THE solemnity before dawn was stirred as hundreds arrived for an historic Anzac Day commemoration below Cristo Rei – the giant statue of Jesus that overlooks Timor Leste’s capital, Dili.
Among the assembled as the sun rose over a stunning tropical landscape were a visiting group of 50 veterans and currently serving Australian and New Zealand defence personnel.
Two decades ago, many of these veterans – men and women – helped forge south east Asia’s newest, independent nation after 24 years of struggle against Indonesian occupiers.
Now these highly-respected Anzacs raise money and support the families of Timorese veterans who have never received compensation for the guerrilla war they fought.
Many Timorese veterans have never reintegrated into town or village life, and never sustained work that could support their families.
“I’m speaking for many soldiers when I say we felt a huge burden of sorrow, grief and moral injury that we came too late,” former Australian army major Michael Stone said, reflecting on the arrival of ANZAC troops in Timor in 1999 after Indonesian soldiers and militia had carried out a “scorched earth” withdrawal – leaving 1500 Timorese dead, 300,000 displaced and 80 per cent of buildings destroyed.
About eight years ago Mr Stone and his father Deacon Gary Stone, also a former Australian army officer and chaplain, together with a small group of supporters, set up the Veteran Care Association (VCA).
The association has a dual role – to help Australian veterans get back to living healthy, normal lives after military service, and to help Timorese veterans and their families through fundraising and good works.
“Jesus’ most basic command was love our neighbour and Timor is one of our closest neighbours,” Deacon Gary Stone said.
“And the Timorese love us, they want to be good friends and neighbours with us.”
VCA has hosted hundreds of ex-service personnel on a program called Timor Awakening – a 12-day visit to Timor to complete a holistic health and well-being routine underpinned by spirituality.
Many of the veterans and their families have experienced immense suffering since the Timor campaign, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression.
“Probably the biggest issue that a lot of veterans experience is the injury that you can’t see – mental health – carrying trauma, carrying shame, carrying guilt,” Mr Stone said.
“A lot of veterans that came here felt guilty. They might have seen a young child die in front of their eyes and tried but couldn’t save that young person… it’s a major issue and the most extreme effect is suicide.”
After returning from Timor Awakening, many veterans have poured their energies into fundraising and supporting VCA projects.
“Our major project is an institute we’ve built at Same, a town in the mountains of Timor Leste,” Deacon Stone said.
“It’s part of our Veterans Education Training Scheme (VETS) – requested by Timorese veterans.
“People from remote rural areas can come to a boarding school and learn English and learn life skills. The school also provides education in health care, construction and agriculture.
“But English is the main one… young Timorese want to learn English, come to Australia, or New Zealand or other places as casual workers.”
Deacon Stone said the Veterans Care Association had a strategic vision to replicate the institute in Same by building similar schools in three or four other districts across Timor Leste.
Veterans who have already completed the Timor Awakening program have also been sponsoring the children of Timorese veterans to attend a vocational trade school in Dili.
Another project supported by veterans is a training centre, mainly for women, who have suffered domestic violence and abuse.
Through fundraising they have managed to refurbish an old hotel in Dili.
“It contains crisis accommodation for women and families, and then the hotel is also functioning as a normal hotel and restaurant for a reasonable rate and as a training school where some of these women can learn to become a chef or a steward, learn beauty therapy or even make chocolate,” Deacon Stone said.
“It’s an exciting project because from our hearts we want to help the poorest of the poor and those most in need.”
Deacon Stone said veterans raised $200,000 last year to assist programs in Timor Leste.
