Everyone in our bowls club has a story, but this one is very different.
It involves the intricate, long-term connection between two people at the club - Tami who works part-time behind the bar, and club member Sonia Matteucci.
Tami is from Bali, Indonesia, her 'nickname' is Tami and her Balinese name is Ni Made Dwi Murtami.
She arrived in Australia in December 2024 on a three-year visa and her goal is to obtain permanent residency.
Sonia explains how they met, Tami's story and their close connection:
"Tami lost her parents at a very young age.
"She sought help at a Centre known as Taman Permata Hati Bali Orphan Day Centre in Ubud which was established in 1995 to nurture children who have suffered the loss of one or both parents.
"With predominantly Australian support, this Orphan Centre aims to empower and equip these Balinese orphans for a better life through sponsorship.
"This is where I first met Tami and over the years, provided her with financial support to finish her schooling, obtain a bachelor’s degree (in English Literature at Denpasar University) and now she dreams of living here in Australia.
"She was special from the first time I met her. She has a bubbly personality and is a real 'go-getter'.
"She was employed in tourism for several years in Bali where her opportunity to speak with foreigners gave her an insight to other parts of the world.
"Tami calls me 'mum' as I have been part of her life for many years while she attended school in Bali, then Denpasar University and now on a Working Holiday Visa residing with me in Adelaide.
"Tami now an accredited Aged Care worker and works at an Adelaide aged care facility.
"She loves her work, loves the ability to earn money and is very good with the clients - always engaging – always with that positive energy and she gets fantastic feedback from her supervisors.
"Her Aged Care employer is always asking her to cover shifts due to staffing shortages.
"She loves the people at Sturt Bowling Club and she’s very grateful for the opportunity she was given to serve behind the bar, interact with a range of members and she’s learnt a lot of Aussie slang!
"I don’t have children of my own so having her now in my life is a treasure.
"Funny how the world works its magic sometimes!"
This is Tami's version of events, her goals and what she likes about Sturt Bowling Club:
"Since I lost my parents, I have learnt to do everything by myself. I have an older brother who lived with me when I was in Bali.
"Sonia was involved with the Orphanage since 2010 and I joined the center in 2016 when my Mum passed away and this was the time I met Sonia.
"While at school I had a short exchange visit to Seymour College in Adelaide.
"It was an amazing opportunity and I am so grateful that I experienced Australian school life at a very beautiful school. It was totally different to my school life in Bali.
"My life changed when I moved to Adelaide with my Work and Holiday Visa.
"I then completed completed a Certificate III in Individual Support and Disability.
"If I do not succeed to get the sponsorship at my workplace for my permanent residency, I might return to study, and registered Nursing is one of the options.
"Sonia now looks after me like her own daughter and has welcomed me to stay with her in her house.
"She is an amazing soul that I have found full of positive and energetic energy.
"She teaches me a lot, has taken me everywhere and has given me another extraordinary experience in my life. I could not ask more than that.
"I am just a lucky girl. I feel like I found my lost pieces."
"I am a member of the Balinese Society of SA.
"When I attend their various functions I feel like I am in Bali and I can continue my hobby which is Balinese dancing.
"In that Community I also can eat real Balinese food that I miss a lot and of course I can socialise with other Balinese here in Australia.
"My work at Sturt Bowling Club started with assisting Mel which Sonia initiated through Teesa and I found that really enjoyable.
"Everyone welcomed me and when Teesa suggested I do the RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol), working behind the bar exposed me to all the members and their favorite drinks plus their AUSSIE slang.
"I love the atmosphere at SBC, the spirit and positive energy."
Photos
The photos below are mostly of Tami at the bowls club, but there are also two photos of Tami in traditional Balinese dance clothes, here in Adelaide.
Sonia explains: "Tami is amazing at Balinese dancing.
"She participated in last year’s concert of the Balinese Society of SA
"The effort they go to in makeup, practice and costumes is amazing."