Coast group helping devastated Indonesia, holding public fundraiser Love4Lombok

AS the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child, but it just takes one dedicated team to help repair a village — and that’s exactly what this dedicated Gold Coast disaster relief group is doing.

GOLD Coast locals are throwing their hearts, souls and wallets into repairing a battered Indonesian island following a series of catastrophic earthquakes this year.

Lombok experienced five earthquakes and aftershocks in two months, totally devastating the small, previously picturesque island and killing at least 500 people.

Burleigh Heads woman Tracey Courtney has been fundraising for grassroots organisation Lombok’s Forgotten Children for four years, which was established after one man decided to make a change.

Lombok locals being taught how to use equipment that will help them rebuild communities.

“Lombok island in Indonesia still has very primitive villages and the children need a lot of medical care and don’t get it,” Ms Courtney said.

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“Peter Honey, a philanthropist from New Zealand, originated the group when he saw a young girl with a cancer tumour in her eye.

“He approached her and paid for her surgery, which was successful.

Homes are rebuilt using recycled materials that are readily available.

“Then he realised there was a massive need for things to change so that’s how we started.”

The organisation works with locals to identify areas of need and administer help as is required.

Since the earthquakes that first hit in July, their attention has sharply turned to helping rebuild communities that are not receiving help from the government.

Homes are not flashy in any way, but they will keep locals dry and sanitary.

Ms Courtney and an on-ground crew, comprised entirely of volunteers, have realised with a one step at a time approach, they can make real progress.

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“What has happened since the earthquakes and aftershocks there been 400,000 houses destroyed and there are now 80,000 homeless,” Ms Courtney said.

“The tent cities are flooded and in a crisis situation as the rains have arrived.

Locals are taught how to rebuild themselves.

“It’s important to move the vulnerable children and elderly out of this situation as disease has broken out — malaria and dysentery are rampant.

“What Peter came up with was rather than sitting in tents, all we need to do is get a teams into the villages with building supplies and rebuild each house one at a time.

“They can reuse materials, all we need is the manpower and tools, so we’re making big headway.

Materials supplied by Lombok’s Forgotten Children.

“We’re very proactive and looking to empower locals to do it themselves too.”

On Thursday October 25 Ms Courtney is holding a fundraiser called Love4Lombok at Hideaway Kitchen and Bar with all proceeds going to the Lombok’s Forgotten Children.

The money will continue funding the rebuild of Lombok, but now will also stretch to Sulawesi after the tragic earthquake and tsunami that killed at least 800 locals.

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The event will be a night of music, fashion, food, drinks, raffles and prizes with tickets available at Hideaway for $100.

“People can search Love4Lombok Fundraiser on Facebook to find out more information,” Ms Courtney said.

“These funds are desperately needed so we are really hoping people will come along and dig deep.

“Everyone in Lombok dropped everything to see who we could get to Sulawesi.

“Now we have demand from Sulawesi too, we need help.”

Tickets for Love4Lombok are available from Hideaway Kitchen and Bar, Broadbeach.