Kirsty Gusmao Bendigo bound

''The skills the woman has are astounding,'' Mr Scott said.

''She speaks five languages and is extremely involved in a lot of areas, but particularly education and, of course, she also has a long association with Bendigo.'' He said Ms Sword Gusmao had also been instrumental in Bendigo's ability to play a major role in rebuilding and supplying schools in East Timor, including a bid to ship large quantities of old school equipment.