Dean of Identity | Mr Charles Brauer

This week, I would like to recognise and celebrate the work of James Merrett (Year 7 Treacy) for his wonderful work articulating our friendship with the people of Timor-Leste. The following is James’s response to his Religious Education assessment task, requiring students to explore the origins and development of our long-standing friendship with the people of Railaco, Timor-Leste. Congratulations to James for a well researched response.

A message from James Merrett (Year 7 Treacy)

Timor-Leste is one of Australia’s closest neighbours, yet many don’t know the struggles in its history. Timor has a long history of being colonised.  From the 16^th Century, East Timor was occupied by the Portuguese.  In 1975, independence was declared from Portugal only for Indonesia to invade in a matter of days. 

It wasn’t until 1999 when guerrilla warfare and tension between Timor and Indonesia forced the United Nations to call Indonesia to withdraw and allow a vote for independence. Preceding the successful independence vote, the Indonesian military slaughtered 1400 Timorese, displaced 300 000 people into Indonesia and destroyed local infrastructure. Finally, the Australian military peacekeeping force restored peace and allowed the nation to form. The young nation has been slowly rebuilding since.

The Christian Brothers and the Timorese connection began prior to independence, when Brother Dan Courtney – GT 1964 began his work in Timor.  Brother Dan Courtney was an inspirational hero because he carried on his social justice work to support the marginalised Timorese despite the risks. Since the Timorese independence, the Christian Brothers have played a major role in rebuilding their nation. Lack of education and health were major issues for Timor.  However, the Christian Brothers addressed this by providing supplies, wages and training for primary school teachers, and, in association with Timorese government health program, offered consistent health support in the form of immunisations, consultations, blood tests and pregnancy checks.  Diseases treated by this program included infections and Tuberculosis (TB) that were previously not treatable.

Terrace began its connection with Timor in 2005 with a Year 10 student immersion experience.  Terrace students returned and spoke about the poverty they witnessed. Disturbed by what they heard, the boys’ parents formed what is now known as the Terrace Timor Network (TTN).  Although the Christian Brothers completed their missionary work in 2018, the TTN continues to support Timor in the areas of health, education and sustainable economic development.  For example, TTN’s Timor Card program employs 65 women who produce products sold on the Mother’s Day Stall.  The Kolega Café supports over 1000 coffee farming families by selling coffee at the school and across Brisbane. 

As a Catholic College in the Edmund Rice tradition, Terrace is committed to Timor-Leste through the four Edmund Rice touchstones.  For example, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity call Terracians to stand together with the Timorese people and provide practical support programs to assist them to rebuild their nation. Terrace students are connected with Timor by supporting the TTN and learning about Timorese history. The Years 5 and 6 students also partake in the ‘10 for a friend’ program which raises money for infrastructure development.  Finally, Gospel Spirituality is demonstrated as Terrace talks the talk by educating its students about the Timorese people and then walks the walk by taking action through fundraising and immersions.

The faith of Terrace Gentlemen and their families continues to be evident in our relationship with Timor-Leste

James Merrett – Year 7 Treacy  

The Good News of Terrace

Our Terracians at the annual Lantern Parade – promoting the welcome and settlement of our newest Australians.