History

Friends of Same (pronounced Sah-may) was formally launched in 2002 by the City of Boroondara to provide a forum for residents of the municipality to develop links with and coordinate initiatives and support for the people of the sub-district of Same in rebuilding their communities.

East Timor  has suffered the ravages of years of foreign domination, war and violence, before and after the 1999 Referendum on Independence.  

The City of Boroondara joined other councils in participating in the Australia Timor-Leste Friendship Program, a joint initiative of the Victorian Local Government Association and the Government of Timor-Leste. This program aims to provide support for community development, matching local government expertise and community resources and interests, with areas in East Timor.

Friends of Same is a community-based, group that, in November 2007  became a not-for-profit Incorporated Association, that, in partnership with other not-for-profit organisations continues to support educational projects in Same sub-district, Manufahi, Timor-Leste.