By Andie Maxwell, Permaculture Specialist, Hera, Timor-Leste. Feature image: Andie with Reloka staff members – Key & Rici.
The Journey to Timor-Leste
When Andie Maxwell first came across the permaculture position in Timor-Leste, she wasn’t specifically searching for agricultural work. She was searching for change.
“I was feeling I needed change in my professional and personal life,” Andie explains. “I had become very ‘comfortable’ in both and I was ready to be challenged. I was looking for shorter-term volunteer placements across rural Australia or South-East Asia or the Pacific.”
Initially exploring roles in community engagement and health promotion, Andie stumbled upon the Palms permaculture placement and recognised something familiar. “When I came across the permaculture position in Timor-Leste, I read the position description and I knew I could incorporate my experience and studies to fulfil the role.”
With a background in agriculture and horticulture in Australia, Andie had been practising sustainable techniques without necessarily using the term “permaculture.” “I have been proud to be a woman working in agriculture in Australia, and I thought it was a great opportunity to empower others. I was also very interested in Timor-Leste as a country.”
Her ambitions were high. “I hoped to be able to contribute water management techniques, co-planting and improving soil quality techniques. I was very eager to learn about cultural methods, planting practices, and I was really looking forward to experiencing permaculture in a sub-tropical climate.”
On-the-Ground Learning
Timor-Leste has offered Andie lessons she never anticipated—particularly around traditional ecological knowledge.
“I have learnt a lot about using flora for medicinal purposes,” she shares. “So much of the trees and plants serve their purpose, be it anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, cosmetic, and of course edible. The practice of eating bitter foods is seen as a deterrent for many illnesses, including repelling mosquitoes causing Dengue.”
The resourcefulness of the Timorese people has struck her deeply. “The multi-purpose use of the machete has amazed me. For many Timorese, this is their only ‘tool’ and the skills and accuracy of both men and women is incredible. Their ability to climb the most difficult terrain and make almost anything using natural resources… I have only seen one tractor since I have been here!”
Some permaculture principles translate directly; others need adapting. “Water harvesting is a major principle that needs addressing. However, I am mindful that rainwater tanks are not affordable.” She’s also learned new techniques from her local colleagues: “Raising the earth before planting or seeding is a new practice to me. This practice prevents flooding in the wet season.”
The Real Work
Andie’s week is varied and hands-on. She typically spends three days at Reloka’s colour botanic garden in Hera—”harvesting and re-seeding marigolds, seeding indigo, introducing mulching practices, incorporating paths and signage to make the garden more accessible.”
But the work extends well beyond the garden. She manages Reloka’s social media presence, increasing exposure about who they are and what they offer. “This includes advertising for colour workshops, dates attending markets, to ‘fun facts’ about cotton and pollinators.” A significant part of her role involves the KIWA Initiative—a 12-month program providing economic empowerment to women through natural dyes. “We have two remote Timorese communities, one in Oecusse and one in Ermera. This program requires regular reporting in English, so I take care of the log-frame, ensure the team is on top of their deliverables, and activity reporting.”
A Moment of Joy
When asked about her most rewarding experience, Andie doesn’t hesitate.
“In October 2025, the Reloka team as well as three young people from our project in Oecusse attended the International PermaYouth Convergence in Fatuquero, Ermera. There were hundreds of young people from across Timor-Leste and abroad who attended the camp.”
The energy was transformative. “I saw such joy on the faces of these young people. They were all brought together by this shared enthusiasm to address climate change.”
Reloka presented a workshop demonstrating traditional techniques of spinning cotton and natural dyes. “The attendance, interest and questions were remarkable. To see so many young people gathered to learn about permaculture, how to combat climate change and form these friendships really struck me.”
The camp also provided an opportunity for economic participation. “The team from Oecusse sold Tais and Reloka sold their products. It was a moment of teamwork and empowerment.”
Challenges and Growth
The language barrier has been Andie’s greatest challenge. “I have really struggled to learn Tetun. I have the words I need to get me by most of the time.”
But she’s witnessed remarkable growth in her colleagues. “On the converse, I have seen such improvement in the Reloka team’s English—which has probably been through necessity. Many have gone from being too shy to use English or using broken English to now having full sentences and conversations.”
Rethinking “Development”
Working alongside local communities has fundamentally shifted Andie’s understanding of aid and development.
“Looking at the villages we have been working with in Hatali and Taiboko, the local people have been incredibly welcoming and hard-working to implement climate change initiatives. It has become apparent they want to introduce best practices and they want to be educated on water and land management.”
She’s learned to question assumptions. “It’s trivial, but my initial thought was the locals eat a lot of rice because it is an affordable way of nourishment. But they love rice—if you eat a meal without rice, I have had it said to me various times, they don’t ‘feel full’. I think this would apply to many ways of living.”
Her conclusion is profound in its simplicity: “I’ve learnt that aid is more about education than it is about providing material ‘things’.”
Personal Reflections
Beyond the professional learning, Andie has gained personal insights that will stay with her.
“I have learnt it doesn’t matter where you come from—family is number one. In the simplicity of life here, if something happens to a family member in their home village, they are straight on the bus. Work, home duties are just dropped without thought.”
“Family is a shared value no matter your country or culture—and it has made me reflect that maybe I have taken the importance of my family for granted before this placement.”
Looking Ahead
The experience has clarified Andie’s passions and opened new possibilities.
“It has made me realise how much I love and miss working with livestock!” she laughs.
But she’s also developed a keen interest in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. “Having had experience with international workers on-farm in Australia and hearing stories from returned Timorese about their experiences in Australia, there appears to be many gaps and exploitation in the system. I would love to find an opportunity to work with Australian farm owners and become an advocate for PALM scheme workers.”
She’s also excited about Reloka’s future direction. “With Reloka Foundation’s mission to investigate introducing cotton for primary production—this is a very viable and exciting opportunity for many small farm holders. I look forward to working towards the viability, seeking financial support and interest within the country.”
Advice for Future Volunteers
For those considering a similar placement, Andie emphasises the importance of matching skills to context.
“It is important to know the landscape in which they have experience—is it home-garden, small farm-holder or bigger spaces? I thoroughly enjoy our botanic garden in Hera, but it didn’t take me long to realise I was a trained ‘farmer’, and even though I have the diploma, skillset and experience in permaculture—transferring this to a garden-size scale has brought its challenges.”
Her advice? “An open, mind goes without saying. Water management knowledge is very important. Knowing Timor-Leste was sub-tropical and had a lengthy wet season, I was not anticipating the unpredictability of the weather. The land is very dry in the lower lying areas.”
Andie Maxwell is a Palms International Volunteering participant serving as a Permaculture Specialist with Reloka Foundation in Hera, Timor-Leste. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit palms.org.au/current-opportunities or attend our next Global Volunteering Information Session.