Timor
Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 19:06:01 -0700
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Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 00:56:52 +1000
From: Peter Ravenscroft <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Call for volunteers to assemble an aid transport fleet for Timor
East Timor Drovers Project
Vehicles & Owner Drivers Needed
Peter Ravenscroft. Phone (07) 3289 4470
or email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
This newly formed organization is a voluntary body dedicated to
aiding the East Timorese. We need your help.
[UPDATE 24-9-99: We are establishing a base camp at Darwin as soon
as possible. The situation remains very unsettled and this prevents
aid agenices entering the country right now. However, as soon as
things calm down, we will be going into Timor.]
We are appealing for volunteers to go to Timor, to drive for a
group of five aid agencies based in Darwin. We particularly need
owner drivers who are prepared to go over with their own vehicles.
We need drivers, mechanics (qualified or not), and field
organizers. Firstly contact us and arrangements will be given,
about getting yourself to Darwin.
Unrepairable vehicles will also be scrapped for parts or sold to
raise funds. Please, no write-offs as we cannot act as your waste
disposal service.
Vehicles do not need to be registered to pass into East Timor.
However, they do need to be transported there.
The East Timor Mercy Ship is sailing for a second time some time
next week or shortly after. We will have vehicles on that.
We also need, anywhere in Australia, office staff, fundraisers and
other organizers, transport managers, internet people and general
scroungers. Whatever your expertise, location and time
availability, if you are prepared to volunteer your services we
will be able to find you something useful to do.
If you would like to do something real to help the Timorese people,
this is one way to do it. We need cars, utes, trucks and buses, and
in particular four wheel drives. Also bicycles. We may be able to
transport unregistered but fully serviceable vehicles by truck to
Darwin. This is not a safe operation, and there are no guarantees
for personal safety, or for vehicles. We may not be able to get our
vehicles back for a long time if at all. There is no pay, but if
that can be arranged later it will be.
We also invite people to start and run independent Drover groups in
their own communities, and to help run the existing groups. Two,
Samford and Mount Nebo, are operating. The first party from Samford
will be leaving for Darwin in a couple of days. Extra drivers are
needed.
Overseas Help: Those not in Australia can offer their help also.
Primarily, anyone can offer donations and funds. Also, anyone
offering transit such as boats, planes or shipping can contact us.
THE STORY SO FAR...
The Drovers organization exists to provide transport for people in
crisis areas, and for the aid groups helping them. It has just been
formed. Our first project is to provide transport for East Timor.
There are very few vehicles left operating there.
So far, two 4WD, two tip trucks, one 5 ton 4WD, two cars, a utility
(pick-up truck) and about 25 bicycles. We may have free rail
freight organised (thank you Queensland Rail). This is a good start
for only four days operation, but more help is urgently needed.
A vintage Morris Z is also being sold to raise funds for $3000, so
for any offers please contact by phone or email (Brisbane area
prefered).
CONTACT INFO:
If you would like to and can help in any way at all, please phone
either 07-3289 4470 (Samford Drovers), or 07-3289 8159 (Mount Nebo
Drovers) or 08-8985 5529 (Timor Aid, Darwin).
Vehicles should head for Darwin, and be supplied with spares, tools
and camping equipment such as swags and tents. Once there, food and
fuel will be provided to the best of our ability. If willing to go
to East Timor, take your passport, or documents sufficient to get
one in Darwin.
Expect delays and disorganization. This is a crisis!
Drovers ~ Peter Ravenscroft (23-9-99)
Phone (07) 32894470.
Page by Ambrose Watson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Community Aid Abroad East Timor Appeal
web space provided by www.samford.net
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