About Me

My first trip to Timor-Leste was in June 2000. I was asked to establish an office for Australian Volunteers International, and thus began my journey of getting to know this country’s unique and ongoing story. I have lived in Timor-Leste for two years (accumulatively) since then. I am fascinated by its people, its challenges and its success. Through my varied experiences I have witnessed terror, compassion, nepotism, cooperative learning, injustice and survival. I am honoured to have established contact with over 300 people, both Timorese and foreign, who have contributed to the development of the worlds newest country and the poorest in Asia.

Since March 2006 I have moderated the e-List for the Timor-Leste Studies Association and created the website: www.etstudies-aust.org

My curriculum vitae reveals that my work has revolved around Timor-Leste for nearly seven years. In brief:

	July 2003-Today		PhD Research, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University
	August - September 05		Consultant, Oil, Gas and Energy Directorate, Government of Timor-Leste
	February - June 2003		Friends of Baucau Project Officer, Cities of Darebin and Yarra, Victoria
	February - March 2002		Consultant - Environmental Specialist, Australia East Timor Rural Development (AusAID) Project
	July 01 - January 02		Finance Officer/District Coordination, Office of District Affairs, Government of Timor-Leste
	November 00 - July 01		Project Officer, Environment Protection Unit, Government of Timor-Leste
	July - August 2000		Office and Project administrator, Staffing Assistance Program in East Timor, Australian Volunteers International
	May 98 - October 00		Office Manager and Logistics Officer, Australian Volunteers International