Veterans Return to Timor-Leste for 25th Anniversary Commemoration
By Veterans Care Association - Timor Awakening program
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the international military operations in Timor-Leste in 1999, a group of 32 Aussie and Kiwi veterans are set to return next week for Anzac Day 2024 with the Brisbane-based wellness program, Timor Awakening.
The 25th anniversary holds profound significance for the veterans, many of whom were deeply involved in the efforts to restore stability and peace to Timor-Leste. Starting with UNTAET and INTERFET missions in 1999 until 2013, over 30,000 Australian service men and women and approximately 10,000 Kiwis served in Timor-Leste. Their return marks a personal journey of reflection and remembrance and is a testament to the enduring bonds between Australia, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste veterans.
“I'm experiencing a mix of emotions as I prepare to return to Timor-Leste. There's a sense of nervousness as I anticipate witnessing the changes in the country and holding high expectations for its progress.” Remarks Royal Australian Airforce veteran, Nicole Stubbs.
“One of the most cherished aspects of my experience was travelling to remote communities across the country and encountering the radiant smiles of the Timor-Leste people. Their unwavering courage and resilience were palpable, leaving a lasting impression on me. It was heartening to witness their optimism and determination amidst the challenges they faced.”
Timor Awakening is a peer-to-peer well-being program for veterans, composing holistic health education, group therapy, mentoring, counselling, physical activity, historical commemoration, and social impact projects. The program is centered around an immersion in Timor-Leste, an opportunity for participants to take pause, learn about themselves, be inspired, empowered, and take responsibility for a positive direction forward in life.
"We are honoured to facilitate this journey for our veterans," said Army veteran Michael Stone, founder of Timor Awakening.
"For many, returning to Timor-Leste is a profound step in their journey of healing. We are committed to providing veterans and families with the support and resources they need to navigate this experience."
“There are benefits for veterans returning to a former conflict zone, to experience places through a new perspective and reframe images, releasing trauma blocked inside. Returning to other conflict zones for contemporary veterans is not possible. Timor-Leste is a peaceful, welcoming, and spectacular country, only one-hour flight from Darwin. Veterans from all theatres of war and peacekeeping operations have found healing visiting Timor-Leste, a nation who embraced reconciliation and forgiveness as the practical way forward for themselves and their nation.”
“Moral Injury is an undiagnosed major condition of many veterans, which we have been addressing together with Timorese Veterans through a range of social impact programs in Timor-Leste since the programs began.”
“We have attended many Anzac Day commemorations in Timor-Leste, which are remarkable, with unique Aussie, Kiwi and Timorese aspects. Timor-Leste was a significant battlefield and the deep stories between our three nations have many lessons for every citizen, where once turmoil and chaos, is now bursting with hope. We encourage all Australians to visit Timor-Leste, especially to commemorate Anzac Day.” Remarked Michael Stone.
The Timor Awakening program aims to support veterans in their journey of healing and growth by providing a range of wellness activities and opportunities for connection and reflection. By returning to Timor-Leste on this significant anniversary, participants have the chance to revisit their past experiences in a supportive environment while also contributing to ongoing efforts to promote peace, prosperity, and reconciliation in the region.
