Calling The Community To Action

Embargoed until 17:30, 22 July 2009

Calling the Community to Action

A new pilot initiative enlisting the support of the Australian community in the fight against global poverty was announced today by the Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan.

Speaking at the One Just World public forum in Brisbane, Mr McMullan stressed the important role that community organisations not traditionally involved in development assistance could play in spreading the anti-poverty message.

"The Community Call to Action will provide up to $1.5 million in small and medium grants to community organisations wanting to help raise awareness of global poverty and the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) within their communities," Mr McMullan said.

"Last year the Prime Minister lent Australia's support to the MDG Call to Action the United Nations' global campaign that asks people to 'stand up' for global poverty. Community Call to Action will support the global push to halve extreme poverty by 2015," he said.

Funding will be open to organisations not already accredited by AusAID (the Australian Agency for International Development) such as community groups, professional and peak bodies, membership-based not-for-profit networks and small business.

Activities may include networking events that build links between organisations, conferences, seminars, workshops and special events.

Some overseas development activities will be considered based on their ability to achieve good outcomes in addition to raising awareness about these important issues.

Applications will open on 27 July 2009 and will close at 2:00pm 7 September 2009.

For further information on the Community Call to Action, visit www.ausaid.gov.au
email [email protected] or call (02) 6206 4435.

Media Contacts:

Vanessa Hegarty (Mr McMullan's office)
0435 022 509

AusAID Public Affairs
0417 680 590

Media releases and speeches are available on AusAID's website www.ausaid.gov.au


SOURCE: AusAID