and networks and to raise funds and awareness. Beba Sequeira and Laura Abrante have both presented at a number of forums in the Blue Mountains to educate the community about life in East Timor.
♀ Our Sydney Sisters group has held a number of market days and have contributed over $5,000 to BMETS projects.

Kirsty Sword Gusmao Visit a Huge Success!

2008-09-27T03:07:00.000-07:00

24 September 2008

EAST TIMOR FIRST LADY IS BLUE MOUNTAINS GUEST

Kirsty Sword Gusmão, East Timor’s Ambassador for Education visited Katoomba on September 12th as a guest of the Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters (BMETS).

Australian-born Kirsty, wife of the Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, spoke of developments in East Timor to a packed auditorium.

She emphasised that while the building of bridges and buildings was important work, the need to build people’s skills to teach, to manage and to work in many occupations was essential if the infrastructure was to be effectively used.

BMETS spokesperson Suzie van Opdorp said, “There was no doubt this was a very special occasion. Kirsty Sword Gusmão is a calm and quietly spoken woman. She is very unassuming but truly inspirational. It was obvious that she built a strong connection with the audience as she fielded a wide range of questions from the audience through which everyone became so much the wiser.”

On behalf of the City of Blue Mountains, students from Katoomba Public School presented Kirsty with a beautiful hand-felted wall hanging they had created with Mudgee-based artist, Helen Doble. The children excitedly explained to Kirsty, the various native flora and fauna depicted on the wall hanging.

Principal of Katoomba Public School, Jeannette McCarthy, acknowledged the work of the children and the pleasure it gave the school to participate in creating the gift for East Timor.

Former Deputy Mayor, Clr Chris Van der Kley and former councillor Kerrin O’Grady spoke on behalf of the Blue Mountains City Council Friendship Group with a particular mention of the significant visit last year with the former Mayor, Jim Angel, to sign a formal Friendship Agreement with the district administration of Hatubulico.

The visit also provided the opportunity for BMETS to discuss the most effective ways to assist East Timor with Kirsty, who has been at the forefront of developments there since 1999. In addition to the community development projects supported by BMETS, Kirsty acknowledged the value of personal friendships that have been developing between people in the Blue Mountains and in East Timor.

Kirsty established the Alola Foundation in 2002, to address the needs of women and their families. The Foundation has expanded its reach to include education, maternal and child health, economic empowerment and humanitarian systems.

Last year President Dr Jose Ramos Horta appointed Kirsty the Goodwill Ambassador for Education in recognition of her efforts within the country and internationally to progress education in the fledging nation.

The Friendship Schools Project links primary and secondary schools in Australia with schools in East Timor and two Blue Mountains schools are working on joining this program.

“Kirsty Sword Gusmão left no doubt that her new country has some wise leaders and policy
approaches, it is a country on the move - even if the road ahead might have some big hurdles to jump”, said Suzie van Opdorp.

Kirsty's visit a great success

2008-09-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

The visit by Kirsty Sword Gusmao was a great success - over 150 people squeezed into The Carrington Lounge to hear her speak of the good things happening in Timor-Leste, the importance and power of global friendship to Timorese people and the value of the work of our Sisters group to her humanitarian work. More to come with hopefully a small video clip of the talk.

Kirsty Sword Gusmao - Working to Promote Health & Well-being in East Timor

2008-08-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

Kirsty Sword Gusmao is the UN Goodwill Ambassador for Education in East Timor and the head of the Alola Foundation, an organisation whose mission is to promote the health and well-being of women and children in East Timor. Kirsty is also the wife of the Prime Minister of East Timor, Xanana Gusmao. Kirsty will be visiting the Blue Mountains on the evening of 12th September .

We are inviting guests to gather at 7pm in the Carrington Ballroom and have an opportunity to chat and meet Kirsty Sword-Gusmao. In recognition of the important role played by Blue Mountains City Council in the establishment of the Blue Mountains Friendship Committee, we are inviting Mayor Jim Angel to open the Public Forum at 7.30pm. Kirsty Sword Gusmao will speak and answer questions from the audience. There may also be an opportunity after the formal event for guests to meet Kirsty Sword Gusmao. We are asking guests to make a small contribution towards the cost of hosting this event ($10 for waged and $5 concession).

The Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters Project has been raising funds to support projects for women and children in East Timor since 2004. We have developed a range of partnerships in East Timor and the Blue Mountains that assist with the implementation of important projects that promote health, well-being, access to education, community development, etc.

All of our funds come directly from fund-raising activities and most of these activities take place in the Blue Mountains. Whilst the main purpose of this event is awareness raising , we are hoping to raise some funds on the evening to support the work of the Alola Foundation.

All members of the community are invited to attend. Should you wish to speak to a Sister about this event or other BMETS activities, please feel free to call Suzie on 4784 1718 (h) or 4782 5133 (w).

Kirsty Sword Gusmao to Visit Blue Mountains

2008-08-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

Visit from Kirsty Sword Gusmao to Blue Mountains

2008-08-06T01:09:00.000-07:00

Exciting News!
Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters are hosting a visit from Kirsty Sword-Gusmao on Friday September 12th!
Kirsty is the founder and head of the Alola Foundation for women and children, UN Goodwill Ambassador for Education in East Timor, and wife of East Timor Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmao.
Kirsty will be accompanied by Jenny Coles, her personal assistant.
Kirsty will firstly meet with the Sisters over dinner
followed by a Public Forum with Kirsty speaking at 7pm in the Carrington Ballroom.
We will be fundraising for Kirsty's humaniatian projects -
Entry wiull be $10 or $5.00 concession and we will be having a silent auction too.
All welcome! More details to follow

Thanks to everyone who helped out with the Garage Sale - we raised over $2,500.
Funds raised are going towards English clases in Hato builico, the community that Blue Mountains is linked with in Friendship.
The next one will be on Saturday October 25th.

Next BMETS Garage Sale

2008-06-28T23:43:00.000-07:00

The next Blue Mountains East Timor Garage sale will be on saturday July 26th from 9.00am to 3.00pm at 66 Wentworth St, Blackheath. We are collecting donations from now - you can drop things off on the verendah of the house at any time.
These sales are great community events. They are a major fundraiser support a number of community capacity building projects in East Timor including scholarships, agriculture and weaving co-operatives and community development. BMETS is a major sponser of the third national Women's Congress to be held in Dili later this month.
For more information about the Garage Sale, ring Gail Clifford on 4787 6310 or Jude and Mary on 4757 4478.

Two Years in Timor: A Close-Up Perspective on Timorese Development

2008-06-10T00:33:00.000-07:00

A public talk to hear more about what's happening in East Timor:
Local residents / East Timor volunteers Dan Gilfillan and Beth Rushdon will be doing a talk on their recent experiences in Timor:
The BMCC delegation will also report back on their trip to Dili for the Friendship Relationship Conference in June.
Gearins Hotel Katoomba on Wednesday, June 25th 2008 from 7.00pm - All welcome.
Jointly organised by Blue Mountains City Council East Timor Friendship Committee
and Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters Project
Contact 4757 4478 for more information.

Book Sale success

2008-06-10T00:30:00.000-07:00

The Book Sale was a great success raising nearly $6,000.
It was a wonderful day and a great testment to the co-operativness of the BMETS team!
The whole event went smoothly and was lots of fun.
We sold zillions of books, the pack- up was a well oiled operation
and the community of the Blue Mountains is settled in for a good read by the fire. Thanks for Ruth, Jenny and Wendy for all their co-ordination!

Annual East Timor Sisters Book Sale

2008-05-18T01:07:00.000-07:00

The Annual East Timor Sisters Book Sale is on Saturday May 31st from 9am to 5pm at the CWA Hall in Leura - it is always a place to get last years best buys!
We are still collecting books - this is a good opportunity to make space in your bookshelves and to help a great cause.
You can drop books off to the veranda at 28 Grose St Leura.
Your contributions will be very much appreciated (but please no textbooks, encyclopaedias, magazines video or audio tapes)
All proceeds from the sale go directly to assist projects in East Timor.
Ring Ruth for more information 02 4757 1953
Thanks

The next Garage sale is planned for July 26th at Blackheath xxx

EAST TIMORESE RESISTANCE FIGHTER & AUTHOR VISITS THE MOUNTAINS

2008-05-04T05:04:00.000-07:00

EAST TIMORESE RESISTANCE FIGHTER & AUTHOR VISITS THE MOUNTAINS

Wednesday May 14th 7.00pm at BMCC Chambers - free!

Naldo Rei was only six months old when Indonesia invaded East Timor in December 1975 forcing his family to flee their home and hide in the jungle. In his remarkable memoir, Naldo recalls his early years in the East Timorese resistance movement and a childhood exposed to the threat of death and torture in the struggle for independence.

Following the 1975 Indonesian invasion, Naldo’s father and friends set up an organisation to support the jungle guerilla fighters, the Falintil. Naldo learnt from an early age the human cost of freedom. At the age of nine, Naldo’s father was killed by the Indonesian military and Naldo was captured and tortured by the Indonesian regime. He was imprisoned and tortured regularly throughout his teenage years for his involvement in the independence movement. Eventually Naldo was in too much danger to remain in Timor and he escaped to Australia where he lived for many years.

Now living in an independent East Timor, Naldo has documented his dangerous journey to adulthood against a backdrop of political upheaval and violent military struggle in East Timor. His book “Resistance” reveals Naldo’s remarkable commitment to freedom and independence, and an unnerving idealism and resilience in the face of terrible torture and injustice.

“The Blue Mountains is fortunate to have Naldo Rei visit. Naldo is aware of the strong links between the Blue Mountains community and the Timorese people. He is keen to visit the area and share his story. During his visit he will be raising awareness of his people’s struggle. He will also promote his book which will be available for sale. The Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters (BMETS), with the support of the Blue Mountains City Council Friendship Committee, are pleased to be able to invite members of the community to meet Naldo and hear his courageous story. It is a real privilege to be part of this.” said BMETS member, Wendy Whitton.

Join Naldo Rei and hear his story of resistance 7pm Wednesday
14th May in the Blue Mountains City Council Chambers,
Great Western Highway, Katoomba.
For more information call Wendy on 4784-1302.Naldo Rei was only six months old when Indonesia invaded East Timor in December 1975 forcing his family to flee their home and hide in the jungle. In his remarkable memoir, Naldo recalls his early years in the East Timorese resistance movement and a childhood exposed to the threat of death and torture in the struggle for independence.

Following the 1975 Indonesian invasion, Naldo’s father and friends set up an organisation to support the jungle guerilla fighters, the Falintil. Naldo learnt from an early age the human cost of freedom. At the age of nine, Naldo’s father was killed by the Indonesian military and Naldo was captured and tortured by the Indonesian regime. He was imprisoned and tortured regularly throughout his teenage years for his involvement in the independence movement. Eventually Naldo was in too much danger to remain in Timor and he escaped to Australia where he lived for many years.

Now living in an independent East Timor, Naldo has documented his dangerous journey to adulthood against a backdrop of political upheaval and violent military struggle in East Timor. His book “Resistance” reveals Naldo’s remarkable commitment to freedom and independence, and an unnerving idealism and resilience in the face of terrible torture and injustice.

“The Blue Mountains is fortunate to have Naldo Rei visit. Naldo is aware of the strong links between the Blue Mountains community and the Timorese people. He is keen to visit the area and share his story. During his visit he will be raising awareness of his people’s struggle. He will also promote his book which will be available for sale. The Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters (BMETS), with the support of the Blue Mountains City Council Friendship Committee, are pleased to be able to invite members of the community to meet Naldo and hear his courageous story. It is a real privilege to be part of this.” said BMETS member, Wendy Whitton.

Join Naldo Rei and hear his story of resistance 7pm Wednesday
14th May in the Blue Mountains City Council Chambers,
Great Western Highway, Katoomba.
For more information call Wendy on 4784-1302.

East Timor Sisters Garage Sale

2008-04-30T04:53:00.002-07:00

East Timor Sisters Garage Sale Saturday May 3rd - 9.00am to 3.00 pm at 66 Wentworth St Blackheath.

EAST TIMORESE RESISTANCE FIGHTER & AUTHOR VISITS THE MOUNTAINS

2008-04-30T04:53:00.001-07:00

EAST TIMORESE RESISTANCE FIGHTER & AUTHOR VISITS THE MOUNTAINS

Naldo Rei was only six months old when Indonesia invaded East Timor in December 1975 forcing his family to flee their home and hide in the jungle. In his remarkable memoir, Naldo recalls his early years in the East Timorese resistance movement and a childhood exposed to the threat of death and torture in the struggle for independence.

Following the 1975 Indonesian invasion, Naldo’s father and friends set up an organisation to support the jungle guerilla fighters, the Falintil. Naldo learnt from an early age the human cost of freedom. At the age of nine, Naldo’s father was killed by the Indonesian military and Naldo was captured and tortured by the Indonesian regime. He was imprisoned and tortured regularly throughout his teenage years for his involvement in the independence movement. Eventually Naldo was in too much danger to remain in Timor and he escaped to Australia where he lived for many years.

Now living in an independent East Timor, Naldo has documented his dangerous journey to adulthood against a backdrop of political upheaval and violent military struggle in East Timor. His book “Resistance” reveals Naldo’s remarkable commitment to freedom and independence, and an unnerving idealism and resilience in the face of terrible torture and injustice.

“The Blue Mountains is fortunate to have Naldo Rei visit. Naldo is aware of the strong links between the Blue Mountains community and the Timorese people. He is keen to visit the area and share his story. During his visit he will be raising awareness of his people’s struggle. He will also promote his book which will be available for sale. The Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters (BMETS), with the support of the Blue Mountains City Council Friendship Committee, are pleased to be able to invite members of the community to meet Naldo and hear his courageous story. It is a real privilege to be part of this.” said BMETS member, Wendy Whitton.

Join Naldo Rei and hear his story of resistance 7pm Wednesday
14th May in the Blue Mountains City Council Chambers,
Great Western Highway, Katoomba.
For more information call Wendy on 4784-1302.

News of our fundraising

2008-04-20T03:27:00.000-07:00

Our BMETS Garage Sale of April 19th was postponed due to bucket loads of rain and has been rescheduled for Saturday May 3rd. Donations always welcomed.
Meanwhile we have had several large donations: – the sale of all work form Pen and Di’s Art Exhibition has been donated to our projects; and at Jasmine’s 50th birthday party guests were invited to donate to BMETS rather than buy a gift.
Thanks to our generous friends.
Next BMETS meeting May 5th at 7.00

BMETS Garage Sale this Saturday

2008-04-16T04:12:00.000-07:00

Next BMETS Garage Sale
The next BMETS Garage Sale will be on Saturday April 19th, 2008 from 9.00am to 3.00pm at 66 Wentworth St, Blackheath.
All helpers appreciated with sorting on the Friday from 10.00am.
Donations welcome.
Ring Suzie on 47841718 for more information

Canberra Photography exhibition to raise funds for BMETS

2008-04-02T02:48:00.000-07:00

Di Lucas and Pen Tayler will hold a photography exhibition in the Watson Art Centre, Canberra from the 10th to the 13th of April 2008. The exhibition will raise funds for BMETS.
All are invited to attend, especially from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday the 12th of April when we will have a celebration and hear more about the work of the Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters project.

Next BMETS Garage Sale

2008-04-02T02:45:00.000-07:00

The next BMETS Garage Sale will be on Saturday April 19th 2008 from 9.00am to 3.00pm at 66 Wentworth St, Blackheath.
All helpers appreciated with sorting on the Friday before
Donations being collected now - can anyone help Gail with requests for pick-up?
Please ring her on 4787 6310

Photography exhibition to raise funds

2008-03-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

Di Lucas and Pen Tayler will hold a photography exhibition in the Watson Art Centre, Canberra which will raise funds for BMETS. The exhibition will be held from the 10th to the 13th of April. We invite anyone who is interested, to attend especially from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday the 12th of April when we will have a celebration and hear more about the work of the Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters project.

Successful fundraising

2008-03-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

BMETS has had a very successful fundraising period raising over $6,500.
Penelope Wells, A Lounge Singer from Sydney, accompanied by Peter Bailey, put on a concert at The Carrington in Katoomba, raising almost $2,500 as well as giving the audince alot of joy listening to superb music.
Our first Garage Sale at Gail's in Blackheath attracted our usual crowd and more and raised $3,435
Pat and Col Jennings had a Art Exhibition in Springwood and raffled one of Col's paintings of the beach in Baucau, donating $500 to BMETS
All of this money will support our projects - paying monthly salaries for our sister organisation in Timor Leste (APSC-TL), scholarships for young women and the publication of a book of stories of women in the clandestine resistance movement 1975to 1999.

Our next meeting is March 10th at 7.00.
Our Annual Book Sale - a not to be missed event will be held on May 31st at the CWA Hall in Leura.

Concert and Garage Sale

2008-02-25T00:03:00.000-08:00

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A GREAT CONCERT NIGHT AT THE CARRINGTON (Book a Table)

Penelope Wells offers her talent to the East Timor Sisters for this fundraiser on Friday evening 29th February @ 7pm.

Penelope’s performance explores regions of the heart, dark and otherwise - from soul to torch, to Tom Waits and beyond. After 30 years promoting, producing and directing others in the entertainment industry, Penelope stepped up onto the stage in the last few years with shows at Bar Me and other Sydney venues to sell-out audiences. Penelope will be accompanied by on piano, guitar and ukulele by Peter Bailey. Peter recently musically produced Fingerprints featuring Avigail Herman, Under My Skin for Lucy Cornell & Mark Bizeray and Singing over the Bones and the The Other Woman for Lisa Schouw, the producer of this show. Lisa Schouw is formerly of Girl Overboard band, performs her own one woman shows, including at the Opera House and the Performance Space and in her own The Journey School where people who wish to sing are coached to at least perform one song in public. Lisa channels Nina Simone among other great singers.

Get your ticket before they run out! All funds go to educational scholarships for young women in East Timor. The evening includes a light supper at the end of the performance. Tickets are $40 and available from Megalong Books 4784 1302; Women's Health Centre 4782 5133 or from Julie Bargenquast at BMCC 4780 5509 – either cash, cheque or funds transfer. You can also pay on the night but please ring Julie and book your ticket in advance so we know how sales are going or email her on JBargenquast@bmcc.nsw.gov.au

And – Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters Garage Sale – new venue Gail's at 66 Wentworth St, Blackheath on Saturday March 1st. 9.00am to 3.00. If you want to donate to the sale, goods can delivered to 66 Wentworth St, Blackheath, entry via Prince George St- leave donations at the rear of the house, under the back verandah. Gail's phone number is 4787 6310. All helpers are most welcome too

Next BMETS Garage Sale

2008-01-31T02:04:00.000-08:00

Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters Project are trialling a new venue for our garage sales to give Suzie and Maurice a rest from the generosity of our community in supporting our friends in East Timor.

We are changing venues for awhile to Gail at 66 Wentworth St, Blackheath.

The next garage sale will be on Saturday March 1st. 9.00am to 3.00

We will meet at Gail's the day before for set-up, that's Friday 29th February. All helpers are most welcome.

If you want to donate to the sale, they can delivered to 66 Wentworth St, Blackheath, entry via Prince George St - leave donations at the rear of the house, under the back verandah. Gail's phone number is 4787 6310.

Many thanks as always for your support - please help spread the word about the new venue!

BMETS Meetings

2008-01-28T03:12:00.000-08:00

The next Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters meeting will be on Monday February 11th at 7.00pm at MCRN, Lawson

BMETS funding decisions for 2008 projects

2008-01-28T03:05:00.000-08:00

Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters Planning Meeting 20th January 2008

APSC – TL funding:
Salaries: We will continue funding salaries for Beba and Laura and their community development field work. – (AU$9,600) US$8,330 pa.
We will also continue to provide one-off funding for specific projects eg improvements to APSC–TL Office - ceiling, insulation, electrical connection and registration of office. US$850; U$450 for vehicle repairs.
APSC –TL Volunteers – three volunteers at $50 per month for 12 months. US$1,800

Mana Graciana’s Fundasaun Moris Foun Office equipment: US$500.

Mana Kassian’s community
Watertank –We will fund the watertank US$2.500
Land Tax for the Veteran’s Centre - $120 per year.
Mana Kassian’s stipend as Volunteer Rural Outreach Worker. $75 per month.
Money for musical instruments – 4 guitars plus drums – total cost $US 290.
Student scholarships.

Scholarships:
Expand scholarships to 30 – budget US$6,500.
Broaden distribution of scholarships and include more women from rural communities with 5 from Hato Builico to achieve secondary education in Ainaro or Dili.

Tais Cooperatives
Continue to support Mana Marta, Joana and Xica’s cooperative. We have bought one consignment this year; we will aim to buy another one or two, depending on our ability to get them to Australia US 2,000.

Hato-Builico Strategy - Rural outreach volunteer stipend.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Signing the Friendship Agreement: Blue Mountains and Hato Builico

2008-01-28T02:58:00.000-08:00

Blue Mountains Gazette article Jan 2008 (submitted by BMETS Suzie van Opdorp)

Travelling a long, winding road up in the hills, you could easily fool yourself into thinking you are in the Blue Mountains. The trees look very familiar – eucalypts and casuarinas – and the air is fresh and moist. Not far from the village a village chief, dressed in traditional costume, met the travellers from a foreign land and greeted them with a warm welcome and presentation of a tais scarf. The travellers were surprised and somewhat overwhelmed by this generous welcome. The elder and fourteen men on horseback accompanied the travellers to their village. This was the experience of the official Blue Mountains Council delegation during their recent visit to the Hato-Builico region of East Timor.

Last month, The Mayor, Jim Angel, Lady Mayoress, Pattie McQuoid, Councillor Kerrin O’Grady and BMETS representative Suzie van Opdorp, travelled to East Timor and the village of Hato Builico to sign the Blue Mountains City Council- Hato Builico Friendship Agreement. The Agreement states the Blue Mountains commitment to establish a relationship of support and friendship with the sub-district of Hato Builico.

“Hato Builico is a remote village in the mountainous centre of Timor-Leste about 100 km south of Dili. The village is very beautiful with grass huts set among the hills. It sits at the foot of Mt. Ramelau, Timor-Leste’s highest mountain. Hato Builico has suffered from deforestation, there is very little infrastructure and the village is isolated from Dili by a very poor road. Communications with the village is poor as there is no phone coverage.” said the Mayor.

“We received a very warm welcome from the administration and the people and had a good opportunity to hear first hand of the difficulties facing people in the area. We met the village nurse and one of the school principals. As the nearest high school is 30 kms away and there are no bus services, the young people expressed their need to access high school education. Although there are obvious differences, the Blue Mountains and Hato Builico have much in common in terms of the environmental, land and water management issues. There is much that can be achieved through this friendship relationship. We can assist Hato Builico with practical support and assistance and we have lot to learn from them about community participation and development. It is very much a two-way relationship.” said Mayor Angel.

“The Blue Mountains City Council- Hato Builico Friendship Committee was established about two and a half years ago with the aim of providing friendship and practical support to the community of Hato Builico. We have had a number of local events in the Blue Mountains to involve the local Blue Mountains community in developing their understanding and finding out from them how they might like to get involved. Our friends in Hato Builico have appreciated the support and care shown by our community in the Blue Mountains.” said Councillor O’Grady, Chair of the Friendship Committee.

“Readers might recall last year Mr Joao Corte-Real de Araujo, District Administrator – Ainaro District in East Timor – visited the Blue Mountains to discuss ways that we can progress our relationship. The official visit to Hato Builico was an important step in our relationship because it provided the opportunity for our Mayor, Jim Angel, and Mr Joao to sign the Agreement.”

The Friendship delegation was accompanied by a member of the Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters, Suzie van Opdorp. The Sisters have visited the area on previous trips to Timor-Leste and were able to assist with local information, local contacts, etc. Suzie had also been asked by teachers at Korowal School to represent them in the establishment of a Friendship School relationship between Korowal and Mulo school in Hato Builico. The teachers had prepared a banner and sent a letter of good-will. Exercise books, pens and balls were also provided to the school.

“The principal of the school was very moved by the gifts that Korowal had sent. Mulo, like many of the schools in East Timor, has very few basic resources such as pens and books. Each class has over 60 students and the teachers are working under very difficult circumstances. One of the positive things about Hato Builico is that most of the children do in fact attend school. As we know literacy is really important in assisting people to achieve their potential and leads to improvements in health, income, community participation, etc. It will be interesting to see how this relationship progresses.”

“The Hato Builico community have developed their own community plan which identifies the priorities and issues for their community. Likewise during January a planning meeting will be held in the Blue Mountains involving the Mayor, Jim Angel, Committee Chair Councillor Kerrin O’Grady, members of the Blue Mountains City Council - Hato Builico Friendship Committee, the Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters and other interested community members. This meeting will develop an action plan which will establish ways in which we can work together, identify practical projects and ways that we can involve our own local community in this relationship.” said the Mayor, Jim Angel.

Catalogue Now Available

2007-10-30T03:44:00.000-07:00

GO TO OUR SITE TO DOWNLOAD THE CATALOGUE (PDF) HERE

Tais Exhibition November 18th 2007

2007-10-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters Project is having a Tais Exhibition and Sale
on Sunday November 18th
at Mid Mountains Community Centre, Lawson from 2.00 to 4.00pm.
Special guests will be:
Timor Leste weavers: Mana Filomena and Mana Rufina, demonstrating the traditional Timorese weaving techniques
and Susan Connolly from East Timor Mary McKillop opening the exhibition.
It is a great chance to learn more about women's heritige in East Timor and to support women's co-operatives and industry.
And to get some great Christmas presents.
We hope to see you there,
xxx
Strong women , strong Nation!

Next Garage Sale

2007-10-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

The next and last 2007 sale for the year will be 1st December.
246 The Mall, Leura
Thank-you everyone for all your help and support of our last garage sale on October 13th.
It was the best ever.
At the end of the day we raised about $5,100.00 - a phenominal amount from donated goods.

Thank you for everyone who donated and delivered stuff to the house - that was a big help.

The next and last 2007 sale for the year will be 1st December.
246 The Mall, Leura

We want to only accept donations two weeks before the sale, to save the sanity of Suzie and Maurice who have generously given their verandah and garden for the past three years of sales. So please collect your gifts together from mid November and spread the word to your friends.

Thanks again everybody and we'll see you soon.

Philip Adams in East Timor

2007-10-18T16:05:00.000-07:00

Starting this Monday 22nd October 10.10pm-11pm ...Beginning of ABC Radio National series on Timor Leste presented by Phillip Adams on "Late Night Live [576 on am dial]. Check website for diary of his recent tour and on line interviews.

Garage sales - our No 1 fundraisers

2007-08-06T01:51:00.000-07:00

Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters Project had a great Garage sale in August raising over $3,500.00
The next Garage sale will be in October at 246 The Mall, Leura.
These BMETS garage sales are a great fun community event and they also have many community benefits -
© BMETS collect all the treasures you can't completely throw away and assist you to do your bit to re-use and recycle;
© they sell treasures at bargain prices so that it is accessible to everyone
© and they raise money to send to our partners overseas where they are able to do so much with so little.

BMETS builds friendship and connection between women in the Blue Mountains and women in Timor- Leste. Three BMET Sisters recently visited Timor-Leste and have come back acclaiming the importance and value of our work. “We can do so much over there with what is so little over here..”
In 2006 / 2007 BMETS sent more that $50,000 to a wide range of projects in Timor-Leste as shown below.

· Salary to two grassroots women’s community development workers to assist development of women’s leadership projects
· Assisting Timor-Leste women to come to Australia to strengthen friendships, connections and networks and to raise funds and awareness
· Establishment of 21 scholarships for women and girls in Timor-Leste - 10 at university, 11 at school
· Assisting three women’s tais weaving cooperatives to find markets, supporting up to 15 women and their families
· Contributing over $10,000 towards Mother and Baby Packs to be distributed through the Alola Foundation and supported other Alola projects
· Assisting with the collection and writing of Women Veteran’s Stories from the Clandestine Movement
· Providing funds to complete the building of a Women Veteran’s Centre in a village community
· Resourcing a women’s sewing cooperative in the town of Hato-Builico
· Assisting Pradet in their work in trauma counseling services, furnishing a Safe-Room in Dili Hospital for victims of sexual assault and supporting transport for trauma survivors and staff
· Provided over $6,000 for emergency relief to refugee camps.
· And many other small supports and projects.

So this is a plea for support – donate your goods by dropping them at 246 The Mall any time from now on, come in October and have a great time finding wonderful treasures, volunteer your time to help sort or sell.

A message from our Timor-Leste Sisters

2007-02-24T23:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Manas,
Thank you very much for your great attention, moral and solidaridy support. We are very pleased to get your support message. Beba's family even already back home, but still worried with situation. Even though our Prime Minister already declare regarding the agreement of Tasi Timor that mentioned Australia fifty % and Timor-Leste fifty%; at the same day, all the Australian military and Police took over and contorled the situation, specially in Beba's place that was dangerous, immediately returned in peacefull. Now Emercio and Donazio can play and talked loudly at night time and watching the television. Mana, just our observation during this crucial time.
We are waiting to see you soon and others sisters to discuss the possibility to realize the Hatubuilico project. And also we are hoping the situation will be in peace and we can do our activities as normally.
Recently we have a visitor form Sydney, her name is Anita, a friend of Elisa da Silva, our consulate in Sydney. She wants to visit Mana Kassian's Community and Marta's Group, but unfortunately we couldn't reach out because of the situation. We just visited Rede Feto, Alola Foundation and other group such as Melita Verdial factory behind my house in Taibesse.
lots of love to all of you,
Laura and Beba
(edited version of a letter from APSC-TL)

Events Coming Up for BMETS

2007-02-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

Fantastic Garage Sale Saturday February 24th 2007 at 246 The Mall, Leura
from 9,00am to 3.00pm. This is the best garage sale of the Mountains with thousands of treasures changing hands!
These garage sales are held about every two months - in 2006 we raised over $15,000 for projects in East Timor through the generous donation of goods sold.
Come along and have a look - they are also wonderful social occasions. We welcome donations which can be left on the verandah of 246 The Mall and we also welcome helpers!
Recycle your clutter and get some great books, kitchenware, toys or things.
For more information ring Suzie van Opdorp on 4784 1718.

BMETS Annual Book Sale will be held Saturday March 31st at the CWA Hall Leura (next to the Bon Ton Cafe) - we are now collecting - ring Ruth on 4757 1953 or drop them at Ruth Moline's at 8 Westborne, Wentworth Falls or into our office at MCRN, Lawson 4759 3599. Last year we raised $6,000 in our book sale and everyone who came went away with great bundles of wonderful books at very low cost!

Sisters 2007 Planning meeting Monday March 5th: contact Mary Waterford for more details 47593599

Next BMETS activities

2007-01-29T19:48:00.000-08:00

Next East Timor Sisters meeting Monday February 5th 7.00 at MCRN, Lawson - enquiries 47 592734

Next BMETS Garage Sale February 24th 9.00am till 3.00pm - donations welcome - verandah now open at 246 The Mall, Leura 47841718
Best Garage sale in the Universe!

And the BOOK Sale - March 31st at the CWA Hall, Leura - donations to Ruth 4757 1953

BMETS Achievements 2006 - no wonder we are tired!

2006-12-21T21:53:00.000-08:00

BLUE MOUNTAINS EAST TIMOR SISTERS PROJECT What we have achieved in 2006 …
Where a little goes a long way.

We paid salary to two grassroots women’s community development workers to assist development of women’s projects
We established 19 scholarships for women and girls in East Timor - 10 at university, 9 at school
We assisted two women’s tais weaving cooperatives supporting up to 150 women and their families, purchasing over $10,000 in tais for re-sale in Australia
We contributed over $10,000 towards Mother and Baby Packs to be distributed through the Alola Foundation and supported other Alola projects
We assisted two East Timorese women to come to Australia to strengthen friendships, connections and networks and to raise funds and awareness
We continued assisting with the collection and writing of Women Veteran’s Stories from the Clandestine Movement
We provided funds to complete the building of a Women Veteran’s Centre in the village community of Bogoro
We resourced the establishment of a women’s sewing cooperative in the town of Hato-Builico
We furnished a Safe-Room in Dili Hospital for victims of sexual assault and assisted Pradet in their work in trauma counselling services by funding vehicles
We provided $6,000 for emergency relief
We organised three public forums to develop of knowledge of East Timor current issues
We supported the on-going development of Blue Mountains Friendship Committee with Hato Builico and developed links to other local governments work in East Timor
We established a partnership with Union Aid Aboard – Apheda to enable tax-deductibility for donations

Laura Abrantes talk Thursday evening

2006-12-03T04:55:00.000-08:00

BLUE MOUNTAINS EAST TIMOR SISTERS are holding a public meeting on Thursday 7th December at 7pm at Mountains Community Resource Network, Cnr Badgery's Cres/San Jose Ave, Lawson. Come & hear our two East Timorese friends, Laura Abrantes & Mana Kassian, tell their story of East Timor's struggle for independence. They will provide an insight into the current difficulties facing East Timor. All welcome. Call Mary on 4757 4478 4759 3599 for more info.

East Timor Sisters wish to thank everyone for their support for the garage sales this year. With your help we have raised over $15,000! Our next garage sale will be held 24th Feb. Please hold off on deliveries for sales until end of January if possible. For more info call Suzie on 4784 1718.

BLUE MOUNTAINS EAST TIMOR SISTERS calendar out now. Just $12. Great Xmas gift. Call Mary 4759 3599, Jude on 4757 4478 or Suzie 4784 1718."

Blue Mountains East Timor Sisters

2006-11-19T22:35:00.000-08:00

Blue Mountains Sisters are thrilled to announce that our East Timor Sisters Laura Abrantes and Mana Cassian will be visiting the Mountains in December.

Come and meet them at one of a number of places:

Meet them at the BMCC East Timor Reception on Friday December 1st from 5.00pm to 8.00pm in front of Blue Mountains Council. This reception will include a Tais exhibition, inaugural singing in Tetun by BMETS, the famous BM “Big Sing” choir, fabulous food and lots of fun celebrating resilience of Timorese people.

Meet Laura and Cassian at the next BMETS Garage Sale—if you haven’t been to one of these great community events, you have been missing out! Saturday
December 2nd 9.00am to 3.00pm at 246 The Mall Leura.

Last year we raised over $20,000 at theses garage sales for projects in Timor and we also helped recycle several tons of your treasures to other homes.
Donations gratefully received by being left on the verendah of 246.

This will be Mana Laura and Mana Cassian’s first experience of our sales—come along and welcome them!

Laura and Mana Cassian will also be guests of Leichhardt Council's Friends of Maliana Reception between 3-5pm at Leichhardt Town Hall on Monday December 4th, followed by the 3rd Annual Dr Andrew McNaughtan Memorial Lecture and book launch of "Independent Women" down the road at the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at Sydney Uni between 6-8pm on the same night.

Council Reception December 1st

2006-11-08T02:49:00.000-08:00

Blue Mountains City Council East Timor Friendship Committee is hosting a free public Reception in front of Council on Friday Dec 1st from 5.00pm to 8.00pm. The Big Sing with over 100 participants will be featured again, along with other Blue Mountains Choirs. BMET Sisters will hold a Tais Exhibition in the Council Foyer. We are hoping that Laura Abrantes and Mana Cassian, our East Timor Sisters, will be here for the event too. There will be a BBQ, drinks and lots of fun. All welcome. Contact Kerry Mumford for more information on 4780 5744.

December Garage Sale

2006-11-08T02:41:00.000-08:00

Our next BMETS garage sale will be held on Saturday 2nd December at Suzie's house, 246 The Mall, Leura. Come all ... and gather armfuls of the best second hand goodies in town. The BMETS garage sale is famous - be in it! Open from 9 am. Contributions gratefully received. leave them on the verandah of the house beforehand. We need more helpers! Ring us or just come along on the day.

BMETS APHEDA partnership

2006-10-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

BMETS is currently developing a partnership agreement with APHEDA so that donations for east Timor projects will be tax deductible for donors.
Thushara Dibley, an APHEDA volunteer, visited the Mountains before travelling to East Timor. She carried some art books to Arte Moris, the young people’s art school in Dili and agreed to undertake some fact finding for BMETS.

BMETS 2007 Calendar

2006-10-11T04:36:00.000-07:00

BMETS Calendar 2007
After the overwhelming success of
the 2006 calendar, BMETS are
preparing a second full-colour
calendar packed with information
and inspiration. An attractive 12
page picture calendar this is a great
present and easy to post. Interest in
the 2007 calendar is already coming
from Adelaide, Limerick, and
London and of course the Blue
Mountains. Delivery by November,
the price is expected to be about
$14. For early orders please email
bmets.mcrn@bigpond.com or ring
Suzie on 4782 5133 to advise of
how many you wish to order and
delivery address (expect postage
fee) or look out for the calendars at
our stalls and events. BMETS
thanks Maia Losurdo for her work
on the calendar.

Timor-Leste Sisters visit

2006-10-11T04:34:00.000-07:00

BMETS is currently planning the
visit of two of our East Timorese
sisters Laura Abrantes and Mana
Kassian in late November early
December 2006. A Tais Exhibition,
Arte Moris students visit and
BMCC Reception are planned.
Stay tuned!

Garage sale - 14th October

2006-10-11T04:23:00.000-07:00

Our next garage sale will be on Saturday 14th October from 9.00 am at 246 The Mall, Leura. Come and buy from us. Sisters - we need assistance.

Garden Party

2006-08-31T05:51:00.000-07:00

Garden Party at Sue Hardwick's house on Saturday, September 30th from 10.30 am at 7 Orient St. Lawson. Entry $10, including morning and afternoon tea and fabulous entertainment - John Dowd at 11.00 am, Mary Moody 12.30, Spooky Men's Chorale at 2.30 pm.
Plants and East Timor craft for sale.
All helpers appreciated. Ring Sue on 47591611. Flyer now available from MCRN & Women's Health Centre - please help us publicise this event.

Possible ETWA visit to the Mountains

2006-08-31T05:44:00.000-07:00

Deb Salvagno from ETWA (East Timor Women's Association) in Melbourne is coming to Sydney on the 5th October to present about a weavings project that will involve students at the University of NSW. She has offered to come to the Mountains when she comes up. Would you be interested in meeting with her? Let Jude know on 47574478 or via email. Judy Finch

Alola Newsletter

2006-08-29T00:54:00.000-07:00

The latest Alola Newsletter will give you a small insight into the life of women in East Timor at present. As you will read, things are still very difficult in East Timor but amazingly, people are managing to carry on in spite of the fact that for many home is a plastic tent in a refugee camp.
Read the newsletter here

Dinner meeting at Wendy's

2006-08-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

All Sisters are invited to an impromptu meeting at Wendita's house on Wednesday night 23rd August at 7 pm. Bring a plate to contribute to the meal. We will be talking about our next trip to East Timor, news from Mana Laura and support that we want to give to our friends there. Ring Wendy if you need to know more.

From The Last Newsletter

2006-08-22T22:57:00.000-07:00

The BMETS has kept close contact with Beba Sequierra and Laura Abrantes, East Timorese women who visited the Mountains last September and are remembered by the many who met them. Frightened by the fighting and lack of safety in the streets, they were confined to their homes at night with their families but, as the streets have become a little safer, active in the community during the days.

The home of Beba's brother was burnt down and another brother has retreated to Baucau for safety. Laura helped to organise the Women's Peace Rally and was still preparing to attend the Emerging Pacific Leaders Dialogue in Brisbane later in June. Both Beba and Laura were also involved in assisting the people still living in refugee camps within Dili by distributing food, water and shelter.

As the crisis unfolded and people fled their homes, it quickly became clear that money was urgently needed to help buy food in the very short term and to re-build services for the tens of thousands whose lives have been again threatened.

Susan Kendall confirmed this when she met with some of the Sisters on June 5th and told of the heartbreaking situation. People in East Timor are feeling ashamed about what has happened she said.

PRADET, the country's only service for survivors of violence and sexual assault had not had its office base affected by direct violence but staff were unable to continue to work. After the crisis PRADET will have to restart. The Sydney based Kendall is a mentor for PRADET, and is remembered for her inspirational talk at the Next Steps to Justice Forum last January organised by BMETS.

PRADET's staff are scattered, traumatised and insecure, having sought safety at refugee camps, some returning to their home districts and this vital service is not expected to be operational again for some time.

Susan said,The PRADET slogan of Start low, go slow is tragically poignant. Started in 2000, the same work of de-briefing, counselling, retraining and setting up basic systems must start all over again.

On another front, Ros Dunlop reported to BMETS that 600 refugees were in the grounds of Arte Moris, the art school in Dili which normally houses 60 young art students, and was rapidly running out of food.

So far the BMETS have sent donations on three fronts: $1,500 to Arte Moris, $1,500 to the Alola Foundation and $3,000 to PRADET.

On the bright side, the building housing the Alola Foundation's Mother and Baby packs is untouched, the materials and sewing machines has not been damaged, and so some more much needed packs have been produced.

Amongst the crisis, babies continue to be born. This is heartening given the Mothers Day campaign BMETS conducted in May which culminated in raising $6,000 for that project.

Fundraising Results

A massive turnout for the April Book Sale at Leura resulted in $6,000 being raised for the Mother and Baby Packs. This will give a starter pack of nappies, soap, clothing and other essentials to mothers and new born babies.

It is hoped this will be an incentive for mothers to come to the hospital to give birth and begin to reduce the high mortality rates currently experienced.

The May Garage Sale raised $3,000 for PRADET, the service for survivors of sexual assault and violence in East Timor.

Note: The $2,000 raised at the January Kendall/Dowd forum was spent putting the water and power on at the safe house that PRADET is creating for victims of rape and domestic violence, erecting a safety fence and purchasing furniture. The safe house is known as Uma Fatin Hakmatek, which means House of Safe Space. Thank you Blue Mountains community!

Raffle

Results of the Raffle drawn in May at the Book Sale:

1st prize, Overnight stay and breakfast at the Carrington Hotel (Premier Spa Room) won by L Haberfield.

2nd prize. Painting by local artist Nerida Bunton won by A McKenzie.

3rd prize. A $50 Gift Certificate from Sal-on, won by M Burke.

Friendship Schools

The fledgling Friendship Schools group held a fabulous event on May 20th at the Wentworth Falls School of Arts.

Musicologist Ros Dunlop, who has worked in East Timor for the past five years assisting the Timorese to preserve and restore their musical heritage, gave an interesting and moving presentation of traditional music, musical instruments as well as photographic and video records of performances.

The Friendship Schools program aims to build relationships between schools in East Timor and schools in the Blue Mountains. Members of the Friendship Schools group are keen to speak with school P&C, to school staff and SRC meetings and Ros Dunlop is keen to give presentations at schools.

For further information please call Suzie on 4782 5133 (W) or 4784 1718 (H) or email svanopdorp@ozemail.com.au.

Coming Dates For Our Garage Sales:

August 12 - October 7 December 2

Donations always welcome for the Sales and can be delivered to 246 Leura Mall or contact Suzie on 4782 5133 (W) 4784 1718 (H)

ET Coffee

The BM Women's Health Centre, 124 Lurline St, Katoomba stocks East Timor coffee for $9 and Ceylon tea for $3.50. The products are fair-trade and we aim to increase the sale of these fabulous organic products in the Blue Mountains.