Medal of the Order of Venilale presented to Council

Published on 19 September 2025

Mansfield Shire Council has formally accepted custodianship of the Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste, which was presented to the Friends of Venilale by the President and Nobel Peace Laureate Dr Jose Ramos-Horta in August 2025.  

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said it was an honour to accept the medal on behalf of the community.  

“Friends of Venilale have been serving the community of Venilale for more than 20 years,” he said. 

“Council has an official Memorandum of Understanding, originally signed in 2005, which recognises the official friendship between the two cities. 

“I am grateful to the community members who recognise that from here, the best little Shire in the lucky country of Australia, we can look beyond our borders and lend a hand to our international friends. 

“And look how far they have come. 

“Many thanks to the Friends of Venilale, who have led our friendship with Venilale to the point where they are able to formally recognise the contribution with this honour,” said Cr Rabie. 

Julie Aldous, president of Friends of Venilale, formally presented the medal and a framed certificate to Council, saying that it was a rare honour to be bestowed on a rural town.  

“This is international recognition of the work that has been done in this community,” she said.  

“I’ve lived and worked in rural communities all my life, and Mansfield has very generous people who look beyond their periphery to the wider world with wisdom and generosity.” 

The medal and certificate were handed to the Mayor on behalf of the community. Mansfield Shire Council has formally accepted its role as custodians of the medal, which will be publicly displayed at the municipal offices at 33 Highett Street, Mansfield.