Indonesian Welfare Association Inc

Current Programs

Indonesian Welfare Association (IWA) Support Groups

Connecting and Empowering the Indonesian Community in Sydney

The Indonesian Welfare Association (IWA) has been a vital cornerstone for the Indonesian community in Sydney since establishing its first support group in Marrickville in 2002. This foundational group was created with a clear aim: to provide essential support for newly arrived members of the Indonesian community, helping them to overcome initial challenges, build confidence, establish robust social networks, and access crucial information and practical assistance for their successful orientation to all aspects of life in Australia, from cultural nuances to navigating services.

Today, IWA has significantly expanded its reach and impact, successfully establishing and managing seven vibrant community groups strategically located across the Sydney metropolitan area. These supportive hubs can be found in the suburbs of Punchbowl, Zetland, Maroubra, West Ryde, Rouse Hill, Riverwood, and Glenwood, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of Indonesian residents.

These diverse groups offer a comprehensive suite of programs and activities meticulously designed to enrich the lives of their members and foster a thriving community:

  • Promoting healthy and active lifestyles: Through various initiatives, members are encouraged to maintain physical well-being and vitality.
  • Providing women’s support, education, and information: Creating a safe and empowering space for women to learn, share, and grow.
  • Encouraged participation, social & recreational activities: Fostering a sense of belonging and joy through shared experiences and camaraderie.
  • Promoting positive ageing programs: Supporting seniors to live fulfilling, engaged, and dignified lives.
  • Promoting aged care services available from the government: Providing essential information and guidance on accessing government-funded aged care support.
  • Promoting increased participation with other communities: Building bridges and fostering understanding between the Indonesian community and the broader Australian multicultural landscape.

IWA’s unwavering commitment ensures that Indonesian community members across Sydney have continuous access to a welcoming, resourceful, and culturally sensitive environment. Through these dedicated groups, IWA plays a crucial role in enabling members to not only adapt but truly thrive, connect, and contribute to Australian society.

TUESDAY

IWA Punchbowl Group

Every Tuesday, 11:00am - 2:00pm

Women’s Support Group, Cooking Demo, Seminar, Picnic, Exercise, Lunch

This is a support group for Indonesian-speaking women, and women with young children, who meet up, share common interest, enjoy each other’s company, provide mutual support and share information. It aims to enrich the lives of Indonesian women and children, and hence the family.

Punchbowl Community Centre 44 Rossmore Avenue, Punchbowl Supported by Canterbury Council

WEDNESDAY

IWA Maroubra Group

Every Wednesday, 10.00am - 2.30pm

Karaoke, Line Dance, Seminar, Picnic, Lunch

This is a support group for Indonesian men and women with regular meetings and activities that promote healthy and active living, including singing (karaoke), physical activity – dancing/exercise, information, excursion/social outings and morning tea/lunch. It also aims at developing friendship and networks, increasing emotional happiness, self-confidence and new skills.

Maroubra Senior Citizens Hall 6 Alma Road, Maroubra Supported by Randwick City Council

WEDNESDAY

IWA Senior Group

First & Third Wednesday, 10:30am - 1:00pm

Seminar, Gentle Exercise, Picnic, Morning tea/Lunch

This is a social support group especially for older members of the Indonesian community and their Carers. It provides various activities which aims at reducing social isolation, enhancing interaction between the participants, and improving overall well-being and independence. It encourages group activities, which benefiting both their social health as well as their physical health. For example gentle exercises, health education seminar, arts & craft, knitting, and picnic/ educational outings to places of interest, recreational activities and morning tea/lunch together.

West Ryde Community Hall 3-5 Anthony Road, West Ryde Supported by City of Ryde Council

FRIDAY

IWA City Group

Every Friday 10.30 am - 1.30 am

Friday 1-4: Yoppy's Dance

Friday 1-3: Zoom English Class

Line Dance

This is a social support group for Indonesian community, men & women & elderly that promotes social interaction among members, friends and other diverse community members. The line dance activities promote healthy and active living. By participating in this program, the members are not only connected with the community, but also focussed on staying healthy and active.

Tote Building 100 Joynyon Ave, Zetland | Supported by City of Sydney Council

Friday

IWA Rouse Hill Group

Friday 2, 10.30am – 1.30pm

Cooking Demo, Arts & Craft, Line Dance, Seminar, Lunch Vinegar Hill Memorial Library (Rex Money Room)

This is a social support group for Indonesian community who share similar interests; ideas and provide mutual support. The aim is to provide an opportunity to come together, learn, do and share, which will strengthen relationships. It will also improve a sense of community life through greater community spirit.

29 Main St, Rouse Hill Town Centre Supported by Hills Shire Council

THURSDAY

IWA Riverwood Group

Second Thursday, 10:30am - 2:00pm

Seminar, Singing, Morning tea/Lunch, Picnic

This is a social Senior Group dedicated to reducing social isolation, increasing knowledge, and building connections. Our activities include singing, seminars, picnics, and shared lunches and light refreshments. Members benefit from enhanced well-being, increased engagement, and a supportive community. It's the perfect place to stay active and make new friends!

41-43 Coleridge St, Riverwood. In partnership with ICare Food Station

IWA SydWest Senior Social Support Group

Second & Fourth Thursday, 10.00am – 12.30pm

This is a Senior Support Social Group, a member-focused community dedicated to fostering well-being and connection through various programs and activities designed to reduce isolation, promote learning, and increase engagement. Our activities include music therapy, exercise sessions, art therapy, group outings, fun games, and informative seminars and info sessions. Joining us means you'll enjoy a supportive environment that promotes active living, creativity, and social interaction.

Glenwood Community Hub. 72 Glenwood Park Dr, Glenwood Supported & in partnership with SydWest Multicultural Services

COMMUNITY RADIO PROGRAM

On air every Monday & Tuesday 7-8 pm

Duta Nusantara @2TripleO on 98.5 FM is a community radio broadcasting in Indonesia language in Sydney

RADIO PROGRAM OBJECTICVES :

  • To provide entertainment and information to the community in Indonesian language with the diverse range of Indonesian music and culture.
  • To become a connecting hub for the Indonesian listeners community
  • To raise awareness of services available for migrants (or non-English speaking background)
  • To broadcast local communal information and educational news
  • To inform the Indonesian community in Sydney with up to date news and information
  • To support multiculturalism in Australia and encourage community integration