Australia provides additional funding to Bali Eye Centre

As part of his visit to Bali from 20-21 January 2011, Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia Greg Moriarty today announced an additional AUD 3 million for the Australia Bali Memorial Eye Centre to help ensure that the centre reaches its full capacity as a world class facility.

Since opening in 2007, the centre has performed 1000 cataract surgical procedures every year, preventing blindness and restoring the eyesight of thousands of Balinese people. At the centre’s opening Australia committed AUD 7 million to build the eye centre, provide equipment, train staff, operate mobile clinics and give scholarships to health officials. This additional funding will bring the total amount of Australian support to AUD 10 million.

“Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in Bali, with more than 50,000 people affected by this treatable condition. Australia is proud to be working with Indonesia to reduce blindness in Bali,” said Ambassador Moriarty.

“People’s lives have been changed as a result of this centre’s operating theatres, mobile outreach clinics and health professionals. Patients previously living with this debilitating condition now have increased independence, can return to work and provide for their families,” Moriarty said.

During the Ambassador’s visit, he also held discussions with the Governor of Bali, the Regent of Badung, a broad range of senior Indonesian officials and key Indonesian and Australian figures involved in business, arts and culture. He has also met with 33 Australian teachers participating in the Endeavour Language Teacher Fellowships Program; an Australian Government funded Indonesian language program which aims to provide practising and trainee Australian language teachers with the opportunity to improve their language and cultural skills through a three week intensive in-country study program.

“The expanding commercial linkages as well as associations through education, art and culture are critical elements in the forging of closer ties between Indonesia and Australia. I am delighted to note that the continued growth across these areas can only enhance the two countries’ shared future and continued close cooperation,” Moriarty added.

Media enquiries:
Rendy Djauhari, AusAID Public Affairs, mob. 0811 190 4823
Jenny Dee, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2553 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175