Diamond Rozakeas, an inspiring Greek Australian who spoke to Neos Kosmos earlier this year, took to the road last month, driving across three states, to transport the brand new kitchen to the community of Mutitjulu, at the base of Uluru.
The renovation of the community kitchen, is the latest of several projects she has worked on over the last decade. This was an opportunity to reconnect to Elders and especially with the kids, now teenagers, with whom she had formed a rich connection, returning regularly to engage with them through healthy food workshops, art programs and social enterprises.
Diamond who is well known for her involvement in some of Melbourne’s top cafes, took a step back from her full-time work in hospitality, in order to make time to do more in the desert.
With the help of the donations she received from her own community, the first phase of the “WALi project”, the installation of a new kitchen, is now complete.
The ‘WALi (building/home in Pitjantjatjara) project aims to provide repairs and upgrades to existing buildings in the Community of Mutitjulu, which Diamond is facilitating in collaboration with some of the Mutitjulu Elders and now Maruku Arts, the community’s Art Centre.
The kitchen, which was non functional, was the first on the list, and in need of an upgrade to service its community members and Maruku Arts artists.
The new kitchen sink fit by “mere millimetre” she tells Neos Kosmos, relieved, as she is now looking to help with the next phase of the project, an upgrade of the community shower block.
Diamond who likes to work independently through inspired action, says, that her connection with the indigenous people has been “life changing”, and the goodwill she extends to them, our filotimo, returns to her a thousand fold.
“There’s a richness, beyond words, with the way that they have lived and cared for country for so many years. They really embody their spirit. And this inspires me.
“There are a lot of wishes fulfilled for me by doing this, creating happiness for myself through service, and in re-connecting each time with local mob, to country and to the God in each of us.”
For more information to donate or assist in the next phase of the WALi project you can contact Diamond Rozakeas by phone: 0425 705 566 or by email at diamond_roz@hotmail.
