Macedon Ranges Friends of Turiscai
Macedon Ranges Friends of East Timor was established with the support of Council and officially launched at St Ambrose Hall, Woodend, on 8 October 2008.
In 2014, the Administrator of Turiscai, Sr Afonso Sarmento, signed a Friendship Agreement with Macedon Ranges Friends of East Timor and then Mayor of Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Roger Jukes, during a study tour to the Macedon Ranges.
After more than 15 years of partnership with the community of Turiscai, the group changed its name to Macedon Ranges Friends of Turiscai (MRFoT) to better reflect the focus of this enduring friendship.
MRFoT facilitates the friendship relationship in Timor-Leste by working directly with community leaders and local organisations in Turiscai to identify priorities and develop projects that improve community wellbeing.
MRFoT Mission
To support community development and wellbeing in both the Macedon Ranges and Turiscai by working together to plan, share resources and build skills that contribute to a better quality of life for the people of Turiscai.
MRFoT Values
The friendship is guided by the following values:
- Building and sustaining relationships through trust and respect.
- Working sustainably through the use of available resources while encouraging local ownership in Turiscai.
- Respecting local customs and promoting fairness and equitable distribution of assistance.
- Supporting mutual planning, knowledge sharing and open communication.
- Working professionally while recognising and valuing the contribution of all participants.
Council's Support
Council supports the work of MRFoT by helping raise awareness of issues facing communities in Timor-Leste and encouraging community participation in events and activities that strengthen the friendship.
MRFoT's work focuses on three strategic areas:
- Education
- Maternal and child health
- Economic and community development
Partnership Achievements and Programs
Community Partnerships
A Community Reference Group has been established in Turiscai, providing regular engagement with local leaders, particularly in the health and education sectors. This collaboration helps identify local needs and opportunities for partnership with the Macedon Ranges community.
Education
MRFoT supports a range of educational initiatives across Turiscai.
Local primary schools and toy libraries from the Macedon Ranges have donated equipment and learning materials to recently established kindergartens in Turiscai.
In 2024, local educator Jacinta Barreto and her team delivered professional development training to 40 teachers to support the introduction of a new middle school curriculum. Further teacher training is planned for 2026-27.
2025-26 Education Initiatives
Student Sponsorship Program
In 2026, MRFoT is sponsoring 14 senior secondary students by assisting with school fees, enabling them to continue their education.
Sports Equipment
Volleyballs and nets have been provided to the public senior high school to support student participation in sport and recreation.
English Language Classes
A local non-government organisation, AHHA, delivers a six-month English language program for 20 senior secondary students. Classes are conducted outside school hours to enhance future study and employment opportunities.
Days for Girls Program
Since 2017, MRFoT has supported the Days for Girls program in Turiscai. The initiative provides menstrual health education and reusable hygiene kits to first-year senior secondary students, helping girls attend school throughout the month.
The Macedon Ranges Days for Girls team continues to make and pack kits for delivery to Turiscai.
n 2026, the program will be delivered across both senior high schools in Turiscai. A priority for the coming year is to support and train local facilitators to deliver the program sustainably within the community.
Health Programs and Activities
Over many years, MRFoT has supported health services in Turiscai through:
- Sponsoring community health and nutrition expos in partnership with local organisations.
- Providing an autoclave and other essential medical equipment.
- Supplying bed linen, baby clothing and other resources for hospitals and maternal and child health centres.
2025-26 Health Projects
In 2025, MRFoT funded building materials for an extension to the Turiscai Hospital. Constructed by local workers, the extension provides shelter for patients and access for ambulances when required.
In 2026, support is being provided for the construction of two additional rooms at the remote Medical Post in Mindelo. Built through a shared local partnership model, these rooms will provide dedicated birthing facilities for families in this isolated community.
The hospital and health services remain vital community assets, and ongoing support from MRFoT continues to be highly valued.
Fundraising and Community Engagement in Australia
Kyneton Antique Fair
Since 2023, the Kyneton Antique Fair has become MRFoT's major fundraising event. Held at Quambi Stadium at Sacred Heart College, whose support includes use of the venue, the event raises funds while sharing stories of the friendship between the Macedon Ranges and Turiscai communities.
Ladies Who Knit and Sew
A dedicated group of volunteers knit squares and create baby blankets that are sent to maternal and child health clinics in Turiscai. The group also produces handcrafted "Soft Spots", which are sold at community markets and events to raise funds for friendship projects.
Blankets and Bath Towels for Mothers and Babies
This annual community campaign raises awareness across the Macedon Ranges and collects essential items for mothers and babies attending maternal and child health clinics in Turiscai.
Annual Visit to Turiscai
MRFoT members undertake regular visits to Turiscai to strengthen relationships, monitor projects and maintain meaningful dialogue between the two communities. These visits play an important role in fostering mutual understanding, collaboration and cultural exchange.
Recognition
Order of Timor-Leste Medal
On 12 August 2025, Macedon Ranges Friends of Turiscai was awarded the Order of Timor-Leste Medal by His Excellency President José Ramos-Horta.
The award recognised the long-standing contribution of Australian friendship groups supporting communities throughout Timor-Leste. MRFoT was one of 26 active friendship groups across Australia to receive this honour.
The medal is a significant recognition of the enduring friendship, cooperation and partnership between the people of Turiscai and the Macedon Ranges.
Contact us
To learn more about Macedon Ranges Friends of Turiscai, support upcoming projects, or get involved in local activities and fundraising events, please email them at mrfoet@bigpond.com or contact Council on (03) 5422 0333.