Veterans working with Veterans to build stronger communities

Timor Awakening is a program for veterans willing to be accountable and take responsibility to do the work to move in a positive direction in life.

Veterans enjoy the pool at Fort Balibo during a Timor Awaking program. With the fort wall and a large tree silhouetted by the setting sun, the scene stands in stark contrast to what the soldiers encountered during INTERFET and UNTAET.
A group of East Timorese children of diverse ages and expressions standing on a dirt floor with bicycles in the background. The children are smiling and looking at the camera, with some making playful gestures.

Coming up in 2025

Timor Awakening 34 (TA34) 

Timor-Leste, 16 - 24 August 2025

EOI have closed

Timor Awakening 35 (TA35) 

Timor-Leste, 18 - 26 October 2025

EOI have closed

Coming up in 2026

Veterans interested in participating in our program must undertake an expression of interest (EOI) process. This EOI includes a screening to ensure this program is suitable for you. Expressions of interest may close sooner if a large volume of applications are received. Therefore, expressions of interest should be submitted as soon as possible. Places in the program are dependent on meeting the selection criteria. Please note submitting an expression of interest does not automatically qualify an applicant for the next step in the selection process for this program.

Timor Awakening 36 (TA36) 

Timor-Leste, 18 - 28 April 2026

EOI to open in November

Timor Awakening 38 (TA38) 

Western Australia - May - dates tbc

EOI to Open in December (pending Funding)

Timor Awakening 39 (TA39) 

Gold Coast, 13 - 21 June 2026 EOI OPEN

Timor Awakening 40 (TA40) 

Timor-Leste, August dates tbc

EOI to Open in November (pending confirmation)

Timor Awakening 41 (TA41) 

Western Australia - Sep - dates tbc

EOI to Open in December (pending Funding)

Timor Awakening 37 (TA37) 

Gold Coast, 14 - 22 February 2026 EOI OPEN

Timor Awakening 2024 & 2025 Reports

Group photo of Timorese children in school uniform and adults in casual clothes posing on tiered seating.
Veterans reflect on their experiences during 'circle time' during a Timor Awakening program.
Group meals during Timor Awakening provide a great opportunity for veterans to get to know each other and find their post-military tribe.
A group of Timorese children sit with a Timor Awakening participant on a grassy field, with mountains, houses, and a church with a red roof and blue steeple in the background.
A group of veterans from Australia and New Zealand hold hands with East Timorese women in a rural community.

Timor-Leste Humanitarian Relief

Life is thriving in Timor-Leste. A group of locals standing outdoors under a tree, many women holding eggs on white bags, at a small-town fresh produce market.

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TRAINING SCHEME, TL
VETs Friendship School, Daisula, Same

"Paying a debt of honour, being a good neighbour"

Two women are planting seedlings in a garden with a building and some trees in the background.

Timor Awakening Film

Timor Awakening is a film about the journey of veterans of two neighbouring countries. Filmed on the inaugural Timor Awakening Program in July 2016, the film provides a snapshot into the unique history of Timor-Leste and how Australian soldiers are returning for healing and much more.

A wide selction of videos ranging from 3 30 mins are available here - https://www.youtube.com/@timorawakening7219