13 June 2014

A SERIES of events focusing on Indigo Shire’s relationships with Australia’s regional neighbour Timor-Leste will lead the way to the 2014 Kerferd Oration on 27 July.

One of the lead-in events is an evening with Andrew Mahar AM, the founder of WithOneSeed, a charitable organisation carrying out developmental work in Timor-Leste.

Kerferd Oration Committee chair Ian McKinlay said Andrew Mahar has been working with remote communities in Timor-Leste for the past 10 years assisting them to move beyond aid and charity.

“He has done this through a social enterprise model that focuses on social and economic participation,” Mr McKinlay said.

“WithOneSeed works with communities across Australia and the Asia Pacific region to make environments sustainable, to end poverty and hunger, to build knowledge and to create regional partnerships,” Mr McKinlay said.

“Andrew is also the CEO of the xpand Foundation and has been involved in creating social enterprises for 25 years. He has provided advice and guidance to community sector organisations, government at all levels and the private sector.

“Andrew has built his knowledge and understanding from practical, hands-on experience working in the not-for-profit field.”

The evening is being held at the Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre at 7pm on Saturday 21 June.

“It is a wine and cheese night with a blue note entry donation, which will go to WithOneseed and the Indigo Atauro Friendship Group,” Mr McKinlay said.

For bookings, please contact Lesley Milne on 0428 389 138.

The Kerferd Oration will be delivered by Ms Jenny Coles, Australian Liaison Representative for Education for the Australian-born wife of Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister, Ms Kirsty Sword Gusmão, at Baarmutha Park, Beechworth at 11am on Sunday 27 July.