On Sunday 3 December I joined the Timorese United Association [TUA] for the forty-eighth anniversary of the proclamation of independence. Along with members of the local Timorese community from Leppington, I was joined by the Consul General for Timor-Leste, Mr Julio da Costa Freitas; the Federal member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley; and both the current and former members for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda and Paul Lynch. The event included traditional Timorese cultural performances and entertainment as well as speeches reflecting on the significance of the anniversary. While a momentous day on the calendar for the Timorese people, it is also an important beacon of hope for many around the world today, especially those who continue to strive for self-determination and a nation-state to call their own in the face of decades of brutal occupation and military violence. I thank the management committee of TUA for their hard work to bring the event together. It is essential we continue to commemorate that important occasion and ensure future generations understand and appreciate the struggle of their forebears.