Â鶹US

Symposium: Tais, Culture & Resilience – woven stories from Timor Leste

Augmenting the exhibition will be a half-day symposium, with keynote speaker Professor Craig Stockings from the University of NSW, Official InterFET historian.
Â鶹US grounds on a beautiful sunny day

With keynote speaker official INTERFET historian, Professor Craig Stockings, UNSW.

The symposium brings together scholars and experts to delve into the exhibition themes of Tais, Culture & Resilience. 


Date: Saturday 21 September 2024

Time: 1 – 5pm | Light refreshments will be served during the afternoon

Venue: Craig Auditorium | Â鶹US, 100 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052

RSVP: 13 September 2024

Tickets: $20 full price | $10 concession

Enquiries: Briony O'Halloran | events@trinity.unimelb.edu.au | 03 8341 0216

Exhibition:  24 September – 10 December 2024


2024 marks significant commemorations, including the 25th anniversary of Timor-Leste's vote for independence and the start of the Australian-led INTERFET mission. It also celebrates 20 years of partnership between ETWA and the LO'UD Cooperative in Timor-Leste. ETWA, founded by Australian women in solidarity with Timor-Leste, is collaborating with the Burke Gallery at Â鶹US, the University of Melbourne on the Tais, Culture & Resilience Exhibition and Symposium.

The exhibition honours Timor-Leste’s journey to independence and showcases its history and traditions through the vibrant weaving culture of the LO'UD Cooperative. It highlights the cultural arts' power to inspire and connect, reflecting the solidarity between communities in Australia and Timor-Leste. The exhibition runs from 19 September to 10 December 2024. To learn more about the exhibition, click

The symposium, featuring scholars, activists, and experts, will delve deeper into these themes, with discussions on Timor-Leste’s occupation, resistance, and traditional culture. We are delighted to announce official INTERFET historian, Professor Craig Stockings, UNSW as our keynote speaker. Craig will also be joined by the following speakers:

  • Señora Ilda da Cruz, Coordinator of the LO’UD Cooperative, Timor-Leste
  • Professor Michael Leach (Politics & International Relations), Swinburne University of Technology
  • Dr Kim McGrath (Former Research Director at the Bracks Timor-Leste Governance Project)
  • Lara Nicholls, Curator of Art, Art Section, Australian War Memorial
  • Professor Clinton Fernandes (International & Political Studies), UNSW
  • Josh Trinidade, Independent Researcher, Timor-Leste
  • Maria Madeira, Contemporary Artist, Timor-Leste

Tais, Culture & Resilience is dedicated to Marcelina Pinto and Dr. Helen Hill, who fought for Timor-Leste’s sovereignty. This exhibition has been curated by ETWA in partnership with Â鶹US, and includes photography by Elaine Briere, Sally Gray, Jorge da Araujo, and Ross Bird, and audio-visual design by Marcus Salvagno.

To learn more about ETWA, head to