Australia for UNHCR is an Australian charity that raises funds and support for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN's Refugee Agency. It was established on 4 July 2000.[1]

Australia for UNHCR
Established4 July 2000 (2000-07-04)[1]
Operating since 4 July 2000; 24 years ago (2000-07-04)
FounderNaomi Steer
ServicesBuilding support for the UN's Refugee Agency
Websitewww.unrefugees.org.au

Fundraising

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The organisation raises funds for international humanitarian programs supporting refugees and other displaced or stateless people, and undertakes activities to raise public awareness of the plight of refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR.[2]

From an income of $100,000 in the first year of fundraising, the organisation raised $6.6 million in 2008.[3] The most recent Annual Information Statement reported to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission reports a total annual income of $41,510,916.[4]

This has funded humanitarian work in Central America,[5] the Philippines[6] and throughout Africa.[7]

Special Representatives

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High profile special representatives of Australia for UNHCR include Australian stage, film and theatre actor Marta Dusseldorp, actor and author Carina Hoang,[8] cricketer Ian Chappell[9] and comedian and actor Jane Turner.[10]

Patrons

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The founding patron of Australia for UNHCR was former Nationals leader and deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer, who was followed by former Governor General of Australia, Quentin Bryce.[11] The current Patrons are John W.H. Denton AO[12] and Alice Spigelman.

Board

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Members of the Board of Directors include former CEO of First State Super Michael Dwyer,[13] Chief Technology Officer for The Iconic Zoe Ghani, former ABC News (Australia) executive Kate Dundas, Microsoft Australia executive Lynn Dang, Rick Millen and sports administrator John Boultbee (sport administrator).[14]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Australia for UNHCR". Sydney: Australian Securities and Investments Commission. 4 July 2000. Retrieved 26 August 2019.
  2. ^ "Charities Portal". Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  3. ^ "FUNDRAISING SHOOTING STAR". F&P. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  4. ^ "Charities Portal - Overview". Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  5. ^ "'Hand over your son or we'll shoot him': escaping Central America's gang violence". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  6. ^ "Typhoon Haiyan: how you can help the Philippines". Guardian Australia. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  7. ^ "Cyclone Idai: How you can help the victims of the devastation in Africa". Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  8. ^ "Carina Hoang: The day I fled Vietnam in a boat". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  9. ^ ""I wasn't proud of my own country": Why Ian Chappell is embarrassed about Australia's treatment of refugees". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  10. ^ "Be noice, Australia". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  11. ^ "Governor-General's Program". Governor-General of Australia. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  12. ^ "Winners of the Asia-Pacific Innovative Lawyers awards 2017". Financial Times. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  13. ^ "First State Super CEO Becomes UNHCR Australia Chair". Super Review. 2 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  14. ^ "Charities Portal - People". Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
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