Christmas Arrives Early

On 5 December 2007, the Parliament of Timor-Leste, in its budget for 2008, funded the full-scale implementation of the CET vision to connect 300,000 people living in 480+ rural and remote villages with a simple and affordable communications infrastructure.

Since 2001, CET has been working hard to try and raise all the funds needed to achieve its vision.  This has, at times, been a struggle with many diversions and dry gullies!  However, with the generous support of all our volunteers, donors and supporters, CET has always had enough to do the next ‘bit’, slowly building success and credibility.  So, here we are at the end of 2007 with the Government of Timor-Leste at the starting gate to drive the CET vision forward! 

People in rural areas of this new nation are among the poorest in the world and have never had affordable access to communications services.  The CET demonstration and pilot installations in the sub-Districts of Atabae, Balibo and Lacluta, as well as in the Dili District, have: saved lives (especially of women in childbirth); passed important health information quickly and reliably; assisted in resolving law and order situations; assisted civil and church administration as well as the work of NGOs; and, supported many more applications.

Based on this compelling evidence, the Government has now recognised the tremendous benefits that this simple technology will quickly bring to the entire country.  With the necessary funding included in the approved budget for 2008, we can now anticipate that the CET goal of connecting all rural areas will be fully realised in about 2 years. 

Politically, it is very important that the new Government led by Xanana Gusmao quickly achieves real improvements in the lives of its people in the rural areas.  CET recognised this imperative earlier this year and completed a project definition study (including cost estimates) for a full scale rural communications project.  This was undertaken as a pro-bono consultancy for the Government of Timor-Leste by members of the CET volunteer team. 

The key recommendations of this study shaped the budget submission which has now been approved …but only after some extensive behind-the-scenes lobbying by several CET champions with excellent connections into the Timor-Leste leadership.  I am sure that all the CET volunteers, donors and supporters would join with me in saying a heartfelt ‘thank you!’ to these kind and committed people for helping this great project to gain Government support and funding.

What a wonderful conclusion to a great year for CET!  Leading up to Christmas, I hope that each of you will have some time to reflect on the magnitude of what we have achieved together in 2007 and all the potential risks, issues and problems which just seemed to evaporate as the year progressed!  As a Christian, I have no doubts about Who it was that ‘parted the waters’ for us.  Even if you do not share this view, I hope that you will enjoy and celebrate what is probably the best Christmas present that you have ever given!  Happy Christmas!   
Peter de Haas

Message from Chief Minister, ACT Government - Celebration Dinner,
31 October 2007

Greetings to the members, friends and supporters of Connect East Timor. I am sorry that prior commitments have prevented me from attending your celebration dinner tonight.

I would firstly like to pass on my sincere thanks to the Connect East Timor volunteers who, last month, successfully completed the pilot installation phase of the Dili Radio Communications Project. One of the world’s newest democracies, East Timor, as we know, is in desperate need of more sophisticated telecommunication links. Basic infrastructure requirements continue to be a top priority for the country’s leadership.

For this reason, I am delighted that Palms Australia, through its Connect East Timor campaign, was able to undertake this work on behalf of the ACT Government.

The dedication shown by the volunteer team in ensuring that the installation proceeded smoothly, despite a number of significant obstacles, is highly commendable. I was particularly impressed by the commitment, resilience and ingenuity of the team in coordinating a last-minute change of plans to enable the repeater unit to be installed on Atauro Island. This exhausting work, in such a physically demanding location, is greatly appreciated and I congratulate and thank you for your collective achievement.

The Dili Radio Communications Project was one of several inspired ideas that emerged in 2004 when the City of Canberra signed a Friendship Agreement with the City of Dili. Over the last three years the ACT Government has been involved in projects such as the provision of equipment and assistance to the Dili Institute of Technology, backup power generation to maintain the water supply at one of Dili’s main bores and the provision of temporary accommodation for the East Timor Embassy in Canberra.

But it was at a meeting I had with Kirsty Sword Gusmao that she told me of a wonderful project called Connect East Timor. The opportunity was there for the ACT Government to collaborate in the delivery of crucial radio communication facilities. After extensive communication and negotiation, I was extremely pleased when Connect East Timor agreed to embark on the project. Possibility has now become concrete reality.

On behalf of the ACT Government, I would like to give very special thanks to Peter de Haas for his enthusiasm for this project and his unquenchable spirit of generosity. Peter’s expertise, guidance and dedication were key elements in the successful outcome obtained. 

I wish you all the best for a thoroughly well-earned and enjoyable celebration this evening, and for continued success in your work in East Timor.

Jon Stanhope MLA
Chief Minister