Appointment of Executive Director for Youth Ambassadors for Development Program

MEDIA RELEASE

Released By:
Downer

I am pleased to announce that Mark Darby
has been appointed Executive Director of the Australian Youth Ambassadors for
Development Program.

Mr Darby brings to the position an
impressive background in establishing and managing projects that involve young
volunteers, including Operation Raleigh in the United States. He established the
Australian branch of Youth Challenge International that has selected and
supported over 300 Australian youth and technical staff volunteers on projects
in the South Pacific and Central and South America.

Mr Darby heads up the Office of Youth
Ambassadors for Development Program. The Office comprises a small management
team who have extensive links to the private, education and community sectors.
Under his leadership I expect the team will play an integral role in building
corporate and community involvement in the program.

The Australian Government has committed
$10 million over two years to this new and exciting program which will enable up
to 500 young Australian volunteers to contribute to the development of countries
in the Asia-Pacific region, enrich their experience and strengthen mutual
understanding between Australia and the countries of the
Asia-Pacific.

A fundamental and unique feature of the
Youth Ambassadors for Development Program is the direct involvement of the
corporate sector. Private companies, educational institutions, government
agencies, professional and trade associations, business councils and a range of
other organisations will be invited to nominate outstanding young Australians
for placement under the program. Advertisements calling for applicants will
appear in national newspapers on August 29, and the first batch of volunteers is
expected to be in the field by February next year.

Other members of the management team
include:

Howard Glenn - Marketing Manager. His
experience includes the role of national director of the National Australia Day
Council and managing the Young Australian of the Year Program.

Laurie LeFevre - Contracts Manager. He is
a former senior contracts manager in Purchasing Australia, with a background in
leading public sector organisations, including Australia Post, and the (former)
State Electricity Commission of Victoria.