A People’s Movement for the United Nations

October 2009 Update – Vol 1, No 11

News Flash!!

UNAA(WA) are pleased to present the United Nations Day 2009: Celebration of Peace-keeping to be held on Saturday 24^th October 2009 and the 2009 Heulin Lecture to be held on Thursday 10^th December 2009. Please check out our website or contact the Office for more details.

President’s Message

What a sad month October has been. Natural disasters in Samoa, Sumatra and the Philippines. I draw your attention to a message from WA UNAA Ambassador Joseph Caruso relating to the disasters and how to assist.

On Tuesday Sept 29^th, Joan Mann and I attended a lecture held at Curtin University relating to the plight of the children in Sri Lanka and their health needs. The lecture was arranged by the Human Rights Centre, Curtin University. I commend the centre for presenting such important issues. I would like to thank our Office Manager, Curtis Clark, who alerts members to important events and lectures.

The office has copies of the resolutions to be voted on at the National Teleconference in early November and I will be appreciative of your comments.

A small subcommittee has been working hard to arrange the event to mark UN Day October 24th.  

Please call the office to get involved in any of our subcommittees:

· UN HIV AIDS Day committee. An event is being arranged in partnership with WA Aids Council 1^st Dec at 11.30am - film and discussion on the effect on children of HIV AIDS. Two members are needed to join this subcommittee to plan and assist with arrangements, organise refreshments and publicity. If you can assist with this subcommittee please contact the office or myself on judithannparker@bigpond.com.

· Huelin Lecture committee: To be held on Dec 10th at the Perth State Library theatrette 6pm. Three members are needed to assist with planning & publicity on the evening. Please contact the office or myself if you can be involved.

· 2011 National Conference committee: Three members needed to assist with planning and presentation of this Conference to be held in Perth. Please contact the Office or the President.

Renovations are about to begin at Claisebrook House and our office will be temporarily relocated. The Office Manager will keep you informed. I will be in South Africa from Oct 9th-23rd and Vice President Carolyne Gatward will "hold the fort". I look forward to seeing you all at the UN Day celebration on Oct 24^th.

Annual General Meeting 2009 - Speech

Mary Anne Kenny, Guest Speaker 2009 AGM, was ill on the night and unable to present. Mary Anne has kindly made available her speech “Clinical Legal Education and Human Rights”.  You can obtain a copy of the speech by visiting the office or requesting the office email the speech to you.

Farewell Darren Cole

UNAA(WA) Secretary Darren Cole has been moved to Darwin in his employment. Darren held the position of secretary since August. He was active and enthusiastic about the work of UNAA(WA).  Thank you Darren for your involvement in the Association.

Seeking a Secretary

The position of secretary is now vacant. I would be pleased to hear from any member willing to take on this position.

Judith A. Parker AM DSJ President

2009 Diary Dates

October 24^th:       United Nations Day

November 16th:  International Day of Tolerance

November 20^th:   Universal Children’s Day

UNAA(WA) Human Rights Committee

The Huelin Lecture will be presented by Professor Colleen Hayward on UN Human Rights Day Thursday 10th Dec at 6pm. The venue is the State Library Theatrette Perth Cultural Centre. Professor Colleen Hayward is a senior Aboriginal woman of the Noongar nation of the South West of Western Australia. She is head of the Centre of Kurongkurl Katitjin, Edith Cowan University. For more than 30 years, Professor Hayward has provided significant input into policies and programs on a wide range of issues reflecting the needs of minority groups at community, state and national levels.

She has an extensive background in a range of areas including health, education, training, employment, housing, child protection, law and justice as well as significant experience in policy and management. Among her many achievements, Professor Hayward was recognised for her long standing work for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia, winning the National NAIDOC Aboriginal Person of the Year Award 2008.

Human Rights Committee Events

· Saturday October 24th Morning Tea to mark International UN Day. Honouring peace keepers.

· Friday November 20th Early evening, meeting room Claisebrook House: In partnership with the World Early Childhood Assoc WA - Forum for parents and teachers ‘The rights of the Child-Children’s responsibilities’.

· Tuesday December 1st 11.30am Claisebrook House meeting room, film and discussion to mark World HIV AIDS day.

· Thursday December 10th State Library Theatrette 6pm Huelin Lecture to be presented by Professor Colleen Hayward.

The committee is collecting information on the use of Taser guns in WA. Please forward any information you may have to the UNAA(WA) office.

UNAA(WA) Environment Committee

Film night ‘Extinction Sucks’: Friday 6th November 2009

Programme: Three 20 minute documentaries on endangered species by Aleisha Caruso.

These are part of the series Extinction Sucks.

Time: 6:00 pm; Cost: $5.00.

Where: Seminar Room, City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi Street, West Perth.

Refreshments will be available. All welcome!

Message from the International Ambassador of the UNAA(WA)

Dear Members,

Re: Devastation in Asia and Pacific

A number of natural disasters have devastated areas of Asia Pacific Regions, including Samoa, Philippines and Indonesia. Substantial loss of life has occurred and many are left homeless, including children of all ages.  Immediate relief by the way of medical supplies, food, water and shelter is being currently mobilized from UN HQ, and donor spontaneous nations including Australia have rallied to the mission. Any citizen can donate on line at  WWW.UNICEF.ORG.AU  or alternately by telephoning 1300884233.  As we are aware, UNICEF is the United Nations Children Fund and has shown exemplary commitment in the past. The immediate need is here and any contribution will assist the families of this region. UNAA(WA) thanks you for your sincere generosity and  support.

Regards

Joseph A Caruso, International UNAA(WA) Ambassador

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Further Resources

· Subscribe to UNity for 2009, as well as earlier issues are available at: www.unaa.org.au

· For international updates, sign up for UN Wire:  http://www.smartbrief.com/un_wire/index.jsp

· Read more about the Millenium project: www.unmillenniumproject.org