A media release from Australian Embassy in its official website on Friday said Moriarty made the announcement as part of his visit to Bali from January 20-21, 2011.
Moriarty said the additional funding would help ensure that the Australia Bali Memorial Eye Center would reach its full capacity as a world class facility.
Since opening in 2007, the center has performed 1000 cataract surgical procedures every year, preventing blindness and restoring the eyesight of thousands of Balinese people.
At the center`s opening Australia committed AUD 7 million to build the eye center, provide equipment, train staff, operate mobile clinics and give scholarships to health officials.
This additional funding will bring the total amount of Australian support to AUD 10 million.
"Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in Bali, with more than 50,000 people affected by this treatable condition. Australia is proud to be working with Indonesia to reduce blindness in Bali," Moriarty said.
"People`s lives have been changed as a result of this center`s operating theaters, mobile outreach clinics and health professionals. Patients previously living with this debilitating condition now have increased independence, can return to work and provide for their families," he added.
During the Ambassador`s visit, he also held discussions with the Governor of Bali, the Regent of Badung, a broad range of senior Indonesian officials and key Indonesian and Australian figures involved in business, arts and culture.
He has also met with 33 Australian teachers participating in the Endeavor Language Teacher Fellowships Program; an Australian Government funded Indonesian language program which aims to provide practicing and trainee Australian language teachers with the opportunity to improve their language and cultural skills through a three week intensive in-country study program.
"The expanding commercial linkages as well as associations through education, art and culture are critical elements in the forging of closer ties between Indonesia and Australia. I am delighted to note that the continued growth across these areas can only enhance the two countries` shared future and continued close cooperation," Moriarty added.
(O001/F001)
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
