Good art, good food and a chance to do good in West Papua

Some 3,600 kilometres from the Illawarra lies the central highlands of West Papua, a remote terrain filled with steep, lush escarpments much like our own. 

In global terms, we’re practically neighbours. Yet unlike our own peaceful setting, the communities who live amongst these West Papuan mountains have endured decades of displacement and conflict due to military operations on their land.

A local fundraiser is bringing our Illawarra community closer to the resilient communities of Papua and highlighting the work of a remarkable woman, Rode Wanimbo.

Dozens of Illawarra artists have rallied to create postcard-sized art responding to the theme of ‘Healing’, to be sold over the month of November.

All proceeds from the artworks will fund the work of West Papuan peace activist Rode Wanimbo, herself from the central highlands of Papua.

Rode and her team travel to remote Papuan communities displaced by conflict, providing basic medical supplies, women’s sanitary products, fresh water and educational materials for vulnerable women and children.

These supplies pave the way for Rode’s groundbreaking healing work. She gathers women who have been affected by trauma in these remote communities, using storytelling and oral testimony to help them tell their stories openly, often for the first time. Through powerful exercises, the groups of women build resilience in each other, their families and communities. 

Human Rights Watch estimates that just this year at least 100,000 Papuans in these regions have left their homes following at times indiscriminate Indonesian military attacks using drones and airstrikes.

The fundraiser’s opening night at The Servo in Port Kembla on October 29 was a resounding success, with the majority of the artworks sold, assisted by the University of Wollongong’s Future of Rights Centre. 

The remaining artworks are now available for purchase at Balinese Spice Magic restaurant in Wollongong, which is celebrating Papuan food and culture for the month of November.

The restaurant has added two special Papuan dishes to the menu, and proceeds from these dishes will also be donated to Rode’s work in Papua. 

To make a direct donation to the fundraiser, contact Cammi Webb-Gannon at camellia@uow.edu.au