Pat Walsh (SPC 1953-54) launching new book

Australian human rights advocate and Old Collegian Pat Walsh (SPC 1953-54, PY1958) will be launching a book focusing on his long association with East Timor at the Ballarat Library on Friday November 22.

The book, “The Day Hope and History Rhymed in East Timor and other East Timor stories”, focuses on Pat’s memories of East Timor’s Referendum for Independence in 1999 and their continuing efforts for nationhood 20 years on.

Pat is a human rights advocate and author with special interests in Indonesia and Timor-Leste. Originally from South Purrumbete near Camperdown, Pat also lived in Cape Clear and attended St Patrick’s as a day student in First and Second Year. And he now lives in Melbourne with his wife Annie Keogh and three daughters.

Pat promoted self-determination for East Timor for nearly three decades and was part of Australia’s official delegation, led by Tim Fischer, to witness the historic ballot of August 30 1999.

Supported by the UN, he was special advisor to East Timor’s truth and reconciliation commission and edited the English edition of the commission’s report Chega.

Both Timor-Leste and Australia have honoured his contribution to human rights and reconciliation in the region.

He is the author of “At The Scene of the Crime” (2011) and “Stormy With a Chance of Fried Rice: 12 Months in Jakarta” (2015). Pat’s website can be found at www.patwalsh.net

Pat’s book will be available for signing and purchase at the book launch at the Ballarat Library, in Doveton Street North, at 5.30pm. Light refreshments will be served.

Bookings can be made at timorlestebooklaunch.eventbrite.com.au