PREVIOUS ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS (2005-2020)

PESTA NATAL LANSIA (November 2005 – 2019)

The event was an annual celebration dedicated especially for our older members of the Indonesian community and their carers in Sydney. IWA worked in partnership with some Indonesian churches in Sydney and has held this event for the 15^th time since 2005.

2. IWA CARERS CELEBRATIONS (October 2011 – 2016)

Funded by Carers NSW – Department of Communities & Justice

The project aims at providing some opportunities to share experiences, to show kindness and how we appreciate others. At the same time some entertainment and luncheon were organised to show our appreciation to the irreplaceable contribution Carers make to their families and community

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Acknowledge carers and generate awareness of the irreplaceable contribution they make to individuals, families and communities.
Increase awareness and understanding of carers and the caring role.
Provide support to the general health and wellbeing of carers
Learn new skills for your caring role

3. IWA SENIORS WEEK CELEBRATIONS (March 2012 – 2019)

Funded by NSW Government – Department of Communities & Justice

NSW Senior Week provides programs and activities that enable older Australians to remain, active, healthy and engaged during the NSW Seniors Festival.

It encourages seniors in NSW to enjoy new experiences, continue learning, stay active and connect to their communities.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

Fostering partnerships with community groups and services
Connect seniors with relevant services and information 
The event will provide an opportunity for members of the target community who are otherwise isolated and lonely, to come together and meet local diverse community, and be included in community activities
The projects will empower older people to stay connected, make new friends and enhance interaction with others.

4. DIVERSITY & HARMONY PROJECT

4.1 COMMUNITY HARMONY & PARTICIPATION PROJECT (2014)

Funded by Community Relations Commission (CRC)

The project aims were:

To promote community harmony and active participation in the Australian society
To organise information/community awareness through seminars, editorials and radio programs on different topics
To provide a focal point of entry for people seeking information.

4.2 CELEBRATE DIVERSITY DAY (2015)

Funded by City of Canterbury
Supported by Indonesian, Korean, Vietnam, Indian community groups, and IWAN Women’s Group, IWA Senior, IWA City Group, IWA Maroubra Group, IWA Rouse Hill.
The day offered a cultural activity that promotes and shares the rich culture and tradition of Indonesia (music, dance, food) with other communities in the City of Canterbury.

4.3 EXPERIENCE CULTURAL DIVERSITY (2016)

Funded by City of Canterbury
Supported by Indonesian, Korean, Bangladesh & Chinese community groups.

The celebration aims at providing some experience of the diverse culture and exchanging some activities together with other communities (i.e. Chinese, Bangladeshi, Indonesian Groups) in the City of Canterbury through music, dance, food and performances.

4.4 IWA CELEBRATE DIVERSITY TOGETHER (2016)

Funded by Multicultural NSW

Working in partnership with: Relationship Australia & City of Ryde,

Supported by: Relationships Australia Community Hub Ryde, Chinese Meadowbank Group, Chai Time Singers Group, Christian Community Aid (CCA) and IWA Women’s Group, IWA City Group, IWA Maroubra Group.

The project aims at increasing social inclusion, awareness, tolerance towards diversity and develop harmonious and equitable society.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

To promote the importance of diversity and exchange cultures through interaction involving members and other communities in the Cultural Performances, Costumes Parade, Arts & Crafts Workshop and Food.
To promote social cohesion, community harmony and active participation in the Australian society
Working in partnership with other organisations in planning and organising this event.

5. MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

5.1 “Senior Mental Health Day” & ”Share The Journey” (2015 & 2018)

Small Grants Program

Funded by Mental Health Association NSW

Guest Speaker: Indonesian Psychologist – Mingga Anggawan

The project aimed at bringing awareness towards mental health issues by focusing on providing some opportunities for the target community to share their life stories (their migration journey) according to the theme “Share the Journey”.

The project promoted community interaction, social networking and interpersonal connection with others in the community, which improved sense of well-being. It has also used as a vehicle to build a deeper understanding and connection of each other and helped build a sense of belonging, new relationships and enhancing group support.

5.2 “Banana Day” (October 2013 – 2016)

IWA worked in partnership with South Sydney Community Aid (SSCA) organised several events yearly in support of Mental Health Month NSW.

The theme of the Mental Health Awareness Month of October was ‘Go Nanas, Bring a Banana’

We organised creative activities, including a rhythm dancing, art therapy, games and singing and also other creative activities, which can improve mental health and wellbeing.

IWA’S GROUPS CELEBRATIONS

6.1 END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS

IWA Groups celebrate end of the year annually with fun activities, music, entertainment and delicious lunch. It’s a day to say “goodbye” to the old and “hello” to the new. The end of year celebrations means party time – a time to recognize and celebrate achievements, hard work and time to unwind.

2019: IWA Rouse Hill Group, IWA Senior Group,

2018: IWA Rouse Hill Group, IWA Senior Group ‘Goodbye 2018’

2016: IWA Rouse Hill Group

2014: IWA Rouse Hill Group, Maroubra Group and City Group

2012 & 2013: IWA Senior Group

2011: IWA City Group, Maroubra Group

6.2 INDONESIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

August is a festive month as Indonesia celebrates its independence day on the 17^th.

The day is usually referred to by Tujuh belas Agustus or Hari Kemerdekaan RI.

In line with that, IWA organises variety of activities to celebrate it annually, where Indonesian–Australians came together for cultural celebration, including traditional dance, games, singing, dancing and Indonesian lunch.

2020: IWA Punchbowl Group: visited KJRI

2018: IWA City Group: Red & White Celebrations dress code as a reflection of our Red & white Flag.

2017: IWA City Group: presented a communal lunch together in the traditional Indonesian ‘Liwetan’

2015: IWA Groups staged an IWA Bazaar Market with varieties of Indonesian foods and art & crafts, traditional dance and many more.

2014: IWA Groups Celebration ~ Community Harmony & Independence Day

2012: IWA City Group Celebration

6.3 LUNAR NEW YEAR

During the month of February, IWA celebrates Lunar New Year. The day filled with singing, dancing, guest performances, plus traditional lunch and wearing Chinese style or red colour dress code.

2020: IWA Senior Group

2019: IWA Senior Group. Rouse Hills, City Group

2018: IWA City Group, Maroubra, Senior Group

2017: IWA Senior Group

2015: IWA City Group, Senior Group

2012: IWA Lunar New Year Performance

6.4 IDUL FITRI DAY

Idul Fitri, more commonly referred to in Indonesia as Lebaran, is the celebration that comes at the end of the Muslim month of fasting, Ramadhan.

IWA Punchbowl Group holds halal bihalal gatherings yearly, where all members gather to share a meal and ask each other’s forgiveness. Other members of the IWA Groups are invited to participate in these festive gatherings also.

Indonesian Welfare Association