Cr Cox left for Timor on Thursday morning and will return on Tuesday.

Cr Cox and other committee members are keen to hear directly from the Maubisse community about their priorities for the next two to three years.

The Bendigo-Maubisse Friendship Committee was formed by the council in 2006 to contribute to improved living standards, access to basic services, training, capacity building and social programs.

“Bendigo has strong links with the Maubisse community and much has already been achieved including school refurbishments, a ‘Meals on Heels’ project and rebuilding the local radio station. An education scholarship is also in place,” Cr Cox said.

“Committee members Heather Ridge, John Jones and I will be attending a community meeting to find out how best the committee can continue to support the people of the central highlands region of Maubisse.

“It’s important to me that the committee responds to the needs of the Maubisse community by understanding what their priorities are for the future. There’s little value in us determining their priorities for them.”

Cr Cox will co-chair the community meeting with Sub District Administrator Luis Casimro Lopez and around 30 community members are expected to attend.

He thanked members of the Greater Bendigo community for their ongoing support for the Maubisse region.

Cr Cox said his Mayoral duties are his top priority so the visit is taking place between council meetings. The delegation leaves for East Timor on Thursday and will return next Tuesday.

The Mayor will pay his own transport and accommodation costs.

About the Maubisse region Maubisse is located in the central highlands of Timor Leste in the Ainaro District, 73 kilometers south of the city of Dili and 1,300 meters above sea level.

It has a population of 20,000 people and is the main coffee growing region of the country.

This moderate climate produces green beans, mandarins, avocados, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic and shallots.

Like most parts of Timor Leste, the Maubisse community experiences many challenges.

The fledgling economy faces barriers such as lack of employment, government structures, health services, education, transport and communications.

The typical Maubisse resident is a member of a subsistence farming family who exist on less than $350 annual income and who live in a house with a dirt floor. 

A family may not have electricity, running water or transport, unless they are lucky enough to own a pony.