WHO WE ARE
The Australian Refugee Foundation
The Australian Refugee Foundation was established in 1998 to
procure and manage funds for the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA).
As the Refugee Council of Australia is primarily an independent
advocacy and policy non-government organization working with and for refugees
and asylum seekers, it is important that it should have an independent source
of funding. Otherwise its work might be viewed as serving sectional interests,
or as reflecting a particular ideological or political standpoint.
The Australian Refugee Foundation is the source of such funding.
It is actively seeking funds so that RCOA's door can remain open and that its
work in promoting the human rights of refugees and asylum seekers can continue.
The activities of RCOA include:
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keeping informed on the needs and problems of refugees beyond and within Australia; |
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speaking publicly on refugee issues when approached by the media, and on other
occasions; |
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making detailed and constructive submissions to the Commonwealth Government;
and |
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responding to a multiplicity of requests for advice and information. |
To honour his lifetime commitment to refugees and social justice,
Dr Kenneth Rivett has become a principal benefactor to the Australian Refugee
Foundation. The Refugee Council of Australia held the inaugural Kenneth Rivett
orations in 2005.
The Refugee Council of Australia has a unique role giving voice
to the interests of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia and internationally.
As was pointed out recently by Philanthropy Australia, of which the Foundation
is a member:
"Non-profit organisations are facing increased competition
for funding, and the roles of many agencies are being narrowed to service delivery
by shifts in government policy and economic reform ... As a result, it appears
that some agencies have been drawn away from their functions of advocacy, and
the frank and fearless representation of issues affecting disadvantaged groups"
Philanthropy, Winter 2000, No.42
Patrons of the Australian Refugee Foundation are:
• The Right Hon. Sir Zelman Cowen AK, GCMG,
GCVO; and
• The Right Hon. Malcolm Fraser, A.C., C.H.
Trustees, who ensure that it complies with the stringent legal
requirements imposed on trust funds, are:
• Mr David Bitel (Convenor)
• Mr James Altman
• Mr Lionel Conyer
• Mr John Gibson
• Mrs Valerie Grogan AM
• Ms Barbara Young AO
For more information about the Foundation, its Trustees or
its activities, please contact
the Foundation.
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