Debra Salvagno

Debra Salvagno

Founder


ETWA (East Timorese Women Australia)

Melbourne, Victoria AUS


I've been doing stuff in East Timor for 10 years, and I don't feel any less passionate or committed to it than I did 10 years ago because it's something that's in my heart now.

Videos

By Roadtrip Nation

Debra Salvagno

Milestones

My road in life has been direct.
Worked in fashion and interior design but kept thinking, "What is all of this for? This is so insignificant."
In 1975, Indonesia launched a brutal military invasion of Timor; lasted 24 years and was incredibly brutal.
In 2003, Debra went there to see if there was anything she could do to help out.
Had been overwhelmed by the meaninglessness of her life's work and the field of fashion in general.
Finding a way to put her knowledge of textiles to good use allowed her to come out on the other side and realize she could make a difference.
The EWTA supports Timorese women by teaching them how to hand weave and sell various crafts.
By training these women and giving them a source of income, ETWA plants the seeds of self-sustaining communities in Timor.
Encourages everyone to learn about their heritage, think of ways that they can put their skills to use for the greater good.
Keep following my journey

Career

Founder

I'm passionate about women’s empowerment and community development to support women in East Timor.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Fashion
Non-Profit Organizations
Helping People

Interviewed By

Adelaide - Melbourne

Adelaide - Melbourne

Bruce snags a last-minute interview with actor/director Jo Turner and gets to do some improv as well, while human rights lawyer Julian Burnside reminds Brynn about the importance of training. Dance school founder Scott Cupitt teaches Bruce and Brynn to swing dance and Kay learns more about her heritage during an interview with Debra Salvagno of the East Timorese Women's Association.