Meet the Team

AIMEE MIDDIS, Co-founder.

I have been visiting Timor-Leste since 2008. Over the years I have developed strong relationships with people and communities and have come to learn the real disparities in access to services (especially health and education related) and essential daily necessities that both you and I often take for granted.

As an Occupational Therapist who has worked across the West Australian state in various rural and remote areas, I have developed a passion for improving the quality of life of individuals through increasing access to services and resources. Having also volunteered as a therapist assisting people living with disability on the outer impoverished islands of Vanuatu I can say that this passion translates to developing countires. 

I bring a passionate, positive and motivated vibe to the Kolega Foundation team to help empower our project partners to positively influence the community in direct and practical ways. 
The aspect I love most about Timor-Leste is driving a along the mountainous cliff tracks -which are actually the roads- and taking in the stunning scenery and views the country offers. Above all though, the spirit of the people and how they are always striving in their daily actions to build a more positive and stronger tomorrow is what I love the very most. It’s a contagious spirit and certainly gets Kolega and I excited to contribute to the vision!

MEGAN ANsell, Co-founder. 

the time I have spent in East-Timor over the past eight years has had a profound impact on the way I think and go about life. It was really important to me at this stage (having learned what I have so far and feeling less like I’d make a total mess of it) to be part of something that gives in practical, direct and sustainable ways to the communities who, while having so little materially, have brought so much warmth, joy and knowledge to my life and those of my co-founders and the students we have taken to Timor over the years…. As an added bonus my involvement makes the HECS debt from my otherwise dust gathering International Relations degree feel less futile. In the big scheme of things our goals are relatively humble, but having met the timorese people we're working with it's clear that these projects are important and that we can all do something that makes a difference.

My favourite thing about Timor, like most people who visit, is the warmth and optimism of the Timorese and the stunning natural landscapes. As part of the Kolega Foundation I’m really passionate about upholding the existing culture and dignity of the people we aim to assist by ensuring that all projects are community initiated, supported and led.

Cass Jones, Co-Founder.

I've been traveling to Timor Leste for the past 10 years. My love for Timor all started out when I started taking year 12 leavers into Timor Leste to facilitate community development projects. Timor Leste is a beautiful country and one that's drawn me back year after year.

One of my greatest inspirations are the people of Timor. Many of the people I have met have a very deep sense of community with a passion to develop their country, rebuild following long term occupation and create a better place for the future of their people. I've been fortunate to be part of this and have these beautiful people of Timor Leste blended in my life.

I love how our cultures are so different from each other and it can create challenges but that makes every day a true adventure. I feel I revel in these environments. I'm very excited to be part of the Kolega team. There's something so special when you get to work with amazing people for a common interest to improve the lives of others.