The Beginning of Lawamena Inc.

Lawamena Inc. originally called Ambonese Victoria - was established in 1999 in response to the communal violence. It began as a way for a small group of Ambonese students in Australia to come together, share news about our families back home, and raise funds to help however they could.

In January 2002, the group became an incorporated association and adopted the name Lawamena, an Ambonese word meaning moving forward or looking to the future. By this time, many of the Ambonese friends had moved on, some returned to Indonesia, while others lost contact. Together with her husband Jessy, they decided to continue the fundraising aspect of the organisation as way of paying forward the generosity they had received from the Australian government and people; the opportunity to live, work, and enjoy peace and freedom in this country.

In the early 2000s, Aretha and her husband began visiting church communities through connections with the Uniting Church to raise awareness among Australians about the conflict in Ambon. Through word of mouth and various connections, they were introduced to the Gull Force Association - an organisation which our late member Rob McDougall’s family has long been involved.

The very first fundraising event was held in 2000, raising $400. That modest sum funded school fees for four children displaced by the conflict. What began as a small effort has now become a long-standing scholarship program that continues to this day, with over 50 children sponsored each year, 12 of whom are supported by the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast.

In 2007, a formal collaboration with the Gull Force Association was established. Aretha still remembers the excitement of arranging the meeting with Rob, his sister Chris, and others that August.

Growing the Connection: Gull Force, Rotary Clubs (Wendouree Breakfast and Kardinia)

The partnership with the Gull Force Association expanded to include projects supported by the Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast and recently the Rotary Club of Kardinia, many of which were championed by the late Rob McDougall.

The first official Rotary funded project began in 2014, building drainage at Primary School No. 4 in Ambon. Rotary Club of Wendouree Breakfast had already been sponsoring students the year before. Since then, Lawamena have continued to raise funds and receive generous support from individual sponsors, which has enabled them to broaden the reach, assisting local primary schools and supporting community initiatives such as the Kabarezsy Soccer Academy. This soccer academy offers coaching and competition opportunities for talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many are orphans cared for by elderly relatives or community members with limited means. Families who often needed to choose between sending their children to school or putting food on the table. The scholarships provided each year have helped ease that burden and given these children hope for a better future.

Aretha reports that the current construction of a library in honour of Rob McDougall is progressing well, as can be seen;

Sustaining Impact through Collaboration

Through our partnerships with Rotary Clubs, Lawamena have been able to implement projects that focus primarily on education, ranging from school repairs and new facilities to milk distribution programs for primary students. These initiatives benefit both Muslim and Christian communities across Ambon, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and hope.

A trusted contact in Ambon, Mr. Danny Persulessy, has been instrumental in ensuring that scholarships and aid reach those who need them most. Danny carefully verifies families’ circumstances and liaises with local schools to confirm eligibility. He also oversees project completion and financial accountability, to ensure transparency and trust. Lawamena Inc. are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from both Rotary Clubs (Wendouree Breakfast and Kardinia).

Among the many initiatives we have supported, one that holds a special place in Aretha’s heart is the Caleb House Orphanage, which has received ongoing assistance through our many visits - whether in the form of painting, new bedding, bore water supply, retaining wall repairs, and more. Aretha recognises the needs in Ambon are vast and that they cannot help everyone. However, with our continued support they can focus on projects that create lasting change and benefit entire communities.

Thank you from Aretha.

On behalf of the people of Ambon and Lawamena Inc., I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Clubs of Wendouree Breakfast and Kardinia for your enduring partnership, generosity, and compassion.

Together, we have already made a meaningful difference, and I am hopeful that, hand in hand, we will continue to help more communities in Ambon move forward and look to the future.