The August meeting was our celebration of the 61st anniversary of the declaration of Indonesian Independence. We gathered in the Quarry Hill hall at midday on Sunday August 20th. Our numbers were swelled by the welcome presence of the two groups of Indonesians presently studying at La Trobe University.
The celebrations began with an umbrella dance, performed by local children who had been trained by Nita Hall. Terima kasih banyak, Bu Nita dan anak-anak.
Next was our official opening. Our president, Etty Lerk, outlined the history of Independence and read out the Proclamation.
Next, of course, was the meal. Our cooks excelled themselves. The Indonesian food was delicious and bountiful.
Immediately after the meal, our Indonesian guests from Batch 1 entertained us with singing and dancing. The audience joined in dancing with them. As these students have now completed their studies and are returning home at the end of the month, not only was this a celebration of Hari Kemerdekaan, it was also a farewell. We thank them for their frindship and wish them well for their lives ahead in Indonesia.
Then came the usual Independence Day games, run by Heri Febriyanto helped by Chris Nanere: krupuk eating, a balloon race, the usual very entertaining placing of a pencil in a bottle and finally a sack race. Children and adults joined in with gusto.
Very many contributed to make the day such a success. Our thanks go to all those who organised and decorated the hall, to Des Lowry, our MC, to Nita who trained the dancers, to those who willingly did extra cooking to cater for our guests and for Greg’s big mouth. Thanks also to George for organising the games equipment, to Heri and Chris for running them and to all who participated.
We also thank Helen Bruinier, who donated some of her late husband’s books for us to sell. Book sales and donations came to $62.25. A cheque for $70 has since been forwarded to the Nusa Tenggara Association.
The Umbrella Dance
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Aryo Hall thinking about food
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The Singers
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Chris Nanere and Heri Febriyanto planning to entice people to eat krupuk
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And ...they did!
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