Veterans working with veterans to build stronger communities
Timor Awakening is a program for veterans willing to be accountable and take responsibility to do the work to move in a positive direction in life.
Coming up in 2026
Veterans interested in participating in our program must undertake an expression of interest (EOI) process. This EOI includes a screening to ensure this program is suitable for you. Expressions of interest may close sooner if a large volume of applications are received. Therefore, expressions of interest should be submitted as soon as possible. Places in the program are dependent on meeting the selection criteria. Please note submitting an expression of interest does not automatically qualify an applicant for the next step in the selection process for this program.
Timor Awakening 38 (TA38)
Mentor Training
Gold Coast, Sat 13 - Wed 17 June 2026
EOI CLOSED
Timor Awakening 39 (TA39)
5 day short program
Gold Coast Wed 17 - Sun 21 June 2026
EOI CLOSED
Timor Awakening 40 (TA40)
Timor-Leste, 13-23 August
EOI Open
TIMOR AWAKENING 40 — EOI Open
This immersion is a powerful opportunity for veterans and their partners to pause, reflect, and reframe their experiences while walking alongside fellow veterans and supporting local community projects in Timor-Leste.
THE ITINERARY & MOVEMENTS
This time, we will be going deep into the heart of Timor-Leste to Baucau, combining historical reflection, peer mentoring, and hands-on community development.
Thu 13 Aug: Participants arrive and concentrate in Darwin
Fri 14 Aug: Entire delegation flies from Darwin to Dili
15 – 16 Aug: Immersive experiences in Dili
Mon 17 - 21 Aug: Immersive experience in the Baucau region including conducting a hands-on work party/construction at the school.
Sat 22 Aug: Early morning return to Dili.
Sun 23 Aug: Participants fly back to Darwin (Interstate travel home can be booked after 7pm that date - we recommend decompressing in Darwin).
CRITICAL PRE-REQUISITES
Before you apply, please ensure you meet and are ready to fulfil the following mandatory requirements:
You must pay for your own travel and accommodation in Darwin
Darwin Presence: You must be physically in Darwin by late Thursday 13 August for Opening Brief and flight to Dili on Friday 14 Aug
Passport: You must hold a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity from travel dates).
Medical Clearance: You must be medically cleared (to our satisfaction) to participate in the program, including the physical aspects of the trip and hikes. Timor's medical staff are amazing, though their medical facilities and medicinal options are rudimentary.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) INFO
Historically, Timor based Timor Awakening programs are oversubscribed by 500%. For TA40, we are strictly limited to 16 participants only.
Because of the massive demand, we are implementing a strict application cap to keep it fair:
The application link will only stay active for ONE WEEK, OR until we receive 35 applicants—whichever comes first.
Once we hit the limit the EOI will close immediately, so that a selection of the 16 can be made with appropriate reserves. This allows selected participants the time to complete the pre requisite admin
Timor-Leste Humanitarian Relief
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TRAINING SCHEME, TL
VETs Friendship School, Daisula, Same
"Paying a debt of honour, being a good neighbour"
Timor Awakening Film
Timor Awakening is a film about the journey of veterans of two neighbouring countries. Filmed on the inaugural Timor Awakening Program in July 2016, the film provides a snapshot into the unique history of Timor-Leste and how Australian soldiers are returning for healing and much more.
A wide selction of videos ranging from 3 30 mins are available here - https://www.youtube.com/@timorawakening7219
Timor Awakening 2024 & 2025 Reports
