Our Mission


We are a community-based group based in the City of Boroondara, Melbourne, Australia. We are part of a network of East Timor Friendship Groups providing a forum to coordinate support for the people of the Same region, East Timor, in rebuilding their communities.

In The Community


Friends of Same have undertaken a number of projects in the sub-district of Same

The Coffee Project



The major export commodity of East Timor is coffee, and the Government of the Democratic Republic of East Timor is keen to develop its Australian market. The district of Same is a major coffee growing area. The Friends of Same are distributing the coffee as a long-term activity to support East Timor
 - we hope this becomes your preferred coffee!

Projects

Friends of Same have been able to undertake a wide range of development and aid based projects since the inception of the relationship between the City of Boroondara and Same in 2002. For more background on Friends of Same and our past projects and achievements see About Us.

In addition to this, Friends of Same has been instrumental in educating the Boroondara community about life in the newly independent nation of Timor-Leste, and in the District of Manufahi in particular, in which the township of Same is located. This has been accomplished via visits by the District Administraor of Manufahi, Snr Filomeno Tilman, public forums, displays, and representation at local markets and schools.

If you would like to get involved with any of these areas please see How you can help

The following are some of the ongoing Friends of Same projects.

  • Sales of coffee learn more
  • Education and Training learn more learn more
  • Support for Timorese textiles
  • Support for literacy and training
  • Support for the vision impaired learn more
  • Support for an Australian Volunteer to assist the local administration

Selecting Projects

Projects are suggested by the local administration, or by other community groups. Several members of the Friends of Same have visited Timor-Leste at their own expense, many in repeat visits. The connections developed through these visits, together with advice from other regular visitors and support organizations, are building knowledge and expertise within the group to respond effectively to local needs.

Future Projects

The Friends of Same has focused on developing links with local administrators, individuals and organizations in the Same Sub-District, with the aim of identifying local priorities and working together with local decision-makers. Opportunities for developing initiatives in conjunction with other service groups and non-government agencies are also being explored.