A People’s Movement for the United Nations

 

April 2010 Update – Vol 2, No 4

 

News Flash!!

 

Visit us online at www.unaa-wa.org.au and keep abreast of our activities throughout 2010!

 

 

Subcommittees of the association are working cooperatively on various issues. The Environment committee is planning a panel discussion in co-operation with Sustainable Population Australia on May 22nd 2-4pm. Put the date in your diary. More information will come out later or please visit our website.

 

The Human Rights Committee will support the World Organisation for Early Childhood Education (OMEP) at and event to be held on 25 May when Michelle Scott, Commissioner for Children and Young People will be the speaker.  A flyer regarding this event has been sent out to members; if you need more details contact the office. Also , members of the Human Rights Committee members will attend the film “The House on August Street” which will be shown as a tribute to Yolande Frank honouring her work for WIZO and United Nations Australia Association. The call for entries for the Yolande Frank Memorial Award will go out in two weeks. The awards will be made in August.

 

The Planning Committee for the 2011 National Conference is working hard to arrange the conference and associated seminar and Academic network meetings. The Executive Committee had a most inspiring report from UNYA regarding the National Conference it hosts this July. UNYA President Mark will provide a report for the next newsletter. UNYA has been most successful gaining high profile speakers and sponsors.

 

Fundraising is very much on the agenda with plans for a sausage sizzle at Bunnings, a cake- less cake stall and an eBay Charity auction. Any further suggestion will be appreciated.

 

Following the recommendation of the Human Rights committee, the committee has agreed for UNAA(WA) to become an affiliate with the Australian Migrant and Refugee Women’s network. Working with this group will enable the association to better serve migrant and refugee families in WA. Also, Joan Mann has agreed to represent us on the Western Australians for Racial Equality (WARE) committee.

 

The book club is holding interesting meetings. For further information check the website.

 

UNAA(WA) is appreciative of the services of two students, Katharina Rieniets and Eddie Boucherd.

Bon Voyage to two members: Jost Wischeropp is off to Germany where he will celebrate a significant birthday and meet with UN Association in Germany. Joseph Caruso and his wife are leaving this week for Europe including representing UNAA(WA) at an Anzac Day ceremony, inspecting land mine areas and meeting up with UN Association in London. UNAA(WA) plans to arrange a meeting when Joseph returns so that he can tell us all about his travels and UN Work.

 

Judith A. Parker President AM DSJ

 

Diary Dates:

Below is a list of upcoming dates in the UN calendar. UNAA(WA) tries to hold events or join with other organizations on these days with the aim of educating the public about the United Nations and the work of the UN specialized agencies.

 

April 23 -  World Book and Copyright Day (UNESCO)

May 3 -     World Press Freedopm Day (UNESCO)

May 15 -   International Day of Families

May 22:    International Day of Biological Diversity

June 5 -    World Environment Day

 

UNAA (WA) Human Rights Committee

 

Fremantle as a Human Rights City:

Jan Ryan and Judith Parker met with Melissa Parke MP, the Federal Member for Fremantle, on Wednesday April 7th to discuss the vision of Fremantle becoming the first Human Rights City in Australia.  Ms Parke was enthusiastic about the concept and agreed to support UNAA(WA) in further discussions. Jan Ryan and Judith Parker will meet Adele Carles MLA, State Member for Fremantle on 4th May. Jan Ryan can supply further information on Human Rights Cities if you wish to know more.

 

Indigenous Issues:

Indigenous Allied Health Australia: is a peak body in Australia representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island allied health professional and students. Incorporated in 2009 IAHA is governed by a board of directors who are committed allied health professionals from a diverse range of working experiences in rural, remote and urban localities. They are committed to achieving the IAHA vision of the same quality of health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as that of other Australians. For further information please consult: www.indigenousalliedhealth.com.au .

 

UNAA(WA) Environment committee

 

The Environments Committee are holding an event on 22nd May to mark the International Day of Biodiversity. Please visit our website (address above) to find out more information.

 

Rob Hewson – Environment Committee Convenor

 

Other News

 

National Conference New Zealand:

Members of UNAA(WA)  have been invited to the National Conference of  the United Nations Association of New Zealand (UNA-NZ) with a theme of "Peace and Justice" to be held Friday 7th May to Sunday 9th May and being hosted by their Wanganiu Branch on the North Island.

 

The conference will highlight the interconnectedness of the challenges we face and the need for empowering people throughout the world to implement lasting solutions to climate change and create peaceful relations

between peoples, cultures and nations.. If you would like further information on registration and the complete program please contact the office or the UNA-NZ website: www.unanz.org.nz

 

UNAAWA registered for GST:

Thanks to the persistent work of treasurer Harvey Davies UNAAWA is now registered for GST. This will be to UNAAWA’s advantage when applying for grants. The committee will discuss at its next meeting the change to the cost of membership costs 2010- 11 caused by the need to pay GST on membership dues in the future.

 

Upcoming Events

Cake- less cake stall:

This is the fundraiser you have been waiting for. Envelopes are available in the office waiting for your donation for the Cake stall. The idea is that you donate the cost of ingredients you would have used if you had baked a cake. It’s an easy way to run a cake stall. If it is easier to pay your donation into the bank account please advise the office so that a receipt can be issued to you. Money raised will go into the National Conference fund.

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNAA WA Office Volunteers

 

The UNAA WA office is open most week days and is staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers. UNAA WA is most appreciative of their support, time and expertise. The following members are regular volunteers: Nola Andrews, Katharina Rieniets, Scott Lambert, Harvey Davies, Eddie Boucherd  and Curtis Clark. Please call the office on 9221-9455 if you can offer a few hours. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our volunteers for their time and effort within the UNAA WA office.

 

We are still looking for one or two members with some knowledge of our objects as outlined in the Division constitution and the structure of the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies to help in the office on Thursdays from the hours of 9 am until 3 or 4 pm. Persons may choose a morning or afternoon session. As many members will know, we are conveniently located near the McIver train station in the Perth CBD.  

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newsletter Survey:

Please call the office or send us an email so that we know you have received this Newsletter – both the text in the body of the email and the attachment. Which do you prefer:

 

                             Text in body of email    _______________

    

                             Attachment                   _______________

 

                             Both                              _______________