history - bali bombing aid

The first project I organized to assist one of our neighbours in the Pacific was in response to the Bali bombings in 2002, when I called a meeting in Byron Bay in northern NSW, Australia. From this, the group  “Byron Loves Bali” was formed with the aim of raising funds and assistance for the Indonesian victims of the Bali bombings.
The group subsequently held two major fundraisers which were auspiced by the Australia-Indonesia Arts Alliance (Nth Coast Branch).
The first event was a concert at the Byron Surf Club on 5th November 2002 which featured local and international musicians and the Gold Coast Balinese Dance Troupe.
The second event was the Shakuntala dance drama performance on 3rd May 2003. This wonderful and very successful event was presented by Kerensa Dewantoro, and the Gamelan Gin Jaya orchestra from Toowoomba.
From the AIAA website: “After 'Shakuntala', the Convenor of the Byron Loves Bali Group, Martin Adlington, said:
"I would like to thank all concerned with our successful concert: sponsors, volunteers, performers and audience. To date we have raised over $12,000 and benefited from the support of over 100 local businesses.
"Our next aim is to promote the message that it is safe to return to Bali and that this is, in fact, the best way of supporting the Balinese”.
In all a total of more than AU$16,000 was raised and used to fund 12 targeted support projects.
See:
http://www.aiaa.org.au/byronlovesbali.html

The bombing left many survivors with serious burn injuries. We sent a call went out to supply pressure dressings, applicator rings and appropriate skin care cream to Denpasar Hospital's Melati ward, which was in critical need.
I very much appreciated the efforts of Byron Loves Bali member Ray King organized the purchase of burn creams and bandages at half price from local businesses such as Thursday Plantation, Sunspirit, Innovation Ballina and SSS Australia. In addition, Qantas staff took great pains to personally deliver the supplies (free of charge) to the Denpasar hospital.
Great care was taken to ensure that all the monies and aid raised went directly to those in need. I continue to extend my gratitude for the success of this project to all who participated, with special thanks to those in Bali who made sure that nothing went astray. For more pix & info see:
http://www.aiaa.org.au/byronlovesbaliprojects.html