Dadalia Timor Talk Podcast

DADALIA – Timor Talk explores the stories, histories and connections that have travelled across the water between Timor-Leste and Australia.Through conversations with historians, activists, artists and members of the Timorese community, the series looks at the people and experiences behind our shared history — from resistance and independence to migration, solidarity, culture and identity.Produced by the Australia East Timor Association (AETA),DADALIA brings together stories that have been remembered, stories that have been forgotten, and stories that deserve to be heard again.EPISODE 1The Good Sea: The Journey from Timor to AustraliaIn May 1995, a small wooden fishing boat left Timor-Leste under the cover of darkness.On board were 17 young Timorese men and women and a six-month-old baby. Only one person had sailing experience. Armed with little more than a school atlas and a compass, they headed south towards Australia. In the first episode of DADALIA – Timor Talk, José da Costa shares his experience growing up during the Indonesian occupation, becoming involved in the clandestine independence movement, surviving the Santa Cruz massacre and eventually joining the extraordinary 1995 voyage to Australia. Historian and author Vannessa Hearman joins the conversation to explore the political significance of the journey, the role of ordinary people in Timor-Leste’s independence movement,and why these stories remain important for younger generations today. Together, they reflect on resistance, migration, Australian solidarity, refugee policy and the importanceof preserving grassroots histories for future generations.CreditsFeaturingVannessa Hearman — Author of The Good Sea & Historian at Curtin UniversityJosé da Costa — Actor & AdvocateDADALIA TeamCarmelita Gomes — Co-hostAshley Siedlecki — Co-hostDorcy Roslya Daos — Social Media & Graphic DesignJorge de Araújo — Videographer & EditorMusicLabarik Lakon — Jove GuterresMaubisse Church & Village — Hamoris Lian TimorStay a While — Paulo AlmeidaWith thanksProduced by Australia East Timor Association Recording venue - AsiaPacific Journalism Centre