Ambassador Inês Almeida and Consul General Ms Milena Abrantes joined Peter McCaffrey, President of the Australian Commando Association, who also served in Timor‑Leste in 2006, in laying a wreath at the Australian Commandos Cenotaph, paying respect to the fallen servicemen and women.
We remember the Australian servicemen and women, and we pay tribute to the Timorese people.
The history of the Australian Commandos and Timor‑Leste is deeply intertwined. During the Second World War, many Timorese risked their lives to support Australian commandos, providing shelter, guidance and protection in the most dangerous of circumstances. Their courage and loyalty came at a devastating cost, with approximately 40,000 Timorese losing their lives. It is a legacy that lives on, forging a bond between our nations that endures to this day.
We also pay special tribute to Sergeant Russell Allan of Z Force, who recently passed away at the age of 102.
Lest we forget.
Timor‑Leste Joins the ASEAN Family
The Embassy was honoured by the presence of Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs; the Hon Janelle Saffin, NSW Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast; Mr Luke Gosling MP, Federal Member for Solomon; and Ms Dai Le MP, Federal Member for Fowler, together with Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the ASEAN family, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC, members of the Timorese community, and many friends of Timor‑Leste.
The Ambassador delivered the statement of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, originally delivered in Kuala Lumpur on 26 October 2025:
"Today, history is made. Timor‑Leste has been admitted as the 11th Member State of ASEAN. For the people of Timor‑Leste, this is not only a dream realised, but a powerful affirmation of our journey, one marked by resilience, determination, and hope. For ASEAN, it is the continuation of a vision: a truly united family of nations, bound together by shared values, common aspirations, and a collective destiny."
The celebration was filled with warmth, pride and solidarity, enriched by Timorese traditional elements (tukir, batar dan and modo fila) symbolising cultural heritage and identity, while Portuguese tarts, pudim and beef rendang reflected the diverse influences that shape Timor‑Leste.
A proud and defining moment for all Timorese, and the beginning of a new chapter within the ASEAN family.
Celebrating 50 Years in Australia
It is 50 years since Timorese refugees first arrived in Darwin aboard the MV MacDili and the SS Lloyd Bakke. About 2,500 people were evacuated to Darwin in 1975, thanks in no small part to the courage of the ships’ captains.
In Melbourne, the community had the honour of meeting the daughter of Captain Frederick Dagger, who returned twice to rescue more people.
Timorese communities in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney gathered to commemorate the milestone, honouring the strength and resilience of the elders who laid the foundations of the Timorese community in Australia.
Fifty years on, the community remains proud and connected: far from home, but with hearts in Timor‑Leste. The heritage was proudly shared through traditional dances performed by the community’s children.
The Embassy expresses its sincere gratitude to Australia for the refuge offered in 1975, and for the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Thank You, Western Australia
Ambassador Almeida had the privilege of visiting the Margaret River region of Western Australia.
During her visit she expressed the sincere gratitude of the Government and people of Timor‑Leste to everyone who has supported the nation over the years, from fundraising and raffle tickets for kids’ tennis in Timor‑Leste to welcoming Timorese seasonal workers.
The Ambassador extended special thanks to the students who travel to Timor‑Leste each year on immersion programs. Their commitment to learning about Timorese culture and contributing to local communities is deeply appreciated.
She also acknowledged the positive role that seasonal workers play in local farms, vineyards and communities, and expressed deep appreciation for their contributions.
The Ambassador thanked Tika Baxter, the driving force behind the scenes, whose dedication and hard work have been instrumental over the years.
