Friends of Suai Covalima

For over 20 years we have had a formal commitment to support our friendship with Suai, Covalima East Timor.

Since 2000, we have had a formal commitment to support our friendship between communities in Port Phillip and Suai, Covalima in East Timor.

Through the Friends of Suai/Covalima, we are doing all we can to assist the people of Suai in their efforts to claim a new future. In the spirit of friendship, people from both communities are working together to create opportunities for development throughout the district of Covalima.

Support and funding are provided to the Covalima Community Centre in Suai to implement community development programs, with a strong focus on education, health, gender equality, livelihoods and sustainability.

To keep up to date with the latest Friends of Suai/Covalima news, follow the Friends of Suai on Facebook or subscribe to the e-newsletter via Get involved, donate or contact us links below.

Film Night Fundraiser - 1 August 

Tickets are now on sale for the Friends of Suai film night fundraiser to watch ‘The President’s Wife’ on Thursday 1st August at the Classic Cinema in Elsternwick. The film will start at approx. 6pm (TBC).
Tickets are $27 each. For more information and to buy tickets, please visit our Eventbrite page.
All funds raised will support the work of the Covalima Community Centre in Suai to continue to implement community development initiatives including the successful scholarship program.

June 2024 Scholarships Newsletter 

The June 2024 edition of our newsletter contains updates on the Friends of Suai scholarship program. The stories demonstrate how community support for the friendship continues to provide educational opportunities for young people, which benefit the whole community. Scholarships are funded through community donations and fundraising events.  

The link to view the newsletter can be accessed from the bottom of this page, or for a hard copy, contact Friends of Suai/Covalima via the Get Involved, Donate or Contact Us links below. 

Successful trivia night fundraiser 

On 18 April 2024 Friends of Suai held a very successful trivia night at Middle Park Bowls Club, with more than 100 residents and friends attending. Many donations were provided by local businesses, artists and individuals for a raffle and silent auction.

The event raised over $11,000 and proceeds will help to ensure that the Covalima Community Centre in Suai can continue to implement sustainable community development programs, with a strong focus on education, health, gender equality, livelihoods and the environment.

Scholarship appeal

Donations are needed for education programs and to fund new and ongoing scholarships for the 2024 and 2025 school years.  The scholarship program encourages gender equity and focuses on students from disadvantaged families from many villages and sub-districts within Covalima district.

Donations by credit card can be made on our Give Now appeal page.

For information on other ways to donate, or for more information about the program, please contact the Friends of Suai Covalima Coordinator via the Get involved, donate or contact us links below.

Contact us, get involved or donate

Friends of Suai Covalima is a relationship that goes beyond the usual concept of financial aid. It connects the community in the City of Port Phillip with the community of Suai in order to enrich and enhance the lives of all involved. The participation of the community is key to the success of the friendship.

Get involved by volunteering your time, making a donation, attending our events and joining our mailing list.

The Friends of Suai Covalima Coordinator is here to help.

Send us a message on My Port Phillip.

Phone: 03 9209 6598

Further information