Cultural links

THE ninth anniversary of the Timor Leste (East Timor) Independence Day celebration was held at the City of Casey Civic Centre last month.
The event, held on 20 May, included a flag-raising ceremony and recognition of the efforts of all who have contributed to the building of peace and prosperity in the neighbouring nation.
City of Casey Mayor Shar Balmes officiated at the event and paid tribute to the courage and determination of the East Timorese people in their struggle for independence.
“Timor Leste has cemented its place in history as the first new sovereign state of the 21st century; a feat achieved after more than 450 years of foreign occupation, the last 25 years of which, were unfortunately characterised by violence and unrest,” Cr Balmes said.
“We are fortunate in Casey to be home to one of the largest East Timorese communities in Victoria, a community whose contribution to our local culture is part of what makes Casey such a great place to live and gives us a familiar link to Timor Leste,” she said.
The City of Casey has a friendship city relationship with the East Timorese District of Ermera friendship city plaque.