Margaret O’Rourke will join members of the Bendigo-Maubisse Friendship Committee on the week-long trip departing January 9.

Cr O’Rourke said traditionally, the mayor visited the Maubisse community every two years, to experience the Timorese culture.

“The main reason for visiting is to attend a special community meeting that is designed to evaluate projects that the committee, with the help of the Greater Bendigo community, have completed and set a new development agenda for the next two years,” Cr O’Rourke said.

“Projects can range from school refurbishments to rebuilding the local radio station.”

During the trip Cr O’Rourke will also meet the sub-district administrator, as well as students who have received scholarships to complete years 10, 11 and 12, and university.

“These scholarships are the result of the generosity of private donors, clubs and businesses from Greater Bendigo, and I thank them for their generosity,” she said.

A statement from the City of Greater Bendigo said the mayor would pay her own transport and accommodation costs.

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.

Maubisse, population 20,000, is located in the central highlands of the country, 73 kilometres south of the capital Dili.

Lack of employment, government structures, health services, education, transport and communications are some of the challenges facing the community.

The typical Maubisse resident’s family will exist on an annual income of less than $350, and may not have electricity, running water or transport.​