MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Australia's Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs
Chris Gallus, today visited an Ulaanbaatar orphanage, the Lotus Children's
Centre, which was established by an Australian woman.
The Lotus Children's Centre is run by an Australian, Didi Kalika, who went to
Mongolia 10 years ago. Initially, she helped street children in Ulaanbaatar,
leading eventually to the establishment of the Lotus Children's Centre, which
today cares for 120 children whose ages range from the newborn to 18 years.
'Didi's dedication and commitment to helping Ulaanbaatar's orphaned and
abandoned children is very impressive,' Mrs Gallus said. 'Her achievements with
such meagre resources are remarkable.'
Australia has long been a supporter of the orphanage. In 1997 the Australian
Government, contributed US$50,000 to fund construction of the main building, and
in May of this year $7,200 was provided for renovation and refurbishment of new
premises for the orphanage's kindergarten and primary school.
Media contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Office of Mrs Gallus) 0408 680 442 or 02 6277 4840
Lorraine Mulholland (AusAID) 02 6206 4727 or 0417 680 590