Building Skills for Community Impact: The Journey of 2009 Royce & Jean Abbey Scholar, Julio Celestino
In 2007, a young engineer from Timor-Leste, Julio Celestino, began a professional journey that would shape not only his future, but also the future capacity of his community. At the time, Julio was working with Oxfam Australia as an Assistant Coordinator in the water and sanitation program, supporting displaced families living in camps following conflict in Timor-Leste.
Recognising his leadership potential and commitment to service, senior staff encouraged him to apply for the Royce & Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship, a program designed to equip emerging leaders from developing nations with practical training in Australia. Julio was awarded the scholarship through the Rotary Club of Shepparton Central in October 2007.
Learning in Australia – Skills That Last
Julio spent three months in Shepparton, Victoria, where he undertook a placement with Goulburn Valley Water. During this time, he learned hands-on skills in:
Water quality testing and treatment
Urban water supply system design
Sewerage system operations
Safety standards and workplace practices
Technical communication and project planning
Beyond the technical training, Julio gained something equally important - exposure to a collaborative work culture built on teamwork, accountability, and service to community.
He reflected: “The experience gave me not only knowledge, but confidence and a vision for how I could serve my community at home.”
Continued Education and Service
During his time in Shepparton, Julio also developed strong connections within Rotary. The Rotary Club of Melbourne, recognising his leadership promise, later supported him to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering in Indonesia (2008–2010). He completed his studies and returned home to take on engineering roles with organisations working to restore community infrastructure.
Julio went on to contribute to major water, sanitation, and development programs, including work with USAID’s DWASH initiative, improving access to clean water in rural communities.
In 2012, he joined TIMORGAP, Timor-Leste’s national petroleum company, where he later served as a Pipeline Engineer. His work supported strategic infrastructure projects vital to national development.
Committed to further growth, Julio earned an Australia Awards Scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Project Management at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He continues to support infrastructure development in Timor-Leste today.
A Legacy of Leadership and Community Impact
Julio’s journey is exactly what the Royce & Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship exists to empower: developing local leaders who return home with practical skills, stronger networks, and a commitment to long-term community benefit.
Through this scholarship, Timor-Leste gained:
A qualified engineer with international training
A community leader committed to public service
A role model for young Timorese seeking education and opportunity
Julio remains deeply grateful to the many Rotarians who supported him—particularly the Rotary Club of Shepparton Central, his host families, and the staff of Goulburn Valley Water.
“This scholarship changed the trajectory of my career and my life,” he shared. “I am working every day to give back.”
The Scholarship Continues to Change Lives
The Royce & Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship continues to support emerging leaders across the Asia–Pacific region—building community capacity in agriculture, education, water management, women’s livelihoods, environmental resilience, and more.
To learn more about the Royce and Jean Abbey Vocational Scholarship or to make an initial application, please visit: royceabbey.com
