The Burmese Association of WA (BAWA) is the oldest and largest Burmese community organisation in Western Australia. It was formed in 1965 and incorporated in 1969 to assist new migrants and refugees who had arrived from Burma. The main focus of the Association is to conduct charitable fundraising activities in support of the orphanages which we sponsor in Myanmar. Our strategy here is to enable and empower these establishments to become self-sufficient, rather than the simple provision of a cash donation which in most cases would result only in a short term gain. Accordingly; we have provided funds and achieved success in establishing livestock, poultry and agricultural farming projects which remain viable and productive. We have also established sewing skills training through the provision of resources which has resulted in the graduation of qualified seamstresses. Our charitable activities are not limited to Myanmar as we have also donated to worthy causes here in Australia as well as other countries.