Dili, East Timor Sister City

Dili is the capital of one of the world's newest nations, East Timor, which emerged as an independent nation after years of violence following a vote for independence from Indonesia in August 1999.

About 200,000 East Timorese are thought to have died under Indonesia's occupation of the former Portuguese colony.

The territory was under UN administration until independence on 20 May 2002. The colourful and emotional celebrations that took place in Dili, on that day marked an official end to 450 years of foreign rule over the territory. Darwin's Lord Mayor, Mr Peter Adamson, was there to witness the historic event.

As Dili's closest large neighbouring city, Darwin had been assisting Dili in many ways since violence broke out on 30 August 1999, both through Government and Non-Government organisational programs. Darwin had housed refugees, helped fund various projects and had been the source of numerous entrepreneurs and aid workers that spent time in Dili helping at ground level.

In 2001, Darwin City Council supplied equipment and expertise through staff exchange and training to help restore and maintain the playing surface and surrounding facilities of the Dili Oval and Stadium.

Agreement was reached to develop a sister city agreement after an original request from Mr Braz de Carvallo, Dili District Administrator on 28 March 2002. It was suggested that a Sister City Agreement would formally recognise ties that exist between Darwin and Dili and provide a platform for the people of Dili to express their appreciation.

There is a growing East Timorese community in Darwin and the sister city arrangement can only further develop the cultural and economic ties that have been built during East Timor's recent history.