MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Australians have much to be proud of on International Youth Day, the
Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mrs Chris Gallus said today.
'Our young Australians are at the forefront of supporting important
development in countries throughout our region,' Mrs Gallus said.
Marking International Youth Day today, Mrs Gallus will acknowledge the
contribution by these young ambassadors at a reception at Old Parliament House
tomorrow night.
'The ambassadors will depart next month to 17 host countries including
Vietnam, Cambodia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Laos.
'The young Australians will work in a diverse range of areas that include
health, education, environment, rural and infrastructure development, governance
and justice.
The Australian Youth Ambassadors Development Program is funded by Australia's
overseas aid program and places skilled young Australians, aged 18-30 on short
term overseas assignments.
'This scheme benefits both the host nation and Australia and I encourage
young Australians in regional and rural areas, as well as cities, to consider
applying,' Mrs Gallus said.
The Program was set up in 1998 by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander
Downer, to strengthen understanding between Australia and countries of the Asia
Pacific and make a positive contribution to development.
Of the 102 Youth Ambassadors who will leave in September, 38 are from NSW, 22
from Victoria, 12 from Queensland, 12 from the ACT, 8 from South Australia, 7
from Western Australia, 2 from the Northern Territory and 1 from Tasmania.
Media contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Office of Mrs Gallus) 06 6277 4840 or 0408 680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489