ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/24/2003 08 November 2003
Oz Haat - a crafts fair at the Australian High Commission
A host of community organisations, representing grassroot development programs, were invited to showcase their wares and raise funds as part of "Oz Haat" - a haat organised on the lawns of the Australian High Commission today.
A multi-dimensional craft and cultural fiesta, Oz Haat is an exhibition and sale of the work of Indian community organisations supported by the Australian High Commission.
On display at the exhibition were woven durries by SCRIA from Haryana, in addition there were brass and wood items, hand-embroidered soft furnishings and more. There were patchwork and embroidery demonstrations and mehendi for the women. Food lovers had an opportunity to sample both Australian and Indian treats.
The Australian High Commissioner, Ms Penny Wensley AO, who opened the haat, said: "This is the second Oz Haat and the day has been a great success for the High Commission, but particularly for the community groups which again have exhibited really interesting and expertly made products."
Many of the community organisations that took part in the exhibition have received assistance under the High Commission's Direct Aid Program (DAP), which funds grassroots development programs covering a range of areas, such as education, health, income generation and the environment. The Haat is also supported by the South Asia Community Assistance Scheme (SACAS), one of the mechanisms of Australia's bilateral development cooperation program with India, and administered by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).
Money from sales of products will go back directly to community groups.
For further information, please contact Ms Clare Duffield, Second Secretary, on telephone 6888223, ext. 219.