MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
The Australian Youth Ambassadors for
Development Program which I launched tonight will contribute to the development
of countries in the Asia Pacific region as well as strengthen mutual
understanding between Australia and our neighbours.
The energy, enthusiasm and expertise of
the 500 young Australians who take up placements over the next two years will
help make a difference to the lives of people living in developing countries, as
well as build closer relationships between Australia and countries in the Asia
Pacific region.
Tonight I was also pleased to sign
partnership agreements with organisations who have committed to helping identify
Australian Youth Ambassadors and worthwhile assignments for them.
I expect the 17 organisations which have
already signed agreements will be joined by more partner organisations in the
near future in their support for the Youth Ambassadors program. (A list of
partner organisations is attached).
I am excited by the opportunities this
program presents for the building of stronger ties between Australia and our
region at the individual, community and corporate levels. The Youth Ambassadors
will also play a very practical and direct role in the development of countries
in the Asia Pacific region, as well as enrich their own experience.
Advertisements calling for applications
for the first round of placements will appear in the national press this
weekend. The first group of 80 Youth Ambassadors is expected to depart Australia
in February next year for placements of up to 12 months duration.
Partner Organisation and Launch
Representatives
|
Partner Organisation |
Representative |
|---|---|
|
Airservices Australia |
Mr Bob Lam |
|
Australian Catholic University |
Mr Tony McKittrick |
|
BHP |
Mr Tony Burns |
|
Caritas Australia |
Mr Tom Story |
|
Curtin University of Technology |
Professor Lesley Parker |
|
Monash University |
Mr Ian Porter |
|
Public Health Association |
Associate Professor Jeanette Ward |
|
RMIT International Pty Ltd |
Dr Madeleine Reeve |
|
University of New England |
Mr Nick Hanson |
|
University of Queensland |
Mr Iaen Russell |
|
University of Sydney |
Professor Derek Anderson |
|
University of Technology, Sydney |
Professor Surge Mukhi |
|
University of Western Sydney |
Professor Chris Duke |
|
University of Wollongong |
Mr James Wieland |
|
Insititution of Engineers, Australia |
Mr Joe Abercrombie |
|
World Vision |
Ms Margaret-Ann McLean |
| University of New South Wales | Dr Bryan Burke |
Not represented:
Australian National University
Western
Australia Department of Training
University of Tasmania
University of
South Australia
Stanton Engineering
University of Adelaide
University
of Melbourne
University of Western Australia
Ernst & Young
Flinders
University
La Trobe University
Macquarie University
| Media contacts: |
Innes Willox (Minister's Office) 02 |