Angry Anderson helps build youth centre in Ulladulla
By Brian Milroy
It is a sad fact that tragedy often unites people better than anything else. The bombings in Bali in 2002 and again in 2005 will no doubt touch Australian communities for a very long time. Not the least of these is the NSW south coast town of Ulladulla, which lost two of its sons, local surfers Craig Dunn (18) and Danny Lewis (19).
Out of the tragedy came the Dunn and Lewis Youth Foundation which, through the efforts of volunteers and donations, is in the process of building the Bali Memorial Complex, a much-needed youth centre in Ulladulla. Craig's mother Gayle Dunn and members of the Lewis family started the project to honour the memory of their sons and to give local youth a better start in life.
Ambassador for the project, Angry Anderson, Australian rock singer with Rose Tattoo and The Party Boys, television presenter/reporter and actor, said that Craig and Danny's deaths in the Bali bombing in 2002 were the catalyst in identifying the lack of support and activities for youth in the Ulladulla area. "It's one of those really pretty coastal fishing villages but unfortunately there's not a lot for young people to do," Angry said. "The complex will provide a much-needed facility for these young people."
The Bali Memorial Complex will be a permanent and living memorial for all those who lost their lives in the Bali bombings. It will include a 12-lane bowling alley, conference rooms, industrial kitchen, auditorium, restaurant, youth programs and a youth trauma retreat.
The land for the project was donated by the NSW Government on the understanding that the complex would be self-funding and self-sufficient and not operate as a charity. Angry said that they needed to raise $2.5 million to see the first stages of the complex built in time for the fifth anniversary of the Bali bombings. "Because the centre has to be self-sufficient, the first stages to be built will include those that will earn revenue such as the restaurant and bowling alley."
The project is Angry Anderson's biggest challenge yet. Angry explained: "Apart from money, and we needs lots of that, we also need good-thinking Australians to donate just about every type of building material and their time and labour. I want all Australians to get behind this wonderful project and dig deep. I know it is a big ask for companies and people to donate on this scale but I am asking."
For one elderly local woman, it was not a big ask at all. Obviously believing in the future of the youth in Ulladulla, she has quietly donated $100,000 to the project on the condition she remain anonymous.
Several Ulladulla professionals have already got the first stage of the construction of the complex under way by donating their time and valuable skills to the project. These professionals include local master builder, Dick McLean, who is acting as building supervisor for the project and local drafting company, Milton Drafting and Design, which designed the complex.
Designers from Milton Drafting and Design spent several weeks consulting with local youths in Ulladulla to get their input into the project and to ensure the facilities in the centre address the real needs of the youth in the district. Local council has approved the plans.
A vital part of the Bali Memorial Complex will be its Youth Programs and Trauma Retreat. The retreat will be aimed at young people aged 5-25 and will cover all areas of trauma from accidents to acts of terrorism. After the second Bali bombing in 2005, many young people have returned to depression, fear and anger," Angry said. "The retreats will offer sanctuary for groups of young people from youth groups and schools and individuals across Australia. It will provide a controlled therapeutic environment for rest and healing.
"The big task at the moment is to get the place built. We're asking building suppliers from all over the country to step up to the plate and help us with whatever we need. A list of these materials is available from our website www.dunnlewisfoudation.org.au/challenge. As well, the place will have to be fitted out. We need furniture, fabrics, carpets, and computers, sound equipment and even doorknobs. We also need the local muscle — everyone from skilled building tradesmen to drivers, couriers, labourers and tea ladies."
Please help with money, materials or labour. Visit www.dunnlewisfoundation.org.au or contact the foundation on 02 9488 7260.
The Centre
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