As we approach the ultimate gift giving season, it is a time to consider what meaningful gifts we can give, and we are have some treats from Timor Leste you might like to add to your stockings! This Palms Post is also a reflection on the gift of volunteering to mentor, and an invitation to gift oneself (or someone you know) with the chance to learn more about Palms’ partnerships in our next webinar on Monday, or through an Encounter Tour to Timor Leste in July next year.
Director’s Reflection
Taking Stock
As we mark the end of in country placement for our 2022 Solidarity Award winning Palms participant Michele Rankin, I take the opportunity to focus on the work she and her daughters Anjelica and Gabby did at the Balibo Community Centre in Timor Leste. Read more here.
Global Volunteering Info Session
Discover the impact of volunteering aboard by listening to the first hand experiences of Liz & John, past Palms volunteers, and learn about diverse assignments abroad and how you can make a difference.
Timor Leste Encounter Tour 8-20 July 2025
Plan for 2025
Join our small group Encounter tour to Timor-Leste from 8-20 July, 2025. You will engage directly with the people and projects that are making a positive difference within their communities.
Christmas Gift Collection
Transform lives with our new range of purpose-driven gifts that directly support our volunteer programs and with our limited collection of authentic, ethically-sourced items.
Frontline Inspiration
Image L-R: Rofina Aifunan, Michele and Sidonia
“Mom, Michele Rankin does mentoring to Balibo 5 CIC Staff since 2016. [She] is a very smart woman and active in all activities such as in the Dental Clinic area, Balibo trails, Balibo Women’s Centre, Days For Girls Distribution, SkyHydrant H2 Osborne Project and mentor Anjelica in the English courses area…she is a woman who works hard without knowing the night and never complains about being lazy or sick, and she is always there for the CLC staff and people who need her help. She is the super Wonder Woman. Thank you Mom Michele.”
By Sidonia da Silva Tilman
Balibo Dental Clinic On-site Manager & Women’s Centre Leadership team
Empowering Change: Michele Rankin’s Transformative Journey in Timor-Leste
From 2016 to 2024, Michele Rankin, a dedicated Palms Australia volunteer made a profound impact on her Timor-Leste partner organisation, the Balibo Community Learning Centre and its surrounding community. Her focus on skills transfer and capacity building left an enduring legacy, mentoring seven staff members and equipping them with diverse expertise. Read more here…
Spotlight on Opportunities
See many other requests here or contact Palms about any currently being drafted
(02 9560 5333 or palms@palms.org.au)
This short placement video and these personal testimonies will inspire you to REACH BEYOND.
BBQ Fundraiser
Saturday 8th February 2025
Palms will be hosting a Sausage Sizzle at Bunnings in Alexandria, Sydney on Saturday 8th February 8am to 5pm to raise funds towards our Global Mission program. We are looking for volunteers to help out on a shift. Please get in touch with us at palms@palms.org.au or call us on 0422 472 567.
Vale Jennifer Newman
A beautiful spirit to whom Palms owes much
We want to pay tribute to Jennifer Newman, one of Palms Directors, who passed away at the end of September of pancreatic cancer. She will be remembered for her selfless generosity and her inspirational contributions at Palms’ Orientation Courses as well as her legacy as a teacher, Elder and wise guide. Her memorial was held outdoor on 4th October by her most cherished Cook’s River. A great woman who will be greatly missed.
Support Base
A step back into times gone by
This September, the Palms team was presented with one of the earliest editions of Palms Post printed in March 1965 from Sr Annette Parker. Sr Annette had kept the Palms Post for many years and has now given it to Palms as a gift that showcases the organisation’s earlier days. Read more here…
Other News
How Can Teachers Shape the Future: A Transformative History Education Training in Timor-Leste
Unesco News. Read here…
The Majority World – what’s in a phrase?
Philanthropy Australia by Dr Salmah Eva-Lina Lawrence. Read here…