The loss of tourism in Bali has meant no income for many families since the start of COVID-19.
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Knowing people were going without food a group of former Wollongong residents with businesses in Bali started a charity.
They set up a Gofundme page and called for friends and family back home to help people desperately in need during the coronavirus crisis.
Blake Johnson said Project Nasi gets its name from the Balinese word for rice.
Mr Johnson, of The Coffee Cartel Bali, said it started when Sam Mahony reached out to other Australian entrepreneurs residing on the popular tourist island after becoming aware that many people and families were no longer able to feed themselves.
Knowing how many people from the Illawarra frequent the Indonesian island for holidays they wanted people back home to know how dire the situation was for Balinese people without the tourism industry they rely on.
"We know everyone is struggling at the moment. So we aren't asking for a large donation but merely the amount paid for a takeaway coffee," Mr Johnson said..
Watching the crisis unfold in Bali has made those involved with Project Nasi realise how Australia truly is the lucky country.
Mr Johnson said that was particularly apparent from the way the pandemic has been controlled in Australia.
And by the way government agencies such as Centrelink and Medicare have been able to support people.
"Unfortunately our close neighbours are not so lucky," he said said.
"The world has never seen a time like this and Bali, with a population of over four million people, is feeling it as businesses have closed down, the borders are locked done and many are left without an income or the means to feed themselves and their families".
Project Nasi initially involved the former Wollongong residents reaching out to friends and family and asking them to make a donation on the gofundme page.
That enabled them to purchase rice, groceries and sanitary products from local suppliers in Bali. It helped keep businesses afloat and provided food for those most in need. But the need is growing in Bali where there is no end to the coronavirus lockdown in sight.
Mr Mahony said Project Nasi is presently offering survival packs to around 60 people a day. But more support is urgently needed and the Illawarra community can help.
"Many of us consider Bali our second home and would love to give some support but don't know where to start," he said.
"If people can spare just a few dollars, that's enough to make a difference to an individual or a small family, and will help the communities in our home-away-from-home survive the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak".
Mr Mahony was the one who enlisted the help of friends with businesses on the island after seeing how dire the situation became when holiday makers stopped arriving.
He is involved with two businesses on the island, Sinaloa and On the Juice, both based in Legian. He also teaches at the Australian International School.
Others involved in the charity are James Foley, of Linglings and Sushimi, and Ella Weishaar.
"Initially it was our friends and families who donated, people who visit Bali often and genuinely feel for the people," Mr Foley said.
"Friends reached out to their friends and families and to date over $7,000 has been raised".
Since Project Nasi started some other community groups have been formed around the island to help people eat and get by day to day,
Project Nasi is communicating with the other groups in an attempt to co-ordinate efforts to try and ensure all of Bali has the resources needed to feed the population.
Bali operates under a series of Banjars, village-based groups. The banjars are best placed to identify those most in need and distribute much needed food and supplies.
"This is about giving back," Mr Foley said.
"We've had incredible support from our suppliers, our staff and the people on the island and off. We saw the need to help and to give back to the island where we've built our businesses".
The Gofundme page is also helping the local economy as the money is used to source everything locally.
"We are hoping to network with all the other groups so we can ensure the entire island has access to the things they need most," Mr Foley said.
"There are some amazing groups setting up, We all have to support each other, by working together we want to make sure that nobody goes without".
A $20 donation to Project Nasi on the gofundme pager will feed a whole family.
100 per cent of all the money raised goes to the survival packs made up of rice, eggs, vegetables and essentials including masks and soap.
Regular updates are posted live on the page so those making donations can directly see how their money is helping someone in need.
Read more:
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
