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The Committee is a section 86 Committee of the City of Greater Bendigo with broad representation from across the community. The friendship relationship between Greater Bendigo and Maubisse is mutually beneficial.
The Maubisse community receives practical support and friendship to assist to develop the independent nation of East Timor. Bendigo residents have the opportunity to experience East Timorese culture and connect with neighbours with whom we share a significant history.
Maubisse is located in the central highlands of Timor Leste in the Ainaro District, 73 kilometres south of the city of Dili and 1300 metres above sea level.
It has a population of 20,000 people and is the main coffee growing region of the country.
This moderate climate produces green beans, mandarins, avocados, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic and shallots.
Like most parts of Timor Leste, the Maubisse community experiences many challenges.
The typical Maubisse resident is a member of a subsistence farming family who exist on less than $350 annual income and who live in a house with a dirt floor.
A family may not have electricity, running water or transport (unless they are lucky enough to own a pony).
Children may attend a school with no furniture, books or pens and school can be cancelled for the whole wet season because the building leaks.
Only 10 per cent of mothers have any sort of medical help during childbirth and the only option for keeping mosquitoes from the baby is to fill the house with smoke.
In consultation with the Bendigo-Maubisse Friendship Committee, a range of projects were identified to practically assist the local community.
These included the provision of basic office equipment for the district's administrative office, school furniture, supplies, clothing and sporting equipment for the broader community and the construction of Bendigo Volunteer House.
The Committee welcomes the contribution of volunteers in all capacities.
Volunteers are invited to participate in working bees, fundraising events or exploring how specialist skills may be of benefit to the Maubisse community.
You can keep up to date with the Committee's activities by joining our mailing list and receiving our newsletters.
If you would like to get involved with the Bendigo-Maubisse Friendship Relationship or to find out more, please contact the Community and Cultural Development Unit on 5434 6464.
Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Meeting venue - Reception Room, City of Greater Bendigo Main Office, 195-229 Lyttleton Street, Bendigo
Meetings dates August – December 2012:
Friday 3 August from 7.30 am to 8.30 am Friday 5 October from 7.30 am to 8.30 am Friday 2 November from 7.30 am to 8.30 am Friday 7 December from 7.30 am to 8.30 am
Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 6 September; September Ordinary meeting will start at 5. 30 pm, followed by the AGM at 7pm AGM meeting Venue: DEECD Loddon Mallee Regional Officer, 7-15 McLaren Street, Bendigo, Room G16
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Updated: 10:34 AM, 5 June 2013