news On Saturday 4 February, Aarwun Gallery will host a black tie dinner and fine art auction with proceeds raised being donated to Sunrise Cambodia. Aarwun Art Gallery Director Robert Stephens decided to organise the event after meeting humanitarian Geraldine Cox at her home in Cambodia. Adelaide-born Cox founded Sunrise Cambodia 21 years ago, giving a safe and loving home to orphaned, disabled and trafficked children. Sunrise Cambodia provides education, health care, housing and community infrastructure. “As a young boy, I spent many years in institutional care in England and here in Australia as a child migrant,” Stephens says. “I am acutely aware of the needs of children in care and the love and dedication required to give them a better start in life.
“I believe Geraldine Cox is one of the most inspirational Australians I have ever met. Her story and the story of the Cambodians in her orbit touched me so greatly that I decided I would organise a fundraiser to support her and the work of Sunrise Cambodia.” Senator Derryn Hinch will chair the event, and many high-profile artists have agreed to donate works to the fundraiser, including Wendy Sharpe, John Olsen, Carlos Barrios, Geoff Dyer, David Boyd, Ken Knight, Ted Lewis, Gracie Morton, Simon Palmer and more. Renowned locally-based artist Robert Pengilley created a painting of Cox in Cambodia in 1997. In it, he depicts Cox in the centre, pleading with the Cambodian government. After a bloody coup, the government had sent tanks and soldiers with guns into the orphanage to remove
them from the government-owned land. Cox stood her ground, the military eventually left, and Sunrise Cambodia has been standing strong ever since. “The painting is a record of that time,” Stephens says. “Those are all real children that were in Geraldine’s care, and they’re all grown up now.” Stephens sourced the painting from Pengilley and it will be presented to Cox on the night. She will take it back to Cambodia with her and it will find its place at Sunrise Cambodia. Cox says she was thankful to Robert, his team and the artists for making the event possible. “We believe the only way to break the cycle of extreme poverty in Cambodia is through good health and education,” she says. “The money we raise through this event will help us help many, many
Photo Eva Schroeder
Canberrans rally behind Sunrise Cambodia
Robert Stephens will present the painting by Robert Pengilley to Geraldine Cox on the night.
Cambodians, ultimately providing a much better life.” - Laura White Charity Art Auction, Saturday 4 February 6pm at The Abbey. Bookings: aarwuncanberra@ bigpond.com or 6230 2055.
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