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The collection of bicycles in large amounts began in 1999. In two short years, a total of 7,000 bicycles were shipped to East Timor with the aid of donated shipping and containers by Roger Rooney. Customs and port authorities declared the bicycles as tax exempt. These bicycles were then distributed throughout the island, including remote areas, which were often the most in need. Timor Aid, Civpol, Oxfam, Peace Winds Japan, The Australian Army and many other organisations helped with distribution.
At that time we were registered with the United Nations under the name 'Australia - East Timor Recycled Bicycle Humanitarian Project'
A bicycle workshop was set up in Liquica, 30 kilometres from Dili and training was given in bicycle mechanics. This generated local employment and created bicycle related employment such as transportation of goods, message delivery and the ability to seek out employment.
Many thanks go to the following organisations... without their help, the East Timor Project would never have achieved the results it did.
- Roger Rooney's Shipping Co. Darwin
- Bull's Transport, Roxby Downs
- Lion's Club, Casuarina
- St. Vincent de Paul
- Thrifty Rent-a-Car, Darwin and East Timor
- Australian Army, Darwin
- Timor Aid
- United Nations
- US Aid
- Adelaide Coordinator
- Corrugated Iron Youth Arts Nightcliff, Darwin
- Anglicare Newcastle
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History 
