Indonesian Welfare Association Inc

ABOUT Indonesian Welfare Association (IWA)

The Indonesian Welfare Association Inc. (IWA): SERVING AND SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY

The Indonesian Welfare Association Inc. (IWA) is an independent, not-for-profit community organization dedicated to serving the Indonesian community across the Sydney metropolitan area. We pride ourselves on having no political or religious affiliations, allowing us to focus solely on addressing the diverse welfare needs of Indonesian-speaking migrants and the broader community in a neutral and inclusive manner.

A dedicated Management Committee diligently oversees our operations. This committee is central to IWA’s functioning, responsible for all administrative tasks, financial management, recruitment of essential personnel, and crucial policy decisions that guide our mission. Beyond this core leadership, IWA thrives thanks to the invaluable contributions of our many dedicated volunteers. These individuals generously contribute their time and skills, forming the backbone of our ability to deliver essential services and support to those who need it most.

Since its establishment, IWA has offered a wide range of culturally and linguistically appropriate services and support. We understand the unique challenges faced by newly arrived Indonesian-speaking migrants, such as navigating a new healthcare system, understanding legal frameworks, or simply finding their feet in a new country. Our services are designed to bridge these gaps, providing practical assistance and emotional support. We also extend our reach to the broader Indonesian community, responding to their evolving welfare needs in Sydney, Australia, with programs and initiatives that respect and reflect their cultural background and language.

Beyond direct welfare services, IWA actively participates in promoting awareness of multiculturalism within Australia. We believe that by fostering greater understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, we contribute to making Australia a better, more inclusive place for all who call it home.

This commitment is encapsulated in our core philosophy: we work “from the community to the community.” This means our initiatives are born from the identified needs within the Indonesian community itself, and our services are delivered directly back to them, ensuring relevance, effectiveness, and a deep sense of shared ownership.

OUR JOURNEY: THE IWA STORY

The Indonesian Welfare Association (IWA) was born from a deep sense of concern for the well-being of the Indonesian community in Sydney. A small group of individuals recognized a critical gap: there was no ethno-specific Indonesian service equipped to address the unique challenges faced by some community members. This meant individuals often struggled to articulate their problems and feelings in their main language, Indonesian, hindering their access to vital support. IWA was thus formed as a direct and compassionate response to this urgent need for culturally and linguistically appropriate welfare services.

In its nascent stages, IWA operated with resourceful determination. We established a collaborative consultation base office with Burwood Community Welfare Services (BCWS), while much of our administrative work was generously conducted from a volunteer’s private home. Our early volunteers were instrumental, offering crucial information, support, and referrals to those in need. This foundational period culminated in the official incorporation of the Indonesian Welfare Association on March 11, 1997.

The organization’s mission became even more critical following the decline of Indonesia’s economic and political situation in 1998. This period saw a significant increase in new arrivals from Indonesia, many of whom were traumatized and in desperate need of specific support for themselves and their families in Sydney. IWA rapidly scaled up its services to meet this heightened demand, providing a vital lifeline during a challenging time.

BUILDING BRIDGES:
PARTNERSHIP & COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

IWA’s growing effectiveness and dedication were soon recognized by government bodies. In September 1999, we received a significant acknowledgment and a crucial grant from a Federal Government Department under the Settlement Grants Program (SGP), previously known as the Community Settlement Services Scheme (CSSS). This funding was pivotal, enabling us to formalize and expand our settlement services for new migrants.

Recognizing that successful integration goes beyond immediate welfare, IWA proactively began establishing various community groups and programs in the early 2000s, building on these initiatives steadily over time. In recent years, particularly, there has been a significant expansion of these vital community connection points. These groups are a cornerstone of our approach, designed to be direct conduits for information, knowledge, and a deeper understanding of the Australian system and way of life. They foster a sense of belonging while empowering individuals with the practical tools and insights needed to navigate everything from healthcare and education to employment opportunities and legal frameworks. By facilitating peer support and expert guidance within a culturally familiar environment, IWA ensures that new arrivals and existing community members alike can confidently integrate and participate fully in their new home.

Our commitment to holistic community welfare deepened in 2007 when IWA secured another vital grant from a Federal Government Department, under the Community Partners Program (CPP). This specific funding allowed us to provide targeted assistance to older members of the Indonesian community, helping them understands and access quality and appropriate aged care services, a often complex system for those from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Over the years, IWA has continued to attract and successfully manage grants from a diverse range of funding agencies, demonstrating our consistent impact and trustworthiness. These have included various levels of government funding (federal, state, and local), as well as grants from philanthropic organizations and community-focused bodies. Each of these partnerships has enabled IWA to diversify its offerings and reach an even broader segment of the Indonesian-speaking community.

Today, IWA remains steadfast in its mission. We continuously provide essential support and assistance, empowering the Indonesian-speaking community by facilitating access to vital information and services. We also play a crucial role in increasing their knowledge and raising their awareness of appropriate community services, ensuring they are well equipped to navigate life in Australia.