The Australia Indonesia Association (AIA) gave families a complete sensory experience of the delights of Indonesia at its first ‘Spring Fair’ held from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, 27 October 2007. Cultural performances included Balinese dance, a Gamelan performance and other performances. There was also a Gamelan workshop and an opportunity to buy one of the Gamelan instruments, the Gangsa.
While the cultural performances and workshop were included in the cost of entry — by donation — there were also stalls selling a variety of goods and crafts, as well as delicious Indonesian food. In fine Australian tradition there were also raffles and a silent auction with the opportunity to win a fabulous prize or snap up a bargain. Prizes were generously donated by Ascot Teak, That Bali Shop, Coffee School, Bali Garden, Buddha Belly, Moss River, Bali in Profile, Batu Collections, Ritz Cinema, Bad Back Shop, Asoho, artist Denise Campbell, and Rainbows for Children, among others. Netfare Travel also generously donated a return ticket to Bali. Those planning a trip to Bali could bid for accommodation at the Warwick Ibah Luxury Villas and Puri Saraswati Bungalows, treatments from Spa Hati and Bali Botanica, as well as a dining voucher from Enak Warung Restaurant, all in Ubud.
President of the AIA, Eric de Haas said ‘The AIA, with the support of the Indonesian Consulate General and the Indonesian Australian Women’s Association (IAWA) and other Indonesian community organisations, is delighted to be organizing this fair to raise money for educational resources for Bali Hati School in Ubud. As entry will be by way of donation, we hope everyone will be generous. The AIA recently celebrated its 62nd anniversary of promoting “people to people” contact between Indonesia and Australia. We work with other associations to foster cultural and social ties within our local communities and with communities in Indonesia. As organizations we support projects both here and in Indonesia. Working together on something as rewarding as this project is also most enjoyable, and we are always keen to welcome and involve new members.’
Bali Hati’s representative in Australia, Paulette Kay, said ‘We’re most grateful to the AIA for taking on this project, to the Consulate for their support of it, and to the sponsors who have donated such wonderful prizes. Ms Kay described Bali Hati School as ‘a primary school, operated by the Bali Hati Foundation, catering for approximately 128 children, primarily the children of the poor. The school’s 2006 graduating class, its first since opening in 1999, was ranked No. 1 in Ubud, with SDN 6 School, Mas, where the children sit their exams. In July 2007 the students did even better and were ranked No.1 in Bali. We’re very proud of them and their teachers.’ As Bali Hati School is an independent school with few full-fee-paying students, the foundation relies on profits from its own Spa Hati as well as donations, sponsorships and events, such as this AIA Spring Fair, to meet continuing operational costs. The work of the Bali Hati Foundation was recognised by the Balinese and Indonesian governments in 2005 when it was awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Social Foundation’ in Indonesia, particularly in the field of education.
The AIA Spring Fair was held in the garden of ‘Wisma Indonesia’, 25 Kent Road, Rose Bay.
Enquiries: Sheri 9267 3633; on 27th October: 0414 625 740
Please also visit
www.balihati.org