President of the Republic Jose Ramos Horta, paid respect on Facebook, posting a letter he wrote to Helen’s family: “So very sad, Helen, Timor-Leste Iconic Friend.”

Fretilin Minister Nurima Alkatiri said she was saddened by Hill’s death: “We will always remember her invaluable contribution and tireless commitment to Timor-Leste.”

Hill died peacefully in Melbourne shortly after 12.00 am Tuesday.

An academic, writer and activist, Hill was considered a pioneer of Australia-Timor-Leste solidarity, first visiting Timor-Leste in 1975.

Highlights of her life-long work included publication “The Timor Story’ (1976), one of the first academic works to alert the world to Timor-Leste’s desire for self-determination, according to Timor-Leste Studies Association.

Hill was president of the Australia East Timor Association from 1999 to 2014.

She was awarded the Order of Timor-Leste in 2014, in recognition of her contribution to the country.

She lived most of her life in Dili consulting for the government, university and United Nations Development Programme, before retiring in 2012.

“Helen’s enormous and influence will surely be an ongoing inspiration to many,” Ian Hill, Helen’s brother told Horta on Wednesday in a letter the President put in special post on Facebook to pay tribute.