Marissa Anita, Indonesian recipient of the Elizabeth O'Neill Award journalism scholarship, visited Australia from 6-18 June 2016. The Elizabeth O'Neill Award is presented each year to one journalist from Indonesia and one from Australia and is designed to foster mutual understanding of Australia and Indonesia through accurate and informed media coverage.

A Senior News Anchor and Reporter for Net TV in Jakarta, Marissa visited Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Hobart over a two week program that promoted Australia's Indonesian language teaching, multiculturalism and Islam in Australia, and our creative industries.

Marissa had tours of Lakemba Mosque during Ramadan and the Great Synagogue; attended the red carpet opening of the Sydney Film Festival; visited the University of Sydney to speak with students of Indonesian studies and language, and attended a tour of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

In Canberra, Marissa experienced the National Archives of Australia's exhibition 'Faith Fashion Fusion: Muslim Women's Style in Australia' and the National Gallery of Australia's extensive batik collection.

A highlight of the program was a visit to bi-lingual school Benalla P-12 College in regional Victoria. Primary school students welcomed Marissa with Indonesian dances and food and teachers spoke to the value of Indonesian language teaching in Australia. The Melbourne segment also featured interviews with Professor Tim Lindsey of the University of Melbourne; My Kitchen Rules winners Tasia and Gracia Seger; and Salvatore Malatesta of St Ali Coffee Roasters, which has recently opened a branch in Jakarta.

The program concluded in Tasmania where Marissa toured the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) and attended Hobart's Dark Mofo arts festival.