Organising us all
After being at the helm for 15 years with 50 visits to Timor-Leste since 2006, Dr. Chris Fenton is leaving Maluk Timor to concentrate on the next phase of his life.
Chris has been a tireless, enthusiastic, engaged and active member of both Maluk Timor Australia and Associacao Maluk Timor boards since inception of both.
Wearing his favorite pink shirt
Chris first visited Timor-Leste in 2006 with Abel Guterres who was then the Consul General for Timor-Leste in Australia. He was so struck by the inequalities in healthcare access between Timor-Leste and Australia that he has dedicated a large portion of his life to trying to redress the balance and improve the health of the Timorese people.
Through his enthusiasm and charisma, Chris gathered a large number of dedicated colleagues and friends to support him in his mission. Together Chris and team forged a partnership with Bairo Pite Clinic and managed the clinic for 6 years until 2017. The group then decided to focus on capacity building and health system strengthening and founded Maluk Timor.
Chris with Prof Clare Nouse and Joe Cato back in 2010 advocating for health with then Australian Ambassador to Timor- Leste, Peter Heyward.
Most people in Timor would be familiar with the sight of Chris striding through health facilities, boardrooms and anywhere there was an audience, passionately advocating for improved health care……He has been an active participant in the MT programs with a particular interest in oral health.
Chris has tirelessly supported all fundraising ventures in Australia and elsewhere and has been invited to give numerous talks about health in Timor and in particular the debt that Australia owes Timor and its obligation to assist.
Chris will be sorely missed by the Maluk Timor community, staff, colleagues and partners and we all hope that he will continue to visit and contribute to our endeavours for many years to come.
With Dr Dan in the early days.