The 14-year-old had a six-hour procedure late last month to treat severe scoliosis at Newcastle Private Hospital.

The surgery was made possible through the hard work of Rotary volunteers, who flew Dulcia over through their ROMAC program.

ROMAC (Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children) provides free medical treatment for children from developing countries through life-saving surgeries or dignity restoring surgeries not available in their home country.

Dulcia was referred to the program by US doctor Dan Murphy, based at the Bairo Pite Clinic in Dili, East Timor.

Medical staff in East Timor were unable to perform the surgery, with the Newcastle team placing a metal rod and screws in Dulcia's back.

Adamstown-New Lambton Rotary Club president Lyn Thorpe said Dulcia and her aunt Dircea would stay with local host families until she has completely recovered.

"There was no way the surgery could have been performed in her country," Ms Thorpe said.

The pair will stay in Newcastle for the next four weeks.

Local Rotary clubs expect to host another teenage girl from East Timor in June, who will also receive surgery to treat severe scoliosis.

■ To make a donation go to romac.org.au.