Felicity Fraser
When I look back at my journey from the time I first became aware of the plight of the Timorese People to the establishment of the GOYA Foundation, it has been exciting, stimulating and at times heartbreaking. It has been a life changing experience that has tested my endurance and yet expanded my existence. It has been a wonder.
Steve Blundell
As a returned serviceman I felt a need to assist the Timorese in whatever way I could to rebuild their country. After my experience in Vietnam I wanted to put something back into a country that had been violated through no fault of its own. I feel that I am helping them in a practical way to achieve self sufficiency.
Jill Forsyth
We cannot underestimate our good fortune to live in Australia. It is hard to know where to start, but the Goya foundation supports projects which address not only the welfare of women and children, but also sees the need to support education and employment to improve the future of all.
Sally Steele
I am thrilled to be able to assist in the building of East Timor, one of Australia's closest neighbours. I was attracted to the GOYA Foundation because it is a grass roots group with personal ties to the projects undertaken. I feel I can directly contribute to the projects and see results.
Ildi Amon
The GOYA Foundation supports women in East Timor and PNG who are ambitious, confident, capable, positive, giving, powerful and strong leaders. Movers and shakers. Interestingly, it is women with such characteristics who make up the GOYA youth committee. How proud and privilidged I am to collaborate with such women in Melboune to support women in ET and PNG who are not so different.
Lee Ewing
I work at MLC with deaf students and had heard of Felicity’s work supporting the Timorese people over many years. I have visited Dili and seen first hand the lack of access to health care, education and the long haul that lies ahead for Timor. GOYA and MLC give grass roots aid where it is most needed, through the local women who struggle to set up services. One Timorese woman said to me “Mana Lee, I must do it for my people.” One dollar to a Timorese person is like 5 cents to us and what do we give back for the privileges we enjoy?
Sally Drummond
"As a teacher working with young people I am constantly reminded of the importance of supporting the development of the next generation as the key to a sustainable future. This is particularly true of Timor Leste and the Goya Foundation offers the opportunity to share so women and children can have a healthy, sustainable future"
Anne Riggs
I have been very interested in the work of the Goya Foundation since I first learned of it some years ago and have had many conversations with Felicity about a creative involvement in Timor. Having recently completed a PhD researching how and what art and the artist can contribute to wellbeing, I am now in a position to offer my skills in art, understanding and acknowledging trauma and grief, and building individual and community wellbeing to assist the Goya Foundation and people of Timor L'este.