Government of Timor-Leste

The Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, attended a dinner in commemoration of 50 years of the Timorese community in Australia, held in Sydney on August 23^rd, 2025, where he spoke on behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste. The event, organized by the Chinese Association of Timor in New South Wales, was also attended by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the President of the Association, William K. Leong, and several members of the Timorese community residing in the country. 

In his speech, Minister Agio Pereira highlighted the contribution of the Timorese Chinese Association, stating that it was ‘with great satisfaction’ that he joined ‘in this celebration of the 50th anniversary of this distinguished association, which has played a very important role in preserving the identity and promoting the history of the Timorese community in Australia.’

The minister also noted that ‘the year 2025 has special significance for Timor-Leste,’ recalling that ‘on August 20^th, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the creation of FALINTIL’ and that "in the coming months, we will also mark the 50th anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence on November 28^th. ‘And on December 7^th, we will pause to reflect on the fifty years that have passed since the large-scale invasion by Indonesia, a painful chapter in our history that profoundly marked the resilience of the Timorese people. These moments, deeply rooted in our collective memory, continue to be a source of unity for our nation and its diaspora,’ he added. 

Addressing the members of the Association, the Minister praised their ‘dedication to culture, solidarity and community spirit’ which has strengthened ‘not only the ties between the members of this association, but also the lasting bond between Timor-Leste and its diaspora.’ ‘On behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, I express our deep appreciation for your contribution to promoting the values of unity, respect and friendship, and I offer my warm congratulations on this remarkable milestone,’ he said.  

The celebration included a mass organized by the Timorese Catholic Community at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Bonnyrigg, followed by a commemorative dinner at the Crystal Palace Function Centre in Canley Heights. It continued August 24^th with a gathering at the Sydney Portugal Community Club in Marrickville, which brought together several members of the Timorese community residing in Australia. END