BILLICH

It is the last name of a noted Australian painter. His complete name is Dr.Charles Billich. I will visit his gallery on January 24, 2008 to attend a function where Mr. Billich will present his limited edition Bali collection to Indonesian Ambassador to Australia and Vanuatu TM Hamzah Thayeb. The gallery, situated at 106 George Street, the Rocks, Sydney, is not only famous for local people but also for international visitors. Even, US President George W.Bush had visited his gallery. Billich has at least 37 collections of paintings which have already been owned by various government agencies, museums, the United Nations and even Vatican. Among them are the Vatican Collection, Rome, the United Nations, Geneva, the Art Bank, Commonwealth of Australia, International Red Cross Museum, Geneva, International Olympic Museum, Lausanne, Museum of Modern Art Mobile, Alabama, City of Düsseldorf, Germany, Brisbane City Hall Art Gallery, the Parliament of Victoria, Australian Embassy to Germany, Australian Embassy to Croatia, Hall of Congress, Washington D.C., and Queensland Art Gallery. The presentation of his limited edition of Bali collection will strengthen the bilateral relations of Australia and Indonesia. Billich represents the friends of Indonesia in the nation that has placed Bali into the deepest room of its hearts. In the resort island, a total of 88 Australians along with 132 others became the victims of the deadly acts of militants in 2002.