QLD: Gympie builds bonds with East Timor

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-1999
QLD: Gympie builds bonds with East Timor

BRISBANE, Dec 21 AAP - The Queensland town of Gympie is forging a relationship with
some of the people of East Timor.

The townsfolk have shipped eight tonnes of food, clothing and essentials - from bicycles,
sewing machines and sandals to garden tools, vegetable seeds and simple greetings from
local children.

Co-ordinator of the effort, Lutheran pastor August Fricke, said that, in conjunction
with the East Timorese leadership, the district of Laga was chosen as benefactor.

"Our first shipping container brimming full is now on its way," he said.

Pastor Fricke said Gympie was also working towards establishing a sister city relationship
with Laga.

"The people of Gympie are also benefiting in terms of a strengthened community spirit
and a restored faith in humanity," Pastor Fricke said.

AAP geb/sd/rsm

KEYWORD: TIMOR GYMPIE

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