Water of Life: celebrating and supporting South West Victoria's special connection with Timor-Leste

Don’t miss our very special guests:

Paulie Stewart

Painters and Dockers' wild rocker with a golden heart

Paulie has a very personal and inspirational connection with Timor-Leste. His brother Tony was one of five journalists killed in Balibo in 1975.

This tragic event was the trigger for Paulie’s active involvement in assisting Timor-Leste, which he has visited more than twenty eight times. The events which led to his wonderful work with the “Alma Sisters”; nuns who tend disabled and abandoned children in Timor. 

Paulie will use his musical talent and his life experiences to support this event for WET (Water East Timor). 

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Dr Kirsty Sword Gusmao 

Former First Lady East Timor and founder of the Alola Foundation

Kirsty witnessed the violence experienced by women during the struggle for Timor-Leste's independence, and the gender-based violence which subsequently continued.

In 2001 she founded the ALOLA Foundation, a not for profit organisation which addresses the needs of Timor-Leste women survivors of rape and other forms of gender-based violence. The Foundation’s motto is “Strong Women, Strong Nation” and it has a strong record of enabling girls to complete their secondary schooling as well as contributing to a dramatic reduction in rates of infant mortality through promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, family planning and immunisation. Kirsty continues to Chair the Alola Foundation from Melbourne.

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Gil Santos

Foundation member of the renowned Dili Allstars

The Dili Allstars are an Australian and East-Timorese reggae/ska band based in Melbourne. They have been one of the leading voices of support for the East-Timorese people, and a popular musical group. Today, the band is keeping the music, culture and art of Timor-Leste alive through storytelling, social engagements with the community, and mentoring youth.

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Timorese musicians

Some of our local Timorese community will contribute to our event with traditional singing and dancing.