Established at the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust gives citizens and governments across the Commonwealth and beyond the opportunity to create a lasting tribute to Her Majesty.
Two initiatives will be funded through monies raised by the Trust. The first is to eliminate avoidable blindness in Commonwealth countries by focusing on trachoma, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. The second initiative will be to develop the status of young leaders across the Commonwealth through a leadership awards scheme.
In May 2012, the Prime Minister The Hon Julia Gillard appointed former Governor‑General Major General Michael Jeffery, AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC (Retd) to lead the nation's fundraising efforts for The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust as Australia's country representative.
Major General Jeffery has established the Diamond Jubilee Trust Australia, which will enable Australian contributors to make tax deductible donations to the Trust from February 2013.
This is in addition to contributions made by the state and territory governments and a $5 million contribution by the Australian Government. The Trust's fundraising was launched in Australia in early 2013 at an event hosted by the Governor‑General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, CVO. Funds will be raised from February to June 2013.
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