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In July 2005 the Ballarat City Council formally established the Ballarat Friends of Ainaro Community Committee under Section 86 as a Special Committee of Council, providing funding and support to further develop the friendship relationship with the Ainaro District. Council endorsed the establishment of a Section 86 Special Committee of Council to administrate, manage and develop the Ballarat-Ainaro Friendship Relationship.

The first meeting of the Ballarat Friends of Ainaro Community Committee (BFoACC) was held on Tuesday, 29 November 2005.

In June 2007, a report to Council identified the need to sign a memorandum of understanding with Australian Volunteers International, to allow Council to facilitate the community development programs identified by the Sec 86 Committee, Ballarat Friends of Ainaro Community Committee.

In August 2007 a report to Council recommended sending a 2007 Council delegation to Ainaro, in East Timor in late September / early October to further the work of the Community Centre in Ainaro by implementing preparations for an Australian Volunteers International (AVI) auspices community development placement.

The visit focused on further clarifying the role, expectations and reporting arrangements for the AVI volunteer. It also coincided with the centenary of the founding of Ainaro.