Jefferson Lee
Est Timorese President Xanana Gusmao's wife, Kirsty Sword Gusmao, will be the guest of honour at a benefit night at the Sydney Town Hall, at 7pm on April 21. The event will raise funds for the Alola Foundation, which was set up by Kirsty to assist the women of East Timor.
A wide range of musicians, writers, poets, comedians and some well-known local identities will come together on the night. ALP state MP Linda Burney will give an Aboriginal welcome and speakers include Greens Senator Kerry Nettle and independent MP Peter Andren. Comedy will be provided by the CNNNN news team.
Kirsty has been to Sydney on official visits with her husband a number of times, but this occasion will be more informal. It will be a chance for her to meet the thousands of people who supported East Timor during the dark days of September 1999.
The night will primarily be entertaining. But it will also be a night to remember the tragic deaths in East Timor and to pay special tribute to the former convenor of Australia-East Timor Association (AETA) and human rights activist Dr Andrew McNaughtan.
Many people, including Sister Susan Connelly from the Mary MacKillop Institute and World War II veteran Paddy Kenneally, will be acknowledged throughout the night.
Those assisting include musicians Jeannie Lewis, the Fagans, Rachel Hore, Enda Kenny (from Melbourne), Cassandra Eager, playwright Katherine Thomson, authors Irina Dunn and Linda Jaivin, poet Denis Kevans and assorted filmmakers and mix media artists including Jaslyn Hall and Mic Conway.
Martin Wesley-Smith's "weapons of mass distortion", a collage of George Gittoes photos from various war fronts, will be featured. Jeannie Lewis and Maurie Mulheron will sing "Four Strong Women", about the Lancaster four who were jailed for disarming a hornet jet at British Aerospace that was destined for Indonesia.
Journalist Max Stahl, famous for his graphic documentary footage of the 1991 Dili massacre, will also lend a hand.
Various unions, politicians, local councils, community groups, some student associations and political organisations have been quick off the mark to offer logistical support.
Any individuals who can donate $20 upwards and organisations
$50-$200 and upwards to help out should send a cheque to the Australia-East Timor Association, PO Box 703, Leichhardt 2040. Email <katefinster@telstra.com> before April 14 to be included in the "honour roll" in the program.
There will be some surprises, so don't miss out! Book early ($29.50 or $17.50 concession) through Ticketek on <http://www.ticketek.com> or (02) 9266 4800. Inquiries, phone AETA on (02) 9519 4788.
From Green Left Weekly, April 7, 2004.
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