Welcome to ABET - Aussie Boats for East Timor

We firmly believe it is better to offer a HAND-UP rather than a HAND-OUT so the people of East Timor can gain a vastly improved standard of living and income with the assistance of the ABET boats.

In December 1999, the idea was raised that something could be done in Australia to help the East Timorese people back on their feet, and that being a boat builder since I was 17 years old, we could perhaps help. It seemed to us that East Timor could be encouraged to participate in the healing process by taking some of the responsibility for their future into their own hands.

We were approached early in the year 2000 by Mike Maskell of Queensland about building suitable fishing boats for East Timor. I approached boat designer John Welsford in NZ about designing a plan for a boat built along the lines of the traditional fishing canoe with major improvements. The first boat was built and then after many hassles trying to arrange delivery, was finally delivered in April 2001. We quickly saw where future boats could be modified to accommodate the large outboards donated by the Chinese Government.

Thanks to the much appreciated assistance of Lindsay Bros Transport, Perkins Shipping and staff, David Curtain from Curtain Bros Shipping at Port Hera Timor, the Head of Fisheries East Timor, Richard Mounsey, the first boat was delivered and donated and is now feeding and providing an income for 5 families (which averages 7 - 10 persons per family unit) in the village of Fatu Hada!

This boat has now provided a better standard of living for the first village to receive a NSW ABET boat in East Timor. Just think of the impact of being able to provide them with 199 more - which is our current goal!

We are pleased to announce that the Rotary Club of Surfers Paradise Inc. have agreed to adopt ABET's project. Many thanks to Rotary Surfers Paradise!

The Fat Canoe - (1/10th scale model)		From 1/10th scale model to the Finished Product

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