“In this our 10th year as an entity we have seen many new initiatives where the people of Natabora have been far more involved in decision making and guiding how the education centre and funding should be used,” he said. 

“The highlight of the year was the 10 year celebrations in Natabora. 

“David Gallan, Beth Worthy, Cheryl Turner and I were privileged to visit Natabora with eight students from the Sapphire Coast Anglican College in June/July to attend these celebrations.”

Mr Duchesne said the coming together of all the schools in the Natabora district culminated in a five-hour assembly at the local junior high and the opening and dedication of the education centre was a fitting way to celebrate their 10-year partnership.

“On a further note I would again like to congratulate and thank our directors of education led by Dave Gallan, women's work by Cheryl Turner, cultural activities run by Dave Crowden and finance led by John Coman for all they have done this year to support our in-country work,” he said. 

He also thanked Timorese worker Nikolas Klau as without his support the in-country work would not have been done.

“The visit to Timor this year was a great opportunity to see the wonderful work the advocates have done and again meet the people that we work with, and for,” Mr Duchesne said.

“The highlight for all of us at home was the visit by the Carmelite nuns to Bega and the exceptional address to the Bega Valley Shire Council by Dave Gallan on the advocates' work in Timor Leste.”

He was re-elected as president, with Dave Gallan as vice president, Beth Worthy as membership secretary, Dianne Moon as communications secretary, Leona Cairns as minute secretary, Bob Grasby as treasurer, Matthew Heffernan as administrative treasurer, John Coman as program co-ordinator, Dave Crowden as cultural/promotions officer, Dave Gallan as education officer, Cheryl Turner on women's programs, team leader John Coman, Claire Lupton and Leona Cairns publicity officers and Don McPhee and Ray Tynan as executive officers.