TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Arts and Cultural Club (IACC) was launched in Sydney, Australia, July 1, in which 30 guests participated, including Indonesian Consul General in Sydney Heru Hartanto Subolo and wife Sinta, as guests of honor.

According to a statement from the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney received by Antara here on Tuesday, the launch was also attended by Team Leader of Emerging Communities at Advance Diversity Services (ADS) Magdaline Shenton-Kaleido.

ADS is a non-profit organization in Rockdale that provides services to help new migrants keen on settling in Australia by providing information on Australia`s law, health, and education systems, as well as the country`s multicultural lifedata-style.

"In my note, there are currently over 10 Indonesian art and cultural organizations in the state of New South Wales. The IACC will serve as a new forum to strengthen Indonesia`s promotion, especially its arts and culture in Australia," Consul General Subolo remarked in his speech.

The IACC is an Indonesian arts and cultural organization formed by support of the ADS management and has received funding support from the Bayside Council and the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District to hold organizational activities.

Currently, the IACC is chaired by Theresia Tomahu, who is an Indonesian diaspora member and also a singer.

"I want to underline the importance of collaboration and inclusiveness. I encourage the IACC to collaborate with similar organizations in promoting Indonesian arts and culture in Australia. Collaboration is not a competition, as the first can provide a wider impact in bringing Indonesia in the midst of the Australian community," the consul general asserted.

In line with the message conveyed by Consul General Subolo, Shenton-Kaleido, in her speech, insisted that the IACC would be an open Indonesian cultural club for all people keen on honing their talents and learning about Indonesian arts and cultures.

ANTARA