A group of Northern Territory professionals is in Timor-Leste this week to help expand a vital disability care centre, offering new hope to some of the country’s most vulnerable children. Source: Darwin Diocese.
From November 3-6, a volunteer team of Darwin-based engineers, architects and planners are visiting Dili to prepare a pro bono master plan for a major expansion of the Alma Sisters Community Centre, which provides therapy, education and residential care for children with disabilities who would otherwise have nowhere to go.
Located just 700 kilometres from Darwin, the community centre supports 17 children fulltime and a further 30 children who visit for therapy and learning programs. Many have been orphaned or abandoned due to disability-related stigma, which remains deeply entrenched in parts of Timor-Leste.
The planned $500,000 redevelopment will double the residential capacity and significantly expand treatment and learning facilities.
The Darwin volunteer team includes Graeme Finch (project management), Carol Cain (stakeholder liaison and interpreter), Oliver Penman (urban design), Hully Liveris (architecture), John Mulkerns (engineering) and Warren Fryer (construction).
“These are busy professionals giving up their own time because they know it will make a real difference,” project coordinator Jocelyn Cull said.
“Once the master plan is complete, it will help secure government, business and philanthropic funding to see this project built.”
The project is supported by the Darwin Diocese, the Timor-Leste Government, Special Envoy for Northern Australia and federal MP Luke Gosling and Dili community leader Eddie De Pina.
Renowned musician, journalist and long-time Timor-Leste advocate Paulie Stewart has helped rally local support.
“Paulie’s passion for Timor-Leste and his longstanding relationship with the Alma Sisters are invaluable,” Ms Cull said. “His commitment lifts the whole project.”
Darwin Bishop Charles Gauci strongly supports the initiative.
“I have personally witnessed the Sisters’ ministry and was profoundly moved by their Christ-like love for the children in their care. Their dedication is remarkable, and I hold the deepest respect for them. This project deserves our full support.”
It is hoped that construction will begin mid-2026 or 2027, pending funding, with the first stage completed 18–24 months after construction begins.
“Timor-Leste is our closest neighbour,” Bishop Gauci said. “Strengthening dignity, access and hope for children living with disability is not only good development — it is our mission and responsibility.”
Donations to support the project can be made through the Darwin Diocese.
FULL STORY
Darwin Experts Volunteer to Design Life Changing Disability Centre in Timor Leste (Darwin Diocese)
