About Us
How we work
Our Mission
To partner with Fundasaun Alola in enabling women and families in Timor-Leste to build a strong future.
Our Objectives
• Raise awareness, funds and create links within Australia
• Build a strong and sustainable organisation in Australia
Our Goals for 2010
• To raise at least $100,000 for the programs of Fundasaun Alola
• To strengthen and improve governance
• Increase awareness in Australia of Fundasaun Alola’s work
• To recruit volunteers to meet the promotional activity and skill needs of the organisation
• To align with and live the partnership agreement with Fundasaun Alola’s
Our Values
- Solidarity
- Volunteerism
- Integrity
- Cultural Understanding
- Accountability
- Inclusiveness
- Respect
- Flexibility
Policies
Child Protection Policy (you can view the Child Protection Policy here)
People involved
Our Board
Rachael Ball joined the Board in September 2011. Her particular interests in human rights, women’s rights, refugee rights and international development underpin her commitment to women’s equality in Timor-Leste. Rachael studied law at both Monash and Columbia (NY) Universities and has worked in diverse law roles in both New York and in Melbourne. She is currently the director of Policy and Campaigns for the Human Rights Law Centre and is keen to contribute her significant legal and advocacy expertise to Alola Australia’s work.
Maria Bohan joined the Board in July 2011 and is the Chair of the Board. Her interest in Timor-Leste began in 1975 when Indonesia invaded and she was active in the Australian based campaign for independence. She has education and community development qualifications and worked for eight years in development education of Australians about issues of global injustice. Recently Maria resigned from 17 years as the CEO of the state-wide peak body Carers Victoria. She is keen to contribute her governance, advocacy, and education and training expertise to support Alola Australia’s work.
Jan Donovan/Curtin joined the Board in March 2010 and is the Company Secretary. Jan has visited Timor-Leste many times and lived there in 2008/09 while working at the Dili International School as the English Language Coordinator. She is committed to the alleviation of poverty in Timor- Leste and to supporting women and children have access to education. Jan has held several senior policy and executive positions in the community sector and is skilled in governance through her work on not-for-profit health Boards.
Sue Finnucane joined the Board in July 2011 and has particular interests in gender equality and eliminating violence against women. She has worked in government in police, justice and human services and is very excited by and committed to supporting Fundasaun Alola’s mission and capacity to make a positive contribution to the lives of women and children in Timor-Leste and hence to their broader families. She is currently a freelance consultant focussing on capacity building and eliminating violence against women.
Alice Forsyth joined the Board in November 2008 and she is the Treasurer. Her interest in Timor-Leste began though her mother’s involvement (see Jill Forsyth below) particularly through meeting many Timorese people who were studying in Melbourne. The attitude, enthusiasm and accountability that the Timorese have in relation to building their new nations inspires Alice. Alice brings significant financial literacy skills and experience to the work of Alola Australia.
Jill Forsyth is one of the founders of Alola Australia. A former mid-wife and business woman, Jill’s energy and expertise has contributed to her directorship of KorTimor and Life, Love and Health and she is Vice President of the Goya Foundation. Her leadership within the Rotary Club of Kew has led to the bi-annual Garden DesignFest and the Rotary Soap Project. She is a supporter of HIAM Health and Arte Moris and many Timorese have lived with Jill’s family when they have visited and studied in Melbourne. Her commitment to grassroots groups and sharing her own resources to create sustainable employment and education for young men and women is evident in the Alola Maternity Pack Project, the Baucau soap producers and the recycled paper enterprise KorTimor.
Erin McKinnon joined the Board in September 2011 and is a member of a family that has had a long time interest in Timor-Leste going back to the Indonesian occupation. She first visited the country in 2004 and has since returned many times including as part of her work for the International Women’s Development Agency. She is currently the CEO of Reconciliation Victoria and has extensive experience in community development, gender principles and practice, business and strategic skills. Erin’s additional experience in public education and awareness raising are a significant asset to Alola Australia.
Wendy Mayne joined the Board in March 2010 and is Deputy Chair and Convenor of the Fundraising, Awareness Raising and Volunteers Committee. Wendy is committed to Alola Australia continuing to practice a genuine and respectful partnership with Fundasaun Alola, is keen to promote awareness and facilitate the participation of the Australian community in supporting the great work of Fundasaun Alola. Wendy studied community development at Victoria University. Her expertise lies in children’s rights and child protection and she currently works in the Victorian Office of Child Safety Commissioner.
Our Supporters
Alola Australia would like to thank all who have helped us with our work. In particular, we would like to thank the following organisations. Learn more about each of these organisations by clicking on the organisation name).
