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 1

The Good Sea: The Journey from Timor to Australia

In 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.

Credits

Featuring
Vannessa Hearman — Author of The Good Sea & Historian at Curtin University
José da Costa — Actor & Advocate

DADALIA Team
Carmelita Gomes — Co-host
Ashley Siedlecki — Co-host
Dorcy Roslya Daos — Social Media & Graphic Design
Jorge de Araújo — Videographer & Editor

Music
Labarik Lakon — Jove Guterres
Maubisse Church & Village — Hamoris Lian Timor
Stay a While — Paulo Almeida

With thanks
Produced by Australia East Timor Association

Recording venue - AsiaPacific Journalism Centre