Cultural Education Centre Fire Damage Appeal
Donation protected
It is with great sadness that we share the news that there has been a devastating fire at “Budha Wanama” a centre dedicated to spiritual and cultural education.
On Thursday 2 June the fire completely destroyed the garage, the workshed, the cars and the adjoining cottage. The site and all contents were deemed unrecoverable. The loss has been significant, and much of it is irreplaceable. Fortunately, there was no loss of life.
The damages are estimated to be well over one hundred fifty thousand dollars. We have insurance, however the damages and immediate needs are expected to far exceed the maximum insurance coverage.
WHAT WAS LOST
The renovated one bedroom self-contained cottage, and everything in it were destroyed. And the volunteer who lived in the cottage, and helped with the daily duties and maintenance of the property, had all his personal belongings destroyed. He was left only with the clothes he was standing in.
The garage was also completely destroyed it contained:
- Storage of Isira’s event supplies and equipment, books, CD’s, years of precious audio and video recordings, and many sacred objects.
- Work shed with tools, equipment and the many supplies used to manage and look after the centre and property.
- Isira’s two vehicles. Her car, and a van that she used to travel to events, indigenous communities and sacred sites. Both of these vehicles were filled with personal belongings as she had just returned from working with Indigenous communities; and she was preparing for a 5 day retreat and an interstate trip to visit her family.
ABOUT THE ELANORA CENTRE
The Elanora property is a significant parcel of land of Aboriginal cultural significance which Isira has been made custodian of, and has worked to protect, restore and regenerate.
Isira, and the Living Awareness volunteers, have poured significant time and resources into the buildings and gardens to establish a sacred space for spiritual and cultural meetings and education. The property has been used to run online gatherings, meetings and occasional events. It is being developed to hold many more cultural and spiritual meetings, ceremonies and events.
ABOUT ISIRA
For over 35 years Isira has been a respected wisdom keeper, author, educator, speaker and consultant. Isira, is also known by her Indigenous name, Jinta Mirrin Ngingali, (Aunty Jinta).
Isira is a woman of great integrity, purpose and compassion. She dedicates her life to facilitating conscious living through an extensive range of programs, speaker events, institutions and community engagements.
Her focus is on a spirituality that connects with the sacredness of all life and builds a bridge between our existing conflicts and hopes for a better world. She shares with us Indigenous and universal wisdom and a vision that can unite us all.
Isira is supported in her role by a team of volunteers called The Living Awareness Team.
As the Living Awareness Team we share a vision to transform ourselves, those we touch and society for the greater good. We are committed to remembering that all of life is sacred, that we are part of the one life and the way forward is honouring and valuing ourselves, each other and the earth and all of its creatures with acceptance, respect and love.
You may read more about Isira on her website.
WHAT IS NEEDED
We urgently need funds to maintain the functional needs of Elanora and other resources to support Isira to continue her work.
The centre cannot be used and maintained without the garage, workshop and cottage. And we are told that it will take up to two years to rebuild. In fact, we are still waiting for the final approval from the insurance company for the site to be cleared 2 ½ months later.
This is what is urgently needed now:
Accommodation for a volunteer/s to help with the daily duties and maintenance of the property. We are thinking a tiny house.
Storage areas to replace what was held in the garage including:
- Onsite storage space - for work tools and equipment, event supplies and equipment, products and items that are being replaced.
- Work shed - for maintenance work, tools, equipment and supplies that are being replaced so that the property can be maintained.
Funds to enable Isira to replace her business and personal transport needs. Unfortunately the insurance did not cover the full replacement cost of either vehicle
Personal belongings for the volunteer which were not covered by insurance.
With your help, we will ensure the structures and items needed to manage the Elanora property can be purchased and built now so Isira can continue her valuable work.
If you feel you would like to contribute to this immediate and all-important cause, please do.
Thank you so much,
With great gratitude
Amali
On behalf of The Living Awareness Team
Organizer and beneficiary
Amali De Vos
Organizer
Ingleside, NSW
Isira Sananda
Beneficiary