Journey to East Timor 2003.

IIn October 2003, representatives from all the families of the Balibo 5 came together in Timor Leste to celebrate the opening of the Balibo Community Learning Centre.  For many of them it was the first time they had come to the place where their loved ones had died and so they used this visit to also commemorate their lives.  Coming together for the first time, family members were able to share stories about their brothers, fathers, sons, husbands and cousins.   This was a joyous occasion for everyone and also gave the family members an opportunity to learn  first hand about the generous and respectful nature of the local Timorese people.

One the day of the opening ceremony, then Victorian Premier Steve Bracks gave the following speech.

East Timor is the world’s youngest nation - one of our oldest friends – and Australia’s nearest neighbour.

Two years ago I visited East Timor on the eve of Independence - and was overwhelmed by the spirit and courage of the East Timorese people.
As a mark of our support, the Victorian Government announced it would establish a Trust to purchase and renovate the "Australian Flag" House in Balibo.

Today, I am very pleased to return to officially open the refurbished Home that provided shelter to the Balibo Five.
The reconstruction of the Balibo Flag House will bring with it a mix of emotions.
Family members will remember the loved ones who perished in this house in October 1975.
Others will reflect on the lives lost in the long struggle for East Timor’s freedom.
And we all hope that this House will enable Balibo, to step into the future with a sense of renewal and confidence.
The killing of five journalists by Indonesian forces in Balibo, was an affront to free speech, democracy and basic human rights.

Greg Shackleton, Gary Cunningham, Tony Stewart, Malcolm Rennie and Brian Peters all lost their lives reporting the truth.

In the aftermath, the Australian authorities failed the families of the five journalists.
The truth was hidden. Relatives were left in the dark.
This only served to intensify the feelings of shock, grief and anguish felt by family members.
We know that a profound sense of loss still exists – and the men who died are missed every day by their families, friends and colleagues.

It is my hope that from an event that has seen an outpouring of so much grief – some good can also flow.
The establishment of this House will serve as a memorial to the Balibo Five – and provide much needed facilities for the local community.
The restoration of the House is significant for two other reasons.

Firstly, this House will honour the memory of all those who have died and suffered in the struggle for freedom in Balibo and surrounding districts.

Secondly, this House will act as a symbol of the ties between Australia and East Timor.
The people of East Timor occupy a special place in the hearts and minds of all Australians.
The courage, bravery and fighting spirit of the East Timorese people are legendary.
Australians witnessed it first hand, when the East Timorese saved thousands of Australian lives during World War Two – at great cost to themselves.
My home state of Victoria also has strong ties with East Timor.
Victoria is home to the largest East Timorese population in Australia.
Our Government has supported East Timorese refugees, who have settled in Victoria.
And with the restoration of this House – Victoria will help support the people in Balibo who have remained.
Balibo House is a gift from the people of Victoria.

Making the dream a reality has been made possible by the hard work, dedication and collaboration of many groups and individuals.

First of all, can I thank Channel 7 and Channel 9 for showing faith in the project - and matching the Government’s commitment to commemorate their fallen colleagues.

I would like to particularly acknowledge the enormous contribution of the Australian construction company Multiplex.
Victorian graduates from Multiplex, put their construction and management skills to good use.
Multiplex, and Victorian suppliers and subcontractors generously donated the majority of the building materials used in the refurbishment.

The Rotary Steel Mill at Baucau, assisted in the construction of the roof and water tanks.

World Vision consulted and worked with the community to assist with the renovations. They also helped raise funds for the activities to be run by World Vision East Timor following its completion.

I would also like to thank the Balibo House Trust for their fine work.

Most importantly can I thank the Balibo community, who have played a pivotal role in rebuilding the house – especially those who have helped with the building works.

The House will be handed back to East Timor to be used for the benefit of the people of Balibó.
After extensive discussions Balibo House will be used as a crèche, kindergarten, sewing centre, computer classroom and sports activity centre.
These new services will be coordinated from this restored House – and will accommodate the growing needs of this community.

East Timor’s independence has marked the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between our two nations.
Today at the Balibo Flag House we come together as one - to grieve – to reflect - and to strengthen the bonds of our relationship.

East Timor has taken many giant steps in reshaping itself as a free and independent nation.
The restoration of Balibo House is another step in remembering the courage of the past – and investing in the promise of the future.