|
 “Fonda la Clinica" began in 1997; it is a non-profit community organization. The participants are mainly Chileans, Latin Americans and Australians. Our first objective was to have an authentic "Fonda" * that provides an opportunity for a real celebration of our national fiesta.
The original idea was that any money collected would be used to fund a radio program and support other media programs already operating, but after a while we realized there were other important issues and began to direct our efforts towards providing help to Chile in times of need. Also we have been able to offer help in a small way in a wider arena when there have been catastrophic situations in other parts of the world. We also decided to help other groups - not only Chileans but also Latino Americans more generally. This help is demonstrated by our continuining involvement in their activities. Some of the main goals: - Promote, maintain, share and demonstrate our culture, language, values and customs within our own and the Australian community.
- Promote unity and encourage participation of adults and youth in community activities.
- Promote amongst youth and children a better understanding of our multicultural background.
- Promote friendship and interchange with other Chileans in other states of Australia and throughout the world.
- Promote friendship and interchange with other Latin American communities in Australia.
- Provide effective support each time there is a need in Chile or throughout the world.
- Promote understanding between different cultures in Australia.
- Organise social and folkloric activities to finance the objectives of the group.
In 2005 we began teaching folkloric dances and began to organise a state and national Cueca competition. This situation also led us to initiate contact with the Chilean community in the other states of Australia. We had the great honour of organizing the Second International Meeting of Chilean Folklore outside Chile. "Fonda" is a traditional-style inn where food, music and a safe resting place are provided. In 2006, we started our web page, which reached a number of 500.000 hits in the year. Fonda La Clinica has been offering Cueca Classes since 2006 and our Dance Group "Raices" has been promoting our culture through various activities.
We took part in a parade at last year’s Latino American Camp in the town of Thoona. We also organised The State Championship of Cueca and we were the main sponsors of the National Championship held in Western Australia.
Last year, we had the pleasure of receiving the Tiara theatre group from Rancagua, Chile. Two of our members had the privilege to perform twice with the Tiara group in Melbourne
Our biggest achievement of 2006 was organising the Chilean Latino American September Festival, which was held at Sandown Racecourse and Entertainment Centre. 39 community groups and organisations participated and about 15.000 people attended the event, plus a significant number of interstate visitors.
In a solidarity arena, Fonda La Clinica organised an event to raise funds for Teleton 2006, we also gave away a beautiful 2007 calendar to those who donated for this important cause. 2007 Our organisation has this year established itself as the leader in our Chilean and Latin American community, and the activities of our organisation have been widely recognized due to our continual efforts to deliver the best.
- During this year our organisation has continued with free cueca (Chilean national dance) classes by Mrs. Maria Cabello (Saturdays from 2pm to 3pm). This continues to be popular across all age groups. - Mr. Hernan Morales, folklore teacher and former member of Bafona (Ballet Folklorico Nacional de Chile), whose extensive background and experience is guiding our dance-group, Grupo Folklorico Raices de Fonda la Clinica (Group Folk Roots of Fonda Clinic)," to prepare for our presentations to satisfy the various commitments of the organisation. A total of 20 people are participating in the presentations.
- Pena - A Peña is a grass-roots community meeting where popular folklore and other artistic expressions accompanied by food and drink are showcased- These continue to be successful with enthusiastic support from the artists of our community.
- Cuecas State Championships were again conducted this year with an under-16 category for the first time. The three categories are under-16, 17-50, and over-50.
Our group went to Canberra to support our cueca championship couple representing Victoria. Our dancing group was quite successful in their presentation at the National Cuecas Championship.
Further presentations at various old age homes provided entertainment, company and enjoyment to the residents.
- A new presentation on our agenda is at the annual celebration of the Islas Rodriguez (the Rodriguez Islands group).
- Our September Festival was even more successful than 2006. This was widely reported, not only in the Spanish-language media, but also in the Australian media including our presentation on Channel 9 TV ,The Age and Heraldsun newspapers, PBS Radio, SBS Radio, 3ZZZ Radio, 3RIM Radio, Stereo 974 Radio, TT FM Radio. More than 21000 peoples attend and 51 community groups and organizations participate.
- As many of our initiatives include the preparation and serving of food and the provision of alcohol, all relevant members have the required food-handling and alcohol-related certifications.
- Right now we are preparing for the traditional annual "Teletón" campaign to collect money to help disabled children and adolescents, which will take place on December 1st at 360 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough. MERITORIOUS SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY "Latin American Friendship Fonda la Clinica of Vic. Inc." has provided Victoria's Chilean and Latin American communities with assistence through a range of heritage , education , health , welfare , aged and disability care programs and services ; whilst promoting and maintaining their culture within the broader community. It has serve the community with distintion. VICTORIA'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
|
About Us 
