Ermera friends gain just reward

By Jim Mynard
CASEY mayor Neil Lucas said work by the Casey Friends of Ermera was highly recognised during this year’s Australian Sister Cities Association national conference held in Gippsland’s City of Latrobe during September.
Cr Lucas praised the work of the friends group during the launch of an appeal to raise $30,000 to bring a 30-member team of young sports people and officials from Ermera in East Timor to compete in Casey’s Edwin Flack Games next year.
He said the City of Casey won four awards at the conference, and one was for links with Ermera and the work done in the town.
“These links create great joy to us all because it is about friendships across the world,” Cr Lucas said. “We celebrate that link with Ermera and the opportunity to get East Timor people here next year.”
Friends president Jan Trezise said the group’s commitment had been mostly to education.
“We are aware, however, of the importance sport plays,” she said. “Our friendship schools have sent sporting equipment to Ermera.
“They have also raised money to provide musical instruments.”
Mrs Trezise said the experience of coming to Australia and Casey would be wonderful for young people on the East Timor team.
“Many will also have relatives here.”
Oatlands Ward councillor Mick Morland said the council aimed to raise at least $30,000 to bring the East Timor contingent to Casey.
“These young people may never get such a chance again,” he said. “Realistically I am looking for $50,000 so they will enjoy all the things experienced by young people from America.
“I thank people who have attended tonight and for the pledges already made.
“We are asking people to make a pledge that they will make the money available in the future so there is time for groups to conduct fundraising activities.
“We are also asking for donations of goods that can be raffled. I don’t intend to stop until we have raised enough money,” Cr Morland said.