iDIDJ Australia Didgeridoo Cultural Hub

I'm starting this section to seek public funds for various causes. I get requests for all sorts of assistance by Yolngu and other families and can usually help out, but this time the amount is just too much for me. One of my 'mothers', Yirrininba, called this morning asking for assistance with dental work she requires. There is a 2 and a half year wait for a dentist in the public health system, and a private practice she visited quoted her AUD$9815 for 10 visits for various work required (root canal treatment, missing teeth, etc.). Can anyone help? Yirrininba is Dhangal's and Djalu's sister's daughter who works on a casual basis as an interpreter for a number of government agencies. If anyone would like to speak to her directly, I can pass on her number.

Guan

Hi

Well I am surprised This posting is 5 days old and no comments!!!! Well here is my two penneth worth.

I do not have much spare cash due to family responsibilities but can put a small amount into a fund. If all of us could do the same it may at least reduce the burden on one persons efforts. I've mentioned this subject to Guan in the past but maybe this is now the time for us all to think about what we can all do, financially, to give assistance. Many of us are across the other side of the world and cannot give hands on help but I'm sure all of us can donate something, no matter how small each month, to help our aboriginal friends when needs be. A regular donation of just say AU$10 a month by every member of this forum would create over AU$1300 a month or AU$15,600 a year for the cause. I'm sure members from serious sticks forum would also be happy to help. Maybe nows the time to get the ball rolling!!!! Guan, maybe you can do this via paypal or something similar,not sure about any charges though. I wouldn't mind paying via my c/card as we do when buying an instrument. Ok I have said my bit, look forward to other ideas and comments.

Cheers

Paul

I agree - I also would like to help - i'm not a rich man, but I'm very interested in this culture and the music - if I can help a little I would be happy.

And thanks to Poul for taking the first step - great work!

Søren Dahl

Hi Paul and Søren,

Thanks for your comments guys. Let me think about this and I'll follow-up with another post...

Guan

Guan

If I can help a bit.....

Hello Guan

Your welcome - hope we can help.

Søren Dahl

Hi Paul and others
I also once suggested Guan about this but he was not so much in favor of that. Maybe he thought it was impractical at that time . I entirely agree with you and I am ready donate even on a regular basis. The only thing needed is that it should be transparent so that everybody can folllow up what's going on. But I am sure Guan can handle this brilliantly,

So to wrap up, count me in on that

Cheers
Mahir

I'm going to stick my neck out here with a word of caution- charity can inadvertently create a culture of handouts that doesn't do anything to help those in need actually improve their situation beyond the current moment. The wisest money invested is that which makes financial independence possible with Yolngu, but I imagine that is easier said than done!

Jason

Hi Jason

Wise words and I totally agree. It it apparent though that Guan is doing more than his share in supporting /helping these people whenever he can. I just thought it would be a nice gesture for all of us who have a real interest in this culture to lend a hand to take a bit of the financial pressure off his shoulders. I presume nothing would change as respects how Guan deals with things at present, just some of the financial backing would be shared a bit more. I know many of us indirectly give support everytime we purchase an instrument and thats great! but I feel that just a little bit extra spread amongst many people would be very much appreciated.

all the best

Paul

Hi Jason,
I agree with you but here the case is little bit urgent I think and calls for a different discussion.

I mean we can make an attempt to resolve such cases , but what you are referring to is what we all aim here I reckon : promote them thru their art and crafstmanship without cheapening it so that they can be independent (again).

But this can be fulfilled in the long run, don't you think?

So in this case, we can no expect that and we better off help her out as much as we can,

cheers

Mahir

Say mates, what ever happened to the dental procedure? Did enough money get donated to help? Were other steps created to find an alternative to the dental procedures? Just trying to catch up and also learn.