ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/30/2005 3 December 2005
Crafts fair at the Australian High Commission to raise funds for NGOs
Over 20 community organizations will showcase their wares and raise funds at the "Oz Haat" - an exhibition-cum-sale organised on the lawns of the Australian High Commission today.
A multi-dimensional craft and cultural fiesta, Oz Haat will display the work of Indian community organisations supported by the Australian High Commission under its Direct Aid Program (DAP).
"Oz Haat is an important activity in our annual calender of events and, I am sure, that it will receive a good response this year as in the past", said Mr David Holly, Australian Deputy High Commissioner to India.
"I am particularly happy to note the efforts put in by the NGOs in making the event a success. The NGOs have again exhibited some interesting and expertly made products and we are happy to support them in their endeavors," said the Deputy High Commissioner.
This year\'s fair will include papercrafts, stone craft, soft furnishings, bamboo products, hand embroidered and hand knitted clothing, Christmas decorations, folk paintings, sculptures and tribal textiles. Some of the participating organisations include CRY, Foundation for Arts, VIDYA, WWF, INTACH and Amnesty International- India.
The High Commission\'s Direct Aid Program funds grassroots development programs covering a range of areas, such as education, health, income generation and the environment. It is a flexible, small grants program for selected recipient countries, funded by the Australian Government through AusAID and managed by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. DAP is available to individuals, community groups and NGOs engaged in development activities, in designated countries, on a not-for-profit basis. The program is aimed primarily at supporting small-scale development projects/activities that involve beneficiaries directly in the identification, design and management of the projects.
Proceeds of the sale of products at the exhibition will go back directly to community groups.
For further information, please contact Ms Megan Jones, Third Secretary, on 5139 9900 (extn. 219). For more information on the Direct Aid Program (DAP), please click here.