The council added to the coffers at its most recent meeting, with an $800 contribution from the mayoral discretionary fund.

The money will go towards food aid in the aftermath of Cyclone Seroja in early April. More than 8000 people were displaced by landslides and floods and some 42 people died.

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Goulburn and Quelicai struck the friendship agreement in October, 2018 at former Saint Joseph's orphanage owners, Maggie and Daryl Patterson's suggestion. The couple had forged strong links with former East Timor ambassador to Australia Abel Guterres and wife, Ana.

A fundraising committee, including the Pattersons and Mayor Bob Kirk, has raised about $7200 since its formation for health, education and other needs.

Mrs Patterson said the $800 donation was very much appreciated and would go towards food aid.

"Crops have been destroyed in a region that is about Goulburn's size and which has 50 per cent malnutrition at the best of times," she said.

"The crops were destroyed in the Easter Sunday cyclone. The devastation is hard to fathom so your support is providing ongoing food aid."

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Mrs Patterson said the council's friendship agreement had set in motion an "absolutely amazing chain of events." It resulted in large amounts of health aid, including four ventilators for the city's hospital to combat COVID-19. The funds have also helped repair a school roof and construct amenities.

In addition, Goulburn Rotary Club has contributed over $1000 to the effort.

The council's donation will will be administerd by Quelicai's new mayor, Sebastiano Pirez. The local priest and police will ensure equitable distribution of essential food such as rice, maize, corn and oil.

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