In Dare, a hillside community in Dili, an Australian delegation saw how locally led development initiatives are helping communities access safer water, better infrastructure, and stronger opportunities for the future.
On a sunny afternoon in Dare, Dili, community members welcomed a delegation of Australian parliamentarians and development leaders to witness how partnerships between Timor-Leste and Australia are contributing to meaningful change at the local level.
The visit brought together Australian parliamentarians, including Alison Penfold MP, Louise Miller-Frost MP, David Moncrieff MP, Ben Small MP, and Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, alongside the Chief Executives of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and Save the Children Australia.
The delegation’s visit was part of the Australian Regional Leadership Initiative (ARLI), which provides Australian leaders with the opportunity to learn directly from communities and development partners across the region. In Timor-Leste, the delegation explored how Australia’s long-standing partnership is supporting priorities including community development, climate resilience, water security, and improved local services.
Hosted by municipal authorities, community leaders, and residents of Dare, the delegation heard directly from communities about the challenges they face, and the progress made through locally driven initiatives.
At the heart of the visit was the story of community-led development through the National Program for Village Development (PNDS), supported by the Partnership for Strengthening Village Development and Municipal Administration (PARTISIPA) program.
The PNDS is Timor-Leste’s flagship village development program, designed to empower communities to identify their own priorities and participate in planning, implementing, and managing local infrastructure projects. Through PNDS, communities play an active role in improving the infrastructure they depend on every day — from rural roads to water systems.
During discussions with the Xefe Aldeia and community members in Dare, the delegation learned how these investments helping address everyday challenges faced by families.
Access to reliable and safe water remains a critical priority for many communities across Timor-Leste. Through its support to the water sector, Australia’s program PARTISIPA works with the Ministry of Public Works, municipalities, and communities to strengthen water resource planning, improve water systems, and build resilience against climate challenges.
In Dare, the delegation learned how improved water infrastructure is helping communities spend less time collecting water and more time focusing on education, livelihoods, and family responsibilities.
The visit highlighted the importance of combining infrastructure investment with community participation, ensuring that water systems are designed based on local needs and can be sustainably managed by communities.
Access to reliable and safe water remains a critical priority for many communities across Timor-Leste. Through its support to the water sector, Australia’s program PARTISIPA works with the Ministry of Public Works, municipalities, and communities to strengthen water resource planning, improve water systems, and build resilience against climate challenges.
In Dare, the delegation learned how improved water infrastructure is helping communities spend less time collecting water and more time focusing on education, livelihoods, and family responsibilities.
The visit highlighted the importance of combining infrastructure investment with community participation, ensuring that water systems are designed based on local needs and can be sustainably managed by communities.
PARTISIPA, Australia’s flagship sub-national governance and resilience program in Timor-Leste, works alongside the Ministry of State Administration, Ministry of Public Works, municipalities, and communities to strengthen local governance systems and support sustainable, climate-resilient development.
The delegation’s visit reflected the deep connections between Australia and Timor-Leste and the importance of continued collaboration in addressing shared challenges. For communities like Dare, development is not only measured through roads built or water systems improved — it is reflected in stronger community voices, greater ownership and inclusion, and partnerships that place people at the centre of change.