| East Timor Coffee
In the highlands of East Timor, with just the right mixture of soil and climate, grow some of the best Arabica coffee beans in the world. East Timor's developing coffee industry is the island’s main crop, export earner and employer, with the potential to further develop its unique identity as a producer of organically grown coffee. United Nations research has indicated that coffee production could increase threefold with improvements in pruning methods, harvesting and transportation of the crop. The post harvesting process in the first 12 hours is crucial, to avoid fermentation which can render the crop useless. This poses difficulties when approximately 80% of infrastructure, roads, buildings etc. has been destroyed in the post referendum mayhem and violence. Importance of Developing Markets We all know that marvellous pick me up feeling that a good cup of coffee can bring. Now you can enhance your enjoyment when having a cuppa by knowing that this special blend of East Timor coffee offers a pick me up to the developing coffee industry in East Timor and that you will be contributing to the economic development of the newest nation in the world. Practical Support But the benefits don't stop there. All proceeds from the sale of each pack of coffee will be used to assist in the recovery and rebuilding of our 'sister' community of Los Palos in East Timor. Fundraising proceeds will be used to provide much needed basic equipment as defined in consultation with the Los Palos community. The proceeds from this project will contribute to the ongoing fundraising in our local community. 250 grams of East Timor Coffee blend is available for sale at $7.00 per pack. Proceeds from the sale of each pack will be added to the Trust Fund for Los Palos. The coffee is available from Mornington Peninsula Shire Offices on a permanent basis, and from other outlets wherever possible. In joining in this project you will be making a contribution to the rebuilding of East Timor. Local Government Leadership Role The Australian community has shown significant concern and goodwill towards East Timor at this time of great need. At the National Assembly held in November 1999 in Canberra, the Australian Local Government Association passed a motion acknowledging the significant skill and experience within Local Government generally to assist East Timor in rebuilding its communities. The precursor for any significant action by our Municipality in supporting the East Timorese people is the formal establishment of a friendship relationship between the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and a specific district in East Timor. On 2 May 2000, Council formally resolved to enter into a friendship relationship with the district of Lospalos. (See below) Community Committee While Council can provide a leadership role, the fundraising is driven by the community’s concerns. The Friends of Los Palos Community Committee was subsequently formed on the Peninsula in February 2001, to provide support and networking opportunities to local residents and groups involved in fundraising or interested in assisting in the friendship relationship. The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council adopted the following motions at their ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday, 2 May 2000: 1. That Council approve the establishment of a formal friendship relationship between the people of the Mornington Peninsula Shire and the people of the district of Los Palos. 2. That an official letter signed and sealed be provided by Council expressing the Shire's willingness to link up with the district of Los Palos and be sent to the President, Xanana Gusmao. 3. That Officers of the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council continue discussions with representatives of the East Timor leadership to explore ways in which the lasting friendship between the Municipality and the district of Los Palos can be further cemented and to explore specific ways in which this Municipality can be of assistance to the people of Los Palos. 4. That Council contributes $3,000.00 towards the purchase of transportation vehicles and water purification equipment for the district of Los Palos. If you give me a fish You have fed me for a day If you teach me to fish You have fed me until the river is contaminated Or the shoreline is seized for development But if you teach me to ORGANISE! Then whatever the challenges I can join together with my peers And we will fashion our own solution. (from a notice board in a community organisation) Acknowledgments Special thanks to all those individuals and groups who have contributed to the fundraising effort so far and to Mornington Peninsula Tourism and Coffex Coffee Pty Ltd for assisting with this project. HOW TO MAKE GOOD COFFEE 1. Wait a minute after the water boils as pouring boiling water on medium/coarsely ground coffee scalds the coffee and affects the flavour. 2. Use one heaped dessertspoon per cup (more for mugs) and let brew 3-5 minutes. 3. While the coffee is brewing, warm the cups. If you like very hot coffee, fill them with boiling water and warm the milk also. 4. Fresh is the only way – unused ground coffee should be thrown out 10-14 days after opening. 5. Coffee is best stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. Do not store coffee in the refrigerator as smells and moisture may be absorbed. The Friends of Los Palos Community Committee thanks you for your support. If you haven’t done so already we warmly invite you to join our ‘Friends’ group. Yearly membership fee of $10 covers cost of newsletters with up-to-date information on projects in East Timor and social and fund-raising events. I would like to join: - Mornington Peninsula Shire – Friends of Los Palos, East Timor Name/s: Address: Phone Email: I am happy to forward: - • Membership subscription $10.00 • Donation Please contact: David Price, Secretary Friends of Los Palos, East Timor Davids email is davidprice7@bigpond.com Mobile: 0418752093 MORNINGTON PENINSULA SHIRE EAST TIMOR COFFEE FUNDRAISING PROJECT A COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP IN SUPPORT OF LOS PALOS IN EAST TIMOR |