ANZA Anecdotes: Kelly

2001-2015 Currently in New Zealand

Hi. Let me reintroduce myself to the current ANZA members, as ANZA Jakarta was a huge part of my life from 2001-2015. There were lots of great times scattered with a few bad times of bombings and losing friends but it just made ANZA more valuable.

I remember joining ANZA on arrival in Jakarta in 2001 and to help make friends I immediately volunteered in the money counting room. Pregnant with my first child I remember feeling the first kick in this room. LOL it was great having so many supportive women while being away from family and friends.

I soon met some lovely young women that became my BFFs and maybe you could say “Partners in Crime” (Sara and Anne-Marie). ANZA in these years was just one big party (also with a very large Social Welfare side). ANZA attracted a great bunch of ladies and we all just clicked. I soon moved on to other roles and with my friend Anne-Marie Patterson we took on the House Functions role. Party time! Anyone that knows me knows I love a bit of dress up, so each month we organised a fancy dress themed party at ANZA House. Tropical Night, ABBA, Army, Western, Casino, Scavenger hunts, just to name a few. Those were some fun nights and not forgetting Usni, Bianto and Fiki and all our drivers helping behind the scenes. I do remember a surprise venue Xmas party we organized and kept the venue secret right until the guests arrived by Bajai. (To be honest it was kept secret, as we hadn’t been able to find a venue until the last minute).

Next came Melbourne Cup Coordinator and Ball coordinator. I think my party girl reputation was building. We had some fabulous days at Melbourne Cup and the ANZA Balls were among the best. Lots of work but worth it.

I also did a short stint, as Berita Editor when the magazine looked like it would fold. Big learning curve and great way to get new skills in graphic design while on the job.

Where to next? Vice President with Sue Bowra and after seeing how it al worked why not put my hand up for President? Geeezzzz memories are fading now but I think I was president for approximately 4 years before passing on the baton but taking the president role on later again. During that time the New Zealand flag was always placed above the Australian at ANZA House. Seriously I loved being involved with ANZA. I was honored with life membership in 2010 and it really was an honor.

Picture: House event coordinators Kelly and Anne-Marie at Tropical Night.