Event
Sydney Christmas Parade
When: 29th November 2009
Contact: Anthony Mead
t: (02) 9358 3322
a: Suite 1 Section B, 6 Cowper Wharf Road WOOLLOOMOOLOO NSW 2011
e: anthony@sydneychristmasparade.com
w: Sydney Christmas Parade Trust
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Sunday, July 05, 2009
Khalifa Foundation agrees education and health partnership with Virgin Unite
2nd July 2009
An Abu Dhabi charitable foundation and the non profit arm of the Virgin Group have agreed a deal to work together on education and health initiatives in the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's deputy prime minister and chairman of the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sir Richard Branson in Abu Dhabi to start the partnership.
The two foundations will work together to develop education initiatives to help create thousands of job opportunities for young people in poverty.
The sheik said: “The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is determined to improve the lives of people all over the world and has already contributed significant funds through the Khalifa Foundation. We are delighted to be announcing this partnership with Richard Branson and Virgin Unite who share our passion for creating opportunities to help people lift themselves out of poverty.”
Sir Richard said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with the UAE through the bin Zayed Al Nahyan Khalifa Foundation, who do brilliant work in helping to alleviate poverty and suffering all over the world.
"The two foundations will form a great team to work closely with people and organisations on the frontline to create entrepreneurial approaches to ending poverty.”
Both organisations are experienced in creating education opportunities.
The Khalifa Foundation is active in 35 countries outside the UAE and has given more than 30,000 students financial help with tuition fees, meals, stationary and clothing. It is planning to launch a number of new initiatives in vocational education.
Virgin Unite works all over the world to bring people together to tackle tough environmental and social issues in an entrepreneurial way. This includes helping to launch global initiatives such as the Elders and frontline projects including health clinics in Africa.
The Branson School of Entrepreneurship was launched in in Johannesburg, South Africa, three years ago and has since trained thousands of young people and helped fund their small businesses. The school is in the process of expanding into Kenya and several other countries.
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An Abu Dhabi charitable foundation and the non profit arm of the Virgin Group have agreed a deal to work together on education and health initiatives in the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's deputy prime minister and chairman of the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sir Richard Branson in Abu Dhabi to start the partnership.
The two foundations will work together to develop education initiatives to help create thousands of job opportunities for young people in poverty.
The sheik said: “The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is determined to improve the lives of people all over the world and has already contributed significant funds through the Khalifa Foundation. We are delighted to be announcing this partnership with Richard Branson and Virgin Unite who share our passion for creating opportunities to help people lift themselves out of poverty.”
Sir Richard said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with the UAE through the bin Zayed Al Nahyan Khalifa Foundation, who do brilliant work in helping to alleviate poverty and suffering all over the world.
"The two foundations will form a great team to work closely with people and organisations on the frontline to create entrepreneurial approaches to ending poverty.”
Both organisations are experienced in creating education opportunities.
The Khalifa Foundation is active in 35 countries outside the UAE and has given more than 30,000 students financial help with tuition fees, meals, stationary and clothing. It is planning to launch a number of new initiatives in vocational education.
Virgin Unite works all over the world to bring people together to tackle tough environmental and social issues in an entrepreneurial way. This includes helping to launch global initiatives such as the Elders and frontline projects including health clinics in Africa.
The Branson School of Entrepreneurship was launched in in Johannesburg, South Africa, three years ago and has since trained thousands of young people and helped fund their small businesses. The school is in the process of expanding into Kenya and several other countries.
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Khalifa Bin Zayed Foundation, Virgin Unite ink cooperation agreement
2nd June 2009
The Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charity Foundation has today agreed with Virgin Unite, the non profit foundation of the Virgin Group, to jointly work on education and health initiatives.
H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Board Chairman of Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, and Sir Richard Branson signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Abu Dhabi to commence the partnership.
H.H. Sheikh Mansour, said: "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is determined to improve the lives of people all over the world and has already contributed significant funds through the Khalifa Foundation. We are delighted to be announcing this partnership with Richard Branson and Virgin Unite who share our passion for creating opportunities to help people lift themselves out of poverty." Sir Richard Branson said, "We are very pleased to be partnering with the UAE through the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charity Foundation, who do brilliant work in helping to alleviate poverty and suffering all over the world. The two foundations will form a great team to work closely with people and organisations on the frontline to create entrepreneurial approaches to ending poverty." The partnership will focus initially on education initiatives to help create job opportunities for young people. Both organisations have a wealth of experience in creating education opportunities.
The Khalifa Foundation has successfully achieved a qualitative movement in its humanitarian and charitable activities through its local and foreign projects. The foundation activities have covered all the state '&' more than (35) countries around the globe.
Locally it supported more than 30.000 thirty thousand students in their tuition fees, meals, stationary, clothes shoes '&' other needs. Regionally, it is planning to launch a number of initiatives in vocational education in selected countries.
Virgin Unite works all over the world to bring people together to tackle tough environmental and social issues in an entrepreneurial way. This includes helping to incubate and launch global initiatives such as the Elders and frontline projects such as health clinics in Africa.
In the area of education, Virgin Unite launched the Branson School of Entrepreneurship in Johannesburg, South Africa, three years ago and has since trained thousands of young people and helped to incubate and fund their small businesses. The Branson School of Entrepreneurship is in the process of expanding into Kenya and several other countries.
The two foundations will work closely together in the coming months to build a strategic plan and conduct due diligence for relevant educational initiatives with local and international partners. These joint initiatives will help create thousands of jobs and provide young people in poverty a chance for true economic freedom.
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Virgin Unite
Virgin Enterprises Limited
Richard Branson
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Social and Community Entrepreneurs
The Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charity Foundation has today agreed with Virgin Unite, the non profit foundation of the Virgin Group, to jointly work on education and health initiatives.
H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Board Chairman of Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, and Sir Richard Branson signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Abu Dhabi to commence the partnership.
H.H. Sheikh Mansour, said: "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is determined to improve the lives of people all over the world and has already contributed significant funds through the Khalifa Foundation. We are delighted to be announcing this partnership with Richard Branson and Virgin Unite who share our passion for creating opportunities to help people lift themselves out of poverty." Sir Richard Branson said, "We are very pleased to be partnering with the UAE through the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charity Foundation, who do brilliant work in helping to alleviate poverty and suffering all over the world. The two foundations will form a great team to work closely with people and organisations on the frontline to create entrepreneurial approaches to ending poverty." The partnership will focus initially on education initiatives to help create job opportunities for young people. Both organisations have a wealth of experience in creating education opportunities.
The Khalifa Foundation has successfully achieved a qualitative movement in its humanitarian and charitable activities through its local and foreign projects. The foundation activities have covered all the state '&' more than (35) countries around the globe.
Locally it supported more than 30.000 thirty thousand students in their tuition fees, meals, stationary, clothes shoes '&' other needs. Regionally, it is planning to launch a number of initiatives in vocational education in selected countries.
Virgin Unite works all over the world to bring people together to tackle tough environmental and social issues in an entrepreneurial way. This includes helping to incubate and launch global initiatives such as the Elders and frontline projects such as health clinics in Africa.
In the area of education, Virgin Unite launched the Branson School of Entrepreneurship in Johannesburg, South Africa, three years ago and has since trained thousands of young people and helped to incubate and fund their small businesses. The Branson School of Entrepreneurship is in the process of expanding into Kenya and several other countries.
The two foundations will work closely together in the coming months to build a strategic plan and conduct due diligence for relevant educational initiatives with local and international partners. These joint initiatives will help create thousands of jobs and provide young people in poverty a chance for true economic freedom.
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Virgin Unite
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Parkinson's NSW Benefit Event
When: 22nd August 2009
Where: Halekulani Bowling Club
Telephone: 02 4393 9221
Contact: Vicki Mahoney
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Where: Halekulani Bowling Club
Telephone: 02 4393 9221
Contact: Vicki Mahoney
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Glam Event Birthday and Supporting Victor Chang Institute
Stella Drakos Birthday
Supporting
Victor Chang Institute
Duos Mediterranean Bar
Wednesday 15th July 2009
6.30pm
m: 0422 290 952
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Supporting
Victor Chang Institute
Duos Mediterranean Bar
Wednesday 15th July 2009
6.30pm
m: 0422 290 952
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
James Packer guest of honour at Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute fundraiser - The Daily Telegraph - 4th July 2009
Wearing his heart on his sleeve James Packer is to raise his philanthropic profile by making a rare public speech as guest of honour at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute fundraiser next month.
His late father, Kerry Packer, was a past patron and mother Ros is a current board member of the high-profile heart disease research institute.
While Packer Snr made it a personal mission to raise money for causes he and Ros supported - especially the Chang institute - this will be the first time that James has stepped into such an active role.
The billionaire has maintained a low profile of late as he has focused on expanding his Crown gambling empire in Macau.
James will attend the charity do on August 1 with wife Erica. (Credit: The Daily Telegraph)
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His late father, Kerry Packer, was a past patron and mother Ros is a current board member of the high-profile heart disease research institute.
While Packer Snr made it a personal mission to raise money for causes he and Ros supported - especially the Chang institute - this will be the first time that James has stepped into such an active role.
The billionaire has maintained a low profile of late as he has focused on expanding his Crown gambling empire in Macau.
James will attend the charity do on August 1 with wife Erica. (Credit: The Daily Telegraph)
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Friday, June 19, 2009
The bosses bed down rough to raise money, by Josephine Tovey - The Sydney Morning Herald - 19th June 2009
It was a cold, wet dose of reality.
As the skies opened above them last night, more than 220 chief executives and business leaders huddled together at the St Vincent de Paul Society's CEO Sleepout at Luna Park.
By 7 o'clock the mostly male participants had arrived to vie for dry spots armed only with sleeping bags and cardboard sheets.
Brian McCarthy, the chief executive of Fairfax Media, which publishes the Herald, and the Fairfax publisher Lloyd Whish-Wilson found a dry patch under an awning. The NSW Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, scored a prime piece of real estate in the dodgem car pitch.
St Vincent de Paul's community development co-ordinator, David Starr, said the search for a dry spot mirrored what the city's homeless would be doing. "Some would be in hostels but a lot would be sleeping anywhere they could find, alcoves and doorways, just to get out of the rain."
The entrepreneur Dick Smith, who raised $11,669.78 in donations, wanted to experience homelessness rather than simply writing a cheque. "Giving money, especially if you're well-off, doesn't hurt very much, but tonight is going to be hard … I've been very fortunate in life, and any time I've slept outside it has been voluntary."
By early yesterday evening about 12 millimetres of rain had fallen on the city and the downpour was expected to continue throughout the night.
By yesterday the event had raised $461,663, well in excess of the $250,000 organisers predicted last month. The money will go towards 37 homeless shelters, including a new purpose-built shelter for families and women, due to open later this year.
The chief executive of St Vincent de Paul, John Picot, said the economic downturn might have inspired the high number of participants this year. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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As the skies opened above them last night, more than 220 chief executives and business leaders huddled together at the St Vincent de Paul Society's CEO Sleepout at Luna Park.
By 7 o'clock the mostly male participants had arrived to vie for dry spots armed only with sleeping bags and cardboard sheets.
Brian McCarthy, the chief executive of Fairfax Media, which publishes the Herald, and the Fairfax publisher Lloyd Whish-Wilson found a dry patch under an awning. The NSW Minister for Community Services, Linda Burney, scored a prime piece of real estate in the dodgem car pitch.
St Vincent de Paul's community development co-ordinator, David Starr, said the search for a dry spot mirrored what the city's homeless would be doing. "Some would be in hostels but a lot would be sleeping anywhere they could find, alcoves and doorways, just to get out of the rain."
The entrepreneur Dick Smith, who raised $11,669.78 in donations, wanted to experience homelessness rather than simply writing a cheque. "Giving money, especially if you're well-off, doesn't hurt very much, but tonight is going to be hard … I've been very fortunate in life, and any time I've slept outside it has been voluntary."
By early yesterday evening about 12 millimetres of rain had fallen on the city and the downpour was expected to continue throughout the night.
By yesterday the event had raised $461,663, well in excess of the $250,000 organisers predicted last month. The money will go towards 37 homeless shelters, including a new purpose-built shelter for families and women, due to open later this year.
The chief executive of St Vincent de Paul, John Picot, said the economic downturn might have inspired the high number of participants this year. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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CEOs brave long wet night for good cause - 18th June 2009
As Dick Smith bedded down at Sydney's Luna Park to experience what it's like to be homeless on a wet wintery night, he recalled a dismal experience more than 40 years ago that gave him the confidence to start Dick Smith Electronics.
Joined by the likes of Fairfax Media's Brian McCarthy, the NRMA's Tony Stuart, and DMG Radio's Cathy O'Connor, more than 200 company heads braved a steady downpour on Thursday night to take part in St Vincent De Paul Society's annual CEO sleepout.
Mr Smith chose a damp spot at an outdoor eating area near Luna Park's Coney Island to prepare his bed for the night - a mere sheet of cardboard beneath a rain-soaked tarpaulin.
"It's a bit wet," he admitted.
Describing his sleeping bag as "just a normal one", he said he wasn't worried about the cold, and had no intention of seeking warmer conditions in a close-by building throughout the night.
"The whole idea of this is to get an idea of what it is like to not have a nice warm house to go back to," he told AAP.
"Donating money is easy for CEOs. Most CEOS are well off.
"The idea of this is to experience how 22,000 people live each night of the year."
When he was 22-years-old, Mr Smith said, a night out in the cold taught him a lot about taking risks.
Accompanied by Paddy Pallin founder Bob Pallin and a third man, the trio got lost while on a bush walk in the Blue Mountains.
"The walk was three days long and in the roughest country. It was very cold. You could never do (the walk) in the rain," Mr Smith said.
However, there was an unexpected storm.
"We had to swim in the Colo river and we couldn't get through to where we were going to get picked up.
"We had to lie down in sopping wet sleeping bags.
"I thought we were going to die."
He says he believes the experience taught him an invaluable lesson.
"Taking that risk taught me to be responsible.
"That's how I could start my business and not go broke.
"Young people have to take risks and learn their boundaries."
Bedding down near Mr Smith was NRMA CEO Tony Stuart. Decked in cute pyjamas stamped with the NRMA emblem, Mr Stuart took a call from his 11-year-old son before he prepared for the long night ahead of him.
"He's concerned for me," he said.
Fairfax Media's Brian McCarthy defied his doctor's orders to take part in the CEO sleepout.
Two weeks ago he caught a cold.
"I feel very happy, it's for a good cause," he said of the sleepout.
"For us it's just one night. For people who are genuinely homeless, they have to do it every night."
DMG Radio CEO Cathy O'Connor said she wasn't concerned she was unlikely to get a good night's sleep.
"It's just one night of your life for a good cause," she said.
"I'm not one of those people who selfishly guards sleep.
"If I have a bad night it won't be the first."
AAP's Clive Marshall, who hails from the United Kingdom, was not bothered by the rain, but was realistic about what lay ahead of him.
"It's likely to be a long night," he agreed.
This year's sleepout has so far raised more than $500,000 - double what organisers originally anticipated.
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CEO Sleepout
Joined by the likes of Fairfax Media's Brian McCarthy, the NRMA's Tony Stuart, and DMG Radio's Cathy O'Connor, more than 200 company heads braved a steady downpour on Thursday night to take part in St Vincent De Paul Society's annual CEO sleepout.
Mr Smith chose a damp spot at an outdoor eating area near Luna Park's Coney Island to prepare his bed for the night - a mere sheet of cardboard beneath a rain-soaked tarpaulin.
"It's a bit wet," he admitted.
Describing his sleeping bag as "just a normal one", he said he wasn't worried about the cold, and had no intention of seeking warmer conditions in a close-by building throughout the night.
"The whole idea of this is to get an idea of what it is like to not have a nice warm house to go back to," he told AAP.
"Donating money is easy for CEOs. Most CEOS are well off.
"The idea of this is to experience how 22,000 people live each night of the year."
When he was 22-years-old, Mr Smith said, a night out in the cold taught him a lot about taking risks.
Accompanied by Paddy Pallin founder Bob Pallin and a third man, the trio got lost while on a bush walk in the Blue Mountains.
"The walk was three days long and in the roughest country. It was very cold. You could never do (the walk) in the rain," Mr Smith said.
However, there was an unexpected storm.
"We had to swim in the Colo river and we couldn't get through to where we were going to get picked up.
"We had to lie down in sopping wet sleeping bags.
"I thought we were going to die."
He says he believes the experience taught him an invaluable lesson.
"Taking that risk taught me to be responsible.
"That's how I could start my business and not go broke.
"Young people have to take risks and learn their boundaries."
Bedding down near Mr Smith was NRMA CEO Tony Stuart. Decked in cute pyjamas stamped with the NRMA emblem, Mr Stuart took a call from his 11-year-old son before he prepared for the long night ahead of him.
"He's concerned for me," he said.
Fairfax Media's Brian McCarthy defied his doctor's orders to take part in the CEO sleepout.
Two weeks ago he caught a cold.
"I feel very happy, it's for a good cause," he said of the sleepout.
"For us it's just one night. For people who are genuinely homeless, they have to do it every night."
DMG Radio CEO Cathy O'Connor said she wasn't concerned she was unlikely to get a good night's sleep.
"It's just one night of your life for a good cause," she said.
"I'm not one of those people who selfishly guards sleep.
"If I have a bad night it won't be the first."
AAP's Clive Marshall, who hails from the United Kingdom, was not bothered by the rain, but was realistic about what lay ahead of him.
"It's likely to be a long night," he agreed.
This year's sleepout has so far raised more than $500,000 - double what organisers originally anticipated.
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Media Man Australia Director Joins and Presents at Bondi Chamber of Commerce
Today Media Man Australia director and founder, Greg Tingle, joined and presented at the Bondi Chamber of Commerce monthly event held at Easts Leagues Club.
Following the feature presentation by Matt Freedman (founder and director of Sticky Tickets and Redback Solutions), Adam Treharne from the chamber board spoke about business and the benefits of the Bondi Chamber of Commerce.
Sandra Lie from Infusion Networking moderated prize give aways from members to members!
Sonja van den Boshe from TwinLife was the lucky winner of the Media Man Australia publicity package including interview and profile.
It was a most worthwhile, interesting and positive occasion, and attendees learned and shared their knowledge on matters such as Emarketing, the internet, and couldn't help but to pick up some solid information about the how news media and publicity compliment the marketing components of business.
In the coming weeks and months the Bondi Chamber of Commerce will be facilitating more networking events and feature the matching up of business owners and operators in a strategic fashion which will set the stage for win - win outcomes for all.
Mr Fredeman will be participating in the CEO Sleepout at Luna Park on the 18th June. The event is organised by St Vincent de Paul Society. Matt's efforts are well worth supporting, as are that of the numerous CEO's who will be participating.
Easts Leagues Club staff and management were most friendly and helpful, and the coffee and breakfasts were top notch.
If your a business person in the Bondi region the Bondi Chamber of Commerce is a fantastic place to network with fellow entrepreneurs.
Websites
Bondi Chamber of Commerce
Easts Leagues Club
Redback Solutions
Sticky Tickets
CEO Sleepout
Infusion Networking
TwinLife
Property News Media
Media Man Australia
Following the feature presentation by Matt Freedman (founder and director of Sticky Tickets and Redback Solutions), Adam Treharne from the chamber board spoke about business and the benefits of the Bondi Chamber of Commerce.
Sandra Lie from Infusion Networking moderated prize give aways from members to members!
Sonja van den Boshe from TwinLife was the lucky winner of the Media Man Australia publicity package including interview and profile.
It was a most worthwhile, interesting and positive occasion, and attendees learned and shared their knowledge on matters such as Emarketing, the internet, and couldn't help but to pick up some solid information about the how news media and publicity compliment the marketing components of business.
In the coming weeks and months the Bondi Chamber of Commerce will be facilitating more networking events and feature the matching up of business owners and operators in a strategic fashion which will set the stage for win - win outcomes for all.
Mr Fredeman will be participating in the CEO Sleepout at Luna Park on the 18th June. The event is organised by St Vincent de Paul Society. Matt's efforts are well worth supporting, as are that of the numerous CEO's who will be participating.
Easts Leagues Club staff and management were most friendly and helpful, and the coffee and breakfasts were top notch.
If your a business person in the Bondi region the Bondi Chamber of Commerce is a fantastic place to network with fellow entrepreneurs.
Websites
Bondi Chamber of Commerce
Easts Leagues Club
Redback Solutions
Sticky Tickets
CEO Sleepout
Infusion Networking
TwinLife
Property News Media
Media Man Australia
Monday, June 15, 2009
Leading Media Companies Put $1 Million Of Advertising Up For Grabs
In times when money is tight, the first of the corporate budget to feel the brunt of belt-tightening is advertising and corporate philanthropy - but there is one industry and event that plans to buck this trend.
Media Assisting Youth will auction $1 million worth of advertising packages at their annual MAYDAY event, with the intention to exceed last year’s efforts and raise over $700,000 for four youth focused charities.
MAYDAY will be hosted by MC, auctioneer, all-round funny guy and Gruen Transfer host, Wil Anderson, at one of The Merivale Group's finest venues, Hemmesphere, on Wednesday 27 May from 6.30pm.
MAYDAY's commitment is to rally the media and advertising industry to support innovative and effective organisations that work with disadvantaged and under-privileged young people in the community, Kerry McCabe, MAYDAY founder said.
The four chosen beneficiaries for this year's MAYDAY event are Youth Off The Streets - Aboriginal Support Services, Musicians Making A Difference, KidsXpress and Newpin, he said.
Even in a tough economic climate, MAYDAY provides a distinctive and sustainable fundraising vehicle to help those who are really in trouble.
This industry has the character and empathy to maintain it's commitment to those in need - a clear demonstration of this was the hugely successful Victorian Bushfires Telethon, hosted on the Nine Network, Mr McCabe said.
MAYDAY operates from a nil cost base with 100 per cent of all proceeds going directly to the selected youth charities. The MAYDAY board and sponsors donate their time and expertise to the cause, supported by their respective corporate entities.
MAYDAY's inaugural event in 2007 generated $300,000, with more than $700,000 raised last year following unprecedented support from media owners, media buying agencies and advertisers. Additional MAYDAY activities throughout the year generate in excess of $2,000,000pa of media, cause related marketing and in-kind support.
For the last two years we have conducted a live auction on the night of the event, however this year we are requesting interested advertisers make bids before the event, with the winning bids confirmed prior to the event and the total raised confirmed on the night, Mr McCabe said.
Nominated charity Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) will showcase their talent to an audience of media industry leaders and marketing executives. To enable everybody to get involved this year there will also be a few exclusive money can't buy consumer items up for auction.
Marketers or media companies wishing to bid on media packages over the coming weeks should contact Melanie Banister at melanie.banister@ninemsn.com.au.
Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SELECTED CHARITIES:
Youth Off The Streets supports homeless and drug addicted young Australians as they work to turn their lives around.
Musicians Making A Difference work with youth communities all over the country to help change lives through music.
KidsXpress is an expressive therapy program aimed at empowering children by encouraging self expression through the use of music, art, dance and drama therapies.
Newpin is a preventative, early intervention program, offering intensive work with families facing potential or actual child-protection issues.
MEDIA SUPPORTERS INCLUDE:
TV: Seven, Nine, Ten, MCN, FCM, XYZ Networks, SBS
Press: Fairfax, News Corp
Magazines: News Magazines, ACP, , Pacific
Radio: Austereo, DMG, ARN, MRN
OOH: EYE, APN, Adshel, JC Decaux
Online: News Digital Media, Ninemsn, Fairfax Digital
Mobile: Hutchinson - 3
Please direct all media enquiries to:
Hannah Furness, Red Agency
M: 0409 348 250
E: hannah.furness@redagency.com.au
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Media Assisting Youth will auction $1 million worth of advertising packages at their annual MAYDAY event, with the intention to exceed last year’s efforts and raise over $700,000 for four youth focused charities.
MAYDAY will be hosted by MC, auctioneer, all-round funny guy and Gruen Transfer host, Wil Anderson, at one of The Merivale Group's finest venues, Hemmesphere, on Wednesday 27 May from 6.30pm.
MAYDAY's commitment is to rally the media and advertising industry to support innovative and effective organisations that work with disadvantaged and under-privileged young people in the community, Kerry McCabe, MAYDAY founder said.
The four chosen beneficiaries for this year's MAYDAY event are Youth Off The Streets - Aboriginal Support Services, Musicians Making A Difference, KidsXpress and Newpin, he said.
Even in a tough economic climate, MAYDAY provides a distinctive and sustainable fundraising vehicle to help those who are really in trouble.
This industry has the character and empathy to maintain it's commitment to those in need - a clear demonstration of this was the hugely successful Victorian Bushfires Telethon, hosted on the Nine Network, Mr McCabe said.
MAYDAY operates from a nil cost base with 100 per cent of all proceeds going directly to the selected youth charities. The MAYDAY board and sponsors donate their time and expertise to the cause, supported by their respective corporate entities.
MAYDAY's inaugural event in 2007 generated $300,000, with more than $700,000 raised last year following unprecedented support from media owners, media buying agencies and advertisers. Additional MAYDAY activities throughout the year generate in excess of $2,000,000pa of media, cause related marketing and in-kind support.
For the last two years we have conducted a live auction on the night of the event, however this year we are requesting interested advertisers make bids before the event, with the winning bids confirmed prior to the event and the total raised confirmed on the night, Mr McCabe said.
Nominated charity Musicians Making a Difference (MMAD) will showcase their talent to an audience of media industry leaders and marketing executives. To enable everybody to get involved this year there will also be a few exclusive money can't buy consumer items up for auction.
Marketers or media companies wishing to bid on media packages over the coming weeks should contact Melanie Banister at melanie.banister@ninemsn.com.au.
Ends
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SELECTED CHARITIES:
Youth Off The Streets supports homeless and drug addicted young Australians as they work to turn their lives around.
Musicians Making A Difference work with youth communities all over the country to help change lives through music.
KidsXpress is an expressive therapy program aimed at empowering children by encouraging self expression through the use of music, art, dance and drama therapies.
Newpin is a preventative, early intervention program, offering intensive work with families facing potential or actual child-protection issues.
MEDIA SUPPORTERS INCLUDE:
TV: Seven, Nine, Ten, MCN, FCM, XYZ Networks, SBS
Press: Fairfax, News Corp
Magazines: News Magazines, ACP, , Pacific
Radio: Austereo, DMG, ARN, MRN
OOH: EYE, APN, Adshel, JC Decaux
Online: News Digital Media, Ninemsn, Fairfax Digital
Mobile: Hutchinson - 3
Please direct all media enquiries to:
Hannah Furness, Red Agency
M: 0409 348 250
E: hannah.furness@redagency.com.au
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Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Friday, May 15, 2009
Virgin's Branson Supports The Prince Of Wales 'Frog' Campaign - Virgin Poker
Today (11th May 2009) Richard Branson pledged his support for the Prince of Wales “Frog” Campaign. Richard stated “As you all know, for many years I have been concerned with climate change and its impact. The plight of the world’s rainforests is a massive influence on this and perhaps the single most important factor in protecting our environment – that is why I have served on the steering group for this project.
“I will use my speeches and contacts to reinforce his message. The Prince is looking for public support across the globe by seeking millions of sign ups for his web based petition.”
Simon Burridge CEO of Virgin Games (poker, casino and bingo games) commented “This is another great initiative by Richard and The Prince of Wales. They are setting the standard when it comes to campaigning on climate change. Virgin Games is thrilled to be a part of helping bring awareness of the devastation that it’s having to rainforests all over the world.”
To find out more and get involved with the The Princes Rainforest Project please go to www.rainforestsos.org and pledge your support to saving the worlds rainforests.
About Virgin Games Virgin Games, a subsidiary of Virgin.com Ltd, launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct entertainment offerings, giving consumers the chance to play their favourite online games the Virgin way:
Virgin Casino, part of the Wagerworks network, provides a taste of Vegas online, with classic casino offerings like blackjack and roulette, as well as popular feature slots like Elvis, Cleopatra and Vegas, Baby!
Virgin Poker, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry. The successful Virgin Poker Festivals, which take place in casinos around the UK throughout the year, now allow gamers to experience the fun of Virgin Poker offline too.
Virgin Bingo offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as regular promotions and an unrivalled loyalty scheme.
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Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Poker
Richard Branson
Virgin Enterprises Limited
Virgin Casino News
“I will use my speeches and contacts to reinforce his message. The Prince is looking for public support across the globe by seeking millions of sign ups for his web based petition.”
Simon Burridge CEO of Virgin Games (poker, casino and bingo games) commented “This is another great initiative by Richard and The Prince of Wales. They are setting the standard when it comes to campaigning on climate change. Virgin Games is thrilled to be a part of helping bring awareness of the devastation that it’s having to rainforests all over the world.”
To find out more and get involved with the The Princes Rainforest Project please go to www.rainforestsos.org and pledge your support to saving the worlds rainforests.
About Virgin Games Virgin Games, a subsidiary of Virgin.com Ltd, launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct entertainment offerings, giving consumers the chance to play their favourite online games the Virgin way:
Virgin Casino, part of the Wagerworks network, provides a taste of Vegas online, with classic casino offerings like blackjack and roulette, as well as popular feature slots like Elvis, Cleopatra and Vegas, Baby!
Virgin Poker, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry. The successful Virgin Poker Festivals, which take place in casinos around the UK throughout the year, now allow gamers to experience the fun of Virgin Poker offline too.
Virgin Bingo offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as regular promotions and an unrivalled loyalty scheme.
Casino News Media Profiles
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Poker
Richard Branson
Virgin Enterprises Limited
Virgin Casino News
Thursday, May 14, 2009
And now, here's a number for Richard Branson, by Josephine Tovey - The Sydney Morning Herald - 11th May 2009
The rocker Nick Cave calls it "crucial to the cultural fabric of the city" and the pop star Ben Lee calls it "a true alternative", but the Sydney community radio station FBi 94.5FM is fighting off another label: recession casualty.
The youth music station lost more than half its revenue in February, largely due to corporate sponsors pulling out. Hundreds of members, from FBi's core listeners, twenty-somethings, have also withdrawn their financial support.
"All our revenue streams are being affected," said FBi's general manager, Evan Kaldor. "Our members are being personally affected by the global financial crisis. They're either losing their jobs or pulling back on their discretionary spending."
While the station managers say they are not considering closure just yet, a failure to raise funds urgently will result in significant cutbacks.
FBi began broadcasting in 2003 after a competitive campaign for FM licences. It has a mandate to play local music: 50 per cent must be Australian, with half of that coming from Sydney.
Rather than relying on traditional supporter drives to get through the downturn, the station is using a cheeky alternative: asking listeners to lobby the Virgin CEO, Richard Branson, to write a cheque to the station for $1 million.
The "Ask Richard" campaign website, which was launched yesterday, asks listeners to perform stunts or create videos or songs to get Branson's attention.
"We thought [Branson] was someone who would respond to the audacious nature of the campaign. He's someone who's quite playful with the media," said the station's director, Megan Loader.
The Herald understands some volunteers are concerned the campaign will associate the station with the Virgin brand and that it is not in keeping with the ethos of community radio.
Since it began test broadcasts in 1994, the station has helped launch the careers of bands such as Wolfmother and The Vines, and DJs including Triple J presenters Marc Fennell and Linda Marigliano.
According to audience surveys in March, FBi has about 219,000 weekly listeners but fewer than 2 per cent of them donate to the station. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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Social and Community Entrepreneurs
The youth music station lost more than half its revenue in February, largely due to corporate sponsors pulling out. Hundreds of members, from FBi's core listeners, twenty-somethings, have also withdrawn their financial support.
"All our revenue streams are being affected," said FBi's general manager, Evan Kaldor. "Our members are being personally affected by the global financial crisis. They're either losing their jobs or pulling back on their discretionary spending."
While the station managers say they are not considering closure just yet, a failure to raise funds urgently will result in significant cutbacks.
FBi began broadcasting in 2003 after a competitive campaign for FM licences. It has a mandate to play local music: 50 per cent must be Australian, with half of that coming from Sydney.
Rather than relying on traditional supporter drives to get through the downturn, the station is using a cheeky alternative: asking listeners to lobby the Virgin CEO, Richard Branson, to write a cheque to the station for $1 million.
The "Ask Richard" campaign website, which was launched yesterday, asks listeners to perform stunts or create videos or songs to get Branson's attention.
"We thought [Branson] was someone who would respond to the audacious nature of the campaign. He's someone who's quite playful with the media," said the station's director, Megan Loader.
The Herald understands some volunteers are concerned the campaign will associate the station with the Virgin brand and that it is not in keeping with the ethos of community radio.
Since it began test broadcasts in 1994, the station has helped launch the careers of bands such as Wolfmother and The Vines, and DJs including Triple J presenters Marc Fennell and Linda Marigliano.
According to audience surveys in March, FBi has about 219,000 weekly listeners but fewer than 2 per cent of them donate to the station. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Branson takes on Mia Farrow's Darfur hunger strike - 10th May 2009
LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Mia Farrow has ended a 12-day hunger strike she used to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's embattled Darfur region, the actress announced on her website.
Farrow, 64, had been on a water-only diet from April 27 in what the actress described as an "expression of outrage" at deaths from starvation, thirst and disease in Darfur.
Farrow ended her fast Friday after advice from a doctor.
British tycoon Richard Branson said he would take over Farrow's fast for three days in a gesture of solidarity with the humanitarian activist.
"I have been instructed by my doctor to stop my fast immediately due to health concerns including possible seizures," Farrow said on her website.
"I am fortunate. The women, children, and men I am fasting for do not have that option."
Farrow said she hoped other figures would step forward to fast for Darfur until humanitarian agencies expelled from the region in March were readmitted.
Branson said he was happy to follow in Farrow's footsteps.
"I'm honored to be taking over the fast for the next three days from Mia Farrow in her courageous stance to support the people of Darfur," he said in a statement.
Virgin boss Branson said he had been moved by the plight of Darfur's people after visiting the region.
"I was humbled and inspired by the courage of the Darfuri people and the commitment of the aid organizations that were working on the frontlines," said Branson.
"We cannot stand and watch as one million people suffer. We all need to stand up and demand that international aid is restored and that the people of Darfur are protected and given the chance to live in peace."
Farrow, a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, is one of several celebrities who have campaigned relentlessly to draw attention to the conflict in Darfur.
The United Nations says 300,000 people have died -- many from disease and hunger -- and 2.7 million have been made homeless by the Darfur conflict, which erupted in 2003. Khartoum puts the death toll at 10,000.
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Richard Branson
Virgin Unite
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Farrow, 64, had been on a water-only diet from April 27 in what the actress described as an "expression of outrage" at deaths from starvation, thirst and disease in Darfur.
Farrow ended her fast Friday after advice from a doctor.
British tycoon Richard Branson said he would take over Farrow's fast for three days in a gesture of solidarity with the humanitarian activist.
"I have been instructed by my doctor to stop my fast immediately due to health concerns including possible seizures," Farrow said on her website.
"I am fortunate. The women, children, and men I am fasting for do not have that option."
Farrow said she hoped other figures would step forward to fast for Darfur until humanitarian agencies expelled from the region in March were readmitted.
Branson said he was happy to follow in Farrow's footsteps.
"I'm honored to be taking over the fast for the next three days from Mia Farrow in her courageous stance to support the people of Darfur," he said in a statement.
Virgin boss Branson said he had been moved by the plight of Darfur's people after visiting the region.
"I was humbled and inspired by the courage of the Darfuri people and the commitment of the aid organizations that were working on the frontlines," said Branson.
"We cannot stand and watch as one million people suffer. We all need to stand up and demand that international aid is restored and that the people of Darfur are protected and given the chance to live in peace."
Farrow, a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, is one of several celebrities who have campaigned relentlessly to draw attention to the conflict in Darfur.
The United Nations says 300,000 people have died -- many from disease and hunger -- and 2.7 million have been made homeless by the Darfur conflict, which erupted in 2003. Khartoum puts the death toll at 10,000.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Richard Branson
Virgin Unite
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Media Man Australia - Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Media Man Australia - Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Media Man Australia supports many worthy community and social causes. This is done primarily in a positive news media capacity.
The official Media Man Australia website showcases many of these wonderful good causes and charities.
Media Man Australia is not accepting any submissions in 2009 from any other social causes or charities that we are not always assisting.
Favorite worthy causes and charities of Media Man Australia include Virgin Unite, beyondblue, The Salvation Army, National Breast Cancer Foundation, The Shane Warne Foundation and Variety.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Media Man Australia supports many worthy community and social causes. This is done primarily in a positive news media capacity.
The official Media Man Australia website showcases many of these wonderful good causes and charities.
Media Man Australia is not accepting any submissions in 2009 from any other social causes or charities that we are not always assisting.
Favorite worthy causes and charities of Media Man Australia include Virgin Unite, beyondblue, The Salvation Army, National Breast Cancer Foundation, The Shane Warne Foundation and Variety.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tweet charity: Jackman's $100,000 Twitter pledge, by Arjun Ramachandran - The Sydney Morning Herald - 15th April 2009
Hugh Jackman is now using Twitter for philanthropic purposes, after last week's bungle when he renamed the Opera House the "Opera Center".
About 7am today, Jackman wrote on Twitter: "I will donate 100K to one individual's favorite non profit organization.Of course,you must convince me why by using 140 characters or less."
Since Jackman's call-out, responses have been posted at a rate of several per minute. Suggestions include Jackman giving the money to charities involved in homelessness, fighting disease, child welfare and in developing impoverished nations.
Charity groups were not deterred by the possibility Jackman, who has almost 36,000 people following him on Twitter, could be making the pledge as part of a public relations exercise.
"Quite possibly [it's a PR stunt] but at the end of the day a community organisation is going to get a significant amount of money that they wouldn't have otherwise got," said Philanthropy Australia CEO Gina Anderson.
"$100,000 is a large amount of money, he doesn't have to give it ... it's fantastic.
"On the other hand, $100,000 sounds like a lot of money to be making a decision about based on 140 characters."
Ms Anderson said the public pledge might also raise awareness for whatever charity received the donation.
"It's very important that people see others giving," she said.
"They might look at [Jackman] and say 'Why is he giving money there, why is that important?' ... it's a leadership role."
In a later tweet, Jackman wrote: "The more passion shown for your charity the better! Get the support of your friends and teach them the importance of giving."
Ms Anderson described the evolution of Jackman's pledge on Twitter, where hundreds of responses were pouring in each hour, as "fascinating to watch".
"I think it's exciting because it's using new media, and there's that connection with a new demographic and encouragement of personal participation," she said.
The use of new communications technology to entice charitable donations was an "emerging space", she said.
Other recent examples included online giving sites, and commercial organisations encouraging people to make small donations by ticking a box while making some other online transactions.
Jackman got into trouble last week over his use of Twitter after he mispelled "harbor" and renamed one of his hometown's most famous icons the "Opera Center".
He later put the error down his message becoming "translated by someone American in my office" after he relayed it over the phone.
Comment is awaited from Jackman. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Hugh Jackman
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
About 7am today, Jackman wrote on Twitter: "I will donate 100K to one individual's favorite non profit organization.Of course,you must convince me why by using 140 characters or less."
Since Jackman's call-out, responses have been posted at a rate of several per minute. Suggestions include Jackman giving the money to charities involved in homelessness, fighting disease, child welfare and in developing impoverished nations.
Charity groups were not deterred by the possibility Jackman, who has almost 36,000 people following him on Twitter, could be making the pledge as part of a public relations exercise.
"Quite possibly [it's a PR stunt] but at the end of the day a community organisation is going to get a significant amount of money that they wouldn't have otherwise got," said Philanthropy Australia CEO Gina Anderson.
"$100,000 is a large amount of money, he doesn't have to give it ... it's fantastic.
"On the other hand, $100,000 sounds like a lot of money to be making a decision about based on 140 characters."
Ms Anderson said the public pledge might also raise awareness for whatever charity received the donation.
"It's very important that people see others giving," she said.
"They might look at [Jackman] and say 'Why is he giving money there, why is that important?' ... it's a leadership role."
In a later tweet, Jackman wrote: "The more passion shown for your charity the better! Get the support of your friends and teach them the importance of giving."
Ms Anderson described the evolution of Jackman's pledge on Twitter, where hundreds of responses were pouring in each hour, as "fascinating to watch".
"I think it's exciting because it's using new media, and there's that connection with a new demographic and encouragement of personal participation," she said.
The use of new communications technology to entice charitable donations was an "emerging space", she said.
Other recent examples included online giving sites, and commercial organisations encouraging people to make small donations by ticking a box while making some other online transactions.
Jackman got into trouble last week over his use of Twitter after he mispelled "harbor" and renamed one of his hometown's most famous icons the "Opera Center".
He later put the error down his message becoming "translated by someone American in my office" after he relayed it over the phone.
Comment is awaited from Jackman. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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Hugh Jackman
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Friday, March 13, 2009
JackpotCity.com Online Casino Supports the LiveStrong Foundation!
JackpotCity.com Online Casino is offering all its players the chance to take part in their free Slots Tournaments in support of Lance Armstrong's LiveStrong Foundation.
Gibraltar -- JackpotCity.com Online Casino is offering its lucky players the chance to win a share of the weekly $100 prize pool every Wednesday between the 4th of March and 6th of April 2009. The Freeroll Slots Tournaments Prize Pool of $100 will be shared between the top 5 players of the day. All proceeds of the weekly tournaments go towards the Lance Armstrong LiveStrong Foundation in support of the fight against cancer.
LiveStrong helps to raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation that was established by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong in 1997.
BREAKING NEWS! To date the JackpotCity.com Online Casino has raised funds to the amount of $2,650 for the LiveStrong Foundation.
Online casino players interested in entering one of the free Online Slots Tournaments to raise funds in the fight against cancer will need to go to the JackpotCity.com Online Tournaments page:
http://www.jackpotcity.com/casino/eng/games/tournaments/multiplayer-slots-tournaments.aspx
Players then need to:
- Download the Free Casino Software
- Sign up for the LiveStrong Tournament that is held every Wednesday in the casino
- Enjoy the Freeroll Tournaments
Please note! JackpotCity.com Online Casino unfortunately cannot accept US based players.
About Carmen Media
The Carmen Media Group is a global gaming and entertainment group which was incorporated in Gibraltar and formed in 2002 out of the Demmy Group of companies. Its wholly owned subsidiary Tower Rock Ltd is licensed from Gibraltar to operate casinos and multiplayer poker in the online domain.
Carmen Media owns many of the world's oldest and most respected online gaming sites including The Gaming Club Online Casino (founded 1995), JackpotCity.com Online Casino, River Belle Online Casino (founded 1997) and Lucky Nugget Online Casino, as well as Cool Hand Poker.
Carmen Media products and online gaming brands are promoted through the industry leading gaming affiliate program ReferBack, thereby affording its partners opportunities to market English, French, Italian, German and Spanish products.
The Carmen Media Group is incorporated and based in Gibraltar. Its products are operated by its wholly owned subsidiary Tower Rock Ltd under a license issued by the Government of Gibraltar, and all of its flagship casino brands have been awarded the eCOGRA seal of approval.
For more information on Carmen Media, please visit http://www.carmenmedia.com.
Media Man Australia Profiles
JackpotCity.com
Cancer Awareness
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Gibraltar -- JackpotCity.com Online Casino is offering its lucky players the chance to win a share of the weekly $100 prize pool every Wednesday between the 4th of March and 6th of April 2009. The Freeroll Slots Tournaments Prize Pool of $100 will be shared between the top 5 players of the day. All proceeds of the weekly tournaments go towards the Lance Armstrong LiveStrong Foundation in support of the fight against cancer.
LiveStrong helps to raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation that was established by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong in 1997.
BREAKING NEWS! To date the JackpotCity.com Online Casino has raised funds to the amount of $2,650 for the LiveStrong Foundation.
Online casino players interested in entering one of the free Online Slots Tournaments to raise funds in the fight against cancer will need to go to the JackpotCity.com Online Tournaments page:
http://www.jackpotcity.com/casino/eng/games/tournaments/multiplayer-slots-tournaments.aspx
Players then need to:
- Download the Free Casino Software
- Sign up for the LiveStrong Tournament that is held every Wednesday in the casino
- Enjoy the Freeroll Tournaments
Please note! JackpotCity.com Online Casino unfortunately cannot accept US based players.
About Carmen Media
The Carmen Media Group is a global gaming and entertainment group which was incorporated in Gibraltar and formed in 2002 out of the Demmy Group of companies. Its wholly owned subsidiary Tower Rock Ltd is licensed from Gibraltar to operate casinos and multiplayer poker in the online domain.
Carmen Media owns many of the world's oldest and most respected online gaming sites including The Gaming Club Online Casino (founded 1995), JackpotCity.com Online Casino, River Belle Online Casino (founded 1997) and Lucky Nugget Online Casino, as well as Cool Hand Poker.
Carmen Media products and online gaming brands are promoted through the industry leading gaming affiliate program ReferBack, thereby affording its partners opportunities to market English, French, Italian, German and Spanish products.
The Carmen Media Group is incorporated and based in Gibraltar. Its products are operated by its wholly owned subsidiary Tower Rock Ltd under a license issued by the Government of Gibraltar, and all of its flagship casino brands have been awarded the eCOGRA seal of approval.
For more information on Carmen Media, please visit http://www.carmenmedia.com.
Media Man Australia Profiles
JackpotCity.com
Cancer Awareness
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Burswood & Crown unite to support bushfire tragedy - 18th February 2009
Burswood Entertainment Complex and Crown Casino in Melbourne has united to provide financial aid and support to victims of the devastating Victorian bushfire tragedy.
Crown Limited, on behalf of Crown Melbourne and Burswood Entertainment Complex has pledged $500,000 towards helping these families and communities rebuild their lives.
In addition, a partnership has been established between Burswood and Crown with the Salvation Army to set up collection points for patrons and staff wishing to make their own contributions. Funds collected will support the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal, helping fund the Salvos’ Emergency response to the tragedy. The Salvation Army is at the front line at bushfire locations helping communities devastated by the disasters and working in partnership with the various Federal and State Government agencies involved.
Burswood’s Chief Executive Officer, Barry Felstead, said Burswood was committed to working with patrons, staff and the wider community to help those in need.
“The last few days have seen tragedy and devastation affecting entire families and communities. On behalf of Burswood, I extend our deepest sympathy to everyone affected by this disaster. Burswood is proud to stand by and support the work of The Salvation Army and their volunteers on the front line and offer our sincerest support and encouragement to all involved,” said Mr Felstead.
Warren Palmer, Public Relations Secretary from The Salvation Army WA branch said that the support of the community was imperative at this time.
“Without a doubt, our best qualities are on show with how we respond to people in crisis. We are grateful to Burswood Entertainment Complex and many others who have responded with overwhelming generosity. The Salvation Army has already distributed over 2.5 million dollars in immediate assistance and we are committed to providing support in their longer term recovery.”
Burswood has established ten collection points around the Complex for donations to the Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Burswood Entertainment Complex
Crown Casino
The Salvation Army
Crown Limited, on behalf of Crown Melbourne and Burswood Entertainment Complex has pledged $500,000 towards helping these families and communities rebuild their lives.
In addition, a partnership has been established between Burswood and Crown with the Salvation Army to set up collection points for patrons and staff wishing to make their own contributions. Funds collected will support the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal, helping fund the Salvos’ Emergency response to the tragedy. The Salvation Army is at the front line at bushfire locations helping communities devastated by the disasters and working in partnership with the various Federal and State Government agencies involved.
Burswood’s Chief Executive Officer, Barry Felstead, said Burswood was committed to working with patrons, staff and the wider community to help those in need.
“The last few days have seen tragedy and devastation affecting entire families and communities. On behalf of Burswood, I extend our deepest sympathy to everyone affected by this disaster. Burswood is proud to stand by and support the work of The Salvation Army and their volunteers on the front line and offer our sincerest support and encouragement to all involved,” said Mr Felstead.
Warren Palmer, Public Relations Secretary from The Salvation Army WA branch said that the support of the community was imperative at this time.
“Without a doubt, our best qualities are on show with how we respond to people in crisis. We are grateful to Burswood Entertainment Complex and many others who have responded with overwhelming generosity. The Salvation Army has already distributed over 2.5 million dollars in immediate assistance and we are committed to providing support in their longer term recovery.”
Burswood has established ten collection points around the Complex for donations to the Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Burswood Entertainment Complex
Crown Casino
The Salvation Army
Friday, February 20, 2009
888Poker To Hold Benefit Tournament For Australian Wildfire Victims, by Earl Burton - Poker News Daily - 19th February 2009
People worldwide have been watching with dismay as one of the largest wildfires in Australian history has ravaged the country. Since it started on February 7th, the southern part of Victoria state has seen nearly 2,000 homes destroyed and, worse yet, 201 people killed during what is alleged to have been an intentionally set fire. In an effort to help those who have been affected by the tragedy, an online poker site will be having a charity poker tournament to help out.
888Poker will be having “The Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament” this Sunday, which has also been designated a national day of mourning in Australia. The No Limit Hold’em tournament will donate all of the funds generated from the $30 buy in and rebuys to benefit The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund, which is raising money for those families affected by the wildfires. Instead of using the buy ins to raise a prize pool, 888Poker is offering payouts and bounties to draw players to help with the cause.
The tournament, which begins at 8:30PM Australian time (roughly 9:30AM in London) on Sunday, will pay out the winner with a $500 prize. Second and third places will also earn cash, with $300 and $200 being paid out respectively. The remainder of the final table - places fourth through tenth - will earn an entry into the New Zealand Poker Championships Sunday Qualifier on March 1st, a seat that is worth $120.
888Poker will also have celebrity bounties that players can earn some extra cash through eliminating. 888 ambassadors Brendan Fevola (bfevola25) and Jeff Fenech (fenech888) will be taking part in the tournament and, for the fortunate player who eliminates them from the event, that player will receive a $50 bounty prize. While these prizes are great for the players, the major point will be in remembering the tragedy that occurred in Australia and raising funds for those families that have been affected. Jennifer Huxley, the spokesman for 888Poker, stated,
“888Poker is deeply saddened by the tragic events that have occurred and we hope this tournament will help in a small way those that have been affected.”
The fires, now under control after ravaging the bush areas of the state of Victoria since February 7th, have had a devastating impact on the Australian people as well as their resources. The wildfires, fanned by high winds and dry conditions, have blackened more than 1,500 square miles (3,900 square kilometers) and destroyed more than 1,800 homes. Most importantly, 201 people have perished from the fires, with the latest person killed a firefighter who was working to extinguish the blaze around the Yarra Ranges National Park, a region hit hard by the fires, on Tuesday. Brendan Solaluk, 39, is facing one count of deadly arson and one of lighting a wildfire in connection to one of hundreds of blazes that swept southern Victoria state around Geelong.
While American poker players cannot participate in the offerings of 888Poker, it is an opportunity for the game to once again show its philanthropic side. For more details on the tournament and to participate in The Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament, visit 888Poker to learn more. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
*pitched by Media Man Australia
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Pacific Poker
Bushfire
Disasters
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Shane Warne
Jeff Fenech
Poker News
888Poker will be having “The Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament” this Sunday, which has also been designated a national day of mourning in Australia. The No Limit Hold’em tournament will donate all of the funds generated from the $30 buy in and rebuys to benefit The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund, which is raising money for those families affected by the wildfires. Instead of using the buy ins to raise a prize pool, 888Poker is offering payouts and bounties to draw players to help with the cause.
The tournament, which begins at 8:30PM Australian time (roughly 9:30AM in London) on Sunday, will pay out the winner with a $500 prize. Second and third places will also earn cash, with $300 and $200 being paid out respectively. The remainder of the final table - places fourth through tenth - will earn an entry into the New Zealand Poker Championships Sunday Qualifier on March 1st, a seat that is worth $120.
888Poker will also have celebrity bounties that players can earn some extra cash through eliminating. 888 ambassadors Brendan Fevola (bfevola25) and Jeff Fenech (fenech888) will be taking part in the tournament and, for the fortunate player who eliminates them from the event, that player will receive a $50 bounty prize. While these prizes are great for the players, the major point will be in remembering the tragedy that occurred in Australia and raising funds for those families that have been affected. Jennifer Huxley, the spokesman for 888Poker, stated,
“888Poker is deeply saddened by the tragic events that have occurred and we hope this tournament will help in a small way those that have been affected.”
The fires, now under control after ravaging the bush areas of the state of Victoria since February 7th, have had a devastating impact on the Australian people as well as their resources. The wildfires, fanned by high winds and dry conditions, have blackened more than 1,500 square miles (3,900 square kilometers) and destroyed more than 1,800 homes. Most importantly, 201 people have perished from the fires, with the latest person killed a firefighter who was working to extinguish the blaze around the Yarra Ranges National Park, a region hit hard by the fires, on Tuesday. Brendan Solaluk, 39, is facing one count of deadly arson and one of lighting a wildfire in connection to one of hundreds of blazes that swept southern Victoria state around Geelong.
While American poker players cannot participate in the offerings of 888Poker, it is an opportunity for the game to once again show its philanthropic side. For more details on the tournament and to participate in The Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament, visit 888Poker to learn more. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
*pitched by Media Man Australia
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Pacific Poker
Bushfire
Disasters
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Shane Warne
Jeff Fenech
Poker News
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
888.com Hosts Charity Poker Tournament for Australia Wildfire Victims - Gambling911 - 17th February 2009
Gambling911.com applauds 888.com for its efforts in trying to raise money for those affected by the wildfires in Australia last week. Our friend, The Media Man, has advised that 888.com will be hosting an online poker tournament to help Australia wildfire victims. The publicly traded online gambling firm has been making some serious inroads into Australia over the last year.
Sadly, the wildfire death toll heading into Wednesday (Australia time) had reached 200.
A judge launched an inquiry into the deadly Australian wildfires on Tuesday as authorities announced they would find ways to make the region safer before the next season of inevitable blazes.
Media Man, Greg Tingle, questioned why one individual had been fined by environmentalists for clearing trees and brush away from his property prior to the fires.
"He was the only survivor in his neighborhood," said Tingle.
The nightmarish blazes tore across Victoria with 400 fires destroying more than 1,800 homes and scorching about 1,500 square miles (3,900 square kilometers) of farms, forests and towns.
Police suspect at least two of the fires were deliberately set, and have charged one man with arson causing death and lighting a wildfire. Brendan Sokaluk, 39, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years on the first charge and 15 years on the second. He was being held in protective custody to prevent revenge attacks against him.
A class-action lawsuit was filed against electricity supplier SP AusNet, alleging that defective power lines caused losses and damage in connection with one of the fires. SP AusNet, which is 51 percent owned by the Singapore Power Group, said it would "vigorously defend" the claim.
As for the online poker tournament, details appear below:
Due to the tragic events caused by the bushfires in the Victoria region,
888 will be hosting the "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament" to help
families in need. The No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament will take place
on Sunday, February 22nd at 8:30pm AEDT. The buy-in for this tournament
will be $30 and all buy-ins (and re-buys) will be donated to the relief
efforts. Entrants to this special tournament will be playing for great
prizes donated by 888;
1st place: $500 US
2nd place: $300 US
3rd place: $200 US
4th-10th place: Free entry into the 888 NZ Poker Champs Sunday Qualifier
on March 1 ($120 Value)
As well as these great prizes, if you knock out 888 ambassadors Brendan Fevola (bfevola25) or Jeff Fenech (fenech888) you will receive an $50 bounty prize (credited next day).
We hope you take this opportunity to Enjoy The Game while helping your fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for your support.
What: Tournament- "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament"
Buy-in: $30 with optional $30 rebuys (all going to charity)
When: February 22nd @ 8:30pm AEDT
Charity: The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund
Where: 888Poker
To download and join 888Poker please click on the link below:
DOWNLOAD HERE
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888
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Jeff Fenech
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Sadly, the wildfire death toll heading into Wednesday (Australia time) had reached 200.
A judge launched an inquiry into the deadly Australian wildfires on Tuesday as authorities announced they would find ways to make the region safer before the next season of inevitable blazes.
Media Man, Greg Tingle, questioned why one individual had been fined by environmentalists for clearing trees and brush away from his property prior to the fires.
"He was the only survivor in his neighborhood," said Tingle.
The nightmarish blazes tore across Victoria with 400 fires destroying more than 1,800 homes and scorching about 1,500 square miles (3,900 square kilometers) of farms, forests and towns.
Police suspect at least two of the fires were deliberately set, and have charged one man with arson causing death and lighting a wildfire. Brendan Sokaluk, 39, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years on the first charge and 15 years on the second. He was being held in protective custody to prevent revenge attacks against him.
A class-action lawsuit was filed against electricity supplier SP AusNet, alleging that defective power lines caused losses and damage in connection with one of the fires. SP AusNet, which is 51 percent owned by the Singapore Power Group, said it would "vigorously defend" the claim.
As for the online poker tournament, details appear below:
Due to the tragic events caused by the bushfires in the Victoria region,
888 will be hosting the "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament" to help
families in need. The No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament will take place
on Sunday, February 22nd at 8:30pm AEDT. The buy-in for this tournament
will be $30 and all buy-ins (and re-buys) will be donated to the relief
efforts. Entrants to this special tournament will be playing for great
prizes donated by 888;
1st place: $500 US
2nd place: $300 US
3rd place: $200 US
4th-10th place: Free entry into the 888 NZ Poker Champs Sunday Qualifier
on March 1 ($120 Value)
As well as these great prizes, if you knock out 888 ambassadors Brendan Fevola (bfevola25) or Jeff Fenech (fenech888) you will receive an $50 bounty prize (credited next day).
We hope you take this opportunity to Enjoy The Game while helping your fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for your support.
What: Tournament- "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament"
Buy-in: $30 with optional $30 rebuys (all going to charity)
When: February 22nd @ 8:30pm AEDT
Charity: The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund
Where: 888Poker
To download and join 888Poker please click on the link below:
DOWNLOAD HERE
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Tuesday, February 17, 2009
888Poker Presents The "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament
Due to the tragic events caused by the bushfires in the Victoria region,
888 will be hosting the "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament" to help
families in need. The No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament will take place
on Sunday, February 22nd at 8:30pm AEDT. The buy-in for this tournament
will be $30 and all buy-ins (and re-buys) will be donated to the relief
efforts. Entrants to this special tournament will be playing for great
prizes donated by 888;
1st place: $500 US
2nd place: $300 US
3rd place: $200 US
4th-10th place: Free entry into the 888 NZ Poker Champs Sunday Qualifier
on March 1 ($120 Value)
As well as these great prizes, if you knock out 888 ambassadors Brendan
Fevola (bfevola25) or Jeff Fenech (fenech888) you will receive an $50
bounty prize (credited next day).
We hope you take this opportunity to Enjoy The Game while helping your
fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for
your support.
What: Tournament- "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament"
Buy-in: $30 with optional $30 rebuys (all going to charity)
When: February 22nd @ 8:30pm AEDT
Charity: The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund
Where: 888Poker
To download and join 888Poker please click on the link below:
Download Here
We hope you take this opportunity to "Enjoy The Game" while helping your
fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for
your support.
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Jeff Fenech
Shane Warne
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
888 will be hosting the "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament" to help
families in need. The No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament will take place
on Sunday, February 22nd at 8:30pm AEDT. The buy-in for this tournament
will be $30 and all buy-ins (and re-buys) will be donated to the relief
efforts. Entrants to this special tournament will be playing for great
prizes donated by 888;
1st place: $500 US
2nd place: $300 US
3rd place: $200 US
4th-10th place: Free entry into the 888 NZ Poker Champs Sunday Qualifier
on March 1 ($120 Value)
As well as these great prizes, if you knock out 888 ambassadors Brendan
Fevola (bfevola25) or Jeff Fenech (fenech888) you will receive an $50
bounty prize (credited next day).
We hope you take this opportunity to Enjoy The Game while helping your
fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for
your support.
What: Tournament- "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament"
Buy-in: $30 with optional $30 rebuys (all going to charity)
When: February 22nd @ 8:30pm AEDT
Charity: The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund
Where: 888Poker
To download and join 888Poker please click on the link below:
Download Here
We hope you take this opportunity to "Enjoy The Game" while helping your
fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for
your support.
Media Man Australia Profiles
888
Jeff Fenech
Shane Warne
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Profile: Trading World International
Mission Statement
Trading World International works through uplifting travel adventures and purchasing programs, developing skills to hundreds of artisans in developing countries to cultivate profitable endeavors that enrich lives, communities, and the world at large.
About Us
After more than fourteen years in Business we continue to foster social awareness about global interactions within Africa and more recently Indonesia. Founder and Professional World Traveler and Educator Peter Evans, along with his team, works with Artisans and communities to maintain the principle of fair compensation for fair value; efforts that have successfully created opportunities in the global market that otherwise would not exist. Our primary goal is to create opportunities for individuals and organizations from around the world to be involved in the uplifting of third world communities.
Trading World International leads unique expeditions, that are individually tailored Safaris to allow participants to come face to face with life changing experiences in the culture and beauty of its surroundings. The fabric of our business allows interaction and belonging in a world of enlightenment and joy for both giver and receiver.
Over the years in the Limpopo school district we have helped to add classrooms to schools and connect water to communities affecting over 3000 lives directly.
We wholesale thousands of unique contemporary handmade pieces of art, reminiscent of the craft traditions from South Africa, East, West and North Africa, and have recently starting working in Indonesia exporting 100s of unique items.
(Credit: Trading World International)
Trading World International works through uplifting travel adventures and purchasing programs, developing skills to hundreds of artisans in developing countries to cultivate profitable endeavors that enrich lives, communities, and the world at large.
About Us
After more than fourteen years in Business we continue to foster social awareness about global interactions within Africa and more recently Indonesia. Founder and Professional World Traveler and Educator Peter Evans, along with his team, works with Artisans and communities to maintain the principle of fair compensation for fair value; efforts that have successfully created opportunities in the global market that otherwise would not exist. Our primary goal is to create opportunities for individuals and organizations from around the world to be involved in the uplifting of third world communities.
Trading World International leads unique expeditions, that are individually tailored Safaris to allow participants to come face to face with life changing experiences in the culture and beauty of its surroundings. The fabric of our business allows interaction and belonging in a world of enlightenment and joy for both giver and receiver.
Over the years in the Limpopo school district we have helped to add classrooms to schools and connect water to communities affecting over 3000 lives directly.
We wholesale thousands of unique contemporary handmade pieces of art, reminiscent of the craft traditions from South Africa, East, West and North Africa, and have recently starting working in Indonesia exporting 100s of unique items.
(Credit: Trading World International)
Top of the paps, by Rob Bates - The Wentworth Courier
The mostly fabulous career of Bondi snapper Peter Carrette, by Rob Bates - The Wentworth Courier - 11th February 2009
It was October 1983, just hours before the US-led invasion of Grenada, and while all the other war correspondents were waiting patiently at the Barbados press centre, Bondi photographer Peter Carrette was sneaking into the incursion zone under the cover of darkness.
“I chartered a boat from a drug smuggler called Wadee for five grand, and went in overnight,” Carrette said. “They were about to bomb the shit out of it but I was too stupid to be scared, plus I was stoned out of my tree.”
When the bombardment subsided and marines poured out of the landing craft, the first thing they saw on the beach was Carrette and his camera. “It still makes me laugh, remembering the looks on their faces,” he said.
To say that Peter Carrette has led a life less ordinary is something of an understatement.
Covering everything from runway shows in Paris to the war in Nicaragua, and working with everyone from The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton to Bette Davis and the Dalai Lama, Carrette said his early life in London had yielded no hints of the adventures to come.
“I was a working-class slum kid; I wasn’t from the right family and I wasn’t really going anywhere,” he said. “I’d been taking pictures since I was 12 but I couldn’t believe that people actually got paid for that, and certainly not people like me.”
Starting out as a copy boy for Sir Frank Packer, Carrette soon earned the old man’s affection and was offered a job taking pictures for a rock’n’roll magazine in Australia. From there he realised there was more money in shooting rock stars such as Normie Rowe and Johnny O’Keefe, and there was no looking back.
“I had long hair, so I fitted in nicely with all the sex, drugs and rock’n’roll, I did indeed,” Carrette said.
After a two-year stint in Paris shooting Vogue covers, Carrette moved to Manhattan where he spent six years chasing stories around the world.
“One week they’d say, ‘Right, Prince Andrew’s off with a porno star in the Caribbean. Can you go there for a week?’ and I’d say, ‘Yeah, I reckon I can,” Carrette said, laughing. “Then the next week I’d be getting shot at in Nicaragua or El Salvador.”
On one such assignment, Carrette was to accompany his good friend and UN goodwill ambassador, Jack Thompson, to repatriate 40 Cambodian orphans from a refugee camp in Thailand to a new orphanage in Cambodia. Little did he know the weeklong trip by bus and train would change his life forever.
“The kids just adopted us; you’d wake up on the train and this innocent little thing would be cuddled up to you,” he said.
“They didn’t understand possessions and had nothing of their own. You’d give them a balloon, they’d play with it for a bit and at the next railway station they’d give it away.”
From that point on, Carrette decided he would help the kids as much as he could, and has returned three or four times every year since.
To this day, whenever Carrette is booked for an exclusive shoot, he asks for payment to go directly to the orphanage.
Pictures of Noelene Hogan’s wedding earned the orphanage $25,000 from New Idea, while Michael Caton’s wedding earned $30,000.
After 17 years and hundreds of thousands in donations from Carrette and his celebrity friends, what began as one orphanage housing 40 children has grown into 75 separate facilities helping 3000 kids, with four of the original children helping to run the organisation.
When he’s not visiting his adopted family or shooting for other humanitarian organisations, Carrette, now 71, manages his celebrity photographic agency, Icon Images, from an apartment overlooking Bondi beach.
He said he resented other paparazzi who “deliberately upset people” for better pictures, calling them “bandits with cameras”.
However, he admitted to one “unfortunate incident” in 2006. Responding to what he said was repeated “bad manners” and “abuse” directed at a number of his staff, Carrette and another photographer sprayed Heath Ledger with water pistols at the Sydney premiere of Brokeback Mountain.
“He had spat at two of my photographers, kicked a car door and chased another down the road, so we decided to teach him a lesson,” he said.
“I didn’t think it would cause as much fuss as it did but it was just unacceptable behaviour and I wanted to make a statement.”
Carrette said he treated celebrities with respect. “We don’t want nasty pictures, we don’t want to upset anyone, and the ones that know me know that. I’ve grown up with a lot of these people and some have even made donations to the orphanage.” (Credit: Wentworth Courier)
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It was October 1983, just hours before the US-led invasion of Grenada, and while all the other war correspondents were waiting patiently at the Barbados press centre, Bondi photographer Peter Carrette was sneaking into the incursion zone under the cover of darkness.
“I chartered a boat from a drug smuggler called Wadee for five grand, and went in overnight,” Carrette said. “They were about to bomb the shit out of it but I was too stupid to be scared, plus I was stoned out of my tree.”
When the bombardment subsided and marines poured out of the landing craft, the first thing they saw on the beach was Carrette and his camera. “It still makes me laugh, remembering the looks on their faces,” he said.
To say that Peter Carrette has led a life less ordinary is something of an understatement.
Covering everything from runway shows in Paris to the war in Nicaragua, and working with everyone from The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton to Bette Davis and the Dalai Lama, Carrette said his early life in London had yielded no hints of the adventures to come.
“I was a working-class slum kid; I wasn’t from the right family and I wasn’t really going anywhere,” he said. “I’d been taking pictures since I was 12 but I couldn’t believe that people actually got paid for that, and certainly not people like me.”
Starting out as a copy boy for Sir Frank Packer, Carrette soon earned the old man’s affection and was offered a job taking pictures for a rock’n’roll magazine in Australia. From there he realised there was more money in shooting rock stars such as Normie Rowe and Johnny O’Keefe, and there was no looking back.
“I had long hair, so I fitted in nicely with all the sex, drugs and rock’n’roll, I did indeed,” Carrette said.
After a two-year stint in Paris shooting Vogue covers, Carrette moved to Manhattan where he spent six years chasing stories around the world.
“One week they’d say, ‘Right, Prince Andrew’s off with a porno star in the Caribbean. Can you go there for a week?’ and I’d say, ‘Yeah, I reckon I can,” Carrette said, laughing. “Then the next week I’d be getting shot at in Nicaragua or El Salvador.”
On one such assignment, Carrette was to accompany his good friend and UN goodwill ambassador, Jack Thompson, to repatriate 40 Cambodian orphans from a refugee camp in Thailand to a new orphanage in Cambodia. Little did he know the weeklong trip by bus and train would change his life forever.
“The kids just adopted us; you’d wake up on the train and this innocent little thing would be cuddled up to you,” he said.
“They didn’t understand possessions and had nothing of their own. You’d give them a balloon, they’d play with it for a bit and at the next railway station they’d give it away.”
From that point on, Carrette decided he would help the kids as much as he could, and has returned three or four times every year since.
To this day, whenever Carrette is booked for an exclusive shoot, he asks for payment to go directly to the orphanage.
Pictures of Noelene Hogan’s wedding earned the orphanage $25,000 from New Idea, while Michael Caton’s wedding earned $30,000.
After 17 years and hundreds of thousands in donations from Carrette and his celebrity friends, what began as one orphanage housing 40 children has grown into 75 separate facilities helping 3000 kids, with four of the original children helping to run the organisation.
When he’s not visiting his adopted family or shooting for other humanitarian organisations, Carrette, now 71, manages his celebrity photographic agency, Icon Images, from an apartment overlooking Bondi beach.
He said he resented other paparazzi who “deliberately upset people” for better pictures, calling them “bandits with cameras”.
However, he admitted to one “unfortunate incident” in 2006. Responding to what he said was repeated “bad manners” and “abuse” directed at a number of his staff, Carrette and another photographer sprayed Heath Ledger with water pistols at the Sydney premiere of Brokeback Mountain.
“He had spat at two of my photographers, kicked a car door and chased another down the road, so we decided to teach him a lesson,” he said.
“I didn’t think it would cause as much fuss as it did but it was just unacceptable behaviour and I wanted to make a statement.”
Carrette said he treated celebrities with respect. “We don’t want nasty pictures, we don’t want to upset anyone, and the ones that know me know that. I’ve grown up with a lot of these people and some have even made donations to the orphanage.” (Credit: Wentworth Courier)
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Monday, February 16, 2009
Australia's Hollywood stars dig deep for fire relief
16th February 2009
MELBOURNE (AFP) — Australian actor Nicole Kidman and her husband, country singer Keith Urban, have donated 500,000 Australian dollars (327,000 US) to victims of the bushfires which killed 181 people.
Australian Hollywood stars and sports legends joined forces late Thursday to help raise funds through a telethon which generated pledges of more than 20 million dollars for the fire relief effort, the Nine television network said.
"Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban led the way, personally donating 500,000 dollars to the Red Cross via the 'Australia Unites' telethon," it said on its website.
"The Aussie supercouple were joined by other Hollywood stars Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Naomi Watts, Rachel Griffiths and Simon Baker who sent recorded messages of support from the US."
Actor Anthony LaPaglia and his wife Gia Carides donated 50,000 dollars, it said, while Canadian singer Michael Buble also gave 50,000 dollars.
More than 5,000 people were made homeless and almost 2,000 homes were destroyed when the worst fires in the country's history tore through towns in southeastern Victoria state this week.
A Red Cross spokeswoman said almost 66 million dollars had been raised for the relief fund through public donations, but "many millions more" had been pledged through the telethon and corporate and government donations.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
MELBOURNE (AFP) — Australian actor Nicole Kidman and her husband, country singer Keith Urban, have donated 500,000 Australian dollars (327,000 US) to victims of the bushfires which killed 181 people.
Australian Hollywood stars and sports legends joined forces late Thursday to help raise funds through a telethon which generated pledges of more than 20 million dollars for the fire relief effort, the Nine television network said.
"Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban led the way, personally donating 500,000 dollars to the Red Cross via the 'Australia Unites' telethon," it said on its website.
"The Aussie supercouple were joined by other Hollywood stars Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Naomi Watts, Rachel Griffiths and Simon Baker who sent recorded messages of support from the US."
Actor Anthony LaPaglia and his wife Gia Carides donated 50,000 dollars, it said, while Canadian singer Michael Buble also gave 50,000 dollars.
More than 5,000 people were made homeless and almost 2,000 homes were destroyed when the worst fires in the country's history tore through towns in southeastern Victoria state this week.
A Red Cross spokeswoman said almost 66 million dollars had been raised for the relief fund through public donations, but "many millions more" had been pledged through the telethon and corporate and government donations.
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Saturday, February 14, 2009
Australia Unites and gives $21 million - The Australian - 13th February 2009
Last night’s telethon on Channel Nine raised $21 million for victims of the Victorian bushfires.
The marathon five-hour live event was watched by an average audience of 1.2 million people, giving Nine a win in the ratings for Thursday night and a share of 31.7 per cent.
The Red Cross Bushfire Appeal is now up to $77 million.
Nine Network CEO David Gyngell released a statement last night: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of all Australians and hope the donations made tonight help to alleviate some of the hardship ahead for those affected.
“I would also like to thank everyone involved in the production tonight who has done an outstanding job in making this event happen.”
The telethon was criticised anonymously by rival networks who said it was a cynical attempt to get higher ratings by abandoning regular programming on a weak night.
Nine made the most of the huge audience, showcasing its news and current affairs talent and screening commercials for its shows.
Hosted by Eddie McGuire from Channel Nine’s Melbourne studios, the telethon included live crosses to Today co-hosts Lisa Wilkinson and Karl Stefanovic at a Whittlesea refuge surrounded by survivors of the fires.
All donations received go to the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund. The appeal will continue with the aim to relieve the suffering and heartache of those affected and donations can be made by going on-line at http://www.redcross.org.au, calling the toll free number 1800 811 700, or donating via the Commonwealth Bank. (Credit: The Australian)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Network Nine Australia
The marathon five-hour live event was watched by an average audience of 1.2 million people, giving Nine a win in the ratings for Thursday night and a share of 31.7 per cent.
The Red Cross Bushfire Appeal is now up to $77 million.
Nine Network CEO David Gyngell released a statement last night: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of all Australians and hope the donations made tonight help to alleviate some of the hardship ahead for those affected.
“I would also like to thank everyone involved in the production tonight who has done an outstanding job in making this event happen.”
The telethon was criticised anonymously by rival networks who said it was a cynical attempt to get higher ratings by abandoning regular programming on a weak night.
Nine made the most of the huge audience, showcasing its news and current affairs talent and screening commercials for its shows.
Hosted by Eddie McGuire from Channel Nine’s Melbourne studios, the telethon included live crosses to Today co-hosts Lisa Wilkinson and Karl Stefanovic at a Whittlesea refuge surrounded by survivors of the fires.
All donations received go to the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund. The appeal will continue with the aim to relieve the suffering and heartache of those affected and donations can be made by going on-line at http://www.redcross.org.au, calling the toll free number 1800 811 700, or donating via the Commonwealth Bank. (Credit: The Australian)
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Network Nine Australia
Corporate Australia raises millions for bushfire victims - Fairfax - 10th February 2009
HOW TO DONATE - The 2009 Victoria Bushfire Appeal Fund through the Red Cross.
Go to redcross.org.au or The Salvation Army appeal for families: salvationarmy.org.au
Unless otherwise noted, donations are made to the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, managed by the Red Cross.
Corporate Australia has responded to Victoria's bushfire crisis with pledges of millions of dollars.
TABCORP: $2 million
WOOLWORTHS: $1 million
ANZ: $1 million (pledged Sunday)
COMMONWEALTH BANK: $1m (pledged Sunday), plus $100 for every run scored and $5000 for each six during Tuesday's one-day international between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide.
NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK: $1m (pledged Sunday)
WESTPAC: $1 million
BENDIGO and ADELAIDE BANK: Launched an appeal on Sunday with an initial $100,000. Said donations had already reached $1m.
SUNCORP: $500,000
WESTFIELD: $1 million
AMP: $1 million, and will also match staff donations up to a further $250,000.
NEWS LIMITED: $1 million
WA GOVERNMENT: $1m, plus personnel.
FOSTERS: $750,000
SANTOS: $500,000
MYER: Will match customer contributions up to $500,000.
WESFARMERS: $500,000
WESFARMERS INSURANCE: $50,000
COLES: Will donate this Friday's profits from its 750 stores nationwide.
BUNNINGS: Stores throughout Victoria will donate proceeds from their daily sausage sizzle.
KMART: $100,000 to the Salvation Army, and $500 Kmart vouchers to Victorians who have lost their homes.
CROWN: $500,000
TELSTRA: $500,000, and will match contributions made by employees up to $250,000.
DAVID JONES: $500,000 donation of David Jones gift cards. DJs will also donate the profit earned from all 37 David Jones stores nationally this Thursday, to Red Cross.
ACTU: $250,000
ALH GROUP: $200,000, split between the Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund, and the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.
QANTAS: $100,000
CRICKET AUSTRALIA: $100,000
CITY of SYDNEY: $100,000
RABOBANK: $100,000
AXA ASIA PACIFIC: $100,000 to Salvation Army.
QANTAS: $100,000
CGU: $100,000
MERCEDES-BENZ: $100,000, plus $1000 personally from each member of the board of management, taking the total contribution to $107,000.
FOOTBALL FEDERATION AUSTRALIA: $100,000. Will provide replacement soccer equipment to Victorian schools and junior clubs affected by the disaster. Will also offer families and firefighters and other emergency services workers free tickets to the A-League semi-final.
AFL: It has rescheduled Friday night's pre-season Cup encounter between the Western Bulldogs and Essendon from Darwin to Melbourne to help the fund-raising effort. Tickets proceeds to the appeal.
FAIRFAX: $100,000.
SA CRICKET ASSOCIATION: $25,000
MALTHOUSE THEATRE: $11,872.38 to the Salvation Army, representing the box-office takings for Saturday's performance of the play Woyzeck.
Under the auspices of The Myer Bushfire Appeal this will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Myer.
CANNINGVALE AUSTRALIA: Has pledged to donate towels to all the households lost to the Victorian fires.
GREYHOUND AUSTRALIA: offering a free freight service to help charities assisting with the Victorian fire tragedy relief efforts. Anyone who wants to donate to fire victims can send one parcel weighing 20 kilograms free from any Greyhound depot to Melbourne.
VICTORIAN TAXI ASSOCIATION: Will pay taxi fares for the next two weeks, for people in affected areas, for travel to and from their property to the nearest major town (including school trips) who have: - Lost their house or their house has been severely damaged.
- Lost immediate family or have family member hospitalised.
- Lost their only family vehicle.
Go to redcross.org.au or The Salvation Army appeal for families: salvationarmy.org.au
Unless otherwise noted, donations are made to the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund, managed by the Red Cross.
Corporate Australia has responded to Victoria's bushfire crisis with pledges of millions of dollars.
TABCORP: $2 million
WOOLWORTHS: $1 million
ANZ: $1 million (pledged Sunday)
COMMONWEALTH BANK: $1m (pledged Sunday), plus $100 for every run scored and $5000 for each six during Tuesday's one-day international between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide.
NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK: $1m (pledged Sunday)
WESTPAC: $1 million
BENDIGO and ADELAIDE BANK: Launched an appeal on Sunday with an initial $100,000. Said donations had already reached $1m.
SUNCORP: $500,000
WESTFIELD: $1 million
AMP: $1 million, and will also match staff donations up to a further $250,000.
NEWS LIMITED: $1 million
WA GOVERNMENT: $1m, plus personnel.
FOSTERS: $750,000
SANTOS: $500,000
MYER: Will match customer contributions up to $500,000.
WESFARMERS: $500,000
WESFARMERS INSURANCE: $50,000
COLES: Will donate this Friday's profits from its 750 stores nationwide.
BUNNINGS: Stores throughout Victoria will donate proceeds from their daily sausage sizzle.
KMART: $100,000 to the Salvation Army, and $500 Kmart vouchers to Victorians who have lost their homes.
CROWN: $500,000
TELSTRA: $500,000, and will match contributions made by employees up to $250,000.
DAVID JONES: $500,000 donation of David Jones gift cards. DJs will also donate the profit earned from all 37 David Jones stores nationally this Thursday, to Red Cross.
ACTU: $250,000
ALH GROUP: $200,000, split between the Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund, and the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.
QANTAS: $100,000
CRICKET AUSTRALIA: $100,000
CITY of SYDNEY: $100,000
RABOBANK: $100,000
AXA ASIA PACIFIC: $100,000 to Salvation Army.
QANTAS: $100,000
CGU: $100,000
MERCEDES-BENZ: $100,000, plus $1000 personally from each member of the board of management, taking the total contribution to $107,000.
FOOTBALL FEDERATION AUSTRALIA: $100,000. Will provide replacement soccer equipment to Victorian schools and junior clubs affected by the disaster. Will also offer families and firefighters and other emergency services workers free tickets to the A-League semi-final.
AFL: It has rescheduled Friday night's pre-season Cup encounter between the Western Bulldogs and Essendon from Darwin to Melbourne to help the fund-raising effort. Tickets proceeds to the appeal.
FAIRFAX: $100,000.
SA CRICKET ASSOCIATION: $25,000
MALTHOUSE THEATRE: $11,872.38 to the Salvation Army, representing the box-office takings for Saturday's performance of the play Woyzeck.
Under the auspices of The Myer Bushfire Appeal this will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Myer.
CANNINGVALE AUSTRALIA: Has pledged to donate towels to all the households lost to the Victorian fires.
GREYHOUND AUSTRALIA: offering a free freight service to help charities assisting with the Victorian fire tragedy relief efforts. Anyone who wants to donate to fire victims can send one parcel weighing 20 kilograms free from any Greyhound depot to Melbourne.
VICTORIAN TAXI ASSOCIATION: Will pay taxi fares for the next two weeks, for people in affected areas, for travel to and from their property to the nearest major town (including school trips) who have: - Lost their house or their house has been severely damaged.
- Lost immediate family or have family member hospitalised.
- Lost their only family vehicle.
Rival networks’ sour grapes over Nine’s $20.5m telethon, by Tim Brunero with AAP - 13th February 2009
Australians have pledged more than $20 million for the Red Cross Bushfire appeal during the Nine Network's Telethon, bringing the total raised to more than $77 million. But the event was not without controversy.
The good vibes of the night were soured after sources at rival networks accused Nine of only holding the event on Thursday because of their weak line up – which usually includes The Celebrity Singing Bee and Adults Only 20 to 01.
A host of celebrities appeared on the show to raise money for fire-ravaged communities, either in person or in video messages. Big names included Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe, Miranda Kerr and Megan Gale.
Pirates of the Caribbean star Orlando Bloom even manned the phones amongst home-grown faces like Rove McManus, Dave Hughes, Adam Hills and Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson.
The network says the Australia Unites telethon, hosted by Eddie McGuire, raised $21,502,485 in the special which also featured Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Premier John Brumby.
Singers John Williamson, Shannon Noll and rockers The Living End performed at the event.
The weekend fires have killed at least 181 people and destroyed more than a thousand homes.
Donations can be made by phoning 1800 811 700 or www.redcross.org.au.
The good vibes of the night were soured after sources at rival networks accused Nine of only holding the event on Thursday because of their weak line up – which usually includes The Celebrity Singing Bee and Adults Only 20 to 01.
A host of celebrities appeared on the show to raise money for fire-ravaged communities, either in person or in video messages. Big names included Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe, Miranda Kerr and Megan Gale.
Pirates of the Caribbean star Orlando Bloom even manned the phones amongst home-grown faces like Rove McManus, Dave Hughes, Adam Hills and Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson.
The network says the Australia Unites telethon, hosted by Eddie McGuire, raised $21,502,485 in the special which also featured Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Premier John Brumby.
Singers John Williamson, Shannon Noll and rockers The Living End performed at the event.
The weekend fires have killed at least 181 people and destroyed more than a thousand homes.
Donations can be made by phoning 1800 811 700 or www.redcross.org.au.
Friday, February 13, 2009
The Shane Warne Foundation - Variety And TSWF Bushfire Relief Fund
Dear Friend,
In response to the Bushfire crisis Variety, the children’s charity and The Shane Warne Foundation have teamed up to raise funds for the children affected by the Victorian bushfires. The Shane Warne Foundation kicked off the fund yesterday with a $100,000 donation.
As both organisations are focused on improving the lives of children, the funds will be welcomed by the large numbers who have been affected by this devastation.
After our discussions with authorities, it is essential that children who have been affected by the fires are able to re-establish their routines as quickly as possible”.
As one example, we are in consultation with principals from the schools who are working with the Victorian Education Department as to their response to the crisis… they are assessing which schools will be taking on extra students, which schools will be able to reopen and how best to cover all of the children's needs?”
We are asking that you please support the fund through making a donation on our website www.tswf.com.au or the Variety website www.varietyvic.org.au. Also those who are aware of children who have lost their specialised mobility, communication and other equipment as a result of the fires are encouraged to immediately register these details with Variety, the children’s charity by going to the Variety Victoria website www.varietyvic.org.au
Over the coming months, Variety and TSWF will be looking at other ways that they are able to lift the spirits of the many children affected by this devastation and make a direct difference.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Shane Warne
Variety
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
In response to the Bushfire crisis Variety, the children’s charity and The Shane Warne Foundation have teamed up to raise funds for the children affected by the Victorian bushfires. The Shane Warne Foundation kicked off the fund yesterday with a $100,000 donation.
As both organisations are focused on improving the lives of children, the funds will be welcomed by the large numbers who have been affected by this devastation.
After our discussions with authorities, it is essential that children who have been affected by the fires are able to re-establish their routines as quickly as possible”.
As one example, we are in consultation with principals from the schools who are working with the Victorian Education Department as to their response to the crisis… they are assessing which schools will be taking on extra students, which schools will be able to reopen and how best to cover all of the children's needs?”
We are asking that you please support the fund through making a donation on our website www.tswf.com.au or the Variety website www.varietyvic.org.au. Also those who are aware of children who have lost their specialised mobility, communication and other equipment as a result of the fires are encouraged to immediately register these details with Variety, the children’s charity by going to the Variety Victoria website www.varietyvic.org.au
Over the coming months, Variety and TSWF will be looking at other ways that they are able to lift the spirits of the many children affected by this devastation and make a direct difference.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Shane Warne
Variety
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Victoria's bushfires
Public congratulations to all that are assisting with the Victoria bushfires situation, reported to be the worst bushfires in Australia's history.
Australian media companies have overall being doing an impressive job in covering the disaster and Network Nine Australia has been very pro active and is organising a telethon fundraiser.
News
Google news search for "bushfire victoria"
Australian media companies have overall being doing an impressive job in covering the disaster and Network Nine Australia has been very pro active and is organising a telethon fundraiser.
News
Google news search for "bushfire victoria"
Monday, January 05, 2009
Pigeons will fly - The Sydney Morning Herald - 5th January 2009
Twelve pigeons named after the Channel Nine commentary team will be raced today from Glenn McGrath Oval in Narromine to the north-west NSW town of Trangie (about 30 kilometres) in support of the McGrath Foundation. The Pink Pigeon race is sponsored by Betfair, who have framed a market listing Scoob (Simon O'Donnell) as the $3.30 favourite. Slats is next at $4.70 while Chappelli is paying $4.90. Big odds for Kenny ($21) and Ritchie ($18.50). Still on odds, McGrath is the firm favourite with Centrebet to be named Australian of the Year ($1.80), ahead of Aboriginal leader Professor Michael Dodson ($3.50). (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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Betfair
Centrebet
Network Nine Australia
Stars Set To Play Poker For A Good Cause - Entertainment Tonight - 29th December 2008
A group of celebrities are getting their poker faces ready to compete in a star-studded game for charity.
Brad Garrett, Adam Baldwin, Daniel Baldwin, Judd Nelson, Chris McDonald and others will play in a celeb poker tournament that will benefit the Therapeutic Living Centers For The Blind (TLC) located in Reseda, Calif. The tournament will also benefit the TLC's new children's center.
The competition will take place at Commerce Casino in Commerce, Calif., on January 17. The grand prize for the event includes a seat at the World Poker Tour Celebrity Invitational and $2,500 in cash. The public can buy tickets for the event here.
TLC was founded 30 years ago and provides 'round-the-clock care services for people challenged with both blindness and developmental disabilities. (Credit: Entertainment Tonight)
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Brad Garrett, Adam Baldwin, Daniel Baldwin, Judd Nelson, Chris McDonald and others will play in a celeb poker tournament that will benefit the Therapeutic Living Centers For The Blind (TLC) located in Reseda, Calif. The tournament will also benefit the TLC's new children's center.
The competition will take place at Commerce Casino in Commerce, Calif., on January 17. The grand prize for the event includes a seat at the World Poker Tour Celebrity Invitational and $2,500 in cash. The public can buy tickets for the event here.
TLC was founded 30 years ago and provides 'round-the-clock care services for people challenged with both blindness and developmental disabilities. (Credit: Entertainment Tonight)
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Sunday, January 04, 2009
If only the batting were as dazzling as the spectators, by Andrew Stevenson and Eamonn Duff - The Sydney Morning Herald - 4th January 2009
Given the humiliations of Perth and Melbourne, white flags might have been more appropriate but pink - second only in meaning to green among the nation's cricket team - was the colour of the day at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
South Africa's deadly pace attack had pink stumps to aim at and besieged opener Matthew Hayden defended them with his customary pink bat handle.
Yesterday's crowd of 37,901 - subdued by the events of recent weeks, which have confirmed Australia is no longer the gold standard - flaunted pink bandannas and shirts in a show of support for the McGrath Foundation and for families, victims and survivors of breast cancer. Jane McGrath, wife of Test great Glenn, died from the disease in June last year.
"To come to the ground and walk out onto the middle there, to look around and see all that pink was pretty special … pretty amazing," an emotional McGrath said.
It was a day on which local boy Doug Bollinger - whose childlike enthusiasm belies his 27 years - was presented with Test cap No. 405 and then sang the national anthem with it clasped to his chest. It was the first time in a decade Australia had fielded two debutants in a Test, Victorian all-rounder Andrew McDonald sharing the honour.
The new Victor Trumper grandstand, which swallowed the little that remained of the Hill and lifts the SCG's capacity to 46,000, was far from full and the crowd's mood seemed to match the greying skies and reflect recent performances by the team.
As prime minister, John Howard was ever ready to line up beside sporting success. Yesterday he, Kevin Rudd and a small posse of politicians showed their belief in cricket rather than victory as Australia's batsmen dug in, attempting to graft a revival onto what has been such solid root stock.
Many spectators promised to stay true to the cause, regardless of the team's performances.
"For me, it's about travelling to the new year Test and supporting the green and gold, win, lose or draw," said Shea Flanigan, 30.
"We as a cricket nation have had it good for a very long time. If that means going through a period of transition, I for one will still be here next year."
Ben Tye, 30, from Newcastle, agreed: "It's part of Australian culture to come and watch the cricket, so it's disappointing to see that some people have stayed away today. It should be a full house out there but it's not."
Rob Gardner, a South African-born Sydneysider, was among the many Proteas fans wearing a pink bandanna.
"There are a lot of South Africans here today, and nearly all of them have turned out in the pink for Glenn McGrath and his family, which is a wonderful thing to see," said Mr Gardner, 61, who was originally from Cape Town. "Everyone looks great and they should look even better on Ladies' Day."
Sydney might be the home and soul of this Australian team - city of choice for six players, including skipper Ricky Ponting - but only once a year, and then for only five days at best, does the Test cricket caravan roll into town.
When it does, the new year Test provides the faithful with a ritual as important to them as the official observances of Christmas and New Year. Under cover of darkness, members queue for their seats, renewing friendships forged over their common faith in the game.
After 16 years of virtually uninterrupted success, their faith is now to be tested. Was it the spectacle of cricket they loved or the fruits of victory? "Today is about the occasion and the Sydney Test has begun to enjoy a really good following," said NSW Cricket chief executive Dave Gilbert, who was pleased with the crowd but worried it might drop off by day three.
"We've had a golden run but it's coincided with a very successful Australian team.
"As much as we deny it, Australians don't like losing."
On the pitch there was no surrender, despite Australia entering the match 2-0 down with their crown slipping and their world No. 1 ranking officially on the line. But there was also little to cheer, with Hayden's failure to stave off Father Time and Ponting - unable to match his heroics in the Boxing Day Test - out for a first-ball duck.
At stumps, Australia had fought back to be 6-267, thanks to a fighting knock by Michael Clarke, who, cheered on by glamorous fiancee Lara Bingle, will resume this morning on 73, chasing his first Test century on his home ground. The battle to regain lost pride goes on. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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South Africa's deadly pace attack had pink stumps to aim at and besieged opener Matthew Hayden defended them with his customary pink bat handle.
Yesterday's crowd of 37,901 - subdued by the events of recent weeks, which have confirmed Australia is no longer the gold standard - flaunted pink bandannas and shirts in a show of support for the McGrath Foundation and for families, victims and survivors of breast cancer. Jane McGrath, wife of Test great Glenn, died from the disease in June last year.
"To come to the ground and walk out onto the middle there, to look around and see all that pink was pretty special … pretty amazing," an emotional McGrath said.
It was a day on which local boy Doug Bollinger - whose childlike enthusiasm belies his 27 years - was presented with Test cap No. 405 and then sang the national anthem with it clasped to his chest. It was the first time in a decade Australia had fielded two debutants in a Test, Victorian all-rounder Andrew McDonald sharing the honour.
The new Victor Trumper grandstand, which swallowed the little that remained of the Hill and lifts the SCG's capacity to 46,000, was far from full and the crowd's mood seemed to match the greying skies and reflect recent performances by the team.
As prime minister, John Howard was ever ready to line up beside sporting success. Yesterday he, Kevin Rudd and a small posse of politicians showed their belief in cricket rather than victory as Australia's batsmen dug in, attempting to graft a revival onto what has been such solid root stock.
Many spectators promised to stay true to the cause, regardless of the team's performances.
"For me, it's about travelling to the new year Test and supporting the green and gold, win, lose or draw," said Shea Flanigan, 30.
"We as a cricket nation have had it good for a very long time. If that means going through a period of transition, I for one will still be here next year."
Ben Tye, 30, from Newcastle, agreed: "It's part of Australian culture to come and watch the cricket, so it's disappointing to see that some people have stayed away today. It should be a full house out there but it's not."
Rob Gardner, a South African-born Sydneysider, was among the many Proteas fans wearing a pink bandanna.
"There are a lot of South Africans here today, and nearly all of them have turned out in the pink for Glenn McGrath and his family, which is a wonderful thing to see," said Mr Gardner, 61, who was originally from Cape Town. "Everyone looks great and they should look even better on Ladies' Day."
Sydney might be the home and soul of this Australian team - city of choice for six players, including skipper Ricky Ponting - but only once a year, and then for only five days at best, does the Test cricket caravan roll into town.
When it does, the new year Test provides the faithful with a ritual as important to them as the official observances of Christmas and New Year. Under cover of darkness, members queue for their seats, renewing friendships forged over their common faith in the game.
After 16 years of virtually uninterrupted success, their faith is now to be tested. Was it the spectacle of cricket they loved or the fruits of victory? "Today is about the occasion and the Sydney Test has begun to enjoy a really good following," said NSW Cricket chief executive Dave Gilbert, who was pleased with the crowd but worried it might drop off by day three.
"We've had a golden run but it's coincided with a very successful Australian team.
"As much as we deny it, Australians don't like losing."
On the pitch there was no surrender, despite Australia entering the match 2-0 down with their crown slipping and their world No. 1 ranking officially on the line. But there was also little to cheer, with Hayden's failure to stave off Father Time and Ponting - unable to match his heroics in the Boxing Day Test - out for a first-ball duck.
At stumps, Australia had fought back to be 6-267, thanks to a fighting knock by Michael Clarke, who, cheered on by glamorous fiancee Lara Bingle, will resume this morning on 73, chasing his first Test century on his home ground. The battle to regain lost pride goes on. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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Flock to Pink Pigeon Race, punters urged - 3rd January 2009
Australia has a new race to stop the nation but this time the competitors have wings.
Twelve elite racing pigeons will be flapping it out on Monday in The Great Betfair Pink Pigeon Race launched on Saturday.
The aim is to raise dollars for breast care nurses in rural and regional Australia.
Proceeds will go to the McGrath Foundation - named after Jane McGrath, the late wife of Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath, who died from breast cancer last June.
The inaugural event at Glenn McGrath Oval in Narromine, in NSW's central west, is a 30km race that will finish at the tiny wheat town of Trangie on day three of the Sydney Test between Australia and South Africa - renamed Jane McGrath Day by Cricket Australia.
Punters will be able to place bets on the pigeons named after the Nine Network's cricket commentary team through online betting exchange Betfair.
Betfair spokesman Hugh Taggart said the event was starting in the hometown of the Glenn "Pidge" McGrath.
"We hope the Great Betfair Pigeon Race captures the imagination of the Australian public and becomes an annual event on the Australian sporting calendar for many years to come," Mr Taggart said.
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Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Twelve elite racing pigeons will be flapping it out on Monday in The Great Betfair Pink Pigeon Race launched on Saturday.
The aim is to raise dollars for breast care nurses in rural and regional Australia.
Proceeds will go to the McGrath Foundation - named after Jane McGrath, the late wife of Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath, who died from breast cancer last June.
The inaugural event at Glenn McGrath Oval in Narromine, in NSW's central west, is a 30km race that will finish at the tiny wheat town of Trangie on day three of the Sydney Test between Australia and South Africa - renamed Jane McGrath Day by Cricket Australia.
Punters will be able to place bets on the pigeons named after the Nine Network's cricket commentary team through online betting exchange Betfair.
Betfair spokesman Hugh Taggart said the event was starting in the hometown of the Glenn "Pidge" McGrath.
"We hope the Great Betfair Pigeon Race captures the imagination of the Australian public and becomes an annual event on the Australian sporting calendar for many years to come," Mr Taggart said.
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Betfair
Network Nine Australia
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Charity work gives magnate Andrew Forrest an edge, by Gavin Lower - The Australian - 31st December 2008
His fortune has taken a hit as the global financial crisis has eaten into Australia's resources boom, but mining magnate Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest still found a multi-million-dollar Christmas present for charity this year.
The head of the Fortescue Metals Group gave 30 million shares in his company, valued at $54 million on a Christmas Eve closing price of $1.80, to selected charities.
Mr Forrest has said he never aspired to amassing great wealth, and he plans to give away most of his fortune before he dies.
"I have a philosophy (about wealth) and that is that it doesn't do much for you," Mr Forrest said earlier this year.
"I know very wealthy people who have survived and become good guys despite their wealth but I also know many others around the world who haven't."
The year saw Mr Forrest, who topped the BRW rich list, determined to do what he could to combat Aboriginal disadvantage, launching a plan to create 50,000 new jobs for Aborigines in just two years.
His Australian Employment Covenant attracted support from business leaders and the federal Government, with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd promising to provide funds for training.
Mr Forrest also spearheaded a push to restrict the sale of takeaway alcohol, scourge of Aboriginal communities across the Kimberley region of Western Australia, through his charity, the Australian Children's Trust.
Mr Forrest is outspoken and passionate about bettering the lives of Aborigines, vowing to use his influence to eradicate chronic Aboriginal unemployment within a generation. On top of that, Mr Forrest celebrated his first shipment of iron ore to China from his Pilbara mines.
Mr Forrest's charity work and business acumen make him a worthy candidate for The Australian's Australian of the Year award.
The winner will be announced on January 24 in The Weekend Australian after final selection by a board of senior editorial staff headed by editor-in-chief Chris Mitchell.
(Credit: The Australian)
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The head of the Fortescue Metals Group gave 30 million shares in his company, valued at $54 million on a Christmas Eve closing price of $1.80, to selected charities.
Mr Forrest has said he never aspired to amassing great wealth, and he plans to give away most of his fortune before he dies.
"I have a philosophy (about wealth) and that is that it doesn't do much for you," Mr Forrest said earlier this year.
"I know very wealthy people who have survived and become good guys despite their wealth but I also know many others around the world who haven't."
The year saw Mr Forrest, who topped the BRW rich list, determined to do what he could to combat Aboriginal disadvantage, launching a plan to create 50,000 new jobs for Aborigines in just two years.
His Australian Employment Covenant attracted support from business leaders and the federal Government, with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd promising to provide funds for training.
Mr Forrest also spearheaded a push to restrict the sale of takeaway alcohol, scourge of Aboriginal communities across the Kimberley region of Western Australia, through his charity, the Australian Children's Trust.
Mr Forrest is outspoken and passionate about bettering the lives of Aborigines, vowing to use his influence to eradicate chronic Aboriginal unemployment within a generation. On top of that, Mr Forrest celebrated his first shipment of iron ore to China from his Pilbara mines.
Mr Forrest's charity work and business acumen make him a worthy candidate for The Australian's Australian of the Year award.
The winner will be announced on January 24 in The Weekend Australian after final selection by a board of senior editorial staff headed by editor-in-chief Chris Mitchell.
(Credit: The Australian)
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Charity
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Monday, December 22, 2008
Virgin Unite
Media Man Australia has been delighted to pro actively assist Virgin Unite this year, and looks forward to further building upon this in 2009.
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Virgin Unite
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Unite
Monday, December 15, 2008
Charities, banks eye child-care centres - 15th December 2008
A group is interested in taking over all of the 241 ABC Learning child-care centres deemed by the receiver to be unviable.
The Community Sector Banking Service, a joint venture between the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and a consortium of charities and community service agencies, said yesterday that it had had talks with the Federal Government about taking over the centres.
"We have brought together a group of organisations that have an enormous track record in the provision of child care throughout Australia," the executive director of Community Sector Banking, Peter Quarmby told Sky News.
"We've also brought into that some other non-profit organisations that have a great interest in seeing that these child-care centres are maintained in their communities."
Mr Quarmby said the consortium would like the opportunity to look at running all of the centres considered unviable.
"We believe that we have the expertise and the financial models to make this package work. We would always try to take all these businesses to profitability, but because profit isn't the motive in the community sector or non-profit sector, sustainability is prob- ably the thing that we are striving for."
Mr Quarmby said the profits of one centre could be used to support a centre considered unviable at this stage.
"We've been looking at alternative models, so that maybe we may well change the dynamic at some centres. Maybe incorporating the likes of a kindergarten … Maybe looking at utilisation of disability services for young children and having early intervention, which brings another income stream into the centre but also brings new services into that community."
A takeover of the unviable centres may require some government support in the early days, but the consortium's objective would be to limit that as much as possible.
ABC Learning, Australia's largest child-care operator, went into administration and receivership last month, owing more than $1 billion. It had about 1000 centres, of which 241 have been deemed unprofitable.
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The Community Sector Banking Service, a joint venture between the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and a consortium of charities and community service agencies, said yesterday that it had had talks with the Federal Government about taking over the centres.
"We have brought together a group of organisations that have an enormous track record in the provision of child care throughout Australia," the executive director of Community Sector Banking, Peter Quarmby told Sky News.
"We've also brought into that some other non-profit organisations that have a great interest in seeing that these child-care centres are maintained in their communities."
Mr Quarmby said the consortium would like the opportunity to look at running all of the centres considered unviable.
"We believe that we have the expertise and the financial models to make this package work. We would always try to take all these businesses to profitability, but because profit isn't the motive in the community sector or non-profit sector, sustainability is prob- ably the thing that we are striving for."
Mr Quarmby said the profits of one centre could be used to support a centre considered unviable at this stage.
"We've been looking at alternative models, so that maybe we may well change the dynamic at some centres. Maybe incorporating the likes of a kindergarten … Maybe looking at utilisation of disability services for young children and having early intervention, which brings another income stream into the centre but also brings new services into that community."
A takeover of the unviable centres may require some government support in the early days, but the consortium's objective would be to limit that as much as possible.
ABC Learning, Australia's largest child-care operator, went into administration and receivership last month, owing more than $1 billion. It had about 1000 centres, of which 241 have been deemed unprofitable.
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Saturday, November 22, 2008
I was misunderstood, says furious Harvey, by Paul Bibby - The Sydney Morning Herald - 22nd November 2008
Australian charities have lambasted billionaire Gerry Harvey over his statements in a new book that donating money to charities that help the homeless is wasted, but the retail king says his comments have been misunderstood.
"I'm furious. I haven't suggested that homeless people shouldn't get anything. What I said was that I believed in helping people reach their potential," he told the Herald
"I've done plenty of giving in my time. I've given heaps of money to bloody charity. This caused me a lot of pain. It's bullshit."
Mr Harvey's offices were inundated with calls after the release of a new book, in which he says that giving money to people who "are not putting anything back into the community" is like "helping a whole heap of no-hopers to survive for no good reason".
"You could go out and give a million dollars to a charity tomorrow to help the homeless. You could argue that it is just wasted," Mr Harvey said.
Charities contacted by the Herald said his comments were misguided. "I think Mr Harvey would have a hard time trying to find an organisation that would waste a million dollars in the way he said it might be," Anglicare spokesman James Wackett said.
"Organisations like ours … are about solving problems, not perpetuating them. We've all moved … from simple charity to addressing the causes of poverty."
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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"I'm furious. I haven't suggested that homeless people shouldn't get anything. What I said was that I believed in helping people reach their potential," he told the Herald
"I've done plenty of giving in my time. I've given heaps of money to bloody charity. This caused me a lot of pain. It's bullshit."
Mr Harvey's offices were inundated with calls after the release of a new book, in which he says that giving money to people who "are not putting anything back into the community" is like "helping a whole heap of no-hopers to survive for no good reason".
"You could go out and give a million dollars to a charity tomorrow to help the homeless. You could argue that it is just wasted," Mr Harvey said.
Charities contacted by the Herald said his comments were misguided. "I think Mr Harvey would have a hard time trying to find an organisation that would waste a million dollars in the way he said it might be," Anglicare spokesman James Wackett said.
"Organisations like ours … are about solving problems, not perpetuating them. We've all moved … from simple charity to addressing the causes of poverty."
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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Gerry Harvey
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Friday, November 21, 2008
Harvey: charity not so sweet, by Michael Evans - The Sydney Morning Herald - 21st November 2008
The retail king Gerry Harvey may have a personal fortune of about $1.6 billion but the Harvey Norman founder thinks donating to charity is "just wasted".
Asked in a new book about the role he and Harvey Norman play in the community, Mr Harvey said giving money to people who "are not putting anything back into the community" is like "helping a whole heap of no-hopers to survive for no good reason".
He said he believed in helping "develop people to their potential" because "when they achieve [their potential] they will put a lot more back into the community".
"You could go out and give a million dollars to a charity tomorrow to help the homeless. You could argue that it is just wasted. They are not putting anything back into the community.
"It might be a callous way of putting it but what are they doing? You are helping a whole heap of no-hopers to survive for no good reason. They are just a drag on the whole community.
"So did that million you gave them help? It helped to keep them alive but did it help our society? No. Society might have been better off without them but we are supposed to look after the disadvantaged and so we do it. But it doesn't help the society."
Mr Harvey added: "That is not to say we don't give money away to charities because we have given plenty away over the years. At the end of the day, the more quality individuals you develop in the community, the better off the community should be."
Earlier this year, Harvey Norman donated beds to a charity, Bridge Back to Life, that helps homeless men find rental accommodation.
The comments are in a new book, Master CEOs, by the Sydney funds manager Matthew Kidman.
Clare Martin, the chief executive of the Australian Council of Social Service, said: "I have really been impressed at corporate Australia and their real involvement in the wider community … and I always thought that Harvey Norman shared that as well.
"It does surprise me that Gerry Harvey, who's a very significant business figure, should not share the values of many other corporates."
In the interview, Mr Harvey also said that despite his wealth, "I still have a fear about going broke. I always think about it."
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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Gerry Harvey
Asked in a new book about the role he and Harvey Norman play in the community, Mr Harvey said giving money to people who "are not putting anything back into the community" is like "helping a whole heap of no-hopers to survive for no good reason".
He said he believed in helping "develop people to their potential" because "when they achieve [their potential] they will put a lot more back into the community".
"You could go out and give a million dollars to a charity tomorrow to help the homeless. You could argue that it is just wasted. They are not putting anything back into the community.
"It might be a callous way of putting it but what are they doing? You are helping a whole heap of no-hopers to survive for no good reason. They are just a drag on the whole community.
"So did that million you gave them help? It helped to keep them alive but did it help our society? No. Society might have been better off without them but we are supposed to look after the disadvantaged and so we do it. But it doesn't help the society."
Mr Harvey added: "That is not to say we don't give money away to charities because we have given plenty away over the years. At the end of the day, the more quality individuals you develop in the community, the better off the community should be."
Earlier this year, Harvey Norman donated beds to a charity, Bridge Back to Life, that helps homeless men find rental accommodation.
The comments are in a new book, Master CEOs, by the Sydney funds manager Matthew Kidman.
Clare Martin, the chief executive of the Australian Council of Social Service, said: "I have really been impressed at corporate Australia and their real involvement in the wider community … and I always thought that Harvey Norman shared that as well.
"It does surprise me that Gerry Harvey, who's a very significant business figure, should not share the values of many other corporates."
In the interview, Mr Harvey also said that despite his wealth, "I still have a fear about going broke. I always think about it."
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Gerry Harvey
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Social and Community Entrepreneurs Profiles Updated
Media Man Australia Profiles
Richard Branson
James Packer
Rupert Murdoch
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Richard Branson
James Packer
Rupert Murdoch
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Friday, November 07, 2008
Richard gets Holly and Sam involved in star-studded fundraiser - Hello Magazine - 6th November 2008
For most father-children teams typical family activities might include a trip to the cinema or a day at the park. Not for the Bransons, though. Weeks after Richard Branson and his 26-year-old daughter Holly and son Sam, 23, braved ferocious storms and choppy waters on a transatlantic speed sailing attempt, the trio reunited to host a glittering charity fundraiser.
Holly - who left her medical career earlier this year to take up a position with her father's company - and Sam, who intends to follow his sister's lead in the future, joined high profile guests at the charity auction supper in London. Those attending included Holly's royal pal Princess Beatrice and her mum the Duchess of York.
Partygoers bid for lots, including a holiday at Sir Richard's private island in the British Virgin Islands and a trip to Jamaica hosted by Bob Marley's wife, to raise funds for the billionaire entrepreneur's Virgin Unite organisation. The charity gives aid to a number of causes, from global health issues to the homeless.
Other famous faces at the event included British funnyman David Walliams, Welsh actor Rhys Ifans and US singer Kelly Rowland. Providing the entertainment on the night was Aussie songbird Natalie Imbruglia, who perform a set of her hits.
(Credit: Hello Magazine)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Unite
Holly - who left her medical career earlier this year to take up a position with her father's company - and Sam, who intends to follow his sister's lead in the future, joined high profile guests at the charity auction supper in London. Those attending included Holly's royal pal Princess Beatrice and her mum the Duchess of York.
Partygoers bid for lots, including a holiday at Sir Richard's private island in the British Virgin Islands and a trip to Jamaica hosted by Bob Marley's wife, to raise funds for the billionaire entrepreneur's Virgin Unite organisation. The charity gives aid to a number of causes, from global health issues to the homeless.
Other famous faces at the event included British funnyman David Walliams, Welsh actor Rhys Ifans and US singer Kelly Rowland. Providing the entertainment on the night was Aussie songbird Natalie Imbruglia, who perform a set of her hits.
(Credit: Hello Magazine)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Unite
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Australia’s richest entrepreneurs support indigenous jobs pact, by James Thomson - 31st October 2008
Some of Australia’s richest entrepreneurs including Rupert Murdoch, James Packer and Andrew Forrest have backed a historic agreement designed to provide 50,000 jobs for indigenous Australians.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd signed the Australian Employment Covenant in a ceremony in Canberra yesterday. The pact, which was created by one of Australia’s richest men, Fortescue Metals Group chief Andrew Forrest, is aimed at breaking the welfare cycle by providing more than 50,000 jobs to indigenous Australians.
More than 15 major companies have signed up to the agreement, including Fortescue, Santos, Lindsay Fox’s trucking group Linfox and James Packer’s casino group Crown. More than 5000 jobs have already been committed to.
Forrest told the group that Australia had to address the challenge of helping indigenous people and thanked his fellow entrepreneurs for supporting the initiative despite the uncertain economic climate.
“Yes, times are crook in Tullarook right now, but nowhere will it be crooker, nowhere will the suffering be more intense during any monetary meltdown than in our most underprivileged.”
The Federal Government will also set up a program offering $20 million worth of scholarships to help up to 2000 indigenous students attend some of the country's top secondary schools.
Aboriginal leader Noel Pearson wept after the singing of the agreement.
“We're going to look back on this... as that moment in the history of the country when government and society made a commitment to people that if you take up the cudgels of responsibility we will guarantee you a job, we will set forth before you a prospect of climbing up in the world, a home, a future for your children, a fair stake in this, your own land.”
Companies interested in participating in the Australian Employment Covenant can find more information at www.fiftythousandjobs.com.au
Media Man Australia Profiles
Rupert Murdoch
James Packer
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd signed the Australian Employment Covenant in a ceremony in Canberra yesterday. The pact, which was created by one of Australia’s richest men, Fortescue Metals Group chief Andrew Forrest, is aimed at breaking the welfare cycle by providing more than 50,000 jobs to indigenous Australians.
More than 15 major companies have signed up to the agreement, including Fortescue, Santos, Lindsay Fox’s trucking group Linfox and James Packer’s casino group Crown. More than 5000 jobs have already been committed to.
Forrest told the group that Australia had to address the challenge of helping indigenous people and thanked his fellow entrepreneurs for supporting the initiative despite the uncertain economic climate.
“Yes, times are crook in Tullarook right now, but nowhere will it be crooker, nowhere will the suffering be more intense during any monetary meltdown than in our most underprivileged.”
The Federal Government will also set up a program offering $20 million worth of scholarships to help up to 2000 indigenous students attend some of the country's top secondary schools.
Aboriginal leader Noel Pearson wept after the singing of the agreement.
“We're going to look back on this... as that moment in the history of the country when government and society made a commitment to people that if you take up the cudgels of responsibility we will guarantee you a job, we will set forth before you a prospect of climbing up in the world, a home, a future for your children, a fair stake in this, your own land.”
Companies interested in participating in the Australian Employment Covenant can find more information at www.fiftythousandjobs.com.au
Media Man Australia Profiles
Rupert Murdoch
James Packer
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Theron dreams of being Virgin boss - The Press Association - 25th October 2008
It would seem billionaire tycoon Sir Richard Branson has a new number one fan, none other than Hollywood superstar Charlize Theron.
While the entrepreneur is all at sea after abandoning his bid to break the world record for crossing the Atlantic, the Academy Award-winning actress stepped out in Hollywood for a special fundraiser for his charity Virgin Unite.
And Charlize couldn't say enough about Sir Richard: "He's got to be that guy that we all just secretly want to live his life."
"Even if it's just for a week I mean wouldn't that be incredible? If you had to pick one person he would be the guy for me, I would want to be him for a week."
Despite having her own hugely successful career, the actress confessed to being in awe of the Virgin boss: "He's an inspiration, I think we want to surround ourselves with people who inspire you and push you and this guy does that on a level that is out of control."
At the same event, Scream actress Neve Campbell, who is now based in London after marrying an Englishman, revealed she has acquired a taste for fish and chips.
"I like the chips, there's nothing wrong with the chips," she said.
And these days she said it's rare you'll find her hanging out in swanky bars: "You can find some really good British pubs can't you? I have a local, I'm not going to say which one, but yes I do."
But there's one thing the actress hasn't quite managed to stomach: "Marmite? No, I can't stand Marmite but its one of those things. You either love it or you hate it and I hate it."
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Unite
While the entrepreneur is all at sea after abandoning his bid to break the world record for crossing the Atlantic, the Academy Award-winning actress stepped out in Hollywood for a special fundraiser for his charity Virgin Unite.
And Charlize couldn't say enough about Sir Richard: "He's got to be that guy that we all just secretly want to live his life."
"Even if it's just for a week I mean wouldn't that be incredible? If you had to pick one person he would be the guy for me, I would want to be him for a week."
Despite having her own hugely successful career, the actress confessed to being in awe of the Virgin boss: "He's an inspiration, I think we want to surround ourselves with people who inspire you and push you and this guy does that on a level that is out of control."
At the same event, Scream actress Neve Campbell, who is now based in London after marrying an Englishman, revealed she has acquired a taste for fish and chips.
"I like the chips, there's nothing wrong with the chips," she said.
And these days she said it's rare you'll find her hanging out in swanky bars: "You can find some really good British pubs can't you? I have a local, I'm not going to say which one, but yes I do."
But there's one thing the actress hasn't quite managed to stomach: "Marmite? No, I can't stand Marmite but its one of those things. You either love it or you hate it and I hate it."
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Unite
Reporting anonymous claims from gambling addicts
24th October 2008
Press Release: Charity Gaming Association
From Charity Gaming Association (Inc)
Issues with reporting anonymous claims from gambling addicts
In the New Zealand Herald of 23 October, its 2008 Qantas award winning journalist, Simon Collins, reported the claims of a self-confessed "pathological gambler" who refused to give his surname because he had a public profile.
According to the NZ Herald "Matt" made the following claims:
• Gaming machine manufacturer Aristocrat is being sued in a civil court action in Australia for designing machines to hook addicts • Aristocrat makes $1.4 billion a year in turnover • He had sunk $1m into poker machines.
The first claim is totally untrue. There is no civil action in any court in Australia which seeks damages from Aristocrat for designing machines to hook addicts. The only civil court case Aristocrat has been involved with in Australia has been over stock exchange issues.
A simple phone call by the reporter to check the assertion would have revealed the facts of the matter.
The second claim is that Aristocrat makes $1.4 billion a year in turnover. This too is wrong and could have been checked with a simple phone call. The fact of the matter is that Aristocrat New Zealand's revenue in 2007 was $25.2 million.
The self confessed gambler could have checked that what he was saying in that public forum, organised by the Problem Gambling Foundation, was true.
The Problem Gambling Foundation should have checked that what their client was going to say was true. After all he didn't just turn up there. His participation was arranged by the PGF to make a point to the candidates. They should have ensured the points being made were accurate otherwise they are guilty of trying to mislead the Parliamentarians and prospective Parliamentarians who were present.
But, most of all, the Herald's reporter had an ethical duty as a journalist to confirm that the claims against Aristocrat were accurate before reporting them without qualification.
The industry is concerned that people with problem gambling behaviours receive all the help they need to recover from their addiction.
That is why the industry has always willingly supported the concept of the Problem Gambling Levy - which now fully funds treatment and research into problem gambling at a cost of $20m a year.
Often, making a public confession can be a useful and cathartic part of the treatment process.
But, problem gamblers are often very adept at denying reality and have developed very comprehensive deception strategies to themselves and others. They frequently exist in a world where the truth and facts about their gambling behaviour, and gambling itself, are reconstructed to suit their distorted world view.
It is also natural, when confronted with the inescapable truth that their personal behaviour has caused their problem, to seek to blame others.
People with gambling addictions are very similar to people recovering from alcohol addictions. They are struggling.
It is unlikely that journalists would uncritically publish assertions about breweries putting additives in their beer to make people drink more if they were made by recovering alcoholics.
It is important that the news media apply the same standards of skeptical scrutiny to claims made by recovering problem gamblers - particularly when they are made in a political forum by an organisation which has a political agenda.
(Credit: Scoop.co.nz)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Press Release: Charity Gaming Association
From Charity Gaming Association (Inc)
Issues with reporting anonymous claims from gambling addicts
In the New Zealand Herald of 23 October, its 2008 Qantas award winning journalist, Simon Collins, reported the claims of a self-confessed "pathological gambler" who refused to give his surname because he had a public profile.
According to the NZ Herald "Matt" made the following claims:
• Gaming machine manufacturer Aristocrat is being sued in a civil court action in Australia for designing machines to hook addicts • Aristocrat makes $1.4 billion a year in turnover • He had sunk $1m into poker machines.
The first claim is totally untrue. There is no civil action in any court in Australia which seeks damages from Aristocrat for designing machines to hook addicts. The only civil court case Aristocrat has been involved with in Australia has been over stock exchange issues.
A simple phone call by the reporter to check the assertion would have revealed the facts of the matter.
The second claim is that Aristocrat makes $1.4 billion a year in turnover. This too is wrong and could have been checked with a simple phone call. The fact of the matter is that Aristocrat New Zealand's revenue in 2007 was $25.2 million.
The self confessed gambler could have checked that what he was saying in that public forum, organised by the Problem Gambling Foundation, was true.
The Problem Gambling Foundation should have checked that what their client was going to say was true. After all he didn't just turn up there. His participation was arranged by the PGF to make a point to the candidates. They should have ensured the points being made were accurate otherwise they are guilty of trying to mislead the Parliamentarians and prospective Parliamentarians who were present.
But, most of all, the Herald's reporter had an ethical duty as a journalist to confirm that the claims against Aristocrat were accurate before reporting them without qualification.
The industry is concerned that people with problem gambling behaviours receive all the help they need to recover from their addiction.
That is why the industry has always willingly supported the concept of the Problem Gambling Levy - which now fully funds treatment and research into problem gambling at a cost of $20m a year.
Often, making a public confession can be a useful and cathartic part of the treatment process.
But, problem gamblers are often very adept at denying reality and have developed very comprehensive deception strategies to themselves and others. They frequently exist in a world where the truth and facts about their gambling behaviour, and gambling itself, are reconstructed to suit their distorted world view.
It is also natural, when confronted with the inescapable truth that their personal behaviour has caused their problem, to seek to blame others.
People with gambling addictions are very similar to people recovering from alcohol addictions. They are struggling.
It is unlikely that journalists would uncritically publish assertions about breweries putting additives in their beer to make people drink more if they were made by recovering alcoholics.
It is important that the news media apply the same standards of skeptical scrutiny to claims made by recovering problem gamblers - particularly when they are made in a political forum by an organisation which has a political agenda.
(Credit: Scoop.co.nz)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Monday, October 20, 2008
Telegraph Cares - The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph - Telegraph Cares
Media Man Australia Profiles
News Corp
Rupert Murdoch
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Media Man Australia Profiles
News Corp
Rupert Murdoch
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Kevin Rudd takes $2m stride with Andrew Johns, by Clementine Cuneo - The Daily Telegraph - 20th October 2008
League great Andrew Johns called it his "hare-brained idea" - but after just one day of his week-long charity trek, the former Newcastle Knight has raised more than $2 million for bipolar disorder research.
With Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at his side, Johns yesterday began his six-day walk from Newcastle to Sydney in a bid to raise money for the Black Dog Institute.
It was only a year ago that the former Australian captain revealed his secret battle with mental illness.
Andrew Johns' diary: Rudd put spring in my step
Telegraph cares: Our new initiative to help charities
Now he says the NIB Andrew Johns Walk is his way of giving something back to the people who helped and supported him though the toughest time of his life.
"It was a hare-brained idea I came up with to do this, but I wanted to say thank you and also help other people out there who are struggling with mental illness," Johns said.
More than 600,000 people across Australia suffer from bipolar disorder.
Announcing a $2 million donation to the Black Dog Institute, Mr Rudd praised Johns for speaking about his battle with depression, describing him as an inspiration to millions of people dealing with mental illness.
"What we are doing and what Andrew has been doing for a long time is removing that last great Australian taboo - talking openly about mental illness," Mr Rudd said.
Walker Chris Osborne, said it wasn't until he read Johns' biography that he realised he may also have bipolar disorder. "Being on this walk for me is about dealing with bipolar disorder and learning more about it."
(Credit: The Daily Telegraph)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
With Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at his side, Johns yesterday began his six-day walk from Newcastle to Sydney in a bid to raise money for the Black Dog Institute.
It was only a year ago that the former Australian captain revealed his secret battle with mental illness.
Andrew Johns' diary: Rudd put spring in my step
Telegraph cares: Our new initiative to help charities
Now he says the NIB Andrew Johns Walk is his way of giving something back to the people who helped and supported him though the toughest time of his life.
"It was a hare-brained idea I came up with to do this, but I wanted to say thank you and also help other people out there who are struggling with mental illness," Johns said.
More than 600,000 people across Australia suffer from bipolar disorder.
Announcing a $2 million donation to the Black Dog Institute, Mr Rudd praised Johns for speaking about his battle with depression, describing him as an inspiration to millions of people dealing with mental illness.
"What we are doing and what Andrew has been doing for a long time is removing that last great Australian taboo - talking openly about mental illness," Mr Rudd said.
Walker Chris Osborne, said it wasn't until he read Johns' biography that he realised he may also have bipolar disorder. "Being on this walk for me is about dealing with bipolar disorder and learning more about it."
(Credit: The Daily Telegraph)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Friday, October 17, 2008
He's trying to raise $15,000 to meet Richard Branson, by Benson Ang - Singapore Press Holdings - 17th October 2008
But man tells people on Orchard Rd that money is for business school
You may have seen this man on Orchard Road on Tuesday, clad in singlet and pants, carrying a signboard and offering bookmarks and hugs.
The sign reads: 'Help Me Raise Funds to Enter a Business School and Get a Free Hug!'
Speak to him and you discover what he really wants is money to fly to Los Angeles to meet his idol, the flamboyant English billionaire Richard Branson, at a charity dinner.
The 24-year-old did not want to reveal his real name, explaining: 'I do not know how my family and my relatives will react to this.
'So if anything negative comes out, I can just say it's another person, for the time being.'
But he has already exposed his identity by agreeing to be photographed, we told him. His reply: 'Do you know how many people look like me? I'm quite surprised. Just today, I saw four people who looked like me.'
So he asked to be known by his alias, Casper White, instead.
Why is he raising money like this? He said: 'If you think I am crazy, you are not the first person to say so.'
He said he and two friends were trying to raise money for three plane tickets to Los Angeles, so that they could attend a charity dinner called Rock the Kasbah, organised by Mr Branson. (See report on facing page.)
Casper and his friends have until Sunday to raise $15,000, or $5,000 a person.
He declined to reveal how much money he had on his own.
Just finished NS
He said he graduated from Temasek Polytechnic with a diploma in Information Technology two years ago and finished his national service last month.
He became interested in business in August last year, and began to be inspired by Mr Branson, whom he calls his 'Kurt Cobain' (the late frontman of rock band Nirvana).
'The people (at the charity dinner) are all very experienced and wise businessmen who can sell ice to Eskimos, who can make millions just out of a few bucks.
'When we go there, and are surrounded by these businessmen, they will pass their knowledge to us, and we can be just as successful.'
Casper said he had some business projects in mind, but declined to reveal further details.
'First, I'm going to tell him (Mr Branson) the things I went through just to be there. Second, I want to tell him how much I respect him, his values, his principles.
'Third, I will ask for what opportunities he can offer to my homeland - Singapore - which I can take up and spread throughout the country.'
Casper has been asking people to buy bookmarks from him 'at a minimum of $2'. He bought the bookmarks for about 20 cents each that morning from a neighbourhood stationary shop.
He raised about $570 on Tuesday, and hugged six people. Yesterday, he managed to raise another $60.
What if he fails to raise enough money? 'I don't think of the negative. But in the worst-case scenario, we'll just donate all proceeds to Virgin Unite.'
Virgin Unite is the independent charity arm of Mr Branson's Virgin Group.
Was he being honest by saying on his sign that he wanted money to enrol in a business school? 'I'm not lying. When I go to Los Angeles, I will be meeting up with some very successful people, millionaires and billionaires. And they will pass down to me wisdom, information, teachings and principles, which I have to take in and apply, to be successful.
'Isn't that like school also?'
Do his parents approve? His mother, accounts assistant Azizah Latiff, 47, said: 'Initially, I told him that it's not such a good idea because the stock market was crashing. But he insisted that he wants to go, and is putting all his effort into it. I just hope it will become a reality.'
Said his father, Mr Shariff Ahmad, 58, who is unemployed: 'At first, I told him that it was crazy to do this. I think it's not easy. But I hope the best for him, lah.'
Casper, who lives in a five-room HDB flat in the East with his parents, said: 'They told me to get a job. But I don't want a job. The only way to be truly happy and secure is to have a business, or a business mindset.'
Did he consider other ways to raise money?
He said: 'We have two days to raise $15,000. If we want to work, the only job I can think of is called The Italian Job, meaning we go rob a bank, and steal the money.
Gaining experience
'We thought of borrowing (the money), but it's more of a hassle because of interest. We also want to gain the experience, and go through the challenge, to make us grow stronger, wiser and more mature.'
Casper claims his success rate is about one in 40 people approached, and that the highest amount he received was $100.
A police spokesman told The New Paper: 'Such sales are considered as illegal hawking if there is no prior approval from the National Environment Agency (NEA).
'The public is advised to lodge a complaint with the NEA should they encounter such street sales.
'The public may also call the police for assistance should they be harassed during the pitching of such sales.'
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Unite
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
You may have seen this man on Orchard Road on Tuesday, clad in singlet and pants, carrying a signboard and offering bookmarks and hugs.
The sign reads: 'Help Me Raise Funds to Enter a Business School and Get a Free Hug!'
Speak to him and you discover what he really wants is money to fly to Los Angeles to meet his idol, the flamboyant English billionaire Richard Branson, at a charity dinner.
The 24-year-old did not want to reveal his real name, explaining: 'I do not know how my family and my relatives will react to this.
'So if anything negative comes out, I can just say it's another person, for the time being.'
But he has already exposed his identity by agreeing to be photographed, we told him. His reply: 'Do you know how many people look like me? I'm quite surprised. Just today, I saw four people who looked like me.'
So he asked to be known by his alias, Casper White, instead.
Why is he raising money like this? He said: 'If you think I am crazy, you are not the first person to say so.'
He said he and two friends were trying to raise money for three plane tickets to Los Angeles, so that they could attend a charity dinner called Rock the Kasbah, organised by Mr Branson. (See report on facing page.)
Casper and his friends have until Sunday to raise $15,000, or $5,000 a person.
He declined to reveal how much money he had on his own.
Just finished NS
He said he graduated from Temasek Polytechnic with a diploma in Information Technology two years ago and finished his national service last month.
He became interested in business in August last year, and began to be inspired by Mr Branson, whom he calls his 'Kurt Cobain' (the late frontman of rock band Nirvana).
'The people (at the charity dinner) are all very experienced and wise businessmen who can sell ice to Eskimos, who can make millions just out of a few bucks.
'When we go there, and are surrounded by these businessmen, they will pass their knowledge to us, and we can be just as successful.'
Casper said he had some business projects in mind, but declined to reveal further details.
'First, I'm going to tell him (Mr Branson) the things I went through just to be there. Second, I want to tell him how much I respect him, his values, his principles.
'Third, I will ask for what opportunities he can offer to my homeland - Singapore - which I can take up and spread throughout the country.'
Casper has been asking people to buy bookmarks from him 'at a minimum of $2'. He bought the bookmarks for about 20 cents each that morning from a neighbourhood stationary shop.
He raised about $570 on Tuesday, and hugged six people. Yesterday, he managed to raise another $60.
What if he fails to raise enough money? 'I don't think of the negative. But in the worst-case scenario, we'll just donate all proceeds to Virgin Unite.'
Virgin Unite is the independent charity arm of Mr Branson's Virgin Group.
Was he being honest by saying on his sign that he wanted money to enrol in a business school? 'I'm not lying. When I go to Los Angeles, I will be meeting up with some very successful people, millionaires and billionaires. And they will pass down to me wisdom, information, teachings and principles, which I have to take in and apply, to be successful.
'Isn't that like school also?'
Do his parents approve? His mother, accounts assistant Azizah Latiff, 47, said: 'Initially, I told him that it's not such a good idea because the stock market was crashing. But he insisted that he wants to go, and is putting all his effort into it. I just hope it will become a reality.'
Said his father, Mr Shariff Ahmad, 58, who is unemployed: 'At first, I told him that it was crazy to do this. I think it's not easy. But I hope the best for him, lah.'
Casper, who lives in a five-room HDB flat in the East with his parents, said: 'They told me to get a job. But I don't want a job. The only way to be truly happy and secure is to have a business, or a business mindset.'
Did he consider other ways to raise money?
He said: 'We have two days to raise $15,000. If we want to work, the only job I can think of is called The Italian Job, meaning we go rob a bank, and steal the money.
Gaining experience
'We thought of borrowing (the money), but it's more of a hassle because of interest. We also want to gain the experience, and go through the challenge, to make us grow stronger, wiser and more mature.'
Casper claims his success rate is about one in 40 people approached, and that the highest amount he received was $100.
A police spokesman told The New Paper: 'Such sales are considered as illegal hawking if there is no prior approval from the National Environment Agency (NEA).
'The public is advised to lodge a complaint with the NEA should they encounter such street sales.
'The public may also call the police for assistance should they be harassed during the pitching of such sales.'
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Unite
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Thursday, October 16, 2008
'Iconoclasts' returns, bright-eyed if a bit pat, by Ted Cox - Daily Herald - 16th October 2008
Two people can bring out the worst in each other, as anyone who's seen the presidential debates can attest. But a unified couple can also have the opposite effect - on themselves and those around them.
"Iconoclasts," the wonderfully whimsical celebrity-on-celebrity interview program, returns at 9 p.m. today on the Sundance Channel, and its fourth season premiere is testimony to that beneficial impact we sometimes have on one another.
In a series based upon unlikely pairings, the season debut offers one of the unlikeliest: South Africa's Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu and British entrepreneur, adventurer and billionaire Sir Richard Branson. What could they possibly have in common? Well, a remarkable fondness for each other, to start, but also a bright-eyed optimism about the state and fate of the world, no matter how dire the current situation.
I have to say, in some ways the Branson-Tutu pairing is "Iconoclasts" at its best, but it also reveals some pitfalls to the show's premise. When the subjects are so big, as these two world figures are, they aren't likely to be pushed to any new insights by the producer-director and crew. Although Tutu and Branson express a clear and mutual affection for each other and a remarkable buoyancy, they don't really get to interact all that much, unless you count Branson trying to give Tutu a short-lived swimming lesson in the ocean-view pool he has on his private island.
There is none of the fascinating conversational back-and-forth that can make "Iconoclasts" so captivating, as was the case between Quentin Tarantino and Fiona Apple in the second season. Instead, there is a lot of historical background on both as individuals, mixed with a few heartwarming scenes of them together.
Yet they are genuinely heartwarming. These are two huge souls, and it's a kick to see them together, even when tossed in with a self-important, idealistic mission organizing a group called the Elders.
That too is a problem, however. Branson and Tutu hope to make the Elders a force for world peace, using well-respected leaders like former Irish President Mary Robinson and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to mediate conflicts in global hot spots. Yet what does it have to do with Branson and Tutu when fellow Elders organizer Peter Gabriel sits down at the piano to do a singalong on his anthem "Biko" with Roslyn and Jimmy Carter?
The setting is kind of off-putting, too, for anyone not to the manor born. Yes, it's easy to dream of world peace when you're sitting on your own private island, taking discussion breaks with catamaran races and ending the day with your own personal fireworks display.
Yet Tutu, for one, cuts right through the opulence. It's not as if he hasn't seen the other side of life in South Africa under apartheid.
"People are dying in wars," he acknowledges, "but there's goodness and laughter." In effect, he engages a one-man attack on cynicism, and that battle is joined by Branson. "I was just thinking how easy it is to pooh-pooh attempts to change the world," Tutu says. "Because what can a few individuals do in the face of all the ghastliness?" That makes the fight to turn the world into "a slightly more compassionate place" all the more noble.
"You can't be human all by yourself," Tutu says. "We are all connected. - When you are successful, it spreads out."
Branson couldn't have a more eloquent friend and ally, and he projects his own jolly mission to make the world a better place - whether through world peace or simply a better airline.
In the end, "Iconoclasts" wipes away most if not all of the preconceptions and suspicions a viewer might bring to it, to revel in unlikely yet enduring connections between human beings. "There is an extraordinary alchemy that happens between two people," Tutu says, and that expresses the wonder of "Iconoclasts" in its essence.
• Ted Cox writes Tuesday and Thursday in L&E and Friday in Sports and Time out!
Media Man Australia Profiles
Richard Branson
The Elders
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
"Iconoclasts," the wonderfully whimsical celebrity-on-celebrity interview program, returns at 9 p.m. today on the Sundance Channel, and its fourth season premiere is testimony to that beneficial impact we sometimes have on one another.
In a series based upon unlikely pairings, the season debut offers one of the unlikeliest: South Africa's Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu and British entrepreneur, adventurer and billionaire Sir Richard Branson. What could they possibly have in common? Well, a remarkable fondness for each other, to start, but also a bright-eyed optimism about the state and fate of the world, no matter how dire the current situation.
I have to say, in some ways the Branson-Tutu pairing is "Iconoclasts" at its best, but it also reveals some pitfalls to the show's premise. When the subjects are so big, as these two world figures are, they aren't likely to be pushed to any new insights by the producer-director and crew. Although Tutu and Branson express a clear and mutual affection for each other and a remarkable buoyancy, they don't really get to interact all that much, unless you count Branson trying to give Tutu a short-lived swimming lesson in the ocean-view pool he has on his private island.
There is none of the fascinating conversational back-and-forth that can make "Iconoclasts" so captivating, as was the case between Quentin Tarantino and Fiona Apple in the second season. Instead, there is a lot of historical background on both as individuals, mixed with a few heartwarming scenes of them together.
Yet they are genuinely heartwarming. These are two huge souls, and it's a kick to see them together, even when tossed in with a self-important, idealistic mission organizing a group called the Elders.
That too is a problem, however. Branson and Tutu hope to make the Elders a force for world peace, using well-respected leaders like former Irish President Mary Robinson and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to mediate conflicts in global hot spots. Yet what does it have to do with Branson and Tutu when fellow Elders organizer Peter Gabriel sits down at the piano to do a singalong on his anthem "Biko" with Roslyn and Jimmy Carter?
The setting is kind of off-putting, too, for anyone not to the manor born. Yes, it's easy to dream of world peace when you're sitting on your own private island, taking discussion breaks with catamaran races and ending the day with your own personal fireworks display.
Yet Tutu, for one, cuts right through the opulence. It's not as if he hasn't seen the other side of life in South Africa under apartheid.
"People are dying in wars," he acknowledges, "but there's goodness and laughter." In effect, he engages a one-man attack on cynicism, and that battle is joined by Branson. "I was just thinking how easy it is to pooh-pooh attempts to change the world," Tutu says. "Because what can a few individuals do in the face of all the ghastliness?" That makes the fight to turn the world into "a slightly more compassionate place" all the more noble.
"You can't be human all by yourself," Tutu says. "We are all connected. - When you are successful, it spreads out."
Branson couldn't have a more eloquent friend and ally, and he projects his own jolly mission to make the world a better place - whether through world peace or simply a better airline.
In the end, "Iconoclasts" wipes away most if not all of the preconceptions and suspicions a viewer might bring to it, to revel in unlikely yet enduring connections between human beings. "There is an extraordinary alchemy that happens between two people," Tutu says, and that expresses the wonder of "Iconoclasts" in its essence.
• Ted Cox writes Tuesday and Thursday in L&E and Friday in Sports and Time out!
Media Man Australia Profiles
Richard Branson
The Elders
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
The World Bank - Broadcasts
Website
The World Bank - Broadcast
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Financial News
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
The World Bank - Broadcast
Media Man Australia Profiles
Financial News
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
More needs to be done for Sydney's homeless: Welfare agencies, by Erin Maher - Macquarie National News - 4th October 2008
Welfare agencies want more to be done to help Sydney's homeless - claiming some services are poorly coordinated.
Over the past 20 years NSW spent up to $1 million on emergency assistance for one homeless man who had a severe drug addiction.
John O’Connor died last Saturday - but welfare groups say, if the money was spent on pro-active help he may still be alive today.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Over the past 20 years NSW spent up to $1 million on emergency assistance for one homeless man who had a severe drug addiction.
John O’Connor died last Saturday - but welfare groups say, if the money was spent on pro-active help he may still be alive today.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Find My Family - Putting Families Back Together
Legendary Australian actor Jack Thompson knows there can be no stronger bond than blood.
As a bloke adopted as a child and reunited with his father as an adult, Jack also knows that two people don't need to have met for them to share unconditional love.
On that note, Channel Seven is proud to announce Jack Thompson as the host of its brand new program, Find My Family.
Find My Family shares Jack's sentiment as it reunites lost souls and mends hearts that have been broken for a lifetime.
So many Australians have grown up without a mother, father, brother or sister, and often that absence leaves a gaping hole in their identity.
On Find My Family, long-lost loved ones are reunited and that hole is filled with tears of joy.
The hardest heart will be moved by the mother, pregnant too young and forced to bravely give her baby up for adoption, when she is reconnected with her son, grown up and with a child of his own.
Or there's the elation and devastation when a young woman looking for answers about her absent father, finds both a devastating truth from her long-lost uncle and a whole other family she never knew existed.
"When I was invited to host Find My Family I recognised immediately that in reuniting families I would be involved in something very dear to my heart," says Jack.
"I was adopted by a wonderful family, The Thompsons, but the reunion with my birth father that occurred after 42 years was an important moment of resolution in both his life and mine."
Channel Seven's Director of Programming and Production Tim Worner says Thompson's personal experience adds empathy and authority to these emotional moments.
"Find My Family is intensely human. It's deeply moving, joyous, sad, but enormously uplifting, all at the same time," says Tim.
Thompson's warmth and career-long association with distinctly Australian stories of trial and triumph, such as the films Breaker Morant and The Man from Snowy River, offers a welcome tender touch as the show deals with the repair of fractured family relationships.
"Above all, this show is a hero. The bonds that it has already created and will create for many years to come are something that makes Channel Seven immensely proud," Tim adds.
Find My Family is produced by Quail Television for Channel Seven. Executive Producers are John Rudd (Channel Seven) and Greg Quail (Quail TV).
Media Man Australia Profiles
Jack Thompson
Channel Seven
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
As a bloke adopted as a child and reunited with his father as an adult, Jack also knows that two people don't need to have met for them to share unconditional love.
On that note, Channel Seven is proud to announce Jack Thompson as the host of its brand new program, Find My Family.
Find My Family shares Jack's sentiment as it reunites lost souls and mends hearts that have been broken for a lifetime.
So many Australians have grown up without a mother, father, brother or sister, and often that absence leaves a gaping hole in their identity.
On Find My Family, long-lost loved ones are reunited and that hole is filled with tears of joy.
The hardest heart will be moved by the mother, pregnant too young and forced to bravely give her baby up for adoption, when she is reconnected with her son, grown up and with a child of his own.
Or there's the elation and devastation when a young woman looking for answers about her absent father, finds both a devastating truth from her long-lost uncle and a whole other family she never knew existed.
"When I was invited to host Find My Family I recognised immediately that in reuniting families I would be involved in something very dear to my heart," says Jack.
"I was adopted by a wonderful family, The Thompsons, but the reunion with my birth father that occurred after 42 years was an important moment of resolution in both his life and mine."
Channel Seven's Director of Programming and Production Tim Worner says Thompson's personal experience adds empathy and authority to these emotional moments.
"Find My Family is intensely human. It's deeply moving, joyous, sad, but enormously uplifting, all at the same time," says Tim.
Thompson's warmth and career-long association with distinctly Australian stories of trial and triumph, such as the films Breaker Morant and The Man from Snowy River, offers a welcome tender touch as the show deals with the repair of fractured family relationships.
"Above all, this show is a hero. The bonds that it has already created and will create for many years to come are something that makes Channel Seven immensely proud," Tim adds.
Find My Family is produced by Quail Television for Channel Seven. Executive Producers are John Rudd (Channel Seven) and Greg Quail (Quail TV).
Media Man Australia Profiles
Jack Thompson
Channel Seven
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Monday, September 29, 2008
Newman planned for charitable legacy after death, by Susan Haigh - AP - 29th September 2008
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Paul Newman broached the subject of his philanthropic legacy several years ago while fishing with friends Robert Forrester and David Horvitz off the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Even though he was a Hollywood icon — a 10-time Academy Award nominee known for his performances in such classic films as "Cool Hand Luke" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" — it was a rare moment in which Newman reflected on how he would be remembered after his death, Horvitz recalled Sunday.
"Most of the time he didn't think about legacy," he said. "He was pretty much in the moment."
But Newman, who died Friday of cancer at age 83, told the men he wanted to be remembered for the "Hole in the Wall" camps he helped to start across the world for children with life-threatening illnesses and to make sure that 100 percent of the profits from his popular food company, Newman's Own, would continue to benefit such camps and thousands of other charities.
Horvitz is chairman of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, which has 11 camps across the globe. Newman told him that he had been lucky in life, born with piercing blue eyes and gift for acting, and how it was unfair that so many innocent children were unlucky to have been burdened with devastating diseases such as AIDS or leukemia.
"He felt a need and an obligation to try to give back," Horvitz said.
"He loved the camps. He loved being there. He loved being with the kids," he added. "He loved their smiles and their laughter."
In 1982, Newman and writer A.E. Hotchner started Newman's Own to market Newman's original oil-and-vinegar dressing. It began as a joke and grew into a multimillion-dollar business.
Newman and his food company have given more than $250 million to charity over the years. Last year, $28 million from the sale of pasta sauces, salad dressings, popcorn and other products was distributed to a variety of social causes, including the Safe Water Network, which Newman helped start to provide safe drinking water to impoverished communities in places like India and Africa.
Until two years ago, Newman had the task of personally distributing the company's profits. But he and Forrester set up a private, independent foundation, known as Newman's Own Foundation, to carry on the work without Newman.
"Really, everything is in great shape," Forrester said of the foundation and the company after Newman's death.
"He said, 'When I'm not here, this foundation is to continue the tradition of giving all of this money away,'" Forrester said.
Forrester joked how such planning wasn't part of Newman's nature. A sign famously hangs in Newman's Westport, Conn., offices that reads, "If I had a plan I would be screwed."
Newman welcomed the opinions of others as he pursued the business and his philanthropic efforts. Forrester explained how the actor believed in the benefit of "creative chaos," where, as in a movie set, different people offer ideas about how a scene should be handled.
"That was Paul's enduring philosophy, and it worked," Forrester said. "It sounds awful, but it was part of Paul saying everybody had a voice."
At Forrester's request, Newman came up with what he wanted the Newman's Own company — he hated the word "brand" — to stand for. Newman listed quality food, fair labor practices, a mission focused on philanthropy and not profit, and an open environment in the workplace, not a bureaucratic one.
Forrester said that mission will continue, even though Newman is gone.
Also, his smiling face will still appear on bottles of marinade and boxes of frozen pizza, and his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, will still sit on the Newman's Own Foundation Board of Directors. Newman typically sat in on all the board meetings, with the exception of the most recent one, about a week ago.
Forrester said Newman's friends at Newman's Own — some who have worked there from the early days of the company — plan to look for ways to expand the business in order to carry out the actor's wishes and give away even more money.
"We're stewards of this legacy," he said.
On the Net:
* Newman's Own: http://www.newmansown.com
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Even though he was a Hollywood icon — a 10-time Academy Award nominee known for his performances in such classic films as "Cool Hand Luke" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" — it was a rare moment in which Newman reflected on how he would be remembered after his death, Horvitz recalled Sunday.
"Most of the time he didn't think about legacy," he said. "He was pretty much in the moment."
But Newman, who died Friday of cancer at age 83, told the men he wanted to be remembered for the "Hole in the Wall" camps he helped to start across the world for children with life-threatening illnesses and to make sure that 100 percent of the profits from his popular food company, Newman's Own, would continue to benefit such camps and thousands of other charities.
Horvitz is chairman of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, which has 11 camps across the globe. Newman told him that he had been lucky in life, born with piercing blue eyes and gift for acting, and how it was unfair that so many innocent children were unlucky to have been burdened with devastating diseases such as AIDS or leukemia.
"He felt a need and an obligation to try to give back," Horvitz said.
"He loved the camps. He loved being there. He loved being with the kids," he added. "He loved their smiles and their laughter."
In 1982, Newman and writer A.E. Hotchner started Newman's Own to market Newman's original oil-and-vinegar dressing. It began as a joke and grew into a multimillion-dollar business.
Newman and his food company have given more than $250 million to charity over the years. Last year, $28 million from the sale of pasta sauces, salad dressings, popcorn and other products was distributed to a variety of social causes, including the Safe Water Network, which Newman helped start to provide safe drinking water to impoverished communities in places like India and Africa.
Until two years ago, Newman had the task of personally distributing the company's profits. But he and Forrester set up a private, independent foundation, known as Newman's Own Foundation, to carry on the work without Newman.
"Really, everything is in great shape," Forrester said of the foundation and the company after Newman's death.
"He said, 'When I'm not here, this foundation is to continue the tradition of giving all of this money away,'" Forrester said.
Forrester joked how such planning wasn't part of Newman's nature. A sign famously hangs in Newman's Westport, Conn., offices that reads, "If I had a plan I would be screwed."
Newman welcomed the opinions of others as he pursued the business and his philanthropic efforts. Forrester explained how the actor believed in the benefit of "creative chaos," where, as in a movie set, different people offer ideas about how a scene should be handled.
"That was Paul's enduring philosophy, and it worked," Forrester said. "It sounds awful, but it was part of Paul saying everybody had a voice."
At Forrester's request, Newman came up with what he wanted the Newman's Own company — he hated the word "brand" — to stand for. Newman listed quality food, fair labor practices, a mission focused on philanthropy and not profit, and an open environment in the workplace, not a bureaucratic one.
Forrester said that mission will continue, even though Newman is gone.
Also, his smiling face will still appear on bottles of marinade and boxes of frozen pizza, and his wife, actress Joanne Woodward, will still sit on the Newman's Own Foundation Board of Directors. Newman typically sat in on all the board meetings, with the exception of the most recent one, about a week ago.
Forrester said Newman's friends at Newman's Own — some who have worked there from the early days of the company — plan to look for ways to expand the business in order to carry out the actor's wishes and give away even more money.
"We're stewards of this legacy," he said.
On the Net:
* Newman's Own: http://www.newmansown.com
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Social Entrepreneurship Awards Announced, by Heather Joslyn - The Chronicle of Philanthropy - 25th September 2008
Grass-roots programs focused on helping homeless people, rebuilding hurricane-devastated New Orleans, and rescuing girls from the sex trade are among the winners of the eighth annual Social Entrepreneurship Awards, given by the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, a think tank in New York that focuses on free-market issues.
The award focuses on groups whose work either replaces or complements existing government efforts, says the institute. “At a time when both major party presidential campaigns are emphasizing the importance of national and community service, these award winners underscore the fact that the impulse to serve—and creativity about how to do so—runs deep in America,” said Howard Husock, the institute’s vice president of programs and director of its Social Entrepreneurship Initiative, in a statement announcing the award winners.
The institute’s William E. Simon Lifetime Achievement Award, which carries a prize of $100,000, goes to George T. McDonald, founder of the Doe Fund,in New York. Created in 1990, the charity works to develop and implement programs that attack the problems of homelessness, addiction, and criminal recidivism.
Prizes of $25,000 each will be given to the following Social Entrepreneurship award-winners:
* Richard Grausman, founder of Careers through Culinary Arts Program, commonly known as C-CAP, a New York group created in 1990 to give high school students preparation for careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry, via home-economics courses and afterschool and summer programs.
* Rachel Lloyd, founder of Girls Educational and Mentoring Services, or GEMS, a New York group created in 1999 that works to rescue girls as young as 11 from the prostitution and pornography industries. The charity serves more than 1,200 girls per year through a variety of programs.
* Susan McWhinney-Morse, a co-founder of Beacon Hill Village, a Boston membership organization started in 2001 that helps elderly local residents reamin in their homes. More than a dozen similar groups have sprung up around the country, following Beacon Hill’s model.
* Zack Rosenburg, co-founder of St. Bernard Project, a New Orleans group started after Hurricane Katrina that has rebuilt more than 140 homes with the help of more than 8,000 volunteers.
* Robert L. Woodson Sr., founder of the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, a Washington organization created in 1981 whose Violence Free Zone program aims to link adults in a troubled neighborhood with local schools to prevent school violence. The program has expanded to cities across the country from its pilot effort in Washington in 2004.
The awards will be given out to winners at an event October 27 in New York.
The Manhattan Institute Social Entrepreneurship Initiative, created in 2001, is supported by the William E. Simon and JM Kaplan foundations, both of New York.
Greg Tingle comment
Sometimes just giving is reward enough in itself. Mind you, recognition also has its rewards. I know a great many people who have done some wonderful work in society, their names you will never hear about in the news, and that’s just the way they like it. Some of the world’s most worthy work often goes unreported, but the community whose lives are changed for the better are well aware of their gifts. Of course the scale of the hurricanes to hit the U.S did see some good deeds reported. It appears that the U.S government has realised the benefits in working closely with society and corporates. One doesn’t require a trophy or formal award to be a hero or world beater however there’s strong merit in the accolades. It also serves to remind us that we can always do more and to reach for the stars.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
The award focuses on groups whose work either replaces or complements existing government efforts, says the institute. “At a time when both major party presidential campaigns are emphasizing the importance of national and community service, these award winners underscore the fact that the impulse to serve—and creativity about how to do so—runs deep in America,” said Howard Husock, the institute’s vice president of programs and director of its Social Entrepreneurship Initiative, in a statement announcing the award winners.
The institute’s William E. Simon Lifetime Achievement Award, which carries a prize of $100,000, goes to George T. McDonald, founder of the Doe Fund,in New York. Created in 1990, the charity works to develop and implement programs that attack the problems of homelessness, addiction, and criminal recidivism.
Prizes of $25,000 each will be given to the following Social Entrepreneurship award-winners:
* Richard Grausman, founder of Careers through Culinary Arts Program, commonly known as C-CAP, a New York group created in 1990 to give high school students preparation for careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry, via home-economics courses and afterschool and summer programs.
* Rachel Lloyd, founder of Girls Educational and Mentoring Services, or GEMS, a New York group created in 1999 that works to rescue girls as young as 11 from the prostitution and pornography industries. The charity serves more than 1,200 girls per year through a variety of programs.
* Susan McWhinney-Morse, a co-founder of Beacon Hill Village, a Boston membership organization started in 2001 that helps elderly local residents reamin in their homes. More than a dozen similar groups have sprung up around the country, following Beacon Hill’s model.
* Zack Rosenburg, co-founder of St. Bernard Project, a New Orleans group started after Hurricane Katrina that has rebuilt more than 140 homes with the help of more than 8,000 volunteers.
* Robert L. Woodson Sr., founder of the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, a Washington organization created in 1981 whose Violence Free Zone program aims to link adults in a troubled neighborhood with local schools to prevent school violence. The program has expanded to cities across the country from its pilot effort in Washington in 2004.
The awards will be given out to winners at an event October 27 in New York.
The Manhattan Institute Social Entrepreneurship Initiative, created in 2001, is supported by the William E. Simon and JM Kaplan foundations, both of New York.
Greg Tingle comment
Sometimes just giving is reward enough in itself. Mind you, recognition also has its rewards. I know a great many people who have done some wonderful work in society, their names you will never hear about in the news, and that’s just the way they like it. Some of the world’s most worthy work often goes unreported, but the community whose lives are changed for the better are well aware of their gifts. Of course the scale of the hurricanes to hit the U.S did see some good deeds reported. It appears that the U.S government has realised the benefits in working closely with society and corporates. One doesn’t require a trophy or formal award to be a hero or world beater however there’s strong merit in the accolades. It also serves to remind us that we can always do more and to reach for the stars.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Clinton Global Initiative - Philanthropy's Faults - The Chronicle of Philanthropy - 26th September 2008
A panel at the Clinton Global Initiative on philanthropy in rural areas sparked a broader discussion — and complaints — about charitable giving.
The discussion’s moderator, Steve Gunderson, president of the Council on Foundations, struggled to keep the speakers focused on the main topic when one of them, Wangari Muta Maathai, said that not enough is done to help Africans lift themselves out of poverty.
“You have to help these people rise up and walk,” said Ms. Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, a charity in Kenya.
Rick Warren, pastor of the Saddleback Church, which does antipoverty work in Rwanda and elsewhere, agreed. “So much of what we do in philanthropic development robs people of dignity, removes initiative, destroys their own economy. It’s actually counterproductive,” he said.
Good giving works like an injection of yeast into dough — a relatively small amount can have expansive results with the right ingredients, he said.
“There’s a way to give that sustains and there’s a way to give that makes people dependent,” he said.
For Native Americans, however, that type of positive contribution has been hard to come by from the government and philanthropy, said Elsie Meeks, president of First Nations Oweesta Corporation, a charity in Rapid City, S.D.
“Native American tribes are really under the radar for most folks. There’s poor in the United States, if we can’t solve that issue in the United States, how are we going to do it in any other country?” she asked.
“One of the largest foundations in this world has a new CEO and was getting educated by some of his program officers about some of the poorest people in the United States — Native American women — [and] he said, So what? His point was there’s not enough of us,” she said.
Concerned that the session was getting too negative, Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Prize-winning founder of the Grameen Bank, said, “The message I think we don’t want to give as a panel is, Don’t give money for philanthropy. That’s not the message. The message is, Please do give, but it could be used much more powerfully.”
“Let’s not confuse things,” he said to the business executives and philanthropists in the crowd, “we need to share the wealth.”
— Ian Wilhelm
Greg Tingle comment
Wise words from Muhammad Yunus. As the old Chinese proverb goes, Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime. It also sounds like he was getting at giving a hand up, not a hand out. If a hand out is required to help get someone to the stage of a hand up, I think its generally the way to go. It's the old crawl, walk, run scenario.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Muhammad Yunus
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
The discussion’s moderator, Steve Gunderson, president of the Council on Foundations, struggled to keep the speakers focused on the main topic when one of them, Wangari Muta Maathai, said that not enough is done to help Africans lift themselves out of poverty.
“You have to help these people rise up and walk,” said Ms. Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, a charity in Kenya.
Rick Warren, pastor of the Saddleback Church, which does antipoverty work in Rwanda and elsewhere, agreed. “So much of what we do in philanthropic development robs people of dignity, removes initiative, destroys their own economy. It’s actually counterproductive,” he said.
Good giving works like an injection of yeast into dough — a relatively small amount can have expansive results with the right ingredients, he said.
“There’s a way to give that sustains and there’s a way to give that makes people dependent,” he said.
For Native Americans, however, that type of positive contribution has been hard to come by from the government and philanthropy, said Elsie Meeks, president of First Nations Oweesta Corporation, a charity in Rapid City, S.D.
“Native American tribes are really under the radar for most folks. There’s poor in the United States, if we can’t solve that issue in the United States, how are we going to do it in any other country?” she asked.
“One of the largest foundations in this world has a new CEO and was getting educated by some of his program officers about some of the poorest people in the United States — Native American women — [and] he said, So what? His point was there’s not enough of us,” she said.
Concerned that the session was getting too negative, Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Prize-winning founder of the Grameen Bank, said, “The message I think we don’t want to give as a panel is, Don’t give money for philanthropy. That’s not the message. The message is, Please do give, but it could be used much more powerfully.”
“Let’s not confuse things,” he said to the business executives and philanthropists in the crowd, “we need to share the wealth.”
— Ian Wilhelm
Greg Tingle comment
Wise words from Muhammad Yunus. As the old Chinese proverb goes, Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime. It also sounds like he was getting at giving a hand up, not a hand out. If a hand out is required to help get someone to the stage of a hand up, I think its generally the way to go. It's the old crawl, walk, run scenario.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Muhammad Yunus
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tanzania set to host 2008 Travelers’ Philanthropy Conference
By Apolinari Tairo
22nd September 2008
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (eTN) - Tanzania will officially be the second host of Travelers Philanthrophy Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Northern tourist town of Arusha early December this year.
The Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) has announced its acceptance to sponsor part of the conference and participate in the conference that will take place from December 3 - 5 this year with high expectations to attract over 300 participants, most from tourism business and environmental partnerships.
Ethiopian Airlines has been named the conference’s “preferred international airline.” It is providing a 50 percent discount on tickets for journalists covering the conference, as well as complimentary tickets for the US-based conference organizers. Ethiopian Airlines has an active travelers' philanthropy program, including Greener Ethiopia, which is aiming to plant two million trees in Ethiopia.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), together with the Jane Goodall Institute, is supporting the plenary session on “HIV AIDS: Responses from the Travel Industry” and the workshops under the stream “Travelers’ Philanthropy: Contribution to Conservation.”
Another conference sponsor will be the Conservation Corporation of Africa (CC Africa) is hosting the December 4 cocktail reception which will feature the company’s Ngorongoro Lodge Choir and will showcase the company’s educational outreach programs on HIV AIDS prevalence in Africa.
The regional offices in East and Southern Africa of the Ford Foundation are supporting the conference by providing several dozen scholarships for attendees and speakers, while the ProParques Foundation in Costa Rica and Basecamp Explorer Foundation will finance a new documentary on travelers’ philanthropy projects in East Africa and Costa Rica. The documentary by two young filmmakers from Stanford
University will be premiered at the conference.
Other co-sponsors and active supporters of the three-day event, which is being held at the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge outside Arusha in Northern Tanzania, include Country Walkers, Spirit of the Big Five Foundation, Thomson Safaris, Virgin Unite, Asilia Lodges and Camps, Africa Safari Lodge Foundation, and Honeyguide Foundations. International travel, airport transfers, and hotel bookings at the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, the conference venue outside Arusha, is being handled by Safari Ventures, a Tanzanian-owned travel agency which supports community projects.
Under the banner “Making Travelers’ Philanthropy Work for Development, Business, and Conservation,” the conference will focus on the growing trend among responsible tourism businesses to support community and conservation projects in the host countries where they operate.
The opening keynote speaker is Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Wangari Maathai, founder and leader of the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. Biologist Dr. David Western, who is founder of the Africa Conservation Centre and former director of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), will give a keynote address on "Ecotourism,
Conservation and Development in Eastern Africa." Other speakers and the full conference program are listed on the conference.
Arusha is a vibrant tourism town near the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru that serves as a gateway to Tanzania’s world renowned game parks. The conference also features eight outstanding safaris that combine wildlife viewing with visits to community projects supported by tourism businesses, as well as visits to Zanzibar and a trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro.
“This conference marks the most comprehensive examination to-date of travelers’ philanthropy – the growing global initiative by which tourism businesses and travelers are helping to support local schools, clinics, micro-enterprises, job training, conservation, and other types of projects in tourism destinations around the world,” said Dr. Martha Honey, co-director of the Center on Eco-tourism and Sustainable Development (CESD).
“We have chosen to hold the conference in East Africa because there are many fine examples of responsible tourism businesses,” she added. “The conference also features eight outstanding safaris that combine wildlife viewing with visits to community projects supported by tourism businesses, as well as visits to Zanzibar and a trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro.”
The conference is being organized by the US-based nonprofit organization, the Center on Eco-tourism and Sustainable Development (CESD), and a three-person team is in Arusha to coordinate the conference programs.
22nd September 2008
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (eTN) - Tanzania will officially be the second host of Travelers Philanthrophy Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Northern tourist town of Arusha early December this year.
The Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) has announced its acceptance to sponsor part of the conference and participate in the conference that will take place from December 3 - 5 this year with high expectations to attract over 300 participants, most from tourism business and environmental partnerships.
Ethiopian Airlines has been named the conference’s “preferred international airline.” It is providing a 50 percent discount on tickets for journalists covering the conference, as well as complimentary tickets for the US-based conference organizers. Ethiopian Airlines has an active travelers' philanthropy program, including Greener Ethiopia, which is aiming to plant two million trees in Ethiopia.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), together with the Jane Goodall Institute, is supporting the plenary session on “HIV AIDS: Responses from the Travel Industry” and the workshops under the stream “Travelers’ Philanthropy: Contribution to Conservation.”
Another conference sponsor will be the Conservation Corporation of Africa (CC Africa) is hosting the December 4 cocktail reception which will feature the company’s Ngorongoro Lodge Choir and will showcase the company’s educational outreach programs on HIV AIDS prevalence in Africa.
The regional offices in East and Southern Africa of the Ford Foundation are supporting the conference by providing several dozen scholarships for attendees and speakers, while the ProParques Foundation in Costa Rica and Basecamp Explorer Foundation will finance a new documentary on travelers’ philanthropy projects in East Africa and Costa Rica. The documentary by two young filmmakers from Stanford
University will be premiered at the conference.
Other co-sponsors and active supporters of the three-day event, which is being held at the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge outside Arusha in Northern Tanzania, include Country Walkers, Spirit of the Big Five Foundation, Thomson Safaris, Virgin Unite, Asilia Lodges and Camps, Africa Safari Lodge Foundation, and Honeyguide Foundations. International travel, airport transfers, and hotel bookings at the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, the conference venue outside Arusha, is being handled by Safari Ventures, a Tanzanian-owned travel agency which supports community projects.
Under the banner “Making Travelers’ Philanthropy Work for Development, Business, and Conservation,” the conference will focus on the growing trend among responsible tourism businesses to support community and conservation projects in the host countries where they operate.
The opening keynote speaker is Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Wangari Maathai, founder and leader of the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. Biologist Dr. David Western, who is founder of the Africa Conservation Centre and former director of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), will give a keynote address on "Ecotourism,
Conservation and Development in Eastern Africa." Other speakers and the full conference program are listed on the conference.
Arusha is a vibrant tourism town near the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru that serves as a gateway to Tanzania’s world renowned game parks. The conference also features eight outstanding safaris that combine wildlife viewing with visits to community projects supported by tourism businesses, as well as visits to Zanzibar and a trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro.
“This conference marks the most comprehensive examination to-date of travelers’ philanthropy – the growing global initiative by which tourism businesses and travelers are helping to support local schools, clinics, micro-enterprises, job training, conservation, and other types of projects in tourism destinations around the world,” said Dr. Martha Honey, co-director of the Center on Eco-tourism and Sustainable Development (CESD).
“We have chosen to hold the conference in East Africa because there are many fine examples of responsible tourism businesses,” she added. “The conference also features eight outstanding safaris that combine wildlife viewing with visits to community projects supported by tourism businesses, as well as visits to Zanzibar and a trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro.”
The conference is being organized by the US-based nonprofit organization, the Center on Eco-tourism and Sustainable Development (CESD), and a three-person team is in Arusha to coordinate the conference programs.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Charities and non-profit groups set for shake-up, by Daryl Passmore - The Sunday Mail - 21st September 2008
When you pop a box of Weet-Bix into your trolley during the weekly supermarket shop, do you feel like you are doing your bit for charity?
Sanitarium Health Foods is one of the country's biggest breakfast cereal companies, with a turnover of more than $300 million and about 1500 staff. But it pays no company tax on its profits.
That's because Sanitarium – Australia's first health food company, established 110 years ago – is owned by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and donates all its profit to the church for charitable activities including hospitals, educational facilities, indigenous programs and aid to people in developing countries.
In Sydney's western suburbs, a soccer club runs a used-car sales lot. It does not pay tax on its profits, either, because Australia is unique in the developed world in not taxing charities or non-profit organisations on this type of "related business income".
On the flipside, a community centre that starts running bus trips for lonely old folk could jeopardise its status as a Deductible Gift Recipient, with donations tax-deductible, because that is viewed as a "social", not "benevolent", activity.
All are part of a massive not-for-profit sector that includes everything from your child's local footy club to the Catholic Church, which turns over $15 billion a year from insurance companies through to funeral services.
The sector includes about 700,000 organisations – 150,000 of them incorporated – turning over more than $74 billion a year, according to the National Roundtable of Nonprofit Organisations.
It employs more than 884,000 paid staff and about 2.5 million volunteers. Nearly 90 per cent of Australians are members of a non-profit group and a third of adults have volunteered with one.
Much of the money is public funding – either through direct donations or government contracts to deliver services.
But despite it enormous size, the sector is characterised by a bewildering, almost chaotic array of laws, regulations, standards, governance models and methods of accountability.
A review is in progress, which could lead to the biggest overhaul of the sector in decades.
The Senate's standing committee on economics is holding an inquiry into the disclosure regimes for charities and not-for-profit organisations which, among other things, will examine the legal structures for registering and running groups, reporting requirements and improving transparency in the use of public and government funds.
Submissions closed last month and the committee will report by the end of November.
The inquiry was initiated by Democrat senators Lyn Allison and Andrew Murray, both of whom have since left Parliament, following a study by consumer group Choice in March.
What they found was that existing and potential supporters often faced huge challenges in finding out how money was used, how much made it to the intended target, how much was dwindled in administration and fund-raising costs, and how effective charities are in achieving their goals.
Choice spokesman Christopher Zinn said nearly nine out of 10 adults give to charity, with an annual average of more than $400.
"But despite such widespread support and high trust in the charitable sector, donors have concerns," Mr Zinn said.
"The problem is getting and comparing the information. Our research, including a survey of charities, found wide variability and inconsistency in the way they communicate key information to donors.
"That's if they communicate it at all. Sometimes, the information simply isn't publicly available.
"This absence of transparency means that the 90 per cent of us who want to donate have an almost impossible task in comparing charities and ensuring our money has the best effect.
"It's important not to have to rely on faith and trust keeping charities going."
Gina Anderson, chief executive officer of Philanthropy Australia, agrees greater scrutiny is essential to ensuring the continued growth in support from charitable trusts, foundations, corporations, families and individuals.
"Philanthropists, donors and social investors are asking for greater transparency to understand who is doing a good job and who isn't," she said.
She argues that the term "non-profit" has negative connotations and should be replaced with "Community Benefit Entity", and advocates a financial reporting system that differentiates between those established for charitable purposes and those with community purposes such as sporting groups and private clubs – with the level of public accountability varying according to size.
"The vast majority of not-for-profits turn over less than $500,000. Do we really want them to provide a full annual report? Probably not."
Most organisations welcome the inquiry, saying regulatory reform is well overdue.
"We now have the first opportunity for a generation – the first chance, perhaps, since Australia has been a nation – to consider the goals and needs and structures of the community sector from the ground up," said Rhonda Galbally, chief executive officer of Our Community, a resource centre for the sector.
Professor Myles McGregor-Lowndes, director of the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies at Queensland University of Technology, said: "There are quite a number of problems, particularly the outdated and archaic laws.
"When I was an articled clerk 25 years ago and went to register a company, it would take three weeks. Now I could walk in with my $300 and 10 minutes later, walk out with the certificate of incorporation and get on with business. But it still takes months to register incorporated associations."
Prof McGregor-Lowndes has devised a standard chart of accounts which could be adopted across the whole charity and non-profit area and for which there is virtually unanimous support. The issue, according to most in the sector, is not a lack of controls – but an excess. National charities have to register in each state, under nine separate pieces of legislation.
Anglicare Australia, in its submission to the inquiry, highlights the problem of overlapping jurisdictions "with 93 state, territory and Commonwealth bodies able to make a determination about an organisation's charitable status".
Depending what they do, groups have to comply with a raft of laws covering employment, insurance, child protection, aged care, environment, land ownership, privacy, food preparation and occupational health and safety.
It's time-consuming and expensive.
Rodney Brady, chief financial officer with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, said that while people were concerned about funds being chewed up by administration, regulatory requirements meant more and more money had to be used that way.
"A few years ago, we were able to run our overseas aid programs using other resources to cover overheads. The burden of requirements now means we have to use 10 per cent from the funds to cover the overheads."
Professor Mark Lyons from the University of Technology said: "Current regulatory arrangements encompassing non-profit organisations are a dreadful mess, they are costly to governments and non-profit organisations and disadvantage the public."
So complex and muddied were they that only a completely new, purpose-built system would work, he said.
"Tacking non-profits on to corporations and requiring ASIC (the Australian Securities and Investments Commission) to regulate them is certainly not appropriate," said Prof Lyons.
There is widespread support for a dedicated national regulator for the sector and one possible outcome of the inquiry is a Charity Commission.
Britain has had one for more than five years and New Zealand established one this year.
Strong supporters of the concept include Mission Australia and Oxfam Australia. They say that such a body should be responsible not only for registering and monitoring charities, but also for advocating to government and raising awareness and profile among the public.
Oxfam Australia executive director Andrew Hewett said an Australian Charity Commission would need to be well-resourced to avoid the risk of it becoming "a toothless tiger".
Prof McGregor-Lowndes said a Charity Commission would be the "Rolls-Royce" response – with a price tag to match.
With the UK body costing $75 million a year to look after 190,000 organisations and the New Zealand version costing about $15 million for 25,000 groups, an Australian commission would require about $60 million to handle up to 150,000.
Prof McGregor-Lowndes suspects the Federal Government would baulk at that and hand the job to ASIC.
Mr Brady, of the Adventists, said one of the strengths of the New Zealand commission was that it was a voluntary registration system.
"You don't have to join, but if you do then you get the benefits of having charitable status," he said.
And they include tax rebates on all donations. New Zealand has also joined other countries such as the US and Canada in removing an upper limit on the rebate allowed.
"People bemoan the fact that Australia is one of the lowest-giving countries in the world. But we do not have a tax regime that encourages donations to charity."
Mr Brady said the assumption by many people that charities, and churches in particular, did not pay any tax was inaccurate and frustrating. While they did not pay income tax, if profits went to charitable activities they were taxed "at many stages along the way", including GST.
Mission Australia is calling for current tax concessions to remain – and for charities and non-profits to be exempted from state taxes such as stamp duty.
Some of the major players – the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul among them – are unconvinced by the need for a commission, however.
"I think you would need to question whether we need another bureaucracy. Our preference would be to make the current regimes simpler and more effective," said Ms Anderson, of Philanthropy Australia.
Dr Ted Flack, who has 32 years' experience in the sector including periods as president of the Fundraising Institute of Australia and Volunteering Queensland, sees a danger of overkill in redesigning the regulatory regime and said it would not necessarily do anything to increase accountability.
"About 80 per cent of incorporated associations already comply and send their annual returns to the regulator. I'm not sure what that accomplishes because they are just filed, so apart from creating some public service jobs I'm not sure what difference it makes."
Dr Flack, now Queensland state director of communications and fund-raising for St Vincent de Paul and a part-time lecturer at the Centre for Philanthropy, said what mattered was that the people who were interested could find out about particular non-profits, and that would differ from large national charities and small fishing clubs with a handful of members.
He advocates different approaches for "public" non-profits which seek public money through donations and government grants, and "private" non-profits which don't.
"All we need to do is require those seeking some tax-exemption status ("public" non-profits) to prepare an annual report which includes a full financial statement and put it on a website," Dr Flack said. "It's the simplest and easiest way. It does not involve new bureaucracies or new forms of legal identities. The information is there for those who want it."
(Credit: News Limited)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Sanitarium Health Foods is one of the country's biggest breakfast cereal companies, with a turnover of more than $300 million and about 1500 staff. But it pays no company tax on its profits.
That's because Sanitarium – Australia's first health food company, established 110 years ago – is owned by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and donates all its profit to the church for charitable activities including hospitals, educational facilities, indigenous programs and aid to people in developing countries.
In Sydney's western suburbs, a soccer club runs a used-car sales lot. It does not pay tax on its profits, either, because Australia is unique in the developed world in not taxing charities or non-profit organisations on this type of "related business income".
On the flipside, a community centre that starts running bus trips for lonely old folk could jeopardise its status as a Deductible Gift Recipient, with donations tax-deductible, because that is viewed as a "social", not "benevolent", activity.
All are part of a massive not-for-profit sector that includes everything from your child's local footy club to the Catholic Church, which turns over $15 billion a year from insurance companies through to funeral services.
The sector includes about 700,000 organisations – 150,000 of them incorporated – turning over more than $74 billion a year, according to the National Roundtable of Nonprofit Organisations.
It employs more than 884,000 paid staff and about 2.5 million volunteers. Nearly 90 per cent of Australians are members of a non-profit group and a third of adults have volunteered with one.
Much of the money is public funding – either through direct donations or government contracts to deliver services.
But despite it enormous size, the sector is characterised by a bewildering, almost chaotic array of laws, regulations, standards, governance models and methods of accountability.
A review is in progress, which could lead to the biggest overhaul of the sector in decades.
The Senate's standing committee on economics is holding an inquiry into the disclosure regimes for charities and not-for-profit organisations which, among other things, will examine the legal structures for registering and running groups, reporting requirements and improving transparency in the use of public and government funds.
Submissions closed last month and the committee will report by the end of November.
The inquiry was initiated by Democrat senators Lyn Allison and Andrew Murray, both of whom have since left Parliament, following a study by consumer group Choice in March.
What they found was that existing and potential supporters often faced huge challenges in finding out how money was used, how much made it to the intended target, how much was dwindled in administration and fund-raising costs, and how effective charities are in achieving their goals.
Choice spokesman Christopher Zinn said nearly nine out of 10 adults give to charity, with an annual average of more than $400.
"But despite such widespread support and high trust in the charitable sector, donors have concerns," Mr Zinn said.
"The problem is getting and comparing the information. Our research, including a survey of charities, found wide variability and inconsistency in the way they communicate key information to donors.
"That's if they communicate it at all. Sometimes, the information simply isn't publicly available.
"This absence of transparency means that the 90 per cent of us who want to donate have an almost impossible task in comparing charities and ensuring our money has the best effect.
"It's important not to have to rely on faith and trust keeping charities going."
Gina Anderson, chief executive officer of Philanthropy Australia, agrees greater scrutiny is essential to ensuring the continued growth in support from charitable trusts, foundations, corporations, families and individuals.
"Philanthropists, donors and social investors are asking for greater transparency to understand who is doing a good job and who isn't," she said.
She argues that the term "non-profit" has negative connotations and should be replaced with "Community Benefit Entity", and advocates a financial reporting system that differentiates between those established for charitable purposes and those with community purposes such as sporting groups and private clubs – with the level of public accountability varying according to size.
"The vast majority of not-for-profits turn over less than $500,000. Do we really want them to provide a full annual report? Probably not."
Most organisations welcome the inquiry, saying regulatory reform is well overdue.
"We now have the first opportunity for a generation – the first chance, perhaps, since Australia has been a nation – to consider the goals and needs and structures of the community sector from the ground up," said Rhonda Galbally, chief executive officer of Our Community, a resource centre for the sector.
Professor Myles McGregor-Lowndes, director of the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies at Queensland University of Technology, said: "There are quite a number of problems, particularly the outdated and archaic laws.
"When I was an articled clerk 25 years ago and went to register a company, it would take three weeks. Now I could walk in with my $300 and 10 minutes later, walk out with the certificate of incorporation and get on with business. But it still takes months to register incorporated associations."
Prof McGregor-Lowndes has devised a standard chart of accounts which could be adopted across the whole charity and non-profit area and for which there is virtually unanimous support. The issue, according to most in the sector, is not a lack of controls – but an excess. National charities have to register in each state, under nine separate pieces of legislation.
Anglicare Australia, in its submission to the inquiry, highlights the problem of overlapping jurisdictions "with 93 state, territory and Commonwealth bodies able to make a determination about an organisation's charitable status".
Depending what they do, groups have to comply with a raft of laws covering employment, insurance, child protection, aged care, environment, land ownership, privacy, food preparation and occupational health and safety.
It's time-consuming and expensive.
Rodney Brady, chief financial officer with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, said that while people were concerned about funds being chewed up by administration, regulatory requirements meant more and more money had to be used that way.
"A few years ago, we were able to run our overseas aid programs using other resources to cover overheads. The burden of requirements now means we have to use 10 per cent from the funds to cover the overheads."
Professor Mark Lyons from the University of Technology said: "Current regulatory arrangements encompassing non-profit organisations are a dreadful mess, they are costly to governments and non-profit organisations and disadvantage the public."
So complex and muddied were they that only a completely new, purpose-built system would work, he said.
"Tacking non-profits on to corporations and requiring ASIC (the Australian Securities and Investments Commission) to regulate them is certainly not appropriate," said Prof Lyons.
There is widespread support for a dedicated national regulator for the sector and one possible outcome of the inquiry is a Charity Commission.
Britain has had one for more than five years and New Zealand established one this year.
Strong supporters of the concept include Mission Australia and Oxfam Australia. They say that such a body should be responsible not only for registering and monitoring charities, but also for advocating to government and raising awareness and profile among the public.
Oxfam Australia executive director Andrew Hewett said an Australian Charity Commission would need to be well-resourced to avoid the risk of it becoming "a toothless tiger".
Prof McGregor-Lowndes said a Charity Commission would be the "Rolls-Royce" response – with a price tag to match.
With the UK body costing $75 million a year to look after 190,000 organisations and the New Zealand version costing about $15 million for 25,000 groups, an Australian commission would require about $60 million to handle up to 150,000.
Prof McGregor-Lowndes suspects the Federal Government would baulk at that and hand the job to ASIC.
Mr Brady, of the Adventists, said one of the strengths of the New Zealand commission was that it was a voluntary registration system.
"You don't have to join, but if you do then you get the benefits of having charitable status," he said.
And they include tax rebates on all donations. New Zealand has also joined other countries such as the US and Canada in removing an upper limit on the rebate allowed.
"People bemoan the fact that Australia is one of the lowest-giving countries in the world. But we do not have a tax regime that encourages donations to charity."
Mr Brady said the assumption by many people that charities, and churches in particular, did not pay any tax was inaccurate and frustrating. While they did not pay income tax, if profits went to charitable activities they were taxed "at many stages along the way", including GST.
Mission Australia is calling for current tax concessions to remain – and for charities and non-profits to be exempted from state taxes such as stamp duty.
Some of the major players – the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul among them – are unconvinced by the need for a commission, however.
"I think you would need to question whether we need another bureaucracy. Our preference would be to make the current regimes simpler and more effective," said Ms Anderson, of Philanthropy Australia.
Dr Ted Flack, who has 32 years' experience in the sector including periods as president of the Fundraising Institute of Australia and Volunteering Queensland, sees a danger of overkill in redesigning the regulatory regime and said it would not necessarily do anything to increase accountability.
"About 80 per cent of incorporated associations already comply and send their annual returns to the regulator. I'm not sure what that accomplishes because they are just filed, so apart from creating some public service jobs I'm not sure what difference it makes."
Dr Flack, now Queensland state director of communications and fund-raising for St Vincent de Paul and a part-time lecturer at the Centre for Philanthropy, said what mattered was that the people who were interested could find out about particular non-profits, and that would differ from large national charities and small fishing clubs with a handful of members.
He advocates different approaches for "public" non-profits which seek public money through donations and government grants, and "private" non-profits which don't.
"All we need to do is require those seeking some tax-exemption status ("public" non-profits) to prepare an annual report which includes a full financial statement and put it on a website," Dr Flack said. "It's the simplest and easiest way. It does not involve new bureaucracies or new forms of legal identities. The information is there for those who want it."
(Credit: News Limited)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
List of social entrepreneurs (Wikipedia)
A social entrepreneur is an entrepreneur who works to increase social capital, often by founding humanitarian organizations.
Historical examples of leading social entrepreneurs
* Susan B. Anthony (U.S.) - Fought for women's rights in the United States, including the right to control property, and helped spearhead adoption of the 19th amendment.
* Vinoba Bhave (India) - Founder and leader of the Land Gift Movement, he caused the redistribution of more than 7,000,000 acres (28,000 km²) of land to aid India's untouchables and landless. Mahatma Gandhi described him as his mentor.
* David Brower (U.S.) - Environmentalist and conservationist, he served as the Sierra Club's first executive director and built it into a worldwide network for environmental issues. He also founded Friends of the Earth, the League of Conservation Voters and The Earth Island Institute.
* Akhtar Hameed Khan (Pakistan) - Founder of grassroots movement for rural communities Comilla Model, and low-cost sanitation programmes (Orangi Pilot Project) for squatter settlements.
* Maria Montessori (Italy) - Developed the Montessori approach to early childhood education.
* John Muir (U.S.) - Naturalist and conservationist, he established the National Park System and helped found The Sierra Club.
* Florence Nightingale (UK) - Founder of modern nursing, she established the first school for nurses and fought to improve hospital conditions.
* Frederick Law Olmsted (U.S.) - Creator of major urban parks, including Rock Creek Park in Washington DC, Central Park in NYC, and Mount Royal Park in Montreal, he is generally considered to have developed the profession of landscape architecture in America.
* Gifford Pinchot (U.S.) - Champion of the forest as a multiple use environment, he helped found the Yale School of Forestry and created the U.S. Forest Service, serving as its first chief.
* Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen (Germany) - Pioneer of the rural bond of association as a substitute for collateral in microfinance, and a principal founder of the credit union and cooperative bank sectors that now form a major segment of the European banking system.
* Margaret Sanger (U.S.) - Founder of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, she led the movement for family planning efforts around the world.
* John Woolman (U.S.) - Led U.S. Quakers to voluntarily emancipate all their slaves between 1758 and 1800, his work also influenced the British Society of Friends, a major force behind the British decision to ban slaveholding. Quakers, of course, became a major force in the U.S. abolitionist movement as well as a key part of the infrastructure of the Underground Railroad.
Present day leading social entrepreneurs
* Ibrahim Abouleish (Egypt) - Founder of SEKEM, a biodynamic agricltural corporation, alternative medicine, and educational center located outside of Cairo.
* Ela Bhatt (India) - Founder of the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) and the SEWA Cooperative Bank in Gujarat.
* Nicholas Chan (Singapore) - Co-Founder of Project:Senso Ltd, the Pledge a Book movement and active advocate for Asian entrepreneurs in incorporating volunteerism and social enterprise into their lives and businesses.
* Bill Drayton (U.S.) - Founded Ashoka, Youth Venture, and Get America Working!
* Marian Wright Edelman (U.S.) - Founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) and advocate for disadvantaged Americans and children.
* Dr. Abraham M. George (India) - Founder of The George Foundation (TGF).
* Alan Khazei (U.S.) - Co-Founder of City Year, a leading national service program.
* Dr. Verghese Kurien (India) - Founder of the AMUL Dairy Project.
* Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (India) - Founded Art of Living Foundation and International Association for Human Values.
* Muhammad Yunus (Bangladesh) - Founder of microcredit and the Grameen Bank. He was awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize.
(Credit: Wikipedia)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Muhammad Yunus
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Historical examples of leading social entrepreneurs
* Susan B. Anthony (U.S.) - Fought for women's rights in the United States, including the right to control property, and helped spearhead adoption of the 19th amendment.
* Vinoba Bhave (India) - Founder and leader of the Land Gift Movement, he caused the redistribution of more than 7,000,000 acres (28,000 km²) of land to aid India's untouchables and landless. Mahatma Gandhi described him as his mentor.
* David Brower (U.S.) - Environmentalist and conservationist, he served as the Sierra Club's first executive director and built it into a worldwide network for environmental issues. He also founded Friends of the Earth, the League of Conservation Voters and The Earth Island Institute.
* Akhtar Hameed Khan (Pakistan) - Founder of grassroots movement for rural communities Comilla Model, and low-cost sanitation programmes (Orangi Pilot Project) for squatter settlements.
* Maria Montessori (Italy) - Developed the Montessori approach to early childhood education.
* John Muir (U.S.) - Naturalist and conservationist, he established the National Park System and helped found The Sierra Club.
* Florence Nightingale (UK) - Founder of modern nursing, she established the first school for nurses and fought to improve hospital conditions.
* Frederick Law Olmsted (U.S.) - Creator of major urban parks, including Rock Creek Park in Washington DC, Central Park in NYC, and Mount Royal Park in Montreal, he is generally considered to have developed the profession of landscape architecture in America.
* Gifford Pinchot (U.S.) - Champion of the forest as a multiple use environment, he helped found the Yale School of Forestry and created the U.S. Forest Service, serving as its first chief.
* Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen (Germany) - Pioneer of the rural bond of association as a substitute for collateral in microfinance, and a principal founder of the credit union and cooperative bank sectors that now form a major segment of the European banking system.
* Margaret Sanger (U.S.) - Founder of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, she led the movement for family planning efforts around the world.
* John Woolman (U.S.) - Led U.S. Quakers to voluntarily emancipate all their slaves between 1758 and 1800, his work also influenced the British Society of Friends, a major force behind the British decision to ban slaveholding. Quakers, of course, became a major force in the U.S. abolitionist movement as well as a key part of the infrastructure of the Underground Railroad.
Present day leading social entrepreneurs
* Ibrahim Abouleish (Egypt) - Founder of SEKEM, a biodynamic agricltural corporation, alternative medicine, and educational center located outside of Cairo.
* Ela Bhatt (India) - Founder of the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) and the SEWA Cooperative Bank in Gujarat.
* Nicholas Chan (Singapore) - Co-Founder of Project:Senso Ltd, the Pledge a Book movement and active advocate for Asian entrepreneurs in incorporating volunteerism and social enterprise into their lives and businesses.
* Bill Drayton (U.S.) - Founded Ashoka, Youth Venture, and Get America Working!
* Marian Wright Edelman (U.S.) - Founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) and advocate for disadvantaged Americans and children.
* Dr. Abraham M. George (India) - Founder of The George Foundation (TGF).
* Alan Khazei (U.S.) - Co-Founder of City Year, a leading national service program.
* Dr. Verghese Kurien (India) - Founder of the AMUL Dairy Project.
* Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (India) - Founded Art of Living Foundation and International Association for Human Values.
* Muhammad Yunus (Bangladesh) - Founder of microcredit and the Grameen Bank. He was awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize.
(Credit: Wikipedia)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Muhammad Yunus
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Monday, September 15, 2008
A hand-up to school offers a way out of poverty, by Jen Rosenberg - The Sydney Morning Herald - 15th September 2008
One young student started a charity to help others learn, writes Jen Rosenberg.
When a group of people in Uganda approached Phoebe Williams and her father last Christmas asking for $50 for a chicken pen, she hesitated. "I was standing there thinking: 'If we give you the equivalent of 50 bucks, are you really going to buy these chooks, or where's the money going?'"
The group convinced them to donate the money and the Williams thought no more of it. But, says Williams, she recently received an email from them: "Dear Phoebe, we're so excited because today we've been able to sell so many of our fully grown hens in town that we could buy a cow with the profits."
For a community where poverty and sickness is rife, a cow is, as Williams puts it, a big deal - something families might save years for - but within seven months, the group had turned their $50 opportunity into a viable income.
Creating opportunities is the centrepiece of Williams's mission in Africa. In Kenya and Uganda, her charity, Hands of Help, provides education and medical care for street children. They are malnourished, many are HIV-positive or drug-addicted or both, and many are orphans. Primary school education is free but after that, children drop out of the school system with no funds for education, and no prospects for work. The charity links sponsors - private donors from Australia, the United States and Britain - with children in need.
"It is completely lifting that child out of the circle of poverty by giving them access to secondary education and if they don't make it through the exams, we then offer them a place in a vocational training college," Williams says.
What makes a twentysomething university student from Sydney's eastern suburbs decide to take on the cause of African children?
A bout of meningococcal meningitis at 14 gave Williams a surprisingly mature sense of mortality. The potentially fatal experience left her with a sense of survivor's guilt and inspired her own educational choices. She had read Bryce Courtenay's epic The Power Of One as an impressionable teenager, then a holiday in Africa sealed the deal. She wanted to do something useful but she needed to have the right tools to make a difference.
With degrees in commerce and science - majoring in development economics and finance - under her belt, she enrolled in a postgraduate medical degree at the University of Sydney.
"I was writing honours' essays on things like how HIV impacts on Africa economically and how a disease like malaria can trap a family in poverty forever because they are constantly sick and can't go to school or constantly can't get a good income from work."
In 2005, as a first-year medical student, Williams led a group of 17 volunteers, and $100,000 they had raised, to Uganda where they lived for three months and built a primary school for 650 children.
This first expedition led to the founding of the non-religious, non-profit charity Hands of Help.
Being a crusader while studying full-time is fulfilling but is a tiring business and does not leave much time for a social life. Williams says she could not do it without her partner, the photographer Hamish Gregory. He travels with her as a volunteer and exhibits his photos, partly as an advertisement for their work, and a percentage of their sale goes back into the charity. Some of his photos can be seen this month at the Sydney Africa Film Festival at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington, from September 26-28.
Williams describes their perceptions of Africa as more like the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series than World Vision ads. Gregory's photographs do not aim to pull at the heartstrings but to show these stoic, heroic people who are getting through each day with the worst conditions possible but with the most amazing frame of mind and love of life.
Given her sheer entrepreneurial skills, it comes as no surprise that Williams has turned her attention to issues closer to home. Looking for some practical work during her medical degree, she established a partnership with an Aboriginal health and education program in Arnhem Land, which has been so successful that medical students at the University of Sydney can participate as an elective in their degree.
Once she finishes her own degree after exams this week, Williams will head to Oxford where she will take up a scholarship to study a masters in global health science with a view to a return to Africa or perhaps to work with the United Nations in the field of international public health. It's a long way from a humble chook pen.
(Credit: Fairfax)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Education
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
When a group of people in Uganda approached Phoebe Williams and her father last Christmas asking for $50 for a chicken pen, she hesitated. "I was standing there thinking: 'If we give you the equivalent of 50 bucks, are you really going to buy these chooks, or where's the money going?'"
The group convinced them to donate the money and the Williams thought no more of it. But, says Williams, she recently received an email from them: "Dear Phoebe, we're so excited because today we've been able to sell so many of our fully grown hens in town that we could buy a cow with the profits."
For a community where poverty and sickness is rife, a cow is, as Williams puts it, a big deal - something families might save years for - but within seven months, the group had turned their $50 opportunity into a viable income.
Creating opportunities is the centrepiece of Williams's mission in Africa. In Kenya and Uganda, her charity, Hands of Help, provides education and medical care for street children. They are malnourished, many are HIV-positive or drug-addicted or both, and many are orphans. Primary school education is free but after that, children drop out of the school system with no funds for education, and no prospects for work. The charity links sponsors - private donors from Australia, the United States and Britain - with children in need.
"It is completely lifting that child out of the circle of poverty by giving them access to secondary education and if they don't make it through the exams, we then offer them a place in a vocational training college," Williams says.
What makes a twentysomething university student from Sydney's eastern suburbs decide to take on the cause of African children?
A bout of meningococcal meningitis at 14 gave Williams a surprisingly mature sense of mortality. The potentially fatal experience left her with a sense of survivor's guilt and inspired her own educational choices. She had read Bryce Courtenay's epic The Power Of One as an impressionable teenager, then a holiday in Africa sealed the deal. She wanted to do something useful but she needed to have the right tools to make a difference.
With degrees in commerce and science - majoring in development economics and finance - under her belt, she enrolled in a postgraduate medical degree at the University of Sydney.
"I was writing honours' essays on things like how HIV impacts on Africa economically and how a disease like malaria can trap a family in poverty forever because they are constantly sick and can't go to school or constantly can't get a good income from work."
In 2005, as a first-year medical student, Williams led a group of 17 volunteers, and $100,000 they had raised, to Uganda where they lived for three months and built a primary school for 650 children.
This first expedition led to the founding of the non-religious, non-profit charity Hands of Help.
Being a crusader while studying full-time is fulfilling but is a tiring business and does not leave much time for a social life. Williams says she could not do it without her partner, the photographer Hamish Gregory. He travels with her as a volunteer and exhibits his photos, partly as an advertisement for their work, and a percentage of their sale goes back into the charity. Some of his photos can be seen this month at the Sydney Africa Film Festival at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington, from September 26-28.
Williams describes their perceptions of Africa as more like the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series than World Vision ads. Gregory's photographs do not aim to pull at the heartstrings but to show these stoic, heroic people who are getting through each day with the worst conditions possible but with the most amazing frame of mind and love of life.
Given her sheer entrepreneurial skills, it comes as no surprise that Williams has turned her attention to issues closer to home. Looking for some practical work during her medical degree, she established a partnership with an Aboriginal health and education program in Arnhem Land, which has been so successful that medical students at the University of Sydney can participate as an elective in their degree.
Once she finishes her own degree after exams this week, Williams will head to Oxford where she will take up a scholarship to study a masters in global health science with a view to a return to Africa or perhaps to work with the United Nations in the field of international public health. It's a long way from a humble chook pen.
(Credit: Fairfax)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Education
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Adknowledge Social Advertising lands on Australian shores - press release
10th September 2008
Adknowledge, the US-based behavioural targeting firm has launched an Australian operation to host advertising across Facebook’s, Myspace, and Bebo’s 39,000 applications.
Adknowledge's Social Advertising division has announced that it is now serving more than 10 billion ad impressions per month globally and close to 300 million in Australia on social networks such as Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Friendster and Hi5. These impressions are generated from social applications.
Targeting display, video and text ads within applications advertisers can choose categories such as games, music or dating, as well as user profile information. It will also offer advertisers opportunities to brand applications, through re-skins or sponsorships.
This volume, now more than five times as large as Social Media, its next largest competitor in the space, makes Adknowledge the unrivalled leader in social network advertising.
Recent studies have shown that more than 16% of all online time is spent on Social Networks, which is greater than the amount of time spent on Google. Additionally, social applications engage users for longer than any other activity on social networks such as Facebook.
Adknowledge are able to target and cap campaigns by a users social ID, rather than by IP address or cookies. This means that they are the only network to target users even when they move between the different social platforms.
Adknowledge are launching their social media product in Australia with a Social media Seminar – ‘Advertising 3.0 Bringing Order to the Social Revolution’ – with two dates 30th September Sydney and 2nd October Melbourne. The key note speaker is Brett Brewer, President of Adknowledge, and co-founder of Myspace.
Brett successfully sold Intermix, which launched Myspace, for $673 Million to NewsCorp in October 2005.
Mr. Brewer has been an angel investor in several technology start ups, including video search site, Dabble.com, mobile texting company Frengo.com, mobile social networking site Treemo.com, and RealtyTracker.com. He is either on the board of or a strategic advisor for, all of these companies.
Also speaking at the event is Melanie Ingrey, research director at Nielsen Pacific, and Lachlan Brahe, Managing Director, Emitch.
For more information about Adknowledge or the upcoming Social Media Seminar please contact Markus von der Luehe (MD) on mvonderluehe@adknowledge.com / +61 (0) 2 8235 9471. Interviews with Brett Brewer are available on request.
Website
Adknowledge
Adknowledge, the US-based behavioural targeting firm has launched an Australian operation to host advertising across Facebook’s, Myspace, and Bebo’s 39,000 applications.
Adknowledge's Social Advertising division has announced that it is now serving more than 10 billion ad impressions per month globally and close to 300 million in Australia on social networks such as Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Friendster and Hi5. These impressions are generated from social applications.
Targeting display, video and text ads within applications advertisers can choose categories such as games, music or dating, as well as user profile information. It will also offer advertisers opportunities to brand applications, through re-skins or sponsorships.
This volume, now more than five times as large as Social Media, its next largest competitor in the space, makes Adknowledge the unrivalled leader in social network advertising.
Recent studies have shown that more than 16% of all online time is spent on Social Networks, which is greater than the amount of time spent on Google. Additionally, social applications engage users for longer than any other activity on social networks such as Facebook.
Adknowledge are able to target and cap campaigns by a users social ID, rather than by IP address or cookies. This means that they are the only network to target users even when they move between the different social platforms.
Adknowledge are launching their social media product in Australia with a Social media Seminar – ‘Advertising 3.0 Bringing Order to the Social Revolution’ – with two dates 30th September Sydney and 2nd October Melbourne. The key note speaker is Brett Brewer, President of Adknowledge, and co-founder of Myspace.
Brett successfully sold Intermix, which launched Myspace, for $673 Million to NewsCorp in October 2005.
Mr. Brewer has been an angel investor in several technology start ups, including video search site, Dabble.com, mobile texting company Frengo.com, mobile social networking site Treemo.com, and RealtyTracker.com. He is either on the board of or a strategic advisor for, all of these companies.
Also speaking at the event is Melanie Ingrey, research director at Nielsen Pacific, and Lachlan Brahe, Managing Director, Emitch.
For more information about Adknowledge or the upcoming Social Media Seminar please contact Markus von der Luehe (MD) on mvonderluehe@adknowledge.com / +61 (0) 2 8235 9471. Interviews with Brett Brewer are available on request.
Website
Adknowledge
Free loans for bills - Reporter: Rodney Lohse - Channel Seven 'Today Tonight'
Broadcast Date: January 08, 2008
As families sink to record levels of household debt and bankruptcy while credit default rates skyrocket, struggling Australian communities are seeing the emergence of financial white knights handing out free loans.
Belinda Drew heads up the non-profit organisation Foresters ANA, which assists communities to establish loan circles and other no-interest loan schemes as an alternative to controversial high-interest loans also known as pay-day loans.
"[People] know they're not going to get done over ... they're not going to be exploited and they are not going to be judged either and that's really important to people," Belinda said.
"All you have to do is join a local circle, put in $10 a month and after six months you can borrow money in times of need."
Mother-of-five Kerry Deller is a case study in financial salvation, rescued by a lending scheme that required nothing more from her than what she borrowed.
"I found myself single after 20 years of marriage and I had five children and it was something that I hadn't planned for in any way shape or form," she said.
Surviving on welfare, Kerry was about to abandon a university degree.
"The car had broken down and I had raked every cent together to get my car back," Kerry said.
"Without the car I couldn't go to uni and I just didn't know where to go or what to do, and out of the blue I got this phone call."
The call was from a so-called community savings and loan circle, Foresters ANA.
Sydney father Mervyn Peka has used several no-interest loans to pay for household needs but he said the most important gift the companies have given is the ability to educate his children.
In just the first three months of this year, more than 6500 Australians applied for bankruptcy and across the nation, credit default rates soared.
The worst state, Tasmania, suffered an almost 60 per cent increase.
In the Northern Territory, the rate jumped by almost 50 per cent.
It was a similar story in Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.
Victoria had the best rate with just a 10 per cent increase.
Community loans are available in most capital cities and are generally for smaller amounts for cars and household bills.
Foresters ANA can be contacted to find out if there are branches in your area.
"There's enormous power in people coming together to help themselves," Belinda Drew said.
Contact Foresters ANA Mutual Society Ltd.
Website: www.forestersana.com.au
Tel: (07) 3210 6772
(Credit: Channel Seven)
As families sink to record levels of household debt and bankruptcy while credit default rates skyrocket, struggling Australian communities are seeing the emergence of financial white knights handing out free loans.
Belinda Drew heads up the non-profit organisation Foresters ANA, which assists communities to establish loan circles and other no-interest loan schemes as an alternative to controversial high-interest loans also known as pay-day loans.
"[People] know they're not going to get done over ... they're not going to be exploited and they are not going to be judged either and that's really important to people," Belinda said.
"All you have to do is join a local circle, put in $10 a month and after six months you can borrow money in times of need."
Mother-of-five Kerry Deller is a case study in financial salvation, rescued by a lending scheme that required nothing more from her than what she borrowed.
"I found myself single after 20 years of marriage and I had five children and it was something that I hadn't planned for in any way shape or form," she said.
Surviving on welfare, Kerry was about to abandon a university degree.
"The car had broken down and I had raked every cent together to get my car back," Kerry said.
"Without the car I couldn't go to uni and I just didn't know where to go or what to do, and out of the blue I got this phone call."
The call was from a so-called community savings and loan circle, Foresters ANA.
Sydney father Mervyn Peka has used several no-interest loans to pay for household needs but he said the most important gift the companies have given is the ability to educate his children.
In just the first three months of this year, more than 6500 Australians applied for bankruptcy and across the nation, credit default rates soared.
The worst state, Tasmania, suffered an almost 60 per cent increase.
In the Northern Territory, the rate jumped by almost 50 per cent.
It was a similar story in Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.
Victoria had the best rate with just a 10 per cent increase.
Community loans are available in most capital cities and are generally for smaller amounts for cars and household bills.
Foresters ANA can be contacted to find out if there are branches in your area.
"There's enormous power in people coming together to help themselves," Belinda Drew said.
Contact Foresters ANA Mutual Society Ltd.
Website: www.forestersana.com.au
Tel: (07) 3210 6772
(Credit: Channel Seven)
Sunday, September 14, 2008
GTA Addresses Federal Senators - Media Release - 12th September 2008
Gaming Machine manufacturers today called for a new approach to the development of research and regulations controlling the gaming industry in Australia.
Addressing the Senate Community Affairs Committee Public Hearing today in Sydney, Ross Ferrar, Chief Executive of the Gaming Technologies Association, stated that Australia’s gaming jurisdictions are widely regarded as the most regulated in the world.
“The companies which manufacture gaming machines work in a highly regulated and strenuously audited, total compliance environment,” Mr Ferrar stated.
“No gaming machine products enter the marketplace in Australia without undergoing comprehensive testing and technical review.”
“We have no complaint about the level of Government scrutiny to which our members are subjected. On the contrary, we believe that these high standards are important and that we can very confidently state that this industry operates with great probity and integrity.”
Mr Ferrar stated that much of what is described as “Harm Minimisation strategy” in the various Australian jurisdictions has not actually achieved anything positive. He said that many of the measures introduced in the late 1990s and early this century around Australia were not based on real evidence and as a result, have subsequently been proven to be useless.
“Australians deserve better than this. They deserve policy which will provide help if and when it’s needed – and leave the rest of the Australian public to enjoy a legitimate, legal form of entertainment.”
The GTA is pleased that the Government has announced that the Productivity Commission will review its 1999 Report into Australia’s Gambling Industries.
“We believe that this review will reinforce the various analyses that have been conducted by State and Territory Governments in the years since 1999, which have shown a decline in problem gambling in the community,” Mr Ferrar said.
“We hope that this will result in the use of current data on the incidence of problem gambling instead of ten year old statistics.”
Mr Ferrar called for the establishment of a new ongoing national research body funded by federal, state and territory governments to conduct a more comprehensive and objective research program. It should involve operators, manufacturers and related private sector businesses, as well as community and counselling sectors and regulatory authorities.
“This new body should examine all aspects of gaming in Australia, including the effectiveness of current regulatory regimes, harm minimisation strategies, the efficacy of counselling and support services, and possible future features of gaming machines,” Mr Ferrar said at the Senate Committee Hearing.
“There should be evidence-based research on the economic and social impact of gaming in Australia, both positive and negative. And all research should be required to be conducted transparently and objectively.”
“The result would be a body of knowledge in which all stakeholders could have confidence and on which all governments could build policy and regulation to protect and promote the interests of the whole community.”
“We would all be protected from the false opinions and claims of self-interested individuals whose motivations appear to us to lie in seizing a greater share of government expenditure on research for their own personal financial benefit.” Mr Ferrar claimed.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Ross Ferrar 0418 686 075
Garrie Gibson 0417 626 853
GTA hosts and operates the annual Australasian Gaming Expo and the New Zealand Gaming Expo.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Gaming
Poker
Poker and Casino News
Casino News Media
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Addressing the Senate Community Affairs Committee Public Hearing today in Sydney, Ross Ferrar, Chief Executive of the Gaming Technologies Association, stated that Australia’s gaming jurisdictions are widely regarded as the most regulated in the world.
“The companies which manufacture gaming machines work in a highly regulated and strenuously audited, total compliance environment,” Mr Ferrar stated.
“No gaming machine products enter the marketplace in Australia without undergoing comprehensive testing and technical review.”
“We have no complaint about the level of Government scrutiny to which our members are subjected. On the contrary, we believe that these high standards are important and that we can very confidently state that this industry operates with great probity and integrity.”
Mr Ferrar stated that much of what is described as “Harm Minimisation strategy” in the various Australian jurisdictions has not actually achieved anything positive. He said that many of the measures introduced in the late 1990s and early this century around Australia were not based on real evidence and as a result, have subsequently been proven to be useless.
“Australians deserve better than this. They deserve policy which will provide help if and when it’s needed – and leave the rest of the Australian public to enjoy a legitimate, legal form of entertainment.”
The GTA is pleased that the Government has announced that the Productivity Commission will review its 1999 Report into Australia’s Gambling Industries.
“We believe that this review will reinforce the various analyses that have been conducted by State and Territory Governments in the years since 1999, which have shown a decline in problem gambling in the community,” Mr Ferrar said.
“We hope that this will result in the use of current data on the incidence of problem gambling instead of ten year old statistics.”
Mr Ferrar called for the establishment of a new ongoing national research body funded by federal, state and territory governments to conduct a more comprehensive and objective research program. It should involve operators, manufacturers and related private sector businesses, as well as community and counselling sectors and regulatory authorities.
“This new body should examine all aspects of gaming in Australia, including the effectiveness of current regulatory regimes, harm minimisation strategies, the efficacy of counselling and support services, and possible future features of gaming machines,” Mr Ferrar said at the Senate Committee Hearing.
“There should be evidence-based research on the economic and social impact of gaming in Australia, both positive and negative. And all research should be required to be conducted transparently and objectively.”
“The result would be a body of knowledge in which all stakeholders could have confidence and on which all governments could build policy and regulation to protect and promote the interests of the whole community.”
“We would all be protected from the false opinions and claims of self-interested individuals whose motivations appear to us to lie in seizing a greater share of government expenditure on research for their own personal financial benefit.” Mr Ferrar claimed.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Ross Ferrar 0418 686 075
Garrie Gibson 0417 626 853
GTA hosts and operates the annual Australasian Gaming Expo and the New Zealand Gaming Expo.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Gaming
Poker
Poker and Casino News
Casino News Media
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Friday, September 12, 2008
Namatjira housing estate in Chifley hosted a community day attended by Minister for Volunteering, Ho, by Nick Moncrieff-Hill - The Southern Courier
11th September 2008
A new landscaped barbecue area at Namatjira housing estate in Chifley may seem like a simple gesture from the State Government, but Maroubra MP Michael Daley said it was a significant way to address isolation.
The garden and barbecue area were installed as part of the Community Greening Project spearheaded by Housing NSW and the Botanic Gardens Trust.
“From small beginnings come better things and that’s what today is all about,” Mr Daley said.
“There are so many social problems in Sydney that can be overcome just by people working more closely together and by talking to each other and volunteering, so this initiative today is all about getting the people to work together, enabling them to communicate a bit better.”
Local residents, football players, government and non-government officials and workers attended the community event, which the former Volunteering minister Linda Burney, said was to encourage community participation within the estate.
“Today is really about two things: it’s about creating more connection between the residents here but also providing a space where residents can have other people in to sit and talk and gather in a really pleasant environment,” Ms Burney said.
Randwick Council provided native plants and Botanic Gardens staff assisted with their planting while ambulance workers and firefighters offered educational entertainment.
Rabbitohs Shannon Hegarty and Germaine Paulson ran an impromptu coaching clinic with local children.
Local community initiative co-ordinator Rozita Leoni said the new area had provided the community with a valuable opportunity.
“These community events really help people come together and the more isolated we become it feels like our problems escalate, whereas if you talk to someone you can work it out a lot quicker,” she said.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Rozita Leoni
A new landscaped barbecue area at Namatjira housing estate in Chifley may seem like a simple gesture from the State Government, but Maroubra MP Michael Daley said it was a significant way to address isolation.
The garden and barbecue area were installed as part of the Community Greening Project spearheaded by Housing NSW and the Botanic Gardens Trust.
“From small beginnings come better things and that’s what today is all about,” Mr Daley said.
“There are so many social problems in Sydney that can be overcome just by people working more closely together and by talking to each other and volunteering, so this initiative today is all about getting the people to work together, enabling them to communicate a bit better.”
Local residents, football players, government and non-government officials and workers attended the community event, which the former Volunteering minister Linda Burney, said was to encourage community participation within the estate.
“Today is really about two things: it’s about creating more connection between the residents here but also providing a space where residents can have other people in to sit and talk and gather in a really pleasant environment,” Ms Burney said.
Randwick Council provided native plants and Botanic Gardens staff assisted with their planting while ambulance workers and firefighters offered educational entertainment.
Rabbitohs Shannon Hegarty and Germaine Paulson ran an impromptu coaching clinic with local children.
Local community initiative co-ordinator Rozita Leoni said the new area had provided the community with a valuable opportunity.
“These community events really help people come together and the more isolated we become it feels like our problems escalate, whereas if you talk to someone you can work it out a lot quicker,” she said.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Rozita Leoni
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Model thoughts on charity, children and eating squid, by Amy Verner - Globe and Mail - 8th September 2008
These days, when supermodel Petra Nemcova's name is attached to a splashy soiree, you can bet that she's out to raise money and awareness for the Happy Hearts Fund, which she established after her life-changing experience during the 2004 tsunami. Nemcova and her fiancée, photographer Simon Atlee, were staying at a resort in Thailand. Atlee died in the tsunami and Nemcova was seriously injured. Last Friday, both Nemcova and Kate Hudson were honoured for their charitable work at a mega-party thrown by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Unite and produced by Torontonian Barry Avrich.
Just hours before the event (which attracted more than 3,800 guests who paid a minimum $75 admission), she sat down to talk about Happy Hearts, Vietnam and why she's not afraid to eat squid.
Teaming up with Virgin Unite and throwing a big party seems like a great way to let Canadians know about your organization.
Tonight is all about a beautiful celebration of a partnership with a common goal. Virgin Unite focuses on children, as does Happy Hearts. They do education and medical relief, whereas our focus is mainly education in 12 countries including Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Congo. Richard is a very successful businessman and very creative and he approaches philanthropy on a grand scale. I have a lot to learn from him.
How are you able to sustain and build interest for Happy Hearts now that the immediate concern over tsunami victims has dissipated and the media has moved on?
There's a huge gap between first response and when government takes over. We try to fill that gap. We don't do first response. If people want to see what we do, they can come with us and see firsthand; we will take them on our trips.
You travelled extensively as a model. Now you travel for a different reason. What has been the most striking difference?
I travelled to Vietnam for a Sports Illustrated photo shoot a few years ago. We stayed in a beautiful hotel and beside the hotel, people were living in boxes. At that time, I could see it but I could not do anything about it. Now I can. When what I see makes me frustrated, I will turn it into action.
You must admit that being the face of the organization has helped it grow.
I feel like a bridge because I'm not just connecting information, but also two worlds. It's not just those who are more fortunate helping those who are less fortunate. I always say that helping others is actually selfish because when you make them happy, this makes you even happier.
What prompted you to become a vegetarian?
Mostly I'm a vegetarian, but my reason was the sustainability of fish. If we continue consuming at the same rate, there will be no fish in 40 years. This does not apply to squid, so I eat lots of squid and I eat fish that is caught freshly by a fisherman.
Do you think you would have made those changes if the whole tsunami experience never happened?
It would have taken longer. My goal in life has always been to help people, especially children, but the tsunami accelerated things.
What is the biggest difference between the children you see in North America and those in developing countries?
Assuming we're taking about average American children, if you ask them here what they would like, most of the time they say a new PlayStation or toys. When you ask children in Cambodia, they say education. They want to get the best possible education elsewhere in the world so they can come back to Cambodia and make sure other children don't suffer the same way.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Unite
Richard Branson
Just hours before the event (which attracted more than 3,800 guests who paid a minimum $75 admission), she sat down to talk about Happy Hearts, Vietnam and why she's not afraid to eat squid.
Teaming up with Virgin Unite and throwing a big party seems like a great way to let Canadians know about your organization.
Tonight is all about a beautiful celebration of a partnership with a common goal. Virgin Unite focuses on children, as does Happy Hearts. They do education and medical relief, whereas our focus is mainly education in 12 countries including Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Congo. Richard is a very successful businessman and very creative and he approaches philanthropy on a grand scale. I have a lot to learn from him.
How are you able to sustain and build interest for Happy Hearts now that the immediate concern over tsunami victims has dissipated and the media has moved on?
There's a huge gap between first response and when government takes over. We try to fill that gap. We don't do first response. If people want to see what we do, they can come with us and see firsthand; we will take them on our trips.
You travelled extensively as a model. Now you travel for a different reason. What has been the most striking difference?
I travelled to Vietnam for a Sports Illustrated photo shoot a few years ago. We stayed in a beautiful hotel and beside the hotel, people were living in boxes. At that time, I could see it but I could not do anything about it. Now I can. When what I see makes me frustrated, I will turn it into action.
You must admit that being the face of the organization has helped it grow.
I feel like a bridge because I'm not just connecting information, but also two worlds. It's not just those who are more fortunate helping those who are less fortunate. I always say that helping others is actually selfish because when you make them happy, this makes you even happier.
What prompted you to become a vegetarian?
Mostly I'm a vegetarian, but my reason was the sustainability of fish. If we continue consuming at the same rate, there will be no fish in 40 years. This does not apply to squid, so I eat lots of squid and I eat fish that is caught freshly by a fisherman.
Do you think you would have made those changes if the whole tsunami experience never happened?
It would have taken longer. My goal in life has always been to help people, especially children, but the tsunami accelerated things.
What is the biggest difference between the children you see in North America and those in developing countries?
Assuming we're taking about average American children, if you ask them here what they would like, most of the time they say a new PlayStation or toys. When you ask children in Cambodia, they say education. They want to get the best possible education elsewhere in the world so they can come back to Cambodia and make sure other children don't suffer the same way.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Unite
Richard Branson
Road to peace is paved with loss - Think Big Magazine - September / October 2008
Grant Hilton is a changed man. The former stressed-out businessman is now at peace with himself. At just 38, he has been on a journey of self-discovery many don't achieve in a lifetime...
Websites
Think Big Magazine
Universal Peace Centre Retreat
Profiles
Grant Hilton
Universal Peace Centre Retreat
Websites
Think Big Magazine
Universal Peace Centre Retreat
Profiles
Grant Hilton
Universal Peace Centre Retreat
Muhammad Yunus, Banker to the World's Poorest Citizens, Makes His Case - Wharton - 9th March 2005
Last year, a panel of judges from Wharton joined with Nightly Business Report, the most-watched daily business program on U.S. television, to name the 25 most influential business people of the last 25 years. On that list was Muhammad Yunus, managing director of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh and a pioneer in the practice of microcredit lending. Grameen Bank received formal recognition as a private independent bank in 1983 and, as of this month, had dispersed close to $5 billion in loans to four million borrowers, 96% of them women. Grameen's strategy is to offer miniscule loans to very poor people, giving them the means to generate income and work their way out of poverty. Yunus was featured in a book entitled, Lasting Leadership: Lessons from the 25 Most Influential Business People of Our Times, co-authored by Knowledge@Wharton and Nightly Business Report. He was recently interviewed by NBR's Linda O'Bryon while attending the World Health Congress in Washington, D.C.
NBR: You have been credited with inventing the microcredit movement more than 30 years ago. Why did you go in that direction?
Yunus: I had no idea that I would ever get involved with something like lending money to poor people, given the circumstances in which I was working in Bangladesh. I was teaching in one of the universities while the country was suffering from a severe famine. People were dying of hunger, and I felt very helpless. As an economist, I had no tool in my tool box to fix that kind of situation.
NBR: So what gave you the idea to give people tools?
Yunus: While I traveled around the country, I told myself, 'As a person, forget about the tool box. As a human being, I can go out and be available to help another person.' So that's what I started doing. This was back in 1974. I saw how people suffered for a tiny amount of money. They had to borrow from the moneylender, and the moneylender took advantage of them, squeezed them in a way that all the benefits passed on to the moneylender and none remained for the borrowers. So I made a list of people who needed just a little bit of money. And when the list was complete, there were 42 names. The total amount of money they needed was $27. I was shocked. Here we were talking about economic development, about investing billions of dollars in various programs, and I could see it wasn't billions of dollars people needed right away. They needed a tiny amount of money. This was in 1976.
NBR: I understand some of the money was for a bamboo furniture maker?
Yunus: That's right. She was making bamboo stools and earning only two pennies a day. I couldn't believe that someone could make only two pennies for crafting such beautiful stools. After a discussion with her I found out she had to borrow money to buy the bamboo, which cost only 25 cents. But she didn't have the 25 cents. So she had to borrow it from the trader, who agreed to lend it to her on the condition that she sell the bamboo stool to him when it was finished at a price that he decided.
NBR: So how was your plan different?
Yunus: I wanted to give money to people like this woman so that they would be free from the moneylenders to sell their product at the price which the markets gave them -- which was much higher than what the trader was giving them.
NBR: But even then you charged interest.
Yunus: Oh yes ... Definitely, yes.
NBR: And why is that? What was the thinking?
Yunus: I thought if you do things in a businesslike way, then the project can become as big as you want it to because you are earning enough money to cover all your costs. You are not dependent on anybody. You are not dependent on a limited supply of capital. This is business money. Business money is limitless. And then, you can reach out to many more people than you would otherwise do.
NBR: So this is not charity?
Yunus: This is not charity. This is business: business with a social objective, which is to help people get out of poverty. Other banks were not giving loans to these people.
NBR: So how did you get from that first $27 to working with Grameen Bank and expanding this around the globe?
Yunus: The villagers got very excited that I gave them the money. To them, it was like a miracle. Seeing this, a question came to my mind. If you can make so many people so happy with such a small amount of money, why shouldn't you do more of it? Why shouldn't you reach out to many more people? I could do this by linking these people with a bank that could lend them the money. So I went to the bank and proposed that they lend money to the poor people. The bankers almost fell over. They couldn't believe what had been proposed to them. They explained to me that the bank cannot lend money to poor people because these people are not creditworthy. So a long series of debates began with me and the banking system. Finally, I resolved it after about six months by offering myself as a guarantor. I said, 'I will sign the loan papers. I will take the risk, and you give the money.' I got the money and gave it to the people. And luckily for me, all the people paid it back. The banks had been saying that I would never get the money back and would ultimately have to pay it back myself. I said, 'I don't know anything. Let me try it out.' And I tried it, and it worked.
NBR: Has it continued to work?
Yunus: Yes, and we expanded it from village to village. But we still saw that the banks weren't changing their minds even after I had demonstrated that there was no risk to the process, that banks could do better by giving money to poor people, who were paying it back, than to rich people, who were not paying it back.
NBR: Poor people were paying the money back [more reliably] than rich people?
Yunus: Much better than rich people. Because Bangladesh has a tradition of rich people who borrow money from the big banks and hardly pay it back.
NBR: That's pretty startling.
Yunus: Very startling, yes.
NBR: You have said that you loaned primarily to women. Why is that?
Yunus: It has to do with the decision to have a separate bank for the poor people. From the beginning, I had complained about the banking system on two grounds. One complaint was that the banking system was denying financial services to the poor people through certain rules it had set up. The second allegation was that the banking system also was not treating women fairly. If you look at the gender composition of all the borrowers of all the banks in Bangladesh, not even 1% of the borrowers happen to be women. I said this is a very gender-biased organization. So when I began, I wanted to make sure half the borrowers in my program are women so that they are even. I did that. It was not easy because women themselves didn't think that they should borrow money. I had to do a lot of convincing. I encouraged them to believe that they can borrow money and make money. Part of that effort was to overcome fears -- cultural fears -- and the fact that they had never had any experience with business and so on. Soon we saw that money going to women brought much more benefit to the family than money going to the men. So we changed our policy and gave a high priority to women. As a result, now 96% of our four million borrowers in Grameen Bank are women.
NBR: So you say you have four million borrowers. How much money over time have you loaned out?
Yunus: If we start with that $27, and you add on all the money that we have loaned, it's nearly $5 billion that we have given over time. Now we have come to a stage where every two years we are giving $1 billion. So half a billion dollars a year. That's the stage we are in.
NBR: And this keeps funding itself because of the interest that's being paid?
Yunus: That's right. We take the deposits and we offer the depositors good interest rates. The money we lend to the borrowers makes a profit for the bank.
NBR: While people say that your program works well, some also say that it tends to focus on the top tier of poor people. How do you respond to that -- the criticism that it doesn't get to the people who really need such basic things as food and shelter?
Yunus: Grameen Bank helps poor people of all classes, of all types. Bottom, middle, and higher levels. Our work started with $27 to 42 people. Although we say we can work with all levels, and Grameen Bank is an example, still people don't pay attention to what we do. They just say, 'Oh no. Microcredit. It's not doing the right thing, focusing only on the upper level of poor people.' So last year we started to focus on the beggars. Our argument is you can't be poorer than beggars. That's the last stage of your survival. You go around and beg for food, collect rice, cook it at home and then eat. That's your daily survival ration. So we are interested in them. We are saying, 'Look, as you go house to house, would you carry some merchandise with you -- some cookies, candies, toys for the kids and so on -- to sell?' People love that. We thought initially we would have 4,000 to 5,000 borrowers in that program, but as the year ended we had more than 26,000 beggars. They are very happy because they have seen that when they go to houses which have never opened their front door to them, that door is now open. The beggars show their merchandise and they are given a stool to sit on, which they never had before. The beggars not only sell but also get respect from the families.
NBR: We have recently seen elections in Iraq for the first time. Self determination is the hope there. In a sense, is that what your program does? It changes people?
Yunus: Definitely. Actually, if you look at it one way, the microcredit we give to the women is a tool to explore one's self, how much capacity that is stored up inside: 'I never knew that I had the capacity. That creativity. That ingenuity. To make money to express myself. So that money gives, for the first time, an occasion for me to find out how much I can do.' When you were successful in the first round, when you took tiny amounts -- $30, $35 -- and went into business and paid back the loan, you are now much more equipped to do better. Bigger. So you ask for a $50 loan, a $60 loan, because you think you can do bigger business and more challenging business than when you first took out an easy loan.
NBR: It gives you that self confidence.
Yunus: That self confidence. And if you go through 10 rounds and 15 rounds you are ready for a much bigger challenge than you thought. We introduced information technology into the system. We created a cell phone company called Grameen Phone and brought the phone into the villages of Bangladesh. We gave loans to the borrowers to buy a cell phone and start selling phone service. It became a growing business. Now that they are already confident business women, they can very easily come into a business which they never heard of before. They never saw a telephone in their life but they accepted it as a business idea, and there are now more than 100,000 telephone ladies all over Bangladesh doing good business and connecting Bangladesh with the rest of the world.
NBR: Do they use the telephone in their business, or is this a business itself?
Yunus: It's a business itself. If I have a phone, since nobody else has a phone, they have to come to me to use it. They make a call and pay. It's like a public telephone call office. The owner of the phone becomes a one-person public phone office.
NBR: So it's the newest technology for people who have never had a telephone or anything like that.
Yunus: That's right. People complain that microcredit will let these women raise only chickens and cows and nothing else, that they are always stuck with primitive technology and don't have the capacity to move up to a new technology. So this is again a demonstration. Give them a chance to pick up state-of-the-art technology.
NBR: And your program has gone beyond Bangladesh? Are you everywhere in the world?
Yunus: To our knowledge, our program is running in more than 100 countries, some in a big way, some in a small way. And more and more countries are joining in each year, each day.
NBR: Africa is one area of interest. Have there been any special, noteworthy cultural issues there one way or the other?
Yunus: There are cultural issues everywhere -- in Bangladesh, Latin America, Africa, wherever you go. But somehow when we talk about cultural differences, we magnify those differences. To me, after all this experience, I see there are 95% common things in culture, only 5% differences. The human culture is the basic culture. Finding ways to improve people's lives may take different shapes, but it's still the same urge to improve your family, to care for your children, to have a decent life for yourself and so on. So those cultures are common cultures, as is the culture of poverty, deprivation and lack of opportunity. So we create a new culture of confidence and self dignity by [building] businesses that are not at the mercy of anybody. They are equal partners: the bank and the people. They are in business in equal partnership.
NBR: They are both taking a risk.
Yunus: They are both taking a risk and doing business together.
NBR: The focus of this series of interviews is greatest challenges. What would you say your greatest challenge has been?
Yunus: My greatest challenge has been to change the mindset of people. Mindsets play strange tricks on us. We see things the way our minds have instructed our eyes to see. We think the way our minds have instructed our minds to think. We are familiar with one way of thinking. Most of it comes during our academic years, during our student years. The teachers we had, the books we read -- they made up our mindset, and ever since we are stuck with that. We cannot break through this. If you are a successful student in a university, actually you become the 'mini' of the professor whom you liked and admired most ... So that's what mindset does. When you bring in a new thought, you are in conflict with those old thoughts. You struggle, but the old thoughts still prevail because the mindset is so strong. It would be good if we could have an educational system, a learning process, where we could retain our originality and at the same time accumulate insight and never become a mini professor, but remain ourselves and still absorb different views. Yet institutions have their own mindsets, and it's very difficult to penetrate and change them. So changing has to be done faster. It's a faster world -- particularly in the 21st century -- but human minds, our academic system, make change slow. So this has been the hardest challenge that I have faced along the way.
NBR: So you want change to be at a faster speed?
Yunus: Absolutely. Yes.
NBR: You were among the 25 most influential individuals that the Wharton School and Nightly Business Report selected for this series. In a sense, you are unique on that list. How do you see yourself among that group?
Yunus: I was very surprised. I didn't think I was at that level. These are the people who are admired all over the world, who have accomplished so much. Seeing that I was one of the 25, I was really inspired and overwhelmed. But in a way, if I look back, this is recognition of the importance of financial services to the poorest people. This is what you recognized. Today, if you look at financial systems around the globe, more than half the population of the world -- out of six billion people, more than three billion -- do not qualify to take out a loan from a bank. This is a shame. What kind of institutions have we built that cannot afford to extend their services to the majority of the people?
NBR: And finally, what is your vision for the future?
Yunus: My vision for the future? Two things: to make credit a human right so that each individual human being will have the opportunity to take loans and implement his or her ideas so that self-exploration becomes possible. And second: that it will lead to a world where nobody has to suffer from poverty -- a world completely free from poverty. Not a single human being will suffer from the misery and indignity of poverty. Poverty is unnecessary. The human being is quite capable of taking care of himself or herself. But we have created a society that does not allow opportunities for those people to take care of themselves because we have denied them those opportunities. I have described poor people as like a bonsai -- that little tree that grows in a flower pot. I said you pick the best seed of the tallest tree in the forest, and plant it in a flower pot, and it will grow into a tiny tree. Is there anything wrong with the seed? Nothing is wrong with the seed. It's the best seed. Then why is it tiny? Because you planted it in a flower pot. You didn't allow it to grow in the real soil. The poor people are the bonsai people. Society has not allowed them the real soil. If you allow them the real soil, real opportunities, they will grow as tall as everybody else.
NBR: What has happened to those furniture makers that you first loaned $27 to?
Yunus: They have changed. All of Bangladesh has changed if you look from the bottom up. In general, you see Bangladesh is still a poor country and so on. But empowerment has come to the women of Bangladesh -- even the poorest women in Bangladesh. It's tremendous. It's a dramatic change that has taken place. Women have access to money. They can now plan. They can now dream. Their children are in school. Many of them are going into higher education through Grameen Bank financing. New communities are emerging. A new generation is emerging. New technology has been brought in -- information technology, mobile phones, and so on -- in a country where 70% of the people have no access to electricity. We brought solar energy -- self-contained electricity -- and connected it to the mobile phones. We try to address all that. Housing has been brought in, and new infrastructure. The economy as a whole has changed. People are creating their own jobs. They are not waiting for anybody else to hire them.
NBR: And this program has been working in the United States?
Yunus: Yes in the United States, Canada, in England, in France, in Norway. Rich countries, poor countries -- the problem remains the same. (Credit: Wharton)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Muhammad Yunus
Financial News
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
NBR: You have been credited with inventing the microcredit movement more than 30 years ago. Why did you go in that direction?
Yunus: I had no idea that I would ever get involved with something like lending money to poor people, given the circumstances in which I was working in Bangladesh. I was teaching in one of the universities while the country was suffering from a severe famine. People were dying of hunger, and I felt very helpless. As an economist, I had no tool in my tool box to fix that kind of situation.
NBR: So what gave you the idea to give people tools?
Yunus: While I traveled around the country, I told myself, 'As a person, forget about the tool box. As a human being, I can go out and be available to help another person.' So that's what I started doing. This was back in 1974. I saw how people suffered for a tiny amount of money. They had to borrow from the moneylender, and the moneylender took advantage of them, squeezed them in a way that all the benefits passed on to the moneylender and none remained for the borrowers. So I made a list of people who needed just a little bit of money. And when the list was complete, there were 42 names. The total amount of money they needed was $27. I was shocked. Here we were talking about economic development, about investing billions of dollars in various programs, and I could see it wasn't billions of dollars people needed right away. They needed a tiny amount of money. This was in 1976.
NBR: I understand some of the money was for a bamboo furniture maker?
Yunus: That's right. She was making bamboo stools and earning only two pennies a day. I couldn't believe that someone could make only two pennies for crafting such beautiful stools. After a discussion with her I found out she had to borrow money to buy the bamboo, which cost only 25 cents. But she didn't have the 25 cents. So she had to borrow it from the trader, who agreed to lend it to her on the condition that she sell the bamboo stool to him when it was finished at a price that he decided.
NBR: So how was your plan different?
Yunus: I wanted to give money to people like this woman so that they would be free from the moneylenders to sell their product at the price which the markets gave them -- which was much higher than what the trader was giving them.
NBR: But even then you charged interest.
Yunus: Oh yes ... Definitely, yes.
NBR: And why is that? What was the thinking?
Yunus: I thought if you do things in a businesslike way, then the project can become as big as you want it to because you are earning enough money to cover all your costs. You are not dependent on anybody. You are not dependent on a limited supply of capital. This is business money. Business money is limitless. And then, you can reach out to many more people than you would otherwise do.
NBR: So this is not charity?
Yunus: This is not charity. This is business: business with a social objective, which is to help people get out of poverty. Other banks were not giving loans to these people.
NBR: So how did you get from that first $27 to working with Grameen Bank and expanding this around the globe?
Yunus: The villagers got very excited that I gave them the money. To them, it was like a miracle. Seeing this, a question came to my mind. If you can make so many people so happy with such a small amount of money, why shouldn't you do more of it? Why shouldn't you reach out to many more people? I could do this by linking these people with a bank that could lend them the money. So I went to the bank and proposed that they lend money to the poor people. The bankers almost fell over. They couldn't believe what had been proposed to them. They explained to me that the bank cannot lend money to poor people because these people are not creditworthy. So a long series of debates began with me and the banking system. Finally, I resolved it after about six months by offering myself as a guarantor. I said, 'I will sign the loan papers. I will take the risk, and you give the money.' I got the money and gave it to the people. And luckily for me, all the people paid it back. The banks had been saying that I would never get the money back and would ultimately have to pay it back myself. I said, 'I don't know anything. Let me try it out.' And I tried it, and it worked.
NBR: Has it continued to work?
Yunus: Yes, and we expanded it from village to village. But we still saw that the banks weren't changing their minds even after I had demonstrated that there was no risk to the process, that banks could do better by giving money to poor people, who were paying it back, than to rich people, who were not paying it back.
NBR: Poor people were paying the money back [more reliably] than rich people?
Yunus: Much better than rich people. Because Bangladesh has a tradition of rich people who borrow money from the big banks and hardly pay it back.
NBR: That's pretty startling.
Yunus: Very startling, yes.
NBR: You have said that you loaned primarily to women. Why is that?
Yunus: It has to do with the decision to have a separate bank for the poor people. From the beginning, I had complained about the banking system on two grounds. One complaint was that the banking system was denying financial services to the poor people through certain rules it had set up. The second allegation was that the banking system also was not treating women fairly. If you look at the gender composition of all the borrowers of all the banks in Bangladesh, not even 1% of the borrowers happen to be women. I said this is a very gender-biased organization. So when I began, I wanted to make sure half the borrowers in my program are women so that they are even. I did that. It was not easy because women themselves didn't think that they should borrow money. I had to do a lot of convincing. I encouraged them to believe that they can borrow money and make money. Part of that effort was to overcome fears -- cultural fears -- and the fact that they had never had any experience with business and so on. Soon we saw that money going to women brought much more benefit to the family than money going to the men. So we changed our policy and gave a high priority to women. As a result, now 96% of our four million borrowers in Grameen Bank are women.
NBR: So you say you have four million borrowers. How much money over time have you loaned out?
Yunus: If we start with that $27, and you add on all the money that we have loaned, it's nearly $5 billion that we have given over time. Now we have come to a stage where every two years we are giving $1 billion. So half a billion dollars a year. That's the stage we are in.
NBR: And this keeps funding itself because of the interest that's being paid?
Yunus: That's right. We take the deposits and we offer the depositors good interest rates. The money we lend to the borrowers makes a profit for the bank.
NBR: While people say that your program works well, some also say that it tends to focus on the top tier of poor people. How do you respond to that -- the criticism that it doesn't get to the people who really need such basic things as food and shelter?
Yunus: Grameen Bank helps poor people of all classes, of all types. Bottom, middle, and higher levels. Our work started with $27 to 42 people. Although we say we can work with all levels, and Grameen Bank is an example, still people don't pay attention to what we do. They just say, 'Oh no. Microcredit. It's not doing the right thing, focusing only on the upper level of poor people.' So last year we started to focus on the beggars. Our argument is you can't be poorer than beggars. That's the last stage of your survival. You go around and beg for food, collect rice, cook it at home and then eat. That's your daily survival ration. So we are interested in them. We are saying, 'Look, as you go house to house, would you carry some merchandise with you -- some cookies, candies, toys for the kids and so on -- to sell?' People love that. We thought initially we would have 4,000 to 5,000 borrowers in that program, but as the year ended we had more than 26,000 beggars. They are very happy because they have seen that when they go to houses which have never opened their front door to them, that door is now open. The beggars show their merchandise and they are given a stool to sit on, which they never had before. The beggars not only sell but also get respect from the families.
NBR: We have recently seen elections in Iraq for the first time. Self determination is the hope there. In a sense, is that what your program does? It changes people?
Yunus: Definitely. Actually, if you look at it one way, the microcredit we give to the women is a tool to explore one's self, how much capacity that is stored up inside: 'I never knew that I had the capacity. That creativity. That ingenuity. To make money to express myself. So that money gives, for the first time, an occasion for me to find out how much I can do.' When you were successful in the first round, when you took tiny amounts -- $30, $35 -- and went into business and paid back the loan, you are now much more equipped to do better. Bigger. So you ask for a $50 loan, a $60 loan, because you think you can do bigger business and more challenging business than when you first took out an easy loan.
NBR: It gives you that self confidence.
Yunus: That self confidence. And if you go through 10 rounds and 15 rounds you are ready for a much bigger challenge than you thought. We introduced information technology into the system. We created a cell phone company called Grameen Phone and brought the phone into the villages of Bangladesh. We gave loans to the borrowers to buy a cell phone and start selling phone service. It became a growing business. Now that they are already confident business women, they can very easily come into a business which they never heard of before. They never saw a telephone in their life but they accepted it as a business idea, and there are now more than 100,000 telephone ladies all over Bangladesh doing good business and connecting Bangladesh with the rest of the world.
NBR: Do they use the telephone in their business, or is this a business itself?
Yunus: It's a business itself. If I have a phone, since nobody else has a phone, they have to come to me to use it. They make a call and pay. It's like a public telephone call office. The owner of the phone becomes a one-person public phone office.
NBR: So it's the newest technology for people who have never had a telephone or anything like that.
Yunus: That's right. People complain that microcredit will let these women raise only chickens and cows and nothing else, that they are always stuck with primitive technology and don't have the capacity to move up to a new technology. So this is again a demonstration. Give them a chance to pick up state-of-the-art technology.
NBR: And your program has gone beyond Bangladesh? Are you everywhere in the world?
Yunus: To our knowledge, our program is running in more than 100 countries, some in a big way, some in a small way. And more and more countries are joining in each year, each day.
NBR: Africa is one area of interest. Have there been any special, noteworthy cultural issues there one way or the other?
Yunus: There are cultural issues everywhere -- in Bangladesh, Latin America, Africa, wherever you go. But somehow when we talk about cultural differences, we magnify those differences. To me, after all this experience, I see there are 95% common things in culture, only 5% differences. The human culture is the basic culture. Finding ways to improve people's lives may take different shapes, but it's still the same urge to improve your family, to care for your children, to have a decent life for yourself and so on. So those cultures are common cultures, as is the culture of poverty, deprivation and lack of opportunity. So we create a new culture of confidence and self dignity by [building] businesses that are not at the mercy of anybody. They are equal partners: the bank and the people. They are in business in equal partnership.
NBR: They are both taking a risk.
Yunus: They are both taking a risk and doing business together.
NBR: The focus of this series of interviews is greatest challenges. What would you say your greatest challenge has been?
Yunus: My greatest challenge has been to change the mindset of people. Mindsets play strange tricks on us. We see things the way our minds have instructed our eyes to see. We think the way our minds have instructed our minds to think. We are familiar with one way of thinking. Most of it comes during our academic years, during our student years. The teachers we had, the books we read -- they made up our mindset, and ever since we are stuck with that. We cannot break through this. If you are a successful student in a university, actually you become the 'mini' of the professor whom you liked and admired most ... So that's what mindset does. When you bring in a new thought, you are in conflict with those old thoughts. You struggle, but the old thoughts still prevail because the mindset is so strong. It would be good if we could have an educational system, a learning process, where we could retain our originality and at the same time accumulate insight and never become a mini professor, but remain ourselves and still absorb different views. Yet institutions have their own mindsets, and it's very difficult to penetrate and change them. So changing has to be done faster. It's a faster world -- particularly in the 21st century -- but human minds, our academic system, make change slow. So this has been the hardest challenge that I have faced along the way.
NBR: So you want change to be at a faster speed?
Yunus: Absolutely. Yes.
NBR: You were among the 25 most influential individuals that the Wharton School and Nightly Business Report selected for this series. In a sense, you are unique on that list. How do you see yourself among that group?
Yunus: I was very surprised. I didn't think I was at that level. These are the people who are admired all over the world, who have accomplished so much. Seeing that I was one of the 25, I was really inspired and overwhelmed. But in a way, if I look back, this is recognition of the importance of financial services to the poorest people. This is what you recognized. Today, if you look at financial systems around the globe, more than half the population of the world -- out of six billion people, more than three billion -- do not qualify to take out a loan from a bank. This is a shame. What kind of institutions have we built that cannot afford to extend their services to the majority of the people?
NBR: And finally, what is your vision for the future?
Yunus: My vision for the future? Two things: to make credit a human right so that each individual human being will have the opportunity to take loans and implement his or her ideas so that self-exploration becomes possible. And second: that it will lead to a world where nobody has to suffer from poverty -- a world completely free from poverty. Not a single human being will suffer from the misery and indignity of poverty. Poverty is unnecessary. The human being is quite capable of taking care of himself or herself. But we have created a society that does not allow opportunities for those people to take care of themselves because we have denied them those opportunities. I have described poor people as like a bonsai -- that little tree that grows in a flower pot. I said you pick the best seed of the tallest tree in the forest, and plant it in a flower pot, and it will grow into a tiny tree. Is there anything wrong with the seed? Nothing is wrong with the seed. It's the best seed. Then why is it tiny? Because you planted it in a flower pot. You didn't allow it to grow in the real soil. The poor people are the bonsai people. Society has not allowed them the real soil. If you allow them the real soil, real opportunities, they will grow as tall as everybody else.
NBR: What has happened to those furniture makers that you first loaned $27 to?
Yunus: They have changed. All of Bangladesh has changed if you look from the bottom up. In general, you see Bangladesh is still a poor country and so on. But empowerment has come to the women of Bangladesh -- even the poorest women in Bangladesh. It's tremendous. It's a dramatic change that has taken place. Women have access to money. They can now plan. They can now dream. Their children are in school. Many of them are going into higher education through Grameen Bank financing. New communities are emerging. A new generation is emerging. New technology has been brought in -- information technology, mobile phones, and so on -- in a country where 70% of the people have no access to electricity. We brought solar energy -- self-contained electricity -- and connected it to the mobile phones. We try to address all that. Housing has been brought in, and new infrastructure. The economy as a whole has changed. People are creating their own jobs. They are not waiting for anybody else to hire them.
NBR: And this program has been working in the United States?
Yunus: Yes in the United States, Canada, in England, in France, in Norway. Rich countries, poor countries -- the problem remains the same. (Credit: Wharton)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Muhammad Yunus
Financial News
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Monday, September 08, 2008
Brain Food For Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Super Trivia Guy (aka Ric Allport) creates a free trivia and games newsletter “The Brain Food Factory”. It is designed to exercise all brain functions and is an aid to help people avoid the horrible conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Profile on Super Trivia Guy
The Brain Food Factory is a free newsletter which, at the moment, consists of Super Trivia Guy and his faithful offsider Not-So-Super Helper Person (more about her at a later stage). This website simply enables people to sign up for the free newsletter, however, in time, it will grow into who knows what with all sorts of fun and interesting things to do.
We thought the best way to tell you a little bit about Super Trivia Guy was to put up an interview he did recently. Go get yourself a cup of tea and sit back and get to know him. He's Super!
INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK - SUPER TRIVIA GUY a.k.a RIC ALLPORT
Super Trivia Guy (aka Ric Allport) has had many different incarnations in his life, including High School Teacher, Musician, Music Storeman/Salesman, Artist, Photographer, not to mention his career highlight as a Telephone Sanitizer (which helped him get through Art College). He has been running live trivia shows for the past eleven years with Complete Trivia and has also been developing and running an online trivia competition.
I love the name Super Trivia Guy. Where did you come up with it?
I have been running live trivia shows now for about twelve years and I have been doing an online trivia competition for about four years. Over this time I have lost track off how many questions, pictures and sound clues that I have gone through. After chatting to my business partner in Sydney (who has been doing this for about eighteen years), we roughly estimated that in the databank at the moment there would be about 150,000 questions alone, not including pictures and sounds. I mentioned this to some of my online players and they said that my brain must be bursting with knowledge and I must be a mastermind of trivia, a kind of super trivia guy. When I heard that I thought “what an interesting name, I think I will keep that”. So 'Super Trivia Guy’ was born. I am now working on my Super Creed so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know.
Why are you so interested in trivia, puzzles and the like? When did your interest in these areas begin?
When I was a kid I was always interested in games, puzzles and sport. Certainly not academic things. I was always playing something. I then started to play music as well, which became a great passion for me. I also loved the weird and wonderful e.g. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, Sideshow Alley at the Easter Show, crazy world records (not many people could tell you that Kevin Cole of New Mexico blew a spaghetti strand 19cms out of his nostril in a single blow).
Over the years I have really become interested in the workings of the brain and the importance of keeping it very active. Unfortunately, I had to watch a friend of mine’s father go rapidly downhill with Alzheimer’s Disease. I found it difficult to understand what was happening at the time, so over the years I have looked into how the brain works and how to keep it active. I found that, much like your body needs to exercise, so does your brain. Doing Crosswords, Trivia Quizzes, Sudoku, Word Games etc really helps to keep the brain active and in top condition. It is not a cure for Alzheimer’s or Dementia or other brain disorders, but it helps to keep them at bay.
What is a typical working day like for Super Trivia Guy?
I am not quite sure about any part of my day being typical, however it usually starts at about 7am when I get up and check emails, make sure that the online trivia competition is running smoothly, and hear the oh so wonderful sound of my coffee being ready! Each day brings different things to do. Usually the first thing to do is check the news sites to see what is going on around the world (trivia happens all the time) and we like to make sure we always have current questions. Then it is creating the questions from the research, finding pictures and sounds. From there it usually leads to creating some Crosswords, Sudoku puzzles etc which I put into our free monthly newsletter. In between all this, there is the promotion and marketing that also has to happen and then the creation of our mega monthly online competition. Somewhere in between all that I fit in food and some sleep.
What are the pros and cons of your job?
I receive wonderful feedback from people all over Australia about our site and how much it helps them. To know that what I do makes a difference to many people’s lives really makes what I do worthwhile. Also, working mostly from home means that I work to my own timetable which can be as flexible as it needs to be (except the end of the month when the next months questions have to be finished, so don’t bother me unless you bring coffee and cake!).
The down side of what I do is the probably the marketing aspect. Trying to create a unique business in a unique place – the Internet, has many challenges when it comes to marketing. The online site is very unique amongst all other trivia sites on the net. Also, the downside in working from home is that sometimes you never stop and take time out for yourself.
What are your interests outside of trivia?
My other interests and passions are music (I have played live since I was fourteen years old), also animals in all shapes and forms. There is nothing more wonderful then watching the amazing creatures that make up this world. And then there is of course watching movies, seeing live bands play original music, going to art shows/festivals and anything else I can fit in.
Which celebrities, leaders or public figures do you admire and why?
Anyone who helps and protects animals in any way shape or form.
Robin Williams: he is an amazing person who is incredibly intelligent, so funny and if you read his life story quite an inspiration.
Adam Hills: the consummate professional host and very funny. Spicks and Specks has to be the best show on TV.
Lisa Randall: a physicist who is making her mark in a very male dominated workplace and one who has very interesting theories.
Jeff Gambin from ‘Just Enough Faith’: check him out, he really helps people in need and deserves all the support he can get.
Oprah Winfrey: love her or hate her, she really has made a difference to so many people in the world.
Ian Ballard: a friend of mine from High School. He found out years ago that he had MS and instead of letting it get the better of him, he has become a driving force behind F5M which is trying to raise $5 million for research into a cure for MS.
Andrew Denton: how he manages to extract so much information from the people he interviews is beyond me. (Credit: Ric Allport)
Website
The Brain Food Factory
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Profile on Super Trivia Guy
The Brain Food Factory is a free newsletter which, at the moment, consists of Super Trivia Guy and his faithful offsider Not-So-Super Helper Person (more about her at a later stage). This website simply enables people to sign up for the free newsletter, however, in time, it will grow into who knows what with all sorts of fun and interesting things to do.
We thought the best way to tell you a little bit about Super Trivia Guy was to put up an interview he did recently. Go get yourself a cup of tea and sit back and get to know him. He's Super!
INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK - SUPER TRIVIA GUY a.k.a RIC ALLPORT
Super Trivia Guy (aka Ric Allport) has had many different incarnations in his life, including High School Teacher, Musician, Music Storeman/Salesman, Artist, Photographer, not to mention his career highlight as a Telephone Sanitizer (which helped him get through Art College). He has been running live trivia shows for the past eleven years with Complete Trivia and has also been developing and running an online trivia competition.
I love the name Super Trivia Guy. Where did you come up with it?
I have been running live trivia shows now for about twelve years and I have been doing an online trivia competition for about four years. Over this time I have lost track off how many questions, pictures and sound clues that I have gone through. After chatting to my business partner in Sydney (who has been doing this for about eighteen years), we roughly estimated that in the databank at the moment there would be about 150,000 questions alone, not including pictures and sounds. I mentioned this to some of my online players and they said that my brain must be bursting with knowledge and I must be a mastermind of trivia, a kind of super trivia guy. When I heard that I thought “what an interesting name, I think I will keep that”. So 'Super Trivia Guy’ was born. I am now working on my Super Creed so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know.
Why are you so interested in trivia, puzzles and the like? When did your interest in these areas begin?
When I was a kid I was always interested in games, puzzles and sport. Certainly not academic things. I was always playing something. I then started to play music as well, which became a great passion for me. I also loved the weird and wonderful e.g. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, Sideshow Alley at the Easter Show, crazy world records (not many people could tell you that Kevin Cole of New Mexico blew a spaghetti strand 19cms out of his nostril in a single blow).
Over the years I have really become interested in the workings of the brain and the importance of keeping it very active. Unfortunately, I had to watch a friend of mine’s father go rapidly downhill with Alzheimer’s Disease. I found it difficult to understand what was happening at the time, so over the years I have looked into how the brain works and how to keep it active. I found that, much like your body needs to exercise, so does your brain. Doing Crosswords, Trivia Quizzes, Sudoku, Word Games etc really helps to keep the brain active and in top condition. It is not a cure for Alzheimer’s or Dementia or other brain disorders, but it helps to keep them at bay.
What is a typical working day like for Super Trivia Guy?
I am not quite sure about any part of my day being typical, however it usually starts at about 7am when I get up and check emails, make sure that the online trivia competition is running smoothly, and hear the oh so wonderful sound of my coffee being ready! Each day brings different things to do. Usually the first thing to do is check the news sites to see what is going on around the world (trivia happens all the time) and we like to make sure we always have current questions. Then it is creating the questions from the research, finding pictures and sounds. From there it usually leads to creating some Crosswords, Sudoku puzzles etc which I put into our free monthly newsletter. In between all this, there is the promotion and marketing that also has to happen and then the creation of our mega monthly online competition. Somewhere in between all that I fit in food and some sleep.
What are the pros and cons of your job?
I receive wonderful feedback from people all over Australia about our site and how much it helps them. To know that what I do makes a difference to many people’s lives really makes what I do worthwhile. Also, working mostly from home means that I work to my own timetable which can be as flexible as it needs to be (except the end of the month when the next months questions have to be finished, so don’t bother me unless you bring coffee and cake!).
The down side of what I do is the probably the marketing aspect. Trying to create a unique business in a unique place – the Internet, has many challenges when it comes to marketing. The online site is very unique amongst all other trivia sites on the net. Also, the downside in working from home is that sometimes you never stop and take time out for yourself.
What are your interests outside of trivia?
My other interests and passions are music (I have played live since I was fourteen years old), also animals in all shapes and forms. There is nothing more wonderful then watching the amazing creatures that make up this world. And then there is of course watching movies, seeing live bands play original music, going to art shows/festivals and anything else I can fit in.
Which celebrities, leaders or public figures do you admire and why?
Anyone who helps and protects animals in any way shape or form.
Robin Williams: he is an amazing person who is incredibly intelligent, so funny and if you read his life story quite an inspiration.
Adam Hills: the consummate professional host and very funny. Spicks and Specks has to be the best show on TV.
Lisa Randall: a physicist who is making her mark in a very male dominated workplace and one who has very interesting theories.
Jeff Gambin from ‘Just Enough Faith’: check him out, he really helps people in need and deserves all the support he can get.
Oprah Winfrey: love her or hate her, she really has made a difference to so many people in the world.
Ian Ballard: a friend of mine from High School. He found out years ago that he had MS and instead of letting it get the better of him, he has become a driving force behind F5M which is trying to raise $5 million for research into a cure for MS.
Andrew Denton: how he manages to extract so much information from the people he interviews is beyond me. (Credit: Ric Allport)
Website
The Brain Food Factory
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Sunday, September 07, 2008
The schmooze circuit, by Amy Verner - Globe and Mail - 4th September 2008
Festival festivities kick off tonight, but will crystallize at Swarovski on Saturday with the ultimate battle of the bling
Until the Toronto International Film Festival parties get started tonight, this intrepid scenester is in a limbo period, all dressed up and waiting to go. The master spreadsheet has been composed, all access has been secured, each outfit has been roughly planned and friends have come out of the woodwork to offer themselves as my entourage. I can all but taste the Park Hyatt's tray of seasoned almonds, dried fruit and olives - my favourite source of sustenance throughout a week of celeb watching that will take me from Passchendaele at the Drake tonight to the passion of Paris Hilton at Ultra next Saturday.
In the meantime, a few trends are already appearing on this year's film festival schmooze circuit.
The usual battles of the bling will climax at cocktail hour on Saturday night. At the northwest corner of Bloor and Yonge Streets, Swarovski is hosting a prescreening reception for Blindness, a film that isn't exactly easy to watch but makes a crystallizing impact. Meanwhile, a red carpet will be rolled out at the southeast corner of Bloor and Bay Streets for Hello Canada magazine's salute to Hollywood's legendary couples. Birks seems like an apropos venue: Where better to recognize love than in a place that sells diamond rings?
Like a vegetable garden creeping onto the lawn, the greening of TIFF continues. The Royal Bank of Canada soiree on Saturday night is to honour Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in support of the Waterkeeper Alliance. Think organic noshing, Bullfrog Power and greenery in lieu of flowers.
Gift suites, the freebee bonanzas at every festival, also have an eco bent: the It Lounge in the Windsor Arms Hotel features organic cotton Fila T-shirts emblazoned with "f-words" such as "fashionista" and "freedom" in addition to Teva shoes with soles made from recycled tires. Kate Hudson, who's in town for the Virgin Unite Event, will be enlightening the press on Wildaid, an organization that raises awareness about trade in endangered-species products. And then there's Greenhouse, the pop-up bio boîte at 99 Sudbury Street that arrives via New York and touts eco-friendly design materials and 360 Vodka. No doubt attendees at the Playboy Party chaperoned by bunnies Shannon James and Roxanne Dawn will be thanking Mother Nature.
If any businesses stand to gain from the festival, it's restaurants that get no respect throughout the year. Empire and Sopra are two Yorkville-area locations that will be peppered with celebrities - from Claire Danes and Zac Efron (Me and Orson Welles) to Matt Dillon and Kate Beckinsale (Nothing but the Truth) - but Toronto foodies would be the first to point out that these aren't considered the city's best places to chow down. The skinny is that various restos get booked by event producers for the duration of the film festival. They offer themselves at bargain-basement prices in exchange for bragging rights. Of course, if a local stargazer were really smart, she'd make reservations at standbys such as Sotto Sotto and Joso's, or newcomers Grace and Nyood, where more discreet action will be happening nightly.
But grabbing your own brush with greatness is getting harder this year. Lobby will not be open to the hoi polloi this time (not that it ever prided itself on a lax velvet-rope policy). It has turned private and will be known as the Luxury Lounge for the duration. Under the auspices of Jordan Bitove's Vision Co., with such tony brand partners as Perrier-Jouët, Vogue and London Fog, it will be the destination for numerous studio dinners and a little tomfoolery care of LeBron James and Steve Nash, who are hosting after-parties.
And now some burning questions. Check back throughout the week for answers.
Will Anne Hathaway wear Prada to the screening of Rachel Getting Married? While her onscreen look more closely channels ready-to-rebel than ready-to-wear, this bona fide actress will likely go the glam route when she heads to the after-party at Brandt House.
Will Colin Farrell make front-page news once again when he reunites with his formerly homeless Toronto friend who goes by the name Stress? One year after the sexy Irishman treated the stranger to a shopping spree and encouraged him to get his life on track, Stress is now off the streets. Incidentally, Mr. Farrell is here this year for a film called Pride & Glory,which also stars Ed Norton.
Will the cast of Burn After Reading actually make it to their top secret after-party? Last year, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's SUV was so swarmed by fans on Yorkville Avenue that they ditched their plans to kick back at hot spot Amber and decamped to the Park Hyatt's rooftop lounge, which I lovingly refer to as the "famous fortress in the sky."
Will Geoffrey Rush continue to be the festival's most omnipresent party-hopper? Last year, the actor best known for his Academy Award-winning role in Shine turned up everywhere, from Casa Loma to Holt Renfrew to the George Christy luncheon. Should Mr. Rush wish to relinquish this title, singer John Legend definitely qualifies. How he will be able to cram in a song or two at One X One, a headlining performance with Mariah Carey for the Canadian Idol finale, a jam session at King Street boîte Atelier, an appearance at a Lush magazine party and a private dinner into three days is beyond me.
My agenda is equally packed. The difference, of course, is that I won't have an entourage.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Unite
Film Festivals
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Until the Toronto International Film Festival parties get started tonight, this intrepid scenester is in a limbo period, all dressed up and waiting to go. The master spreadsheet has been composed, all access has been secured, each outfit has been roughly planned and friends have come out of the woodwork to offer themselves as my entourage. I can all but taste the Park Hyatt's tray of seasoned almonds, dried fruit and olives - my favourite source of sustenance throughout a week of celeb watching that will take me from Passchendaele at the Drake tonight to the passion of Paris Hilton at Ultra next Saturday.
In the meantime, a few trends are already appearing on this year's film festival schmooze circuit.
The usual battles of the bling will climax at cocktail hour on Saturday night. At the northwest corner of Bloor and Yonge Streets, Swarovski is hosting a prescreening reception for Blindness, a film that isn't exactly easy to watch but makes a crystallizing impact. Meanwhile, a red carpet will be rolled out at the southeast corner of Bloor and Bay Streets for Hello Canada magazine's salute to Hollywood's legendary couples. Birks seems like an apropos venue: Where better to recognize love than in a place that sells diamond rings?
Like a vegetable garden creeping onto the lawn, the greening of TIFF continues. The Royal Bank of Canada soiree on Saturday night is to honour Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in support of the Waterkeeper Alliance. Think organic noshing, Bullfrog Power and greenery in lieu of flowers.
Gift suites, the freebee bonanzas at every festival, also have an eco bent: the It Lounge in the Windsor Arms Hotel features organic cotton Fila T-shirts emblazoned with "f-words" such as "fashionista" and "freedom" in addition to Teva shoes with soles made from recycled tires. Kate Hudson, who's in town for the Virgin Unite Event, will be enlightening the press on Wildaid, an organization that raises awareness about trade in endangered-species products. And then there's Greenhouse, the pop-up bio boîte at 99 Sudbury Street that arrives via New York and touts eco-friendly design materials and 360 Vodka. No doubt attendees at the Playboy Party chaperoned by bunnies Shannon James and Roxanne Dawn will be thanking Mother Nature.
If any businesses stand to gain from the festival, it's restaurants that get no respect throughout the year. Empire and Sopra are two Yorkville-area locations that will be peppered with celebrities - from Claire Danes and Zac Efron (Me and Orson Welles) to Matt Dillon and Kate Beckinsale (Nothing but the Truth) - but Toronto foodies would be the first to point out that these aren't considered the city's best places to chow down. The skinny is that various restos get booked by event producers for the duration of the film festival. They offer themselves at bargain-basement prices in exchange for bragging rights. Of course, if a local stargazer were really smart, she'd make reservations at standbys such as Sotto Sotto and Joso's, or newcomers Grace and Nyood, where more discreet action will be happening nightly.
But grabbing your own brush with greatness is getting harder this year. Lobby will not be open to the hoi polloi this time (not that it ever prided itself on a lax velvet-rope policy). It has turned private and will be known as the Luxury Lounge for the duration. Under the auspices of Jordan Bitove's Vision Co., with such tony brand partners as Perrier-Jouët, Vogue and London Fog, it will be the destination for numerous studio dinners and a little tomfoolery care of LeBron James and Steve Nash, who are hosting after-parties.
And now some burning questions. Check back throughout the week for answers.
Will Anne Hathaway wear Prada to the screening of Rachel Getting Married? While her onscreen look more closely channels ready-to-rebel than ready-to-wear, this bona fide actress will likely go the glam route when she heads to the after-party at Brandt House.
Will Colin Farrell make front-page news once again when he reunites with his formerly homeless Toronto friend who goes by the name Stress? One year after the sexy Irishman treated the stranger to a shopping spree and encouraged him to get his life on track, Stress is now off the streets. Incidentally, Mr. Farrell is here this year for a film called Pride & Glory,which also stars Ed Norton.
Will the cast of Burn After Reading actually make it to their top secret after-party? Last year, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's SUV was so swarmed by fans on Yorkville Avenue that they ditched their plans to kick back at hot spot Amber and decamped to the Park Hyatt's rooftop lounge, which I lovingly refer to as the "famous fortress in the sky."
Will Geoffrey Rush continue to be the festival's most omnipresent party-hopper? Last year, the actor best known for his Academy Award-winning role in Shine turned up everywhere, from Casa Loma to Holt Renfrew to the George Christy luncheon. Should Mr. Rush wish to relinquish this title, singer John Legend definitely qualifies. How he will be able to cram in a song or two at One X One, a headlining performance with Mariah Carey for the Canadian Idol finale, a jam session at King Street boîte Atelier, an appearance at a Lush magazine party and a private dinner into three days is beyond me.
My agenda is equally packed. The difference, of course, is that I won't have an entourage.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Unite
Film Festivals
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Social advertising: a plan for viral success, by Michael Berkley - iMedia - 29th August 2008
You may not be able to anticipate which campaigns will be a hit with consumers, but there are ways to optimize your brand's chances of being accepted in their digital gathering spots.
As traditional online advertising proves disappointing in its ability to effectively reach users of MySpace, Facebook and other social network sites, a new breed of marketing tools has emerged under the moniker of "social advertising." Unlike other forms of marketing, social advertisements allow brands to harness the immense marketing power of word-of-mouth campaigns.
There is no force more powerful in advertising than the influence of friends and family. Research supports what marketers have known all along -- all the celebrity product endorsements in the world can't impact someone's purchasing decision as strongly as the recommendation of a friend, husband or wife or business partner.
As powerful as they are, however, word-of-mouth campaigns have historically been a result of serendipitous happenstance rather than orchestrated strategy. In the offline world, brands have little control over how word-of-mouth starts, how it spreads and how it translates into sales. Advertisers can do little more than cross their fingers in hopes of generating community buzz.
That was then. In today's digital world, brands have the ability to harness the unmatched power of world-of-mouth advertising. Rather than simply hope for the best, friend and family influence can now be seeded, augmented and directed by marketers. More significantly, word-of-mouth campaigns can also be tracked and measured in the digital world.
Seeding
Offline, finding and gaining the attention of potential customers is very difficult. Turning that audience into evangelizers of a brand or product is nothing short of miraculous.
In the digital arena, however, well-defined communities already exist. Social network sites such as MySpace and Facebook have become modern day town halls where people regularly gather to communicate and share mutual interests. It has been reported that 75 percent of all teenagers in the United States belong to a social network and 25 percent spend at least 2 hours a day in a social network. Social networks currently hold the highest concentration of teenage attention than any other media.
Brands can be welcomed into these communities... but only if they are perceived as being authentic and providing compelling entertainment or utility to the community.
For example, to reach social network users, Converse included an authentic social networking component to its "Open Gym" campaign. The sportswear giant organized real-world basketball competitions for inner-city youth and used Facebook as an online "meeting place" for participants. The kids went to Facebook to learn about Open Gym games in their communities, to organize new games, play virtual basketball and share videos and pictures of their activities with other players. Converse was accepted into the social network community because it offered real value and was perceived as playing a role beyond simply pushing product.
Authenticity goes beyond content. It also refers to the method of message delivery. Unsolicited advertisements such as banner ads and pop-ups have proven to be ineffective in social network environments because of their obtrusive nature. In their place, a new category of social network-friendly marketing tools called "social advertisements" has begun to emerge.
Social advertisements are opt-in vehicles for brands that allow them to be not only tolerated but actually invited into the online community. They are typically web-based mini-applications that gain consumer attention and spread from friend to friend. Social advertisements are easily embedded onto individuals' home pages and public profile pages. Their focus is to entertain (games, videos), provide utility (information, data) or stimulate communication within the group (chat, message boards, wikis) rather than overtly push a product or service. Of course, the brand messaging is always present. Social advertisements can create vibrant sub-communities around specific entertainment properties, such as a musician or band, sports team, TV show, movie or, in fact, the brand itself.
As one example of available social advertising techniques, Sony Music uses my company's SplashCast tool to connect its artists with users of MySpace and other social network sites. The tool acts as a mini TV-style player that allows the company to distribute a dynamic stream of videos, pictures, text and other digital content. One Sony "Splashcast" stream might be dedicated to its hip-hop artist Chris Brown and another to Britney Spears. Fans might first find the stream on the artist's own website, but since the widget can be easily embedded into any personal page on the web, it quickly spreads from fan to fan. Sony easily updates all of its streams with fresh content whenever it wants.
Different channels allow Sony to distribute and organize various kinds of digital content as it sees fit. One channel may be dedicated to the artist's latest music video while another may be his personal blog. The company also uses two-way communications capabilities to allow users to upload and share additional content. With Chris Brown, for instance, there is a channel dedicated to fan chat and another for pictures that fans want to share with other fans. The result is an online community made up of users from various internet locations that form and regularly meet around the brand's social advertisements!
The above illustration highlights a critical point: key to social advertising is the concept that brands are invited into and distributed by those within the online community (word of mouth). This is very different from conventional advertising, such as banner ads and pop-ups, where the brand is being forced upon consumers. Some social advertising tools not only push content out to receptive audiences but also allow users to upload and share content with each other. The result is a tool that acts as a brand-sponsored, online water cooler: a place where people gather to share mutual interests.
Augmenting
With social advertisements, brands have the ability to accelerate the adoption process. Using conventional media buying methods, they can juice up distribution of their application by increasing its visibility among target consumers. A marketing widget, for example, can be placed on relevant websites or distributed within Google AdSense. Traditional marketing strategies such as PR and print ads can further heighten visibility and interest in the application.
Controlling
Unlike offline word-of-mouth campaigns that can take unexpected and unwanted directions, social advertising keeps the power of control in the hands of the brand. For instance, social advertising tools can usually "blacklist" inappropriate websites from embedding the social ad or widget. Some tools that employ features such as image uploading or chat allow those in charge to pick and choose content they deem appropriate and to moderate conversations that take place within their distributed communities.
Tracking and measuring
Traditional word-of-mouth marketing is as hard to monitor as it is to control. A good social advertisement, however, will provide reports on how far the campaign has spread, in which particular social networks it has taken hold, who's viewing it and who's distributing it. Brands can even review user conversations to assess customer reaction to new products and to better understand customer needs. Ultimately, these tools can measure their effectiveness in swaying purchasing decisions. A review of user chat, for instance, may reveal conversations directly related to purchasing decisions. A close parallel between sales and the social advertisements' viewing/sharing can be an indicator of the advertisement's success.
Conclusion
Word-of-mouth advertising is the most powerful strategy a marketer could hope to employ. Now, thanks to emerging social advertising technologies, it is also a viable reality. Brands can create exciting entertainment experiences or sponsor third-party entertainment content. Either way, harnessing the power of social advertising online is critical for those brands trying to reach teens and young adults.
Michael Berkley is the CEO of SplashCast Media.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social Networking Websites
As traditional online advertising proves disappointing in its ability to effectively reach users of MySpace, Facebook and other social network sites, a new breed of marketing tools has emerged under the moniker of "social advertising." Unlike other forms of marketing, social advertisements allow brands to harness the immense marketing power of word-of-mouth campaigns.
There is no force more powerful in advertising than the influence of friends and family. Research supports what marketers have known all along -- all the celebrity product endorsements in the world can't impact someone's purchasing decision as strongly as the recommendation of a friend, husband or wife or business partner.
As powerful as they are, however, word-of-mouth campaigns have historically been a result of serendipitous happenstance rather than orchestrated strategy. In the offline world, brands have little control over how word-of-mouth starts, how it spreads and how it translates into sales. Advertisers can do little more than cross their fingers in hopes of generating community buzz.
That was then. In today's digital world, brands have the ability to harness the unmatched power of world-of-mouth advertising. Rather than simply hope for the best, friend and family influence can now be seeded, augmented and directed by marketers. More significantly, word-of-mouth campaigns can also be tracked and measured in the digital world.
Seeding
Offline, finding and gaining the attention of potential customers is very difficult. Turning that audience into evangelizers of a brand or product is nothing short of miraculous.
In the digital arena, however, well-defined communities already exist. Social network sites such as MySpace and Facebook have become modern day town halls where people regularly gather to communicate and share mutual interests. It has been reported that 75 percent of all teenagers in the United States belong to a social network and 25 percent spend at least 2 hours a day in a social network. Social networks currently hold the highest concentration of teenage attention than any other media.
Brands can be welcomed into these communities... but only if they are perceived as being authentic and providing compelling entertainment or utility to the community.
For example, to reach social network users, Converse included an authentic social networking component to its "Open Gym" campaign. The sportswear giant organized real-world basketball competitions for inner-city youth and used Facebook as an online "meeting place" for participants. The kids went to Facebook to learn about Open Gym games in their communities, to organize new games, play virtual basketball and share videos and pictures of their activities with other players. Converse was accepted into the social network community because it offered real value and was perceived as playing a role beyond simply pushing product.
Authenticity goes beyond content. It also refers to the method of message delivery. Unsolicited advertisements such as banner ads and pop-ups have proven to be ineffective in social network environments because of their obtrusive nature. In their place, a new category of social network-friendly marketing tools called "social advertisements" has begun to emerge.
Social advertisements are opt-in vehicles for brands that allow them to be not only tolerated but actually invited into the online community. They are typically web-based mini-applications that gain consumer attention and spread from friend to friend. Social advertisements are easily embedded onto individuals' home pages and public profile pages. Their focus is to entertain (games, videos), provide utility (information, data) or stimulate communication within the group (chat, message boards, wikis) rather than overtly push a product or service. Of course, the brand messaging is always present. Social advertisements can create vibrant sub-communities around specific entertainment properties, such as a musician or band, sports team, TV show, movie or, in fact, the brand itself.
As one example of available social advertising techniques, Sony Music uses my company's SplashCast tool to connect its artists with users of MySpace and other social network sites. The tool acts as a mini TV-style player that allows the company to distribute a dynamic stream of videos, pictures, text and other digital content. One Sony "Splashcast" stream might be dedicated to its hip-hop artist Chris Brown and another to Britney Spears. Fans might first find the stream on the artist's own website, but since the widget can be easily embedded into any personal page on the web, it quickly spreads from fan to fan. Sony easily updates all of its streams with fresh content whenever it wants.
Different channels allow Sony to distribute and organize various kinds of digital content as it sees fit. One channel may be dedicated to the artist's latest music video while another may be his personal blog. The company also uses two-way communications capabilities to allow users to upload and share additional content. With Chris Brown, for instance, there is a channel dedicated to fan chat and another for pictures that fans want to share with other fans. The result is an online community made up of users from various internet locations that form and regularly meet around the brand's social advertisements!
The above illustration highlights a critical point: key to social advertising is the concept that brands are invited into and distributed by those within the online community (word of mouth). This is very different from conventional advertising, such as banner ads and pop-ups, where the brand is being forced upon consumers. Some social advertising tools not only push content out to receptive audiences but also allow users to upload and share content with each other. The result is a tool that acts as a brand-sponsored, online water cooler: a place where people gather to share mutual interests.
Augmenting
With social advertisements, brands have the ability to accelerate the adoption process. Using conventional media buying methods, they can juice up distribution of their application by increasing its visibility among target consumers. A marketing widget, for example, can be placed on relevant websites or distributed within Google AdSense. Traditional marketing strategies such as PR and print ads can further heighten visibility and interest in the application.
Controlling
Unlike offline word-of-mouth campaigns that can take unexpected and unwanted directions, social advertising keeps the power of control in the hands of the brand. For instance, social advertising tools can usually "blacklist" inappropriate websites from embedding the social ad or widget. Some tools that employ features such as image uploading or chat allow those in charge to pick and choose content they deem appropriate and to moderate conversations that take place within their distributed communities.
Tracking and measuring
Traditional word-of-mouth marketing is as hard to monitor as it is to control. A good social advertisement, however, will provide reports on how far the campaign has spread, in which particular social networks it has taken hold, who's viewing it and who's distributing it. Brands can even review user conversations to assess customer reaction to new products and to better understand customer needs. Ultimately, these tools can measure their effectiveness in swaying purchasing decisions. A review of user chat, for instance, may reveal conversations directly related to purchasing decisions. A close parallel between sales and the social advertisements' viewing/sharing can be an indicator of the advertisement's success.
Conclusion
Word-of-mouth advertising is the most powerful strategy a marketer could hope to employ. Now, thanks to emerging social advertising technologies, it is also a viable reality. Brands can create exciting entertainment experiences or sponsor third-party entertainment content. Either way, harnessing the power of social advertising online is critical for those brands trying to reach teens and young adults.
Michael Berkley is the CEO of SplashCast Media.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social Networking Websites
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Charities to pay high price for emission trading scheme, By Rosslyn Beeby - The Canberra Times - 2nd September 2008
Australian charities and community services will struggle to absorb new energy costs of up to $1.1billion as a result of the Rudd Government's proposed emissions trading scheme, new research says.
Organisations such as Meals On Wheels and not-for-profit aged-care centres will be among those hardest hit by a 16 per cent rise in the cost of electricity, according to Canberra-based social issues think-tank, The Australia Institute.
''While some industries, like airlines, can pass on higher fuel prices to their customers, it is much harder for charities to pass on their cost increases to the most vulnerable groups in Australia,'' author of a new research paper by The Australia Institute, economist David Richardson said. ''Unless the Government is assuming that donations to charity are going to rise when emissions trading begins, then there are going to be some big problems.''
The cost of emissions permits under the proposed scheme will impose around $1.5billion on state and territory governments. NSW will bear the brunt of the burden with additional costs of about $466million. The ACT Government will incur new costs of about $26million and Australia's local governments face a collective burden of at least $334million, according to the institute.
''As with state governments, unless local governments receive compensation from the Commonwealth, they will need to either reduce the quality of the services they provide to residents, pay their employees lower wages or increase the rates paid by their residents,'' the research paper read.
Mr Richardson said although the Federal Government had flagged compensation for households affected by rising energy costs, it appeared the community sector had been overlooked.
''Most people think of the community sector as being small and run by volunteers, but according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the sector employed 884,000 people and spent more than $68billion in 2007 providing services as diverse as Meals On Wheels to running thousands of aged-care facilities,'' Mr Richardson said.
''The cost of running hot water systems in the aged-care facilities alone is enormous.''
Mission Australia spokesman Paul Andrews said rising petrol prices had already pushed up costs for the organisation's services for the homeless. In Sydney, the cost of using four vans to pick up and transport homeless people to shelters across the city had risen from $800 a week for petrol to $1200, he said.
''We fully support the need to cut greenhouse emissions, but the costs to charities like us need to be recognised by the Government. Some of the extra costs we will face under an emissions trading scheme are pretty scary.''
Australian National University climate law and policy institute director Andrew Macintosh said the research paper showed charities and community welfare services were more financially vulnerable to carbon pricing than ''the big, polluting industries that currently have the ear of government and are arguing their case for compensation.''
Speaking at an Australian Industry Group forum yesterday, Federal Climate Change and Water Minister Penny Wong said the Rudd Government was '' willing to consider alternative approaches'' as part of the consultation process for its draft Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
''In committing to provide assistance to emissions-intensive trade-exposed firms, however, the Government must also balance the competitive position of such industries with the rest of the economy.
Organisations such as Meals On Wheels and not-for-profit aged-care centres will be among those hardest hit by a 16 per cent rise in the cost of electricity, according to Canberra-based social issues think-tank, The Australia Institute.
''While some industries, like airlines, can pass on higher fuel prices to their customers, it is much harder for charities to pass on their cost increases to the most vulnerable groups in Australia,'' author of a new research paper by The Australia Institute, economist David Richardson said. ''Unless the Government is assuming that donations to charity are going to rise when emissions trading begins, then there are going to be some big problems.''
The cost of emissions permits under the proposed scheme will impose around $1.5billion on state and territory governments. NSW will bear the brunt of the burden with additional costs of about $466million. The ACT Government will incur new costs of about $26million and Australia's local governments face a collective burden of at least $334million, according to the institute.
''As with state governments, unless local governments receive compensation from the Commonwealth, they will need to either reduce the quality of the services they provide to residents, pay their employees lower wages or increase the rates paid by their residents,'' the research paper read.
Mr Richardson said although the Federal Government had flagged compensation for households affected by rising energy costs, it appeared the community sector had been overlooked.
''Most people think of the community sector as being small and run by volunteers, but according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the sector employed 884,000 people and spent more than $68billion in 2007 providing services as diverse as Meals On Wheels to running thousands of aged-care facilities,'' Mr Richardson said.
''The cost of running hot water systems in the aged-care facilities alone is enormous.''
Mission Australia spokesman Paul Andrews said rising petrol prices had already pushed up costs for the organisation's services for the homeless. In Sydney, the cost of using four vans to pick up and transport homeless people to shelters across the city had risen from $800 a week for petrol to $1200, he said.
''We fully support the need to cut greenhouse emissions, but the costs to charities like us need to be recognised by the Government. Some of the extra costs we will face under an emissions trading scheme are pretty scary.''
Australian National University climate law and policy institute director Andrew Macintosh said the research paper showed charities and community welfare services were more financially vulnerable to carbon pricing than ''the big, polluting industries that currently have the ear of government and are arguing their case for compensation.''
Speaking at an Australian Industry Group forum yesterday, Federal Climate Change and Water Minister Penny Wong said the Rudd Government was '' willing to consider alternative approaches'' as part of the consultation process for its draft Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
''In committing to provide assistance to emissions-intensive trade-exposed firms, however, the Government must also balance the competitive position of such industries with the rest of the economy.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Former Queensland premier Beattie now dreams of being a missionary - The Age - 30th August 2008
Former Queensland Premier and self-confessed "media-tart" Peter Beattie wants to become a missionary.
The now Queensland Trade Commissioner for the Americas based in Los Angeles said both he and his wife Heather would like to pursue other passions in the future, including missionary work.
"Heather's father was an Anglican missionary and she has a very strong social conscience," he told Brisbane's Courier-Mail newspaper.
"We'd probably like to do something in that area, just part-time or whatever.
"But we'd want to become totally irrelevant because you've got to be able to do that sort of work based on what the work is, not on the basis of who you are."
Mr Beattie was a parishioner of St Alban's Anglican Church at Wilston, near his family home on Brisbane's northside.
It has been a year since he suddenly resigned after almost a decade as premier.
The ex-premier and self-confessed "media tart" promptly disappeared from public life before taking up a brief tenure as a visiting professor at the University of South Carolina.
The following month after pledging he would never accept a state or federal government appointment "to avoid any unfavourable perceptions of deals or otherwise" he accepted his latest position.
State opposition treasury spokesman Tim Nicholls said Mr Beattie's pledge to become a missionary was another public relations ploy.
"He had the opportunity to do missionary work earlier this year when he was offered the $300,000-plus a year job as Queensland Trade Commissioner to the Americas," he said.
"If he really wanted to do missionary work he could have refused that job...I think he's certainly not lost his mastery of trying to put a public relations spin on his current position."
Mr Beattie said he often thought about the less advantaged and problems of the world.
"You do think about the issues of spirituality, you do think about mortality, the social issues of the world," he said.
"Those are important questions and if you don't deal with those then you're either a moron, you're shallow or you're dead."
Queensland Transport Minister John Mickel said Mr Beattie would be good as a missionary.
"He would be good at whatever he turned his hand to and if he wants to give back to the community in that way then all power to him," he said.
Anglican Dean of Brisbane, Bishop John Parkes, said Mr and Mrs Beattie would be welcome to join the church as missionaries.
"I know Peter Beattie very well and clearly he is a man of great faith and would have an enormous amount to contribute and he would be welcome to join us in missionary work anytime he likes," Bishop Parkes told AAP.
Mr Beattie has been contacted for further comment.
The now Queensland Trade Commissioner for the Americas based in Los Angeles said both he and his wife Heather would like to pursue other passions in the future, including missionary work.
"Heather's father was an Anglican missionary and she has a very strong social conscience," he told Brisbane's Courier-Mail newspaper.
"We'd probably like to do something in that area, just part-time or whatever.
"But we'd want to become totally irrelevant because you've got to be able to do that sort of work based on what the work is, not on the basis of who you are."
Mr Beattie was a parishioner of St Alban's Anglican Church at Wilston, near his family home on Brisbane's northside.
It has been a year since he suddenly resigned after almost a decade as premier.
The ex-premier and self-confessed "media tart" promptly disappeared from public life before taking up a brief tenure as a visiting professor at the University of South Carolina.
The following month after pledging he would never accept a state or federal government appointment "to avoid any unfavourable perceptions of deals or otherwise" he accepted his latest position.
State opposition treasury spokesman Tim Nicholls said Mr Beattie's pledge to become a missionary was another public relations ploy.
"He had the opportunity to do missionary work earlier this year when he was offered the $300,000-plus a year job as Queensland Trade Commissioner to the Americas," he said.
"If he really wanted to do missionary work he could have refused that job...I think he's certainly not lost his mastery of trying to put a public relations spin on his current position."
Mr Beattie said he often thought about the less advantaged and problems of the world.
"You do think about the issues of spirituality, you do think about mortality, the social issues of the world," he said.
"Those are important questions and if you don't deal with those then you're either a moron, you're shallow or you're dead."
Queensland Transport Minister John Mickel said Mr Beattie would be good as a missionary.
"He would be good at whatever he turned his hand to and if he wants to give back to the community in that way then all power to him," he said.
Anglican Dean of Brisbane, Bishop John Parkes, said Mr and Mrs Beattie would be welcome to join the church as missionaries.
"I know Peter Beattie very well and clearly he is a man of great faith and would have an enormous amount to contribute and he would be welcome to join us in missionary work anytime he likes," Bishop Parkes told AAP.
Mr Beattie has been contacted for further comment.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Charity Poker Event at Starworld Macau: Doyle Brunson Book Signing, Opening of APT Poker Room - Media Release - 25th August 2008
Macau, China – 25th August 2008 --- Ahead of the $1.5 million GUARANTEED APT Macau, that runs from the 27th – 31st August, the glamorous Galaxy StarWorld Casino Resort and Hotel will be bustling with the arrival of the world’s greatest poker players. However, Tuesday 26th August is also a hectic day as the APT officially hits town!
At 3.30pm on Tuesday 26th August, the APT Poker Room on Level 2 will be opened. This is followed at 4.30pm by book signings in the lobby by US poker legend Doyle Brunson, the ‘Godfather of Poker,’ who has won 10 WSOP® bracelets and is the most revered poker strategy writer in the world. Doyle will be on hand to meet fans until 6pm. At 7pm a special charity Celebrity Poker Challenge will be hosted by leading poker tournament director Matt Savage. Proceeds go to Caritas De Macau, the social service organization of Macau. The goal of Caritas de Macau is to provide services to the individuals, families, communities and societies, to help them to live in the society in a more humane condition economically, morally and spiritually.
Flying in from Manila to play in the tournament is Manny Pacquiao, universally seen as the best pound for pound boxer in the world and the first Asian boxer to win four world titles in different divisions. The charity game will also feature movie actor Michael Wong, singer Renee Dai, commentator Angie Mak and models Natalie Ng, Erica Yuen, Janice Man, Cha Cha and Wylien Chiu. Also in attendance will be Miss Hong Kong winner Tracy Ip and cult glamour model Tila Tequila. Poker legend Doyle Brunson is also due to participate.
Chris Parker, CEO of the Asian Poker Tour – “We are delighted to bring the APT to Macau and really excited about offering Asia’s largest ever guaranteed prize pool. The charity poker challenge will be good fun, and, most importantly, it is an aid of a brilliant charity in Caritas De Macau.”
“I’m looking forward to Manny Pacquiao going head-to-head with Doyle Brunson. Manny never goes down but will we see the flyweight king get knocked out by the heavyweight poker legend? That said, perhaps both will get distracted by all the models at the table!”
Following the Celebrity Poker Challenge there is an exclusive after party at StarWorld’s famous Whisky Bar.
The APT Macau is a USD $5300 ($5000+$300) tournament and there are two day ones on the 27th and 28th August so there is still time to sign up and play. Amongst the players expected to take part include the Chinese born Johnny Chan, a 10 time WSOP® bracelet holder and the inspiration for Matt Damon and Edward Norton’s characters in the 1998 Hollywood movie ‘Rounders.’ Joining him are top pros Todd Brunson, J.C Tran, Kenny Tran, John Juanda, Liz Lieu, Nam Le, Quinn Do, Steve Sung, Mel Judah, Huck Seed and APT Manila champion David Saab. Vietnamese players are expected to be a dominating force. The event organizers have extended an open invitation to Olympic megastar and poker nut Michael Phelps to take part for free. On Friday, there will be an exclusive HK$1million buy-in high stakes cash game featuring the world’s best players.
Doyle Brunson will also be signing books between 4.30pm and 6pm on the 27th August.
For more information and players profiles and performances catch all the action at www.asianpt.com
ABOUT ASIAN POKER TOUR (APT)
The Asian Poker Tour (APT) is Asia’s biggest and original poker tour. The Tour was recently acquired by AsianLogic (AIM:ALOG). As part of the new organisation of the APT, four events will be held across Asia in 2008. Next year, the Tour plans to increase this to a total of six events. Each tournament is set to attract live players as well as internet players who will qualify via online satellites. Each main event will offer a minimum guaranteed USD $1 million prize pool. David Saab of Australia won the top prize of US$280,000 at the first leg of the Asian Poker Tour in Manila on June 1st. He recently finished 46th in the WSOP Main Event, winning US$135,100, and hopes to add a second APT championship to his poker accomplishments. The official web site of the APT is www.asianpt.com
ABOUT ASIANLOGIC (ALOG)
AsianLogic is a leading online and land-based gaming company focusing on the Asia-Pacific markets. The Company is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (AIM: ALOG). AsianLogic owns and operates eight online casino brands and two online poker rooms as well as land-based sportsbook operations through its MegaSportsWorld brand. It is a specialist in Asia-specific games such as Mahjong, Cho-Da-Di, Do-Di-Zhu and 13 Card Poker. The Company owns and operates the Asian Poker Tour. The Company also maintains a corporate advisory team specialising in the gaming sector which is an active investor in gaming-related businesses as well as providing consultancy and analytical services. AsianLogic enjoys strong commercial relationships with leading gaming providers including Playtech, ID Games and LVS. Founded as ESL in 2002, AsianLogic employs over 300 employees, the majority of whom are based in the Philippines.
World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. AsianLogic is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.
For more information, please contact:
Warren Lush
Asian Poker Tour
+34656236600
warrenl@partygaming.com
Melissa Ross
Lyceum Media
+44 (0) 207 953 4026
Melissa@lyceummedia.com
Media Man Australia Profiles
Doyle Brunson
WSOP
Macau
Poker and Casino News
Casino News Media
At 3.30pm on Tuesday 26th August, the APT Poker Room on Level 2 will be opened. This is followed at 4.30pm by book signings in the lobby by US poker legend Doyle Brunson, the ‘Godfather of Poker,’ who has won 10 WSOP® bracelets and is the most revered poker strategy writer in the world. Doyle will be on hand to meet fans until 6pm. At 7pm a special charity Celebrity Poker Challenge will be hosted by leading poker tournament director Matt Savage. Proceeds go to Caritas De Macau, the social service organization of Macau. The goal of Caritas de Macau is to provide services to the individuals, families, communities and societies, to help them to live in the society in a more humane condition economically, morally and spiritually.
Flying in from Manila to play in the tournament is Manny Pacquiao, universally seen as the best pound for pound boxer in the world and the first Asian boxer to win four world titles in different divisions. The charity game will also feature movie actor Michael Wong, singer Renee Dai, commentator Angie Mak and models Natalie Ng, Erica Yuen, Janice Man, Cha Cha and Wylien Chiu. Also in attendance will be Miss Hong Kong winner Tracy Ip and cult glamour model Tila Tequila. Poker legend Doyle Brunson is also due to participate.
Chris Parker, CEO of the Asian Poker Tour – “We are delighted to bring the APT to Macau and really excited about offering Asia’s largest ever guaranteed prize pool. The charity poker challenge will be good fun, and, most importantly, it is an aid of a brilliant charity in Caritas De Macau.”
“I’m looking forward to Manny Pacquiao going head-to-head with Doyle Brunson. Manny never goes down but will we see the flyweight king get knocked out by the heavyweight poker legend? That said, perhaps both will get distracted by all the models at the table!”
Following the Celebrity Poker Challenge there is an exclusive after party at StarWorld’s famous Whisky Bar.
The APT Macau is a USD $5300 ($5000+$300) tournament and there are two day ones on the 27th and 28th August so there is still time to sign up and play. Amongst the players expected to take part include the Chinese born Johnny Chan, a 10 time WSOP® bracelet holder and the inspiration for Matt Damon and Edward Norton’s characters in the 1998 Hollywood movie ‘Rounders.’ Joining him are top pros Todd Brunson, J.C Tran, Kenny Tran, John Juanda, Liz Lieu, Nam Le, Quinn Do, Steve Sung, Mel Judah, Huck Seed and APT Manila champion David Saab. Vietnamese players are expected to be a dominating force. The event organizers have extended an open invitation to Olympic megastar and poker nut Michael Phelps to take part for free. On Friday, there will be an exclusive HK$1million buy-in high stakes cash game featuring the world’s best players.
Doyle Brunson will also be signing books between 4.30pm and 6pm on the 27th August.
For more information and players profiles and performances catch all the action at www.asianpt.com
ABOUT ASIAN POKER TOUR (APT)
The Asian Poker Tour (APT) is Asia’s biggest and original poker tour. The Tour was recently acquired by AsianLogic (AIM:ALOG). As part of the new organisation of the APT, four events will be held across Asia in 2008. Next year, the Tour plans to increase this to a total of six events. Each tournament is set to attract live players as well as internet players who will qualify via online satellites. Each main event will offer a minimum guaranteed USD $1 million prize pool. David Saab of Australia won the top prize of US$280,000 at the first leg of the Asian Poker Tour in Manila on June 1st. He recently finished 46th in the WSOP Main Event, winning US$135,100, and hopes to add a second APT championship to his poker accomplishments. The official web site of the APT is www.asianpt.com
ABOUT ASIANLOGIC (ALOG)
AsianLogic is a leading online and land-based gaming company focusing on the Asia-Pacific markets. The Company is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange (AIM: ALOG). AsianLogic owns and operates eight online casino brands and two online poker rooms as well as land-based sportsbook operations through its MegaSportsWorld brand. It is a specialist in Asia-specific games such as Mahjong, Cho-Da-Di, Do-Di-Zhu and 13 Card Poker. The Company owns and operates the Asian Poker Tour. The Company also maintains a corporate advisory team specialising in the gaming sector which is an active investor in gaming-related businesses as well as providing consultancy and analytical services. AsianLogic enjoys strong commercial relationships with leading gaming providers including Playtech, ID Games and LVS. Founded as ESL in 2002, AsianLogic employs over 300 employees, the majority of whom are based in the Philippines.
World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. AsianLogic is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.
For more information, please contact:
Warren Lush
Asian Poker Tour
+34656236600
warrenl@partygaming.com
Melissa Ross
Lyceum Media
+44 (0) 207 953 4026
Melissa@lyceummedia.com
Media Man Australia Profiles
Doyle Brunson
WSOP
Macau
Poker and Casino News
Casino News Media
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Spinners and losers, the community pays a price, by Andrew Tate - Fairfax - 24th August 2008
The spinning gold sovereign used with such effect by author Frank Hardy to foretell a corruption of the spirit in the opening lines of his novel Power Without Glory is now rampant in our communities in the form of the spinning wheels of poker machines.
But where Hardy's book, widely seen as a fictionalised account of the life of legendary Collingwood football club benefactor John Wren, told how a man called John West became rich on the back of the working poor, now it's the clubs that are directly benefiting from gambling's most efficient form of community larceny.
Earlier this year, The Age reported that Victorian AFL clubs gouged more than $110 million from poker machines in the 2006-07 financial year and are increasingly targeting Melbourne's most vulnerable communities. The Monash University research also revealed rorting by clubs of their "community benefit" obligations.
The clubs disputed the accuracy of those figures and one club, Collingwood, has since moved to sell two of its loss-making venues. The Magpies, however, will not be offloading their three money-spinners in outer-suburban areas.
Also grabbing a slice of the action is Hawthorn, with former premier-turned-president Jeff Kennett last month trumpeting plans for 80 poker machines at Caroline Springs — an odd look for the chairman of beyondblue, which combats depression-related illnesses.
Some contend these pokies venues provide "entertainment" where other services are lacking. Even a businessman from 100 years ago, such as John Wren, would recognise these places. In 2006, the racing industry made its peace with Wren when the Champions of Australian Racing Museum staged an exhibition about his "contribution to society". Having built his fortune from the illicit tote he ran in a Collingwood yard from 1893 to 1907, the invitations praised Wren as a "visionary businessman".
But where a single illegal entrepreneur once defied the authorities to bring "sport" to the people, the State Government and AFL clubs appear to have found a way to take the sport, and the fairness, out of the equation.
While the government takes pride in its gaming industry reforms and has done some hard yards to open the state's gaming machines to smaller operators, the overall reach and take of poker machines will remain staggeringly high. The government also points to the banning of 24-hour venues outside the casino and in 2012 — yes, in four years — the ban on automatic teller machines in venues. But I still recall Labor Premier Joan Kirner's feigned excitement in 1990 at the media launch of the first gaming machine at the first Tabaret. The beaten Premier played a clunky football game where an electronic player had to kick a goal. The industry immediately hit the boundary, it had won the game and traditional poker machines soon joined the party.
Elsewhere, Premier Kennett's casino remains a behemoth. Its "visionary businessman" and purveyor of sport is James Packer, who has also done well from house-friendly changes to blackjack and roulette rules. Before its recent corporate shake-up, the Packer empire had the benefit of cross-promoting football stars, posing as clowns on Channel Nine's The Footy Show, taking every opportunity to mention the delights to be had at Crown. Collingwood's president Eddie McGuire played a lead role as host and enthusiastic company man.
Then consider that the clubs don't just collect their cash via the machines they operate. The government has also handed out hundreds of thousands of dollars in sponsorship for clubs such as Essendon to promote an anti-gambling message. Not a bad double-headed coin when you consider the Windy Hill social club is chock-full of poker machines.
The government and clubs maintain that revenue is put to good use, but that sounds a bit like the philanthropy attributed to the likes of Wren. Having cash on tap from the weakness of others usually allows you to throw some largesse towards your own pet causes.
It may ultimately be up to the public to make judgements about football clubs that talk about being part of a community, but who rely on gaming losses to feather the nest. AFL players earn their money onfield and provide joy to fans, but their pay packets and support networks should not be subsidised by pokies strategically placed to target those who covet the lifestyle that players enjoy.
Footy clinics, charity photo-ops and hospital visits are laudable, but the clubs and society should make stable homes for kids a priority ahead of the "community benefit" offered by football departments or big-screen TVs in gaming lounges.
In NSW, South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe tried to take another path, moving to scrap the NRL club's 60 poker machines that were returning almost $1 million a year. Last week, members worried about revenue knocked back the plan.
Arguing his case, Crowe had said: "This group is for anyone who believes the best way to act is to think about how your actions can improve the lives of people in your community."
Contrast this to the AFL clubs' self-belief that the harm is offset by their own good deeds. Magpie president McGuire is one such charitable man, who views Wren as a great sporting entrepreneur and inspiration. He may be right. But after Collingwood took everything of value and left Victoria Park, the Pies' great spruiker lauded the club's move to the banks of the Yarra — where in the 1930s, Wren developed the Motordome.
Of course, the poker machines didn't go over the Yarra into the leafy neighbourhoods but to the outer suburbs, where cash is funnelled back to build a new empire.
And still the sovereign spins.
McGuire said in 2005: "It's amazing to think that John Wren built what we're now trying to build at the Lexus Centre. We're getting back to his original plan."
Power Without Glory indeed.
But where Hardy's book, widely seen as a fictionalised account of the life of legendary Collingwood football club benefactor John Wren, told how a man called John West became rich on the back of the working poor, now it's the clubs that are directly benefiting from gambling's most efficient form of community larceny.
Earlier this year, The Age reported that Victorian AFL clubs gouged more than $110 million from poker machines in the 2006-07 financial year and are increasingly targeting Melbourne's most vulnerable communities. The Monash University research also revealed rorting by clubs of their "community benefit" obligations.
The clubs disputed the accuracy of those figures and one club, Collingwood, has since moved to sell two of its loss-making venues. The Magpies, however, will not be offloading their three money-spinners in outer-suburban areas.
Also grabbing a slice of the action is Hawthorn, with former premier-turned-president Jeff Kennett last month trumpeting plans for 80 poker machines at Caroline Springs — an odd look for the chairman of beyondblue, which combats depression-related illnesses.
Some contend these pokies venues provide "entertainment" where other services are lacking. Even a businessman from 100 years ago, such as John Wren, would recognise these places. In 2006, the racing industry made its peace with Wren when the Champions of Australian Racing Museum staged an exhibition about his "contribution to society". Having built his fortune from the illicit tote he ran in a Collingwood yard from 1893 to 1907, the invitations praised Wren as a "visionary businessman".
But where a single illegal entrepreneur once defied the authorities to bring "sport" to the people, the State Government and AFL clubs appear to have found a way to take the sport, and the fairness, out of the equation.
While the government takes pride in its gaming industry reforms and has done some hard yards to open the state's gaming machines to smaller operators, the overall reach and take of poker machines will remain staggeringly high. The government also points to the banning of 24-hour venues outside the casino and in 2012 — yes, in four years — the ban on automatic teller machines in venues. But I still recall Labor Premier Joan Kirner's feigned excitement in 1990 at the media launch of the first gaming machine at the first Tabaret. The beaten Premier played a clunky football game where an electronic player had to kick a goal. The industry immediately hit the boundary, it had won the game and traditional poker machines soon joined the party.
Elsewhere, Premier Kennett's casino remains a behemoth. Its "visionary businessman" and purveyor of sport is James Packer, who has also done well from house-friendly changes to blackjack and roulette rules. Before its recent corporate shake-up, the Packer empire had the benefit of cross-promoting football stars, posing as clowns on Channel Nine's The Footy Show, taking every opportunity to mention the delights to be had at Crown. Collingwood's president Eddie McGuire played a lead role as host and enthusiastic company man.
Then consider that the clubs don't just collect their cash via the machines they operate. The government has also handed out hundreds of thousands of dollars in sponsorship for clubs such as Essendon to promote an anti-gambling message. Not a bad double-headed coin when you consider the Windy Hill social club is chock-full of poker machines.
The government and clubs maintain that revenue is put to good use, but that sounds a bit like the philanthropy attributed to the likes of Wren. Having cash on tap from the weakness of others usually allows you to throw some largesse towards your own pet causes.
It may ultimately be up to the public to make judgements about football clubs that talk about being part of a community, but who rely on gaming losses to feather the nest. AFL players earn their money onfield and provide joy to fans, but their pay packets and support networks should not be subsidised by pokies strategically placed to target those who covet the lifestyle that players enjoy.
Footy clinics, charity photo-ops and hospital visits are laudable, but the clubs and society should make stable homes for kids a priority ahead of the "community benefit" offered by football departments or big-screen TVs in gaming lounges.
In NSW, South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe tried to take another path, moving to scrap the NRL club's 60 poker machines that were returning almost $1 million a year. Last week, members worried about revenue knocked back the plan.
Arguing his case, Crowe had said: "This group is for anyone who believes the best way to act is to think about how your actions can improve the lives of people in your community."
Contrast this to the AFL clubs' self-belief that the harm is offset by their own good deeds. Magpie president McGuire is one such charitable man, who views Wren as a great sporting entrepreneur and inspiration. He may be right. But after Collingwood took everything of value and left Victoria Park, the Pies' great spruiker lauded the club's move to the banks of the Yarra — where in the 1930s, Wren developed the Motordome.
Of course, the poker machines didn't go over the Yarra into the leafy neighbourhoods but to the outer suburbs, where cash is funnelled back to build a new empire.
And still the sovereign spins.
McGuire said in 2005: "It's amazing to think that John Wren built what we're now trying to build at the Lexus Centre. We're getting back to his original plan."
Power Without Glory indeed.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Grey Goose Entertainment and Sundance Channel Announce Talent Pairings for Fourth Season of 'Iconoclasts' Premiering October 16 at 10 PM ET/PT
NEW YORK, Aug. 18 Iconoclasts-Season-4
Produced By Sundance Channel And Grey Goose Entertainment
An @radical.media Production, Fourth Season To Feature: Archbishop Desmond Tutu + Sir Richard Branson; Stella McCartney + Edward Ruscha; Tony Hawk + Jon Favreau; Bill Maher + Clive Davis; Venus Williams + Wyclef Jean; Cameron Diaz + Cameron Sinclair
'One of the best documentary series on television.' - Whitney Matheson, USA Today, October 24, 2007
'In any case, they are not sitting in a TV Studio, under TV lights, falling back on their professional personalities. The result seems at once more casual and more fabulous -like peeking over a fence at the Saturday afternoon party.' - Los Angeles Times, October 21, 2007
NEW YORK, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Sundance Channel and Grey Goose Entertainment today unveiled the six pairings set to appear during the fourth season of the Sundance Channel original television series "Iconoclasts." Each hour-long episode of the six-part series features two leading innovators from different fields who come together to discuss their passions and creative processes. "Iconoclasts" debuts Thursday, October 16, 2008, at 10 PM ET/PT and is executive produced by Robert Redford.
"Iconoclasts" is produced by @radical.media and directed by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky (the filmmakers behind Metallica: Some Kind of Monster).
Participants for Season Four are: Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson; fashion designer Stella McCartney and artist Edward Ruscha; skateboarder Tony Hawk and filmmaker/actor Jon Favreau; political humorist Bill Maher and music industry executive Clive Davis; tennis champion Venus Williams and musician/producer Wyclef Jean; and actress Cameron Diaz and architect Cameron Sinclair.
"We are very excited about the pairings in this season of 'Iconoclasts'" said Laura Michalchyshyn, Sundance Channel GM. "Each 'Iconoclast' has made significant impact in their respective fields and watching them share their worlds with those that inspire them makes each episode entertaining and engrossing."
"Iconoclasts" pairs two leading creative innovators from different fields including film, sports, architecture, fashion, food, music, and business. Unlike an ordinary interview program, "Iconoclasts" captures the essence of these headline-makers through the eyes of the creative visionaries who respect and admire them the most. The "Iconoclasts" visit each other's worlds to explore their creative process, their inspirations and their passions. Each pair provides viewers with an inside glimpse into the inspiration and motivation that made these iconoclasts who they are today and offers insight into the real people behind the public personae.
Season one of "Iconoclasts" featured: actor Samuel L. Jackson and basketball legend Bill Russell, fashion designer Tom Ford and artist Jeff Koons, chef Mario Batali and musician Michael Stipe, producer Brian Grazer and CEO Sumner Redstone, actress Renee Zellweger and news correspondent Christiane Amanpour, and actor and environmentalist Robert Redford and actor and philanthropist Paul Newman.
Season two featured: Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton; dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov and chef Alice Waters; filmmaker Quentin Tarantino and singer/songwriter Fiona Apple; actress Isabella Rossellini and inventor Dean Kamen; music great Paul Simon and producer Lorne Michaels; and comedian Dave Chappelle and poet Maya Angelou.
Season three featured: actor/filmmaker Sean Penn and author/adventurer Jon Krakauer; singer/songwriter Alicia Keys and actress Ruby Dee; actor Mike Myers and physician, author, and philosopher Dr. Deepak Chopra; entrepreneur Howard Schultz and writer/producer Norman Lear; musician/Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center Wynton Marsalis and chef John Besh; and former U.S Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and actress and humanitarian Ashley Judd.
"Iconoclasts" is executive produced by Robert Redford; Jon Kamen, Frank Scherma and Justin Wilkes of @radical.media; Monsell Darville of Grey Goose Entertainment; and Laura Michalchyshyn, Lynne Kirby and Kirk Iwanowski of Sundance Channel; and co-executive produced by Sidney Beaumont and Joe Berlinger. The series producers are Rachel Dawson and Christine Walters. Supervising Producer for Sundance Channel is Mala Chapple.
Current broadcast schedule (subject to change) is as follows:
Archbishop Desmond Tutu + Sir Richard Branson (Oct. 16 at 10 PM ET/PT)
Stella McCartney + Edward Ruscha + (Oct. 23 at 10 PM ET/PT)
Tony Hawk + Jon Favreau (Oct. 30 at 10 PM ET/PT)
Bill Maher + Clive Davis (Nov. 6 at 10 PM ET/PT)
Venus Williams + Wyclef Jean (Nov. 13 at 10 PM ET/PT)
Cameron Diaz + Cameron Sinclair (Nov. 20 at 10 PM ET/PT)
SUBJECT BIOGRAPHIES
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
In 1979, Anglican priest and Bishop of Lesotho Desmond Mpilo Tutu became the first black General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches. He spoke strongly and fearlessly against the evil of apartheid, calling on the international community to impose economic sanctions against South Africa towards a non-violent change. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and was elected the first black Anglican bishop of Johannesburg. In 1986 he was installed as Archbishop of Cape Town, and he continued to be untiring in his denunciation of apartheid. In 1994, after the end of Apartheid and the election of Nelson Mandela as the first President of a free South Africa, Archbishop Tutu was appointed Chairman of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to investigate apartheid-era crimes. His policy of forgiveness and reconciliation has become an international example of conflict resolution, and a trusted method of post-conflict reconstruction. He continues to pursue an active international ministry for peace.
Sir Richard Branson
Sir Richard Branson is the founder and president of Virgin Group, one of the world's most recognized and respected brands. The Virgin Group has expanded into air and ground travel, telecommunications, financial services, health, space travel and clean energy. In 1999, Branson was awarded a knighthood for "services to entrepreneurship." In an effort to develop new approaches to social and environmental issues through business and social sector partnerships, Branson founded the not-for-profit foundation Virgin Unite. Beginning in September 2006, he committed future proceeds from the Virgin Group's transportation interests to investment into renewable energy initiatives. He also announced a $25 million prize for a viable technology that achieves net removal of anthropogenic, atmospheric greenhouse gases. Recently, he joined Nelson Mandela, Graca Machel and Desmond Tutu to form The Elders, a group of independent leaders seeking sustainable solutions to global humanitarian issues. In December 2007, Branson was recognized by UNCA as Citizen of the Year.
Stella McCartney
Born and raised in London, Stella McCartney graduated from Central St Martins in 1995. Her signature style of sharp tailoring, natural confidence and sexy femininity has made her one of the world's top fashion designers. After an acclaimed tenure as Creative Director of Chloe in Paris, McCartney launched her own fashion house, showing her first collection in Paris in October 2001. She now operates stores in eight cities worldwide; in addition to ready-to-wear, her collections include accessories, eyewear, fragrance, and the critically lauded sports performance line "adidas by Stella McCartney," launched in 2004. In 2007, she introduced the world's first luxury organic skincare line, CARE by Stella McCartney; this was followed in Spring 2008 by a lingerie line and a limited edition travel collection with LeSportsac. A lifelong vegetarian, McCartney does not use any leather or fur in her designs. She has received numerous awards recognizing her achievements in fashion and social awareness
Edward Ruscha
Born in 1937 in Omaha, Nebraska, Edward Ruscha was raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1956, he moved to Los Angeles to attend the Chouinard Art Institute, and had his first solo exhibition in 1963 at the Ferus Gallery. He continues to live and work in Los Angeles, and is represented by Gagosian Gallery. Ruscha has consistently combined the cityscape of his adopted hometown with vernacular language to communicate a particular urban experience. His work encompasses painting, drawing, photography and artist's books, and he has been the subject of numerous museum retrospectives that have traveled internationally. In 2001, he was elected to The American Academy of Arts and Letters and in 2005 he represented the United States at the 51st Venice Biennale. Ruscha's paintings and drawings are currently the subject of a 13 volume catalogue raisonne, the first volume of which was published in 2003. A major painting retrospective will open at the Hayward Gallery, London in 2009.
Tony Hawk
Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk has dazzled fans with his physical skill and artistry since he turned pro at age 14. Hawk's talents have brought skateboarding unprecedented mainstream attention and respect, which has helped legitimize all action sports. Now 40 and still skating professionally, Hawk invented more than 80 tricks and is best known for his "900" (two and a half spins above a 12-foot-high halfpipe), which existed only in theory until he landed it at the 1999 X-Games. He has written three books, including the bestselling autobiography, "HAWK: Occupation Skateboarder," and has released a series of hit video games. The Tony Hawk video game series is now one of the best-selling franchises of all time, with more than 30 million units sold worldwide. In recent years Hawk has expanded his licensing, media and event businesses into some of the biggest brands in action sports. He is an active participant in the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and his non-profit charity, the Tony Hawk Foundation, has awarded over $2.3 million to help finance over 390 public skateparks in low-income areas nationwide.
Jon Favreau
Eleven years after establishing himself with the acclaimed hipster comedy, Swingers, Jon Favreau continues to challenge himself with a variety of eclectic projects highlighting his strengths as an actor, writer and director. As a director, Favreau most recently released Iron Man, starring Robert Downey Jr. As an actor, he is currently filming I Love You, Man; he next appears in Four Christmases, opening in late 2008. His directing credits include the intergalactic adventure Zathura and the 2003 holiday classic Elf, starring Will Ferrell. In 2001, he made his feature directorial debut with Made; he also wrote and co-starred with Vince Vaughn and Sean "Puffy" Combs. Favreau conceived and hosted the Emmy(TM)-nominated IFC series "Dinner For Five," which premiered in 2001. His acting credits include The Break Up; the title role in the Rocky Marciano biopic Marciano; Wimbledon; Daredevil; Love and Sex; The Replacements; Very Bad Things; Deep Impact; Rudy; "Friends"; and "The Sopranos," playing himself.
Bill Maher
For the last 15 years, Bill Maher has set the boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on American television. First on "Politically Incorrect" (Comedy Central, ABC, 1993-2002), and for the last six years on HBO's "Real Time," Maher's combination of unflinching honesty and big laughs have garnered him 21 Emmy nominations. And in October of 2008, this same combination will be on display in the movies when Maher's uproarious and unprecedented swipe at organized religion, "Religulous," directed by Larry Charles ("Borat") hits theaters.
Clive Davis
As the record industry's most innovative, outspoken and influential executive, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Clive Davis has had a profound effect on the world of music. As the president of Columbia Records from 1967-1973, he was directly responsible for signing artists including Janis Joplin, Santana, Laura Nyro, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and Aerosmith. Davis strengthened Columbia's catalog in all fields of recorded music, playing a key role in the careers of Simon & Garfunkel, Sly & The Family Stone, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. In 1974, he founded Arista Records, where he launched the recording careers of Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow and Patti Smith. In 2000, Davis formed J Records, enjoying the first of many successes with Alicia Keys' Grammy(R)-winning debut. Davis' triumph at J led to his joining the BMG Record Group in 2003. A longtime humanitarian activist, Davis has spearheaded the donation of millions of dollars to AIDS charities since 1985 and in 2003 he endowed the first ever degree awarded program in contemporary music establishing the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music at NYU's Tisch School.
Venus Williams
At the tender age of 14, Venus Williams became a professional athlete, taking the world of tennis by storm. Fiercely determined and wielding an impressive physical prowess, she spent the next decade rising to the top-ranked position and winning numerous championships, including the U.S. Open, Wimbledon and doubles at the Australian Open and French Open, as well as two Olympic Gold medals. In July 2008, she won her fifth Wimbledon Championship in a riveting match against her sister Serena Williams, joining the handful of legendary women's singles tennis champions who have won five or more Wimbledon Championships. Known for her distinctive style, Williams earned a degree in Fashion Design from The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. Now 28, she is a successful entrepreneur with her own line of sneakers, clothing and accessories, "EleVen"; and an interior design firm, V Starr Interiors. She is the subject of a new coffee-table book, "Venus," with images by world-renowned avant-garde photographer, Koto Bolofo.
Wyclef Jean
Haitian-born Wyclef Jean is a Grammy Award-winning musician/producer and social activist. A founding member of the pioneering hip-hop group Fugees and prolific solo artist, Jean has effortlessly crossed genres, generations and geographic boundaries as a musical goodwill ambassador and a diplomat for positive cultural evolution. His sixth and latest studio solo album is "Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs of an Immigrant." His albums with the Fugees include the platinum-selling 1996 classic "The Score," which reached the #1 slots on Billboard's Top 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums charts and earned two Grammy Awards. Much in demand as a producer, writer and performer, he has collaborated with artists including Bono, Carlos Santana, Whitney Houston and Shakira. In 2005, Jean created the non-profit foundation Yele Haiti to provide aid and assistance to his native Haiti. The charity links with existing groups and/or starts programs relating to hunger, education, youth rehabilitation, AIDS treatment and prevention, and sustainable development.
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz made her feature film debut at age 21 in the hit 1994 comedy The Mask. She has since appeared in over 30 feature films, emerging as one of the most talented actresses of her generation and winning numerous awards. She has given critically acclaimed performances in a wide range of films, including My Best Friend's Wedding, There's Something About Mary, Being John Malkovich, Any Given Sunday, Charlie's Angels, Shrek, Vanilla Sky, Gangs of New York, The Holiday, In Her Shoes and, most recently, What Happens in Vegas. She also produced a 10-episode worldwide adventure series, entitled Trippin for MTV. Diaz is a committed environmentalist and has been trained to deliver Al Gore's presentation on climate change, a grass-roots efforts to raise awareness around the world. She has been a guest lecturer on environmentally friendly building at Stanford University as part of a popular MTVU program. A longtime supporter of the Environmental Media Association, she has filmed public service announcements about the importance of conserving energy.
Cameron Sinclair
Cameron Sinclair is the co-founder and 'eternal optimist' for Architecture for Humanity, a charitable organization founded to develop architectural and design solutions to humanitarian crises and provide pro-bono design services to communities in need. The organization has completed over one hundred projects in seventeen countries ranging from schools, health clinics, affordable housing and long term sustainable reconstruction. Most recently they have been rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina and developed HIV/AIDS outreach centers throughout Africa. Named by Fortune Magazine as one of seven people changing the world for the better he was the recipient of the TED prize in 2006, was recently selected a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and is the recipient of Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum's the 2008 Smithsonian National Design Awards for Design Patron Award. As a result of the TED Prize he and Architecture for Humanity co-founder Kate Stohr launched the Open Architecture Network, the world's first open source community dedicated to improving living conditions through innovative and sustainable design. Sinclair and Stohr also compiled a compendium on socially conscious design titled "Design Like You Give A Damn".
Sundance Channel
Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, uncompromising and irreverent, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression. Sundance Channel's website address is www.sundancechannel.com.
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multi-platform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, Sundance Channel, Lifeskool, sportskool, and VOOM HD Networks. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading distribution company for independent film; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; and IFC Center, a three screen, state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of New York's Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company; and 11 Penn TV, a company that manages Rainbow Media's NYC studios and post-production facilities.
Grey Goose Entertainment
Founded in April 2005, Grey Goose Entertainment is dedicated to producing original and unique content for television, music and film. Each innovative project reflects the spirit of GREY GOOSE Vodka and celebrates the interests of the consumer. Season one of "Iconoclasts" was the first production from Grey Goose Entertainment. In addition to season one and season two of "Iconoclasts" Grey Goose Entertainment supports THE ARTISTS DEN, an innovative enterprise that curates the best new music from around the globe, which it showcases in unique and intimate venues.
@radical.media
@radical.media is a diverse global production company which has produced numerous award-winning feature films and television programs including the Academy Award(R)-winning "Fog of War," the Grammy Award winning "Concert For George," "Metallica: Some Kind of Monster" winner of the Independent Spirit Award and Jay-Z's "Fade To Black." Additionally, the company produced the first and second season of the critically acclaimed television series "Iconoclasts" on the Sundance Channel, "The Gamekillers" and "Nike Battlegrounds" on MTV, "Fast Cars and Superstars" on ABC and the Emmy winning-series "Ten Days That Unexpectedly Changed America" for the History Channel.
For more information go to www.sundancechannel.com/iconoclasts
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Produced By Sundance Channel And Grey Goose Entertainment
An @radical.media Production, Fourth Season To Feature: Archbishop Desmond Tutu + Sir Richard Branson; Stella McCartney + Edward Ruscha; Tony Hawk + Jon Favreau; Bill Maher + Clive Davis; Venus Williams + Wyclef Jean; Cameron Diaz + Cameron Sinclair
'One of the best documentary series on television.' - Whitney Matheson, USA Today, October 24, 2007
'In any case, they are not sitting in a TV Studio, under TV lights, falling back on their professional personalities. The result seems at once more casual and more fabulous -like peeking over a fence at the Saturday afternoon party.' - Los Angeles Times, October 21, 2007
NEW YORK, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Sundance Channel and Grey Goose Entertainment today unveiled the six pairings set to appear during the fourth season of the Sundance Channel original television series "Iconoclasts." Each hour-long episode of the six-part series features two leading innovators from different fields who come together to discuss their passions and creative processes. "Iconoclasts" debuts Thursday, October 16, 2008, at 10 PM ET/PT and is executive produced by Robert Redford.
"Iconoclasts" is produced by @radical.media and directed by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky (the filmmakers behind Metallica: Some Kind of Monster).
Participants for Season Four are: Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson; fashion designer Stella McCartney and artist Edward Ruscha; skateboarder Tony Hawk and filmmaker/actor Jon Favreau; political humorist Bill Maher and music industry executive Clive Davis; tennis champion Venus Williams and musician/producer Wyclef Jean; and actress Cameron Diaz and architect Cameron Sinclair.
"We are very excited about the pairings in this season of 'Iconoclasts'" said Laura Michalchyshyn, Sundance Channel GM. "Each 'Iconoclast' has made significant impact in their respective fields and watching them share their worlds with those that inspire them makes each episode entertaining and engrossing."
"Iconoclasts" pairs two leading creative innovators from different fields including film, sports, architecture, fashion, food, music, and business. Unlike an ordinary interview program, "Iconoclasts" captures the essence of these headline-makers through the eyes of the creative visionaries who respect and admire them the most. The "Iconoclasts" visit each other's worlds to explore their creative process, their inspirations and their passions. Each pair provides viewers with an inside glimpse into the inspiration and motivation that made these iconoclasts who they are today and offers insight into the real people behind the public personae.
Season one of "Iconoclasts" featured: actor Samuel L. Jackson and basketball legend Bill Russell, fashion designer Tom Ford and artist Jeff Koons, chef Mario Batali and musician Michael Stipe, producer Brian Grazer and CEO Sumner Redstone, actress Renee Zellweger and news correspondent Christiane Amanpour, and actor and environmentalist Robert Redford and actor and philanthropist Paul Newman.
Season two featured: Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder and big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton; dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov and chef Alice Waters; filmmaker Quentin Tarantino and singer/songwriter Fiona Apple; actress Isabella Rossellini and inventor Dean Kamen; music great Paul Simon and producer Lorne Michaels; and comedian Dave Chappelle and poet Maya Angelou.
Season three featured: actor/filmmaker Sean Penn and author/adventurer Jon Krakauer; singer/songwriter Alicia Keys and actress Ruby Dee; actor Mike Myers and physician, author, and philosopher Dr. Deepak Chopra; entrepreneur Howard Schultz and writer/producer Norman Lear; musician/Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center Wynton Marsalis and chef John Besh; and former U.S Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and actress and humanitarian Ashley Judd.
"Iconoclasts" is executive produced by Robert Redford; Jon Kamen, Frank Scherma and Justin Wilkes of @radical.media; Monsell Darville of Grey Goose Entertainment; and Laura Michalchyshyn, Lynne Kirby and Kirk Iwanowski of Sundance Channel; and co-executive produced by Sidney Beaumont and Joe Berlinger. The series producers are Rachel Dawson and Christine Walters. Supervising Producer for Sundance Channel is Mala Chapple.
Current broadcast schedule (subject to change) is as follows:
Archbishop Desmond Tutu + Sir Richard Branson (Oct. 16 at 10 PM ET/PT)
Stella McCartney + Edward Ruscha + (Oct. 23 at 10 PM ET/PT)
Tony Hawk + Jon Favreau (Oct. 30 at 10 PM ET/PT)
Bill Maher + Clive Davis (Nov. 6 at 10 PM ET/PT)
Venus Williams + Wyclef Jean (Nov. 13 at 10 PM ET/PT)
Cameron Diaz + Cameron Sinclair (Nov. 20 at 10 PM ET/PT)
SUBJECT BIOGRAPHIES
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
In 1979, Anglican priest and Bishop of Lesotho Desmond Mpilo Tutu became the first black General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches. He spoke strongly and fearlessly against the evil of apartheid, calling on the international community to impose economic sanctions against South Africa towards a non-violent change. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and was elected the first black Anglican bishop of Johannesburg. In 1986 he was installed as Archbishop of Cape Town, and he continued to be untiring in his denunciation of apartheid. In 1994, after the end of Apartheid and the election of Nelson Mandela as the first President of a free South Africa, Archbishop Tutu was appointed Chairman of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to investigate apartheid-era crimes. His policy of forgiveness and reconciliation has become an international example of conflict resolution, and a trusted method of post-conflict reconstruction. He continues to pursue an active international ministry for peace.
Sir Richard Branson
Sir Richard Branson is the founder and president of Virgin Group, one of the world's most recognized and respected brands. The Virgin Group has expanded into air and ground travel, telecommunications, financial services, health, space travel and clean energy. In 1999, Branson was awarded a knighthood for "services to entrepreneurship." In an effort to develop new approaches to social and environmental issues through business and social sector partnerships, Branson founded the not-for-profit foundation Virgin Unite. Beginning in September 2006, he committed future proceeds from the Virgin Group's transportation interests to investment into renewable energy initiatives. He also announced a $25 million prize for a viable technology that achieves net removal of anthropogenic, atmospheric greenhouse gases. Recently, he joined Nelson Mandela, Graca Machel and Desmond Tutu to form The Elders, a group of independent leaders seeking sustainable solutions to global humanitarian issues. In December 2007, Branson was recognized by UNCA as Citizen of the Year.
Stella McCartney
Born and raised in London, Stella McCartney graduated from Central St Martins in 1995. Her signature style of sharp tailoring, natural confidence and sexy femininity has made her one of the world's top fashion designers. After an acclaimed tenure as Creative Director of Chloe in Paris, McCartney launched her own fashion house, showing her first collection in Paris in October 2001. She now operates stores in eight cities worldwide; in addition to ready-to-wear, her collections include accessories, eyewear, fragrance, and the critically lauded sports performance line "adidas by Stella McCartney," launched in 2004. In 2007, she introduced the world's first luxury organic skincare line, CARE by Stella McCartney; this was followed in Spring 2008 by a lingerie line and a limited edition travel collection with LeSportsac. A lifelong vegetarian, McCartney does not use any leather or fur in her designs. She has received numerous awards recognizing her achievements in fashion and social awareness
Edward Ruscha
Born in 1937 in Omaha, Nebraska, Edward Ruscha was raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1956, he moved to Los Angeles to attend the Chouinard Art Institute, and had his first solo exhibition in 1963 at the Ferus Gallery. He continues to live and work in Los Angeles, and is represented by Gagosian Gallery. Ruscha has consistently combined the cityscape of his adopted hometown with vernacular language to communicate a particular urban experience. His work encompasses painting, drawing, photography and artist's books, and he has been the subject of numerous museum retrospectives that have traveled internationally. In 2001, he was elected to The American Academy of Arts and Letters and in 2005 he represented the United States at the 51st Venice Biennale. Ruscha's paintings and drawings are currently the subject of a 13 volume catalogue raisonne, the first volume of which was published in 2003. A major painting retrospective will open at the Hayward Gallery, London in 2009.
Tony Hawk
Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk has dazzled fans with his physical skill and artistry since he turned pro at age 14. Hawk's talents have brought skateboarding unprecedented mainstream attention and respect, which has helped legitimize all action sports. Now 40 and still skating professionally, Hawk invented more than 80 tricks and is best known for his "900" (two and a half spins above a 12-foot-high halfpipe), which existed only in theory until he landed it at the 1999 X-Games. He has written three books, including the bestselling autobiography, "HAWK: Occupation Skateboarder," and has released a series of hit video games. The Tony Hawk video game series is now one of the best-selling franchises of all time, with more than 30 million units sold worldwide. In recent years Hawk has expanded his licensing, media and event businesses into some of the biggest brands in action sports. He is an active participant in the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and his non-profit charity, the Tony Hawk Foundation, has awarded over $2.3 million to help finance over 390 public skateparks in low-income areas nationwide.
Jon Favreau
Eleven years after establishing himself with the acclaimed hipster comedy, Swingers, Jon Favreau continues to challenge himself with a variety of eclectic projects highlighting his strengths as an actor, writer and director. As a director, Favreau most recently released Iron Man, starring Robert Downey Jr. As an actor, he is currently filming I Love You, Man; he next appears in Four Christmases, opening in late 2008. His directing credits include the intergalactic adventure Zathura and the 2003 holiday classic Elf, starring Will Ferrell. In 2001, he made his feature directorial debut with Made; he also wrote and co-starred with Vince Vaughn and Sean "Puffy" Combs. Favreau conceived and hosted the Emmy(TM)-nominated IFC series "Dinner For Five," which premiered in 2001. His acting credits include The Break Up; the title role in the Rocky Marciano biopic Marciano; Wimbledon; Daredevil; Love and Sex; The Replacements; Very Bad Things; Deep Impact; Rudy; "Friends"; and "The Sopranos," playing himself.
Bill Maher
For the last 15 years, Bill Maher has set the boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on American television. First on "Politically Incorrect" (Comedy Central, ABC, 1993-2002), and for the last six years on HBO's "Real Time," Maher's combination of unflinching honesty and big laughs have garnered him 21 Emmy nominations. And in October of 2008, this same combination will be on display in the movies when Maher's uproarious and unprecedented swipe at organized religion, "Religulous," directed by Larry Charles ("Borat") hits theaters.
Clive Davis
As the record industry's most innovative, outspoken and influential executive, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Clive Davis has had a profound effect on the world of music. As the president of Columbia Records from 1967-1973, he was directly responsible for signing artists including Janis Joplin, Santana, Laura Nyro, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and Aerosmith. Davis strengthened Columbia's catalog in all fields of recorded music, playing a key role in the careers of Simon & Garfunkel, Sly & The Family Stone, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock. In 1974, he founded Arista Records, where he launched the recording careers of Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow and Patti Smith. In 2000, Davis formed J Records, enjoying the first of many successes with Alicia Keys' Grammy(R)-winning debut. Davis' triumph at J led to his joining the BMG Record Group in 2003. A longtime humanitarian activist, Davis has spearheaded the donation of millions of dollars to AIDS charities since 1985 and in 2003 he endowed the first ever degree awarded program in contemporary music establishing the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music at NYU's Tisch School.
Venus Williams
At the tender age of 14, Venus Williams became a professional athlete, taking the world of tennis by storm. Fiercely determined and wielding an impressive physical prowess, she spent the next decade rising to the top-ranked position and winning numerous championships, including the U.S. Open, Wimbledon and doubles at the Australian Open and French Open, as well as two Olympic Gold medals. In July 2008, she won her fifth Wimbledon Championship in a riveting match against her sister Serena Williams, joining the handful of legendary women's singles tennis champions who have won five or more Wimbledon Championships. Known for her distinctive style, Williams earned a degree in Fashion Design from The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. Now 28, she is a successful entrepreneur with her own line of sneakers, clothing and accessories, "EleVen"; and an interior design firm, V Starr Interiors. She is the subject of a new coffee-table book, "Venus," with images by world-renowned avant-garde photographer, Koto Bolofo.
Wyclef Jean
Haitian-born Wyclef Jean is a Grammy Award-winning musician/producer and social activist. A founding member of the pioneering hip-hop group Fugees and prolific solo artist, Jean has effortlessly crossed genres, generations and geographic boundaries as a musical goodwill ambassador and a diplomat for positive cultural evolution. His sixth and latest studio solo album is "Carnival Vol. II: Memoirs of an Immigrant." His albums with the Fugees include the platinum-selling 1996 classic "The Score," which reached the #1 slots on Billboard's Top 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums charts and earned two Grammy Awards. Much in demand as a producer, writer and performer, he has collaborated with artists including Bono, Carlos Santana, Whitney Houston and Shakira. In 2005, Jean created the non-profit foundation Yele Haiti to provide aid and assistance to his native Haiti. The charity links with existing groups and/or starts programs relating to hunger, education, youth rehabilitation, AIDS treatment and prevention, and sustainable development.
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz made her feature film debut at age 21 in the hit 1994 comedy The Mask. She has since appeared in over 30 feature films, emerging as one of the most talented actresses of her generation and winning numerous awards. She has given critically acclaimed performances in a wide range of films, including My Best Friend's Wedding, There's Something About Mary, Being John Malkovich, Any Given Sunday, Charlie's Angels, Shrek, Vanilla Sky, Gangs of New York, The Holiday, In Her Shoes and, most recently, What Happens in Vegas. She also produced a 10-episode worldwide adventure series, entitled Trippin for MTV. Diaz is a committed environmentalist and has been trained to deliver Al Gore's presentation on climate change, a grass-roots efforts to raise awareness around the world. She has been a guest lecturer on environmentally friendly building at Stanford University as part of a popular MTVU program. A longtime supporter of the Environmental Media Association, she has filmed public service announcements about the importance of conserving energy.
Cameron Sinclair
Cameron Sinclair is the co-founder and 'eternal optimist' for Architecture for Humanity, a charitable organization founded to develop architectural and design solutions to humanitarian crises and provide pro-bono design services to communities in need. The organization has completed over one hundred projects in seventeen countries ranging from schools, health clinics, affordable housing and long term sustainable reconstruction. Most recently they have been rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina and developed HIV/AIDS outreach centers throughout Africa. Named by Fortune Magazine as one of seven people changing the world for the better he was the recipient of the TED prize in 2006, was recently selected a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and is the recipient of Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum's the 2008 Smithsonian National Design Awards for Design Patron Award. As a result of the TED Prize he and Architecture for Humanity co-founder Kate Stohr launched the Open Architecture Network, the world's first open source community dedicated to improving living conditions through innovative and sustainable design. Sinclair and Stohr also compiled a compendium on socially conscious design titled "Design Like You Give A Damn".
Sundance Channel
Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, uncompromising and irreverent, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression. Sundance Channel's website address is www.sundancechannel.com.
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multi-platform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, Sundance Channel, Lifeskool, sportskool, and VOOM HD Networks. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading distribution company for independent film; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; and IFC Center, a three screen, state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of New York's Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company; and 11 Penn TV, a company that manages Rainbow Media's NYC studios and post-production facilities.
Grey Goose Entertainment
Founded in April 2005, Grey Goose Entertainment is dedicated to producing original and unique content for television, music and film. Each innovative project reflects the spirit of GREY GOOSE Vodka and celebrates the interests of the consumer. Season one of "Iconoclasts" was the first production from Grey Goose Entertainment. In addition to season one and season two of "Iconoclasts" Grey Goose Entertainment supports THE ARTISTS DEN, an innovative enterprise that curates the best new music from around the globe, which it showcases in unique and intimate venues.
@radical.media
@radical.media is a diverse global production company which has produced numerous award-winning feature films and television programs including the Academy Award(R)-winning "Fog of War," the Grammy Award winning "Concert For George," "Metallica: Some Kind of Monster" winner of the Independent Spirit Award and Jay-Z's "Fade To Black." Additionally, the company produced the first and second season of the critically acclaimed television series "Iconoclasts" on the Sundance Channel, "The Gamekillers" and "Nike Battlegrounds" on MTV, "Fast Cars and Superstars" on ABC and the Emmy winning-series "Ten Days That Unexpectedly Changed America" for the History Channel.
For more information go to www.sundancechannel.com/iconoclasts
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Monday, August 18, 2008
Soaring Success DVD - Australia's Greatest Entrepreneurs
Media Man Australia director, Greg Tingle, is amongst those featured and interviewed on the Soaring Success - Australia's Greatest Entrepreneurs DVD.
What is it about some businesses that makes them succeed where others fail? What do successful entrepreneurs have in common? How can you turn a simple idea into a vibrant and profitable business? How can you raise money to fund your venture?
The ‘Soaring Success DVD’ features extraordinary interviews with Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, sharing invaluable business advice. The founders of iconic and rising Australian companies including Boost Juice, Just Cuts, Gloria Jeans, Atlassian, Finite IT, Wotif.com, Red Balloon Days and many more, share the secrets of starting, growing and leading multimillion dollar businesses.
Soaring for Success is ideal for the aspiring entrepreneur, professionals seeking a career change, business students and as an educational resource for teachers and lecturers. With practical advice for turning your ideas into money, Soaring for Success is the ideal resource on starting your own business and being your own boss.
Profile
Here’s a peek at some of the successful Australian entrepreneurs and businesses that feature on ‘Soaring Success.’ With combined turnovers in excess of $1.2 billion, these entrepreneurs share practical advice on how to turn your ideas into money. Click here
Websites
YouTube promo 1
YouTube promo 2
Soaring Success official website
Who Are We?
Formed in 2008, Desiya is a Young Achievement Australia (YAA) company which is sponsored by Ernst & Young. Established by 16 students from USYD, UNSW and UTS, Desiya was motivated to create ‘Soaring Success’ because of the lack of information available to students about careers in entrepreneurship. Desiya’s mission is to empower aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve their business dreams.
Young Achievement Australia (YAA) is a not-for-profit charitable organisation which has been developing the potential of young Australians for over 30 years. YAA’s aim is to educate young Australians in the practical knowledge of business operations by providing them the opportunity to establish and run small enterprises. Through organising business skills programs for secondary and tertiary students, YAA is contributing to developing the skills and capabilities of youth. Visit http://www.yaa.org.au to learn more about the programs on offer.
Desiya would like to thank Ernst & Young as their official sponsor. Dedicated to developing the capabilities of the next generation of business leaders, Ernst & Young have supported the making of ‘Soaring Success’ and EY employees have volunteered their time on a weekly basis to mentor Desiya’s young members in all aspects of running a business.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs and Innovators
What is it about some businesses that makes them succeed where others fail? What do successful entrepreneurs have in common? How can you turn a simple idea into a vibrant and profitable business? How can you raise money to fund your venture?
The ‘Soaring Success DVD’ features extraordinary interviews with Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, sharing invaluable business advice. The founders of iconic and rising Australian companies including Boost Juice, Just Cuts, Gloria Jeans, Atlassian, Finite IT, Wotif.com, Red Balloon Days and many more, share the secrets of starting, growing and leading multimillion dollar businesses.
Soaring for Success is ideal for the aspiring entrepreneur, professionals seeking a career change, business students and as an educational resource for teachers and lecturers. With practical advice for turning your ideas into money, Soaring for Success is the ideal resource on starting your own business and being your own boss.
Profile
Here’s a peek at some of the successful Australian entrepreneurs and businesses that feature on ‘Soaring Success.’ With combined turnovers in excess of $1.2 billion, these entrepreneurs share practical advice on how to turn your ideas into money. Click here
Websites
YouTube promo 1
YouTube promo 2
Soaring Success official website
Who Are We?
Formed in 2008, Desiya is a Young Achievement Australia (YAA) company which is sponsored by Ernst & Young. Established by 16 students from USYD, UNSW and UTS, Desiya was motivated to create ‘Soaring Success’ because of the lack of information available to students about careers in entrepreneurship. Desiya’s mission is to empower aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve their business dreams.
Young Achievement Australia (YAA) is a not-for-profit charitable organisation which has been developing the potential of young Australians for over 30 years. YAA’s aim is to educate young Australians in the practical knowledge of business operations by providing them the opportunity to establish and run small enterprises. Through organising business skills programs for secondary and tertiary students, YAA is contributing to developing the skills and capabilities of youth. Visit http://www.yaa.org.au to learn more about the programs on offer.
Desiya would like to thank Ernst & Young as their official sponsor. Dedicated to developing the capabilities of the next generation of business leaders, Ernst & Young have supported the making of ‘Soaring Success’ and EY employees have volunteered their time on a weekly basis to mentor Desiya’s young members in all aspects of running a business.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs and Innovators
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The doer lord and his do-it manor, by Paola Totaro - Fairfax - 16th August 2008
Paola Totaro catches up with an Australia-bound leader who banks on the resilience of people - not the capacity of government - to effect life's improvements.
Lord Mawson bounds into the room, every step exuding a springy, down-to-earth optimism: "I'm Andrew, would you like a coffee?" he says, handshake at the ready. There is no PA or secretary at attention here. Instead, the life peer with the gentle Yorkshire accent returns with his own half-finished cup of Fairtrade coffee in one hand and a fresh mug in the other.
We have been ushered into what appears to be the teensiest conference room in the universe, but the view from the window is far from small. This is Number One London Bridge Road, and outside is the River Thames. Across the water is Sir Norman Foster's iconic green glass gherkin, in front the shiny beehive that is City Hall, just up river, the golden stone glow of Tower Bridge.
Lord Mawson, who has been described as the Richard Branson of the social sector, is apologetic that this little meeting room is in constant use and we may be evicted at any moment. "I've been on holidays and forgot to make a booking," he laughs.
Nothing could encapsulate Andrew Mawson's philosophy of life, business and social entrepreneurship better than this moment. The room is one of 30 or so that form part of what is known as Mezzanine, an offshoot of the national charity CAN (Community Action Network) he set up in 1998. CAN bought the three floors and offers charities and "third sector" bodies space in the prestige building - but for rents calculated by the desk space (four to five square metres) and on flexible or even short terms. Faxes, copiers, phones, kitchens - and even that Fairtrade coffee - are included in the monthly rental bill, as is use of the 30 or so meeting rooms, some tiny, a few big enough to accommodate conferences of up to 80 people. About 400 organisations, from the World Wildlife Fund to Social Enterprise London to the Princess Diana Memorial Award work together under the same, upmarket roof.
"Why shouldn't charities and social welfare organisations work from beautiful places? Why, because they work for the poor and have limited resources, should they operate from a back street somewhere?" They should, says Mawson, have presence. And operating under one roof affords economies of scale - the ability to buy at discount, for example - that benefit all.
Mawson, 54, began his journey in Bradford, Yorkshire. The son of working-class parents, he left school at 16 to take an engineering apprenticeship with the post and telecommunications utility. His parents were thrilled their boy had public sector security with entitlement to a pension at the end. For Mawson, it was an opportunity to learn life's practicalities, to learn the job at every level. It is what he describes now as "the how" - the philosophy of learning by doing - and it would stand him in great stead.
"Three or four years afterwards, though, I started to become interested in the 'why'." He met a clergyman, John Shaw, a profound influence, and the young Mawson studied for the ministry at the Baptist College in Manchester, where he was influenced by the principal, Michael Taylor - intellectually rigorous and demanding. Then there was the pastor who ministered to drug addicts in a nearby small parish: "I saw then how tiny church communities could do just so much on the ground."
In 1984, Reverend Mawson, married and with a young child and a degree in theology, landed in a moribund Uniting Church parish at Bromley-by-Bow, one of the bleaker and exhausted public housing concrete jungles in east London.
In a district bisected by motorways, windblown, forgotten to generational cycles of poverty and unemployment, he found 50 languages or dialects spoken within a 10-minute walk of his church building. A sense of hopelessness pervaded, and anyone who could fled the place.
On that first, freezing November evening - standing in a church hall built for 200 but with just 12 septuagenarian parishioners seated before him - Mawson realised he had three choices: "stay in bed and succumb to depression; hide away and write a doctorate on inner-city poverty; or wander the streets, observe the local community and try to understand what on earth was going on outside the solid oak doors that until then had protected me from the world".
With just £400 in the bank and a suite of rundown and derelict buildings as his domain, Mawson took to the community his natural optimism and refusal to take no for an answer. The modus operandi remains the same 25 years later - anyone who comes with an idea and desire or energy actually to "do" will get a hearing, and backing to see if it works.
At first, it was finding innovative uses for derelict empty buildings. When a young woman wanted to build a boat from scratch, Mawson cleared a hall to provide her with space. When Santiago, a Chilean political refugee, needed to use his carving and building skills to restore his spirit, he recreated the centre for the community. A young woman wanted to teach art and pottery, another wanted to set up a ballet school. Dismissive local bureaucrats insisted the poor would not send children to learn dance - let alone pay for the classes - but within a year the school was filled with local, fee-paying children.
Art and life were joining hands.
The same model was applied when a creche was desperately needed. Mawson reduced the unused space set aside for formal prayer in his church, redesigning the building to make it usable as a state-of-the-art and accessible early-childhood centre - and as a place of Sunday worship. Germaine Greer, an early visitor, later wrote that the centre showed what could happen when "a church climbs down from its eminence", generating "incalculable riches". Prince Charles is also a supporter from early days.
For the next decade, Mawson found ways to inspire his community, to help them take risks, to innovate as they bumbled along, finding new ways to revitalise or reuse abandoned assets. Kingsley Hall, the pioneering pre-welfare East End centre chosen by Mahatma Gandhi as his residence during the 1931 roundtable talks on India, was across the road and also played to Mawson's spirit and imagination.
Many famous visitors had walked the same streets. Gandhi's morning constitutionals were still remembered by older members of the community; the former prime minister Clement Attlee had come; the experimental psychiatrist, R.D. Laing worked nearby; even Charlie Chaplin paid a visit.
But most of all, Mawson learnt from his neighbourhood that he should not fear a challenge. And if the state rejected a proposal, other ways needed to be found to make it say yes. In so doing, he inspired others.
Then, in 1991, another catalyst hit hearts and home. Mawson watched horrified as a young mother - an active community helper - struggled against terminal cancer and battled to look after her children, while the National Health Service failed her at every step. It was the community that stood by her as she died. Galvanised by the neglect - and the buck-passing they saw during a subsequent inquiry - Mawson and his team set about creating Britain's first integrated health centre, a model that pioneered and promoted lifestyle and prevention as the keys to health care.
Through it all, Mawson refused to use second-rate materials or cheap alternatives - terrestrial or metaphysical. His first project - building public toilets for the centre - "was marble all the way", he says.
His unshakeable belief in human beings and their need for environments that inspire led Mawson to aim high in each aspect of his community's life. They built gardens, restored an ancient wall, created quality-food co-operatives. Health improved and new skills were nurtured, opening business opportunities and means to self-sufficiency. Social workers, counsellors, teachers and other professionals used to come by bus to the blighted area; now, three-quarters of these jobs are held by locals.
In his book The Social Entrepreneur Making Communities Work (Atlantic Books), Mawson - who arrives in Australia next week for talks in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra - uses human stories, anecdotes and an easy, chatty style to describe the revolution he led in social service delivery.
But he also describes two decades of an almost comic - if it were not so tragic - litany of bureaucratic dithering, of opportunities lost, of reports forgotten on desks, of paper shuffling, obstructive politicians and civil servants who lived on buck-passing, excuses and never-ending political rhetoric.
His early enthusiasm and respect for Tony Blair and New Labour's desire to use Bromley-by-Bow as a model for a nationwide integrated health system is obvious.
But as the years unfolded - and millions were spent - he watched with barely contained heartbreak as the system attempted to carbon-copy his community's model rather than use the experience to empower other communities to create and tailor new facilities to their needs.
Mawson says that in this, New Labour failed: "The areas of deprivation in the UK have not shifted a great deal since Dickens's day and any talk of a new approach of the kind I fervently believe would work has led us to nothing but lots of strategising, meetings, papers, conferences, seminars, websites … and when the money runs out, there is nothing left to show, no tangible result and so, of course, the show moves on."
Mawson is too much of a gentleman (or crossbench politician, now) to cast stones, but it is clear he fears little will change under Gordon Brown or his Tory opponent, David Cameron.
He argues that politicians should empower individuals and communities that have had success and step back from promising big, expensive, one-size-fits-all nationwide social regeneration projects.
"People are weary of traditional methods of community consultation and community governance which have failed to engage them, their interests, their commitment, and have failed to make changes to their lives. My experience in East London suggests that the world is fundamentally unfair and unequal, but full of glorious diversity. Some of the mantras that underpin much traditional thinking in this area have contributed to the impoverishment of our inner cities and have undermined both community and personal responsibility."
A quarter of a century after the first big step of his journey, Mawson's enthusiasm remains infectious. He says the world is changing, that the generation of his children - 28, 22 and seven - responds differently to age-old problems. He speaks fervently about the creative spirit, about the political system finding ways to legitimise doers such as himself and communities such as Bromley-by-Bow.
If he did not have runs on the board, it would be difficult to cop what can sound like simplistic sloganeering. But his extraordinary achievements suggest otherwise.
In the 10 years since he established CAN, he has founded a £300 million housing company in east London and was instrumental in setting up a £100 million regeneration program in the lower Lea Valley, almost next door to the 2012 Olympic site, also in east London.
Now he is fighting to have the two projects "talk to each other" so that the Olympic legacy is not a ghost town of empty stadiums. He is also at the helm of St Paul's Way, a multimillion-pound project to transform the disadvantaged local government area of Tower Hamlets in east London, and is a big force behind the innovative One Church: 100 Uses project, which is trying to bring fresh uses to church buildings no longer needed for worship.
As we are evicted from the meeting room, Mawson recalls the young woman who wanted to start a local cafe amid warnings that Bromley-by-Bow people would not spend good money on coffee. He backed her anyway and, years later, Pie in the Sky is a thriving local restaurant.
For details of Mawson's Australian tour, visit http://www.can-online.org.uk Paola Totaro is the Herald's Europe correspondent.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Lord Mawson bounds into the room, every step exuding a springy, down-to-earth optimism: "I'm Andrew, would you like a coffee?" he says, handshake at the ready. There is no PA or secretary at attention here. Instead, the life peer with the gentle Yorkshire accent returns with his own half-finished cup of Fairtrade coffee in one hand and a fresh mug in the other.
We have been ushered into what appears to be the teensiest conference room in the universe, but the view from the window is far from small. This is Number One London Bridge Road, and outside is the River Thames. Across the water is Sir Norman Foster's iconic green glass gherkin, in front the shiny beehive that is City Hall, just up river, the golden stone glow of Tower Bridge.
Lord Mawson, who has been described as the Richard Branson of the social sector, is apologetic that this little meeting room is in constant use and we may be evicted at any moment. "I've been on holidays and forgot to make a booking," he laughs.
Nothing could encapsulate Andrew Mawson's philosophy of life, business and social entrepreneurship better than this moment. The room is one of 30 or so that form part of what is known as Mezzanine, an offshoot of the national charity CAN (Community Action Network) he set up in 1998. CAN bought the three floors and offers charities and "third sector" bodies space in the prestige building - but for rents calculated by the desk space (four to five square metres) and on flexible or even short terms. Faxes, copiers, phones, kitchens - and even that Fairtrade coffee - are included in the monthly rental bill, as is use of the 30 or so meeting rooms, some tiny, a few big enough to accommodate conferences of up to 80 people. About 400 organisations, from the World Wildlife Fund to Social Enterprise London to the Princess Diana Memorial Award work together under the same, upmarket roof.
"Why shouldn't charities and social welfare organisations work from beautiful places? Why, because they work for the poor and have limited resources, should they operate from a back street somewhere?" They should, says Mawson, have presence. And operating under one roof affords economies of scale - the ability to buy at discount, for example - that benefit all.
Mawson, 54, began his journey in Bradford, Yorkshire. The son of working-class parents, he left school at 16 to take an engineering apprenticeship with the post and telecommunications utility. His parents were thrilled their boy had public sector security with entitlement to a pension at the end. For Mawson, it was an opportunity to learn life's practicalities, to learn the job at every level. It is what he describes now as "the how" - the philosophy of learning by doing - and it would stand him in great stead.
"Three or four years afterwards, though, I started to become interested in the 'why'." He met a clergyman, John Shaw, a profound influence, and the young Mawson studied for the ministry at the Baptist College in Manchester, where he was influenced by the principal, Michael Taylor - intellectually rigorous and demanding. Then there was the pastor who ministered to drug addicts in a nearby small parish: "I saw then how tiny church communities could do just so much on the ground."
In 1984, Reverend Mawson, married and with a young child and a degree in theology, landed in a moribund Uniting Church parish at Bromley-by-Bow, one of the bleaker and exhausted public housing concrete jungles in east London.
In a district bisected by motorways, windblown, forgotten to generational cycles of poverty and unemployment, he found 50 languages or dialects spoken within a 10-minute walk of his church building. A sense of hopelessness pervaded, and anyone who could fled the place.
On that first, freezing November evening - standing in a church hall built for 200 but with just 12 septuagenarian parishioners seated before him - Mawson realised he had three choices: "stay in bed and succumb to depression; hide away and write a doctorate on inner-city poverty; or wander the streets, observe the local community and try to understand what on earth was going on outside the solid oak doors that until then had protected me from the world".
With just £400 in the bank and a suite of rundown and derelict buildings as his domain, Mawson took to the community his natural optimism and refusal to take no for an answer. The modus operandi remains the same 25 years later - anyone who comes with an idea and desire or energy actually to "do" will get a hearing, and backing to see if it works.
At first, it was finding innovative uses for derelict empty buildings. When a young woman wanted to build a boat from scratch, Mawson cleared a hall to provide her with space. When Santiago, a Chilean political refugee, needed to use his carving and building skills to restore his spirit, he recreated the centre for the community. A young woman wanted to teach art and pottery, another wanted to set up a ballet school. Dismissive local bureaucrats insisted the poor would not send children to learn dance - let alone pay for the classes - but within a year the school was filled with local, fee-paying children.
Art and life were joining hands.
The same model was applied when a creche was desperately needed. Mawson reduced the unused space set aside for formal prayer in his church, redesigning the building to make it usable as a state-of-the-art and accessible early-childhood centre - and as a place of Sunday worship. Germaine Greer, an early visitor, later wrote that the centre showed what could happen when "a church climbs down from its eminence", generating "incalculable riches". Prince Charles is also a supporter from early days.
For the next decade, Mawson found ways to inspire his community, to help them take risks, to innovate as they bumbled along, finding new ways to revitalise or reuse abandoned assets. Kingsley Hall, the pioneering pre-welfare East End centre chosen by Mahatma Gandhi as his residence during the 1931 roundtable talks on India, was across the road and also played to Mawson's spirit and imagination.
Many famous visitors had walked the same streets. Gandhi's morning constitutionals were still remembered by older members of the community; the former prime minister Clement Attlee had come; the experimental psychiatrist, R.D. Laing worked nearby; even Charlie Chaplin paid a visit.
But most of all, Mawson learnt from his neighbourhood that he should not fear a challenge. And if the state rejected a proposal, other ways needed to be found to make it say yes. In so doing, he inspired others.
Then, in 1991, another catalyst hit hearts and home. Mawson watched horrified as a young mother - an active community helper - struggled against terminal cancer and battled to look after her children, while the National Health Service failed her at every step. It was the community that stood by her as she died. Galvanised by the neglect - and the buck-passing they saw during a subsequent inquiry - Mawson and his team set about creating Britain's first integrated health centre, a model that pioneered and promoted lifestyle and prevention as the keys to health care.
Through it all, Mawson refused to use second-rate materials or cheap alternatives - terrestrial or metaphysical. His first project - building public toilets for the centre - "was marble all the way", he says.
His unshakeable belief in human beings and their need for environments that inspire led Mawson to aim high in each aspect of his community's life. They built gardens, restored an ancient wall, created quality-food co-operatives. Health improved and new skills were nurtured, opening business opportunities and means to self-sufficiency. Social workers, counsellors, teachers and other professionals used to come by bus to the blighted area; now, three-quarters of these jobs are held by locals.
In his book The Social Entrepreneur Making Communities Work (Atlantic Books), Mawson - who arrives in Australia next week for talks in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra - uses human stories, anecdotes and an easy, chatty style to describe the revolution he led in social service delivery.
But he also describes two decades of an almost comic - if it were not so tragic - litany of bureaucratic dithering, of opportunities lost, of reports forgotten on desks, of paper shuffling, obstructive politicians and civil servants who lived on buck-passing, excuses and never-ending political rhetoric.
His early enthusiasm and respect for Tony Blair and New Labour's desire to use Bromley-by-Bow as a model for a nationwide integrated health system is obvious.
But as the years unfolded - and millions were spent - he watched with barely contained heartbreak as the system attempted to carbon-copy his community's model rather than use the experience to empower other communities to create and tailor new facilities to their needs.
Mawson says that in this, New Labour failed: "The areas of deprivation in the UK have not shifted a great deal since Dickens's day and any talk of a new approach of the kind I fervently believe would work has led us to nothing but lots of strategising, meetings, papers, conferences, seminars, websites … and when the money runs out, there is nothing left to show, no tangible result and so, of course, the show moves on."
Mawson is too much of a gentleman (or crossbench politician, now) to cast stones, but it is clear he fears little will change under Gordon Brown or his Tory opponent, David Cameron.
He argues that politicians should empower individuals and communities that have had success and step back from promising big, expensive, one-size-fits-all nationwide social regeneration projects.
"People are weary of traditional methods of community consultation and community governance which have failed to engage them, their interests, their commitment, and have failed to make changes to their lives. My experience in East London suggests that the world is fundamentally unfair and unequal, but full of glorious diversity. Some of the mantras that underpin much traditional thinking in this area have contributed to the impoverishment of our inner cities and have undermined both community and personal responsibility."
A quarter of a century after the first big step of his journey, Mawson's enthusiasm remains infectious. He says the world is changing, that the generation of his children - 28, 22 and seven - responds differently to age-old problems. He speaks fervently about the creative spirit, about the political system finding ways to legitimise doers such as himself and communities such as Bromley-by-Bow.
If he did not have runs on the board, it would be difficult to cop what can sound like simplistic sloganeering. But his extraordinary achievements suggest otherwise.
In the 10 years since he established CAN, he has founded a £300 million housing company in east London and was instrumental in setting up a £100 million regeneration program in the lower Lea Valley, almost next door to the 2012 Olympic site, also in east London.
Now he is fighting to have the two projects "talk to each other" so that the Olympic legacy is not a ghost town of empty stadiums. He is also at the helm of St Paul's Way, a multimillion-pound project to transform the disadvantaged local government area of Tower Hamlets in east London, and is a big force behind the innovative One Church: 100 Uses project, which is trying to bring fresh uses to church buildings no longer needed for worship.
As we are evicted from the meeting room, Mawson recalls the young woman who wanted to start a local cafe amid warnings that Bromley-by-Bow people would not spend good money on coffee. He backed her anyway and, years later, Pie in the Sky is a thriving local restaurant.
For details of Mawson's Australian tour, visit http://www.can-online.org.uk Paola Totaro is the Herald's Europe correspondent.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Russell Crowe's distress over pokies - The Daily Telegraph - 13th August 2008
Rabbitohs owner Russell Crowe is distressed at the likely prospect of South Sydney Leagues Club re-opening with poker machines.
In tandem with business partner Peter Holmes a Court, the Hollywood actor launched an impassioned campaign for the licensed club to ban poker machines last September.
The radical proposal will be decided on Sunday, when members gather for Souths Leagues Club's AGM at Redfern Town Hall.
But in a demonstration of how the once-popular idea has lost momentum, officials expect that less than 100 people will turn out to vote.
The leagues club was relying on the Rabbitohs to manage the venue without machines and absorb any collateral damage from $1 million in lost pokies revenue.
But the football club withdrew its support after it was unable to secure parliamentary support to abolish the statutory sign-in desk.
Without a safety net, leagues club chairman Bill Alexiou-Hucker now expects members to vote in favour of pokies.
"We will go with whatever the members decide, but it would be harder without a guaranteed (poker machine) revenue stream," Mr Alexiou-Hucker said.
Crowe is understood to be upset that the proposal is set to be defeated and recently asked for reasons why it had fallen from favour.
Comment - Greg Tingle
There's no doubt that Russell Crowe's heart is in the right place and that he means well. There's a number of commercial realities at stake here. Don't forget, and corporate and public will, South's lost Firepower. No doubt Branson's Virgin Blue was relieved. Australian's and much of the world loves a punt, be it pokies, horse racing, a wager on the boxing, and there days, firms like Virgin, PKR, 888 and others are offering online casinos. Even Warnie's got in on the act. Abroad online casino business has been keeping Calvin Ayre on his toes, but Ayre was in online business, not like James Packer, who recently lost a bundle on a casino deal gone wrong abroad. The Gaming Expo is coming up at Darling Harbour on the 24th August. Don't suppose we will see Russell Crowe or Peter Holmes a Court there, but maybe a few online casino tycoons will show up, and perhaps some Rabbitoh board members also. Wonder if any TAB Corp and Aristocrat brass will show. Rabbitohs, you have South Cares, so ensure the money goes back to the community, and you should be fine. I think the community has faith in The Bunnies to do the right and ethical thing with the profits.
(Credit: Daily Telegraph)
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Poker and Casino News
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Social and Community Entrepreneurs
In tandem with business partner Peter Holmes a Court, the Hollywood actor launched an impassioned campaign for the licensed club to ban poker machines last September.
The radical proposal will be decided on Sunday, when members gather for Souths Leagues Club's AGM at Redfern Town Hall.
But in a demonstration of how the once-popular idea has lost momentum, officials expect that less than 100 people will turn out to vote.
The leagues club was relying on the Rabbitohs to manage the venue without machines and absorb any collateral damage from $1 million in lost pokies revenue.
But the football club withdrew its support after it was unable to secure parliamentary support to abolish the statutory sign-in desk.
Without a safety net, leagues club chairman Bill Alexiou-Hucker now expects members to vote in favour of pokies.
"We will go with whatever the members decide, but it would be harder without a guaranteed (poker machine) revenue stream," Mr Alexiou-Hucker said.
Crowe is understood to be upset that the proposal is set to be defeated and recently asked for reasons why it had fallen from favour.
Comment - Greg Tingle
There's no doubt that Russell Crowe's heart is in the right place and that he means well. There's a number of commercial realities at stake here. Don't forget, and corporate and public will, South's lost Firepower. No doubt Branson's Virgin Blue was relieved. Australian's and much of the world loves a punt, be it pokies, horse racing, a wager on the boxing, and there days, firms like Virgin, PKR, 888 and others are offering online casinos. Even Warnie's got in on the act. Abroad online casino business has been keeping Calvin Ayre on his toes, but Ayre was in online business, not like James Packer, who recently lost a bundle on a casino deal gone wrong abroad. The Gaming Expo is coming up at Darling Harbour on the 24th August. Don't suppose we will see Russell Crowe or Peter Holmes a Court there, but maybe a few online casino tycoons will show up, and perhaps some Rabbitoh board members also. Wonder if any TAB Corp and Aristocrat brass will show. Rabbitohs, you have South Cares, so ensure the money goes back to the community, and you should be fine. I think the community has faith in The Bunnies to do the right and ethical thing with the profits.
(Credit: Daily Telegraph)
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How South Sydney's no-pokies leagues club plan died, by Josh Massoud - The Daily Telegraph - 13th August 2008
On Sunday morning fewer than 100 people will gather in Redfern Town Hall to end South Sydney's proposal for a no-pokies leagues club.
What was once a heart-warming campaign has sunk with so little trace that it now settles alongside Harold Holt as Australia's most perplexing vanishing act.
It was only in September when Rabbitohs co-owners Peter Holmes a Court and Russell Crowe declared they wanted South Sydney Leagues Club to make history and re-open without poker machines.
Their rhetoric was woven in a feel-good thread of "corporate responsibility" that fitted oh-so-snugly with prevailing social moods.
In a co-signed letter e-mailed to the club's 6500 members in December, they wrote: "We are not moralising here, we just believe that low-income areas like Redfern need less poker machines rather than more."
Who could argue? If Satan walks among us, it is surely in the guise of a one-armed bandit. They take food from the table, rob children of their textbooks and pollute the audiosphere with a bleeping so demented it makes the Crazy Frog ringtone seem bearable by comparison.
Little wonder, then, that Holmes a Court and Crowe were feted as saviours when they announced the plan.
Problem is, it takes more than a cape and external underpants to save the day in clubland.
Despite boasting a Facebook page and several hundred "No Pokies" T-shirts, the campaign has since withered in a silence almost as deafening as the angels' trumpets and that heralded its arrival.
That fanfare is the only reason why leagues club directors are persevering with a members' vote on the proposal during Sunday's AGM at Redfern. To a man, they fully expect it to be defeated.
After being swept along in an overwhelming tide of benevolence, the general public is now entitled to feel confused. Community-minded organisations like the Salvation Army which applauded the idea are entitled to feel duped.
They deserve to know why their faith in Holmes a Court and Crowe's vision was not returned with a sustained endeavour to bring it to life.
Just days after the pair penned their heartfelt on-line entreaty, directors voted to endorse the idea.
But the final count - 4-3 in favour of no-pokies - was not emphatic enough to implement the plan without consulting the membership.
In the meantime, Holmes a Court vowed to devise a business plan to convince members their club could survive without the $1 million its 60 machines would otherwise provide.
To this end, he created a consortium between the Rabbitohs football club, restaurant guru Con Dedes and developer Trivest - which purchased the leagues club building earlier that year for $10 million.
The consortium offered to pay Souths Leagues Club $300,000 for the right to manage the licensed premises, and in doing so, accept full liability for any losses.
It also planned to operate the venue "like a pub" and wanted the State Government to waive the long-standing duty for club members and guests to sign-in before entering.
On this contentious point, club chairman Bill Alexiou-Hucker and Holmes a Court held a positive meeting with Premier Morris Iemma in January.
Recalling the events, Alexiou-Hucker said this week: "It was a great proposal because they took on all the risk and we got money to put back into the community."
There was one catch. Of the three directors who wanted pokies, Frank Zappia was the most strident opponent. A brother of Sharks CEO Tony Zappia, the Liverpool real estate agent insisted on a cut-off date for Holmes a Court to gain legislative approval to abolish the sign-in desk.
Holmes a Court wanted an April deadline, but Zappia pushed for March 31. If the Government did not agree by that date, then both parties would be able to walk away.
But why March 31? "Because I did my homework," Zappia replied. "I knew the Parliament only sat on three or four days in March and there would be a minimum chance for them to get the legislation through.
"I was looking at the calendar, counting the days until March 31."
The fateful day arrived and no progress had been made.
Redfern became very quiet, a calm before the storm that would see Crowe oust Holmes a Court as Rabbitohs executive chairman six weeks later.
With the football club in turmoil, its owners suddenly had little time to prevent the poker machine plague from infecting their sickly neighbours.
The offer was withdrawn, the consortium disbanded and the leagues club left without a safety net to cover for the $1 million black hole.
That is why boardroom enemies Alexiou-Hucker and Zappia can agree their members have little choice but to vote in favour of poker machines.
In fact, both believe the issue is now so clear-cut they can't envisage more than 100 people bothering to show up.
(Credit: The Daily Telegraph)
Comment by Greg Tingle
There's no doubt that Russell Crowe's heart is in the right place and that he means well. There's a number of commercial realities at stake here. Don't forget, and corporate and public will, South's lost Firepower. No doubt Branson's Virgin Blue was relieved. Australian's and much of the world loves a punt, be it pokies, horse racing, a wager on the boxing, and there days, firms like Virgin, PKR, 888 and others are offering online casinos. Even Warnie's got in on the act. Abroad online casino business has been keeping Calvin Ayre on his toes, but Ayre was in online business, not like James Packer, who recently lost a bundle on a casino deal gone wrong abroad. The Gaming Expo is coming up at Darling Harbour on the 24th August. Don't suppose we will see Russell Crowe or Peter Holmes a Court there, but maybe a few online casino tycoons will show up, and perhaps some Rabbitoh board members also. Wonder if any TAB Corp and Aristocrat brass will show. Rabbitohs, you have South Cares, so ensure the money goes back to the community, and you should be fine. I think the community has faith in The Bunnies to do the right and ethical thing with the profits.
Media Man Australia Profiles
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Poker and Casino News
Casino News Media
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
What was once a heart-warming campaign has sunk with so little trace that it now settles alongside Harold Holt as Australia's most perplexing vanishing act.
It was only in September when Rabbitohs co-owners Peter Holmes a Court and Russell Crowe declared they wanted South Sydney Leagues Club to make history and re-open without poker machines.
Their rhetoric was woven in a feel-good thread of "corporate responsibility" that fitted oh-so-snugly with prevailing social moods.
In a co-signed letter e-mailed to the club's 6500 members in December, they wrote: "We are not moralising here, we just believe that low-income areas like Redfern need less poker machines rather than more."
Who could argue? If Satan walks among us, it is surely in the guise of a one-armed bandit. They take food from the table, rob children of their textbooks and pollute the audiosphere with a bleeping so demented it makes the Crazy Frog ringtone seem bearable by comparison.
Little wonder, then, that Holmes a Court and Crowe were feted as saviours when they announced the plan.
Problem is, it takes more than a cape and external underpants to save the day in clubland.
Despite boasting a Facebook page and several hundred "No Pokies" T-shirts, the campaign has since withered in a silence almost as deafening as the angels' trumpets and that heralded its arrival.
That fanfare is the only reason why leagues club directors are persevering with a members' vote on the proposal during Sunday's AGM at Redfern. To a man, they fully expect it to be defeated.
After being swept along in an overwhelming tide of benevolence, the general public is now entitled to feel confused. Community-minded organisations like the Salvation Army which applauded the idea are entitled to feel duped.
They deserve to know why their faith in Holmes a Court and Crowe's vision was not returned with a sustained endeavour to bring it to life.
Just days after the pair penned their heartfelt on-line entreaty, directors voted to endorse the idea.
But the final count - 4-3 in favour of no-pokies - was not emphatic enough to implement the plan without consulting the membership.
In the meantime, Holmes a Court vowed to devise a business plan to convince members their club could survive without the $1 million its 60 machines would otherwise provide.
To this end, he created a consortium between the Rabbitohs football club, restaurant guru Con Dedes and developer Trivest - which purchased the leagues club building earlier that year for $10 million.
The consortium offered to pay Souths Leagues Club $300,000 for the right to manage the licensed premises, and in doing so, accept full liability for any losses.
It also planned to operate the venue "like a pub" and wanted the State Government to waive the long-standing duty for club members and guests to sign-in before entering.
On this contentious point, club chairman Bill Alexiou-Hucker and Holmes a Court held a positive meeting with Premier Morris Iemma in January.
Recalling the events, Alexiou-Hucker said this week: "It was a great proposal because they took on all the risk and we got money to put back into the community."
There was one catch. Of the three directors who wanted pokies, Frank Zappia was the most strident opponent. A brother of Sharks CEO Tony Zappia, the Liverpool real estate agent insisted on a cut-off date for Holmes a Court to gain legislative approval to abolish the sign-in desk.
Holmes a Court wanted an April deadline, but Zappia pushed for March 31. If the Government did not agree by that date, then both parties would be able to walk away.
But why March 31? "Because I did my homework," Zappia replied. "I knew the Parliament only sat on three or four days in March and there would be a minimum chance for them to get the legislation through.
"I was looking at the calendar, counting the days until March 31."
The fateful day arrived and no progress had been made.
Redfern became very quiet, a calm before the storm that would see Crowe oust Holmes a Court as Rabbitohs executive chairman six weeks later.
With the football club in turmoil, its owners suddenly had little time to prevent the poker machine plague from infecting their sickly neighbours.
The offer was withdrawn, the consortium disbanded and the leagues club left without a safety net to cover for the $1 million black hole.
That is why boardroom enemies Alexiou-Hucker and Zappia can agree their members have little choice but to vote in favour of poker machines.
In fact, both believe the issue is now so clear-cut they can't envisage more than 100 people bothering to show up.
(Credit: The Daily Telegraph)
Comment by Greg Tingle
There's no doubt that Russell Crowe's heart is in the right place and that he means well. There's a number of commercial realities at stake here. Don't forget, and corporate and public will, South's lost Firepower. No doubt Branson's Virgin Blue was relieved. Australian's and much of the world loves a punt, be it pokies, horse racing, a wager on the boxing, and there days, firms like Virgin, PKR, 888 and others are offering online casinos. Even Warnie's got in on the act. Abroad online casino business has been keeping Calvin Ayre on his toes, but Ayre was in online business, not like James Packer, who recently lost a bundle on a casino deal gone wrong abroad. The Gaming Expo is coming up at Darling Harbour on the 24th August. Don't suppose we will see Russell Crowe or Peter Holmes a Court there, but maybe a few online casino tycoons will show up, and perhaps some Rabbitoh board members also. Wonder if any TAB Corp and Aristocrat brass will show. Rabbitohs, you have South Cares, so ensure the money goes back to the community, and you should be fine. I think the community has faith in The Bunnies to do the right and ethical thing with the profits.
Media Man Australia Profiles
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Poker and Casino News
Casino News Media
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Friday, August 08, 2008
Bill Gates Leaves Microsoft to Focus on Philanthropy - The Chronicle of Philanthropy - 24th June 2008
Friday will mark Bill Gates’s last day as a full-time employee of Microsoft, the company he co-founded 33 years-ago, reports InformationWeek. Mr. Gates is leaving his company to concentrate on his work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Seattle fund he and his wife established in 1999.
Mr. Gates will remain in his role as Microsoft’s chairman.
The software mogul said he plans to encourage his wealthy friends to support the foundation’s efforts. “I need to orchestrate the rich world to help out,” said Mr. Gates.
“Everybody should give time and some money,” he added. “Pick a cause, and there are so many good ones out there, that you can develop some expertise in, and perhaps involve your spouse or the rest of your family,” he said.
Read The Chronicle’s recent article on the Gates Foundation’s new leader.
(Credit: The Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Comments
Now that’s what I call leadership (and success on all levels). - Greg Tingle
Mr. Gates continues to amaze me. Many thanks to his foundation for the continued support of the “Generous Community” and our “Adopt a School” Initiative. Great people like Bill and Melinda Gates, his father and Greg Tingle are pushing this initiative beyond the borders of the US. We at the Generous Community are excited about his new direction. - Bob Winstead
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Bill Gates
Greg Tingle
Bob Winstead
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Mr. Gates will remain in his role as Microsoft’s chairman.
The software mogul said he plans to encourage his wealthy friends to support the foundation’s efforts. “I need to orchestrate the rich world to help out,” said Mr. Gates.
“Everybody should give time and some money,” he added. “Pick a cause, and there are so many good ones out there, that you can develop some expertise in, and perhaps involve your spouse or the rest of your family,” he said.
Read The Chronicle’s recent article on the Gates Foundation’s new leader.
(Credit: The Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Comments
Now that’s what I call leadership (and success on all levels). - Greg Tingle
Mr. Gates continues to amaze me. Many thanks to his foundation for the continued support of the “Generous Community” and our “Adopt a School” Initiative. Great people like Bill and Melinda Gates, his father and Greg Tingle are pushing this initiative beyond the borders of the US. We at the Generous Community are excited about his new direction. - Bob Winstead
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Bill Gates
Greg Tingle
Bob Winstead
Charity
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Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Packer signs up to jobs covenant, by Sarah Smiles - The Sydney Morning Herald - 5th August 2008
Businessman James Packer has agreed to employ 500 Aborigines as part of an ambitious initiative to get 50,000 indigenous people into work in the next two years.
The nation's main business organisation, the Business Council of Australia, has also expressed interest in joining the project.
The project, led by mining magnate Andrew Forrest, aims to get Aboriginal people off welfare and into full-time work.
It has received backing from the Federal Government, which has agreed to pay for training for Aboriginal people to get them job-ready.
The BCA, which represents the country's largest companies, has already spoken to Mr Forrest about the initiative.
Mr Forrest, Australia's richest man, has described the project as corporate Australia's "single best opportunity" to help solve the biggest social issue facing the nation.
Indigenous leader Warren Mundine, who is part of the project's steering committee, said he had also received a flurry of emails from "fairly large" companies interested in the project.
"This thing to me is exciting because it's corporate," said Mr Mundine. "It will be a different world when we wake up when this programs over."
He said the mining industry was well placed to absorb workers, but all sectors should consider employing Aboriginal people, including finance, retail and tourism.
Large corporations such as BHP Billiton, ANZ, the Commonwealth Bank and Qantas are already boosting indigenous employment under a program run by Reconciliation Australia. The organisation has created more than 1700 jobs in the private sector over the last two years.
Barbara Livesey, chief executive of Reconciliation Australia, said it will approach Mr Forrest to "share lessons" of its own program and suggest it as a framework.
The steering committee has 100 days to design the initiative, named the Australian Employment Covenant. The goal is to get 50,000 Aboriginal people into work over the next two years. Under the covenant, they will be offered full-time employment, skills training and on-the-job mentoring.
"The mentors will be the heroes of the covenant," said Mr Forrest in a statement yesterday.
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Aboriginal and Indigenous Media
James Packer
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
The nation's main business organisation, the Business Council of Australia, has also expressed interest in joining the project.
The project, led by mining magnate Andrew Forrest, aims to get Aboriginal people off welfare and into full-time work.
It has received backing from the Federal Government, which has agreed to pay for training for Aboriginal people to get them job-ready.
The BCA, which represents the country's largest companies, has already spoken to Mr Forrest about the initiative.
Mr Forrest, Australia's richest man, has described the project as corporate Australia's "single best opportunity" to help solve the biggest social issue facing the nation.
Indigenous leader Warren Mundine, who is part of the project's steering committee, said he had also received a flurry of emails from "fairly large" companies interested in the project.
"This thing to me is exciting because it's corporate," said Mr Mundine. "It will be a different world when we wake up when this programs over."
He said the mining industry was well placed to absorb workers, but all sectors should consider employing Aboriginal people, including finance, retail and tourism.
Large corporations such as BHP Billiton, ANZ, the Commonwealth Bank and Qantas are already boosting indigenous employment under a program run by Reconciliation Australia. The organisation has created more than 1700 jobs in the private sector over the last two years.
Barbara Livesey, chief executive of Reconciliation Australia, said it will approach Mr Forrest to "share lessons" of its own program and suggest it as a framework.
The steering committee has 100 days to design the initiative, named the Australian Employment Covenant. The goal is to get 50,000 Aboriginal people into work over the next two years. Under the covenant, they will be offered full-time employment, skills training and on-the-job mentoring.
"The mentors will be the heroes of the covenant," said Mr Forrest in a statement yesterday.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Aboriginal and Indigenous Media
James Packer
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Charity Stakes
WE ARE IN A TIME WHERE THE AMERICAN FAMILY'S DOLLAR IS BEING STRETCHED FAR BEYOND THE BREAKING POINT. With rising costs across the board, Americans are looking for outlets to explore that will offer them great fun and entertainment at the lowest possible costs. Worthy charities and organizations are also feeling the same financial pinch as well.
On a whole, charitable contributions are down, as well as, organizational memberships. This squeeze is hindering MANY very worthwhile charities and causes, funded by these great organizations.
We at CHARITYSTAKES have developed a fun and exciting solution to this American dilemma.
Through CHARITYSTAKES, we want to bring an exciting experience for those who enjoy: playing poker, sports events and contests, games, tournaments, and other fun and exciting activities of entertainment. We offer them a place where Members can "Win Big with No Risk".
Along with all the fun and excitement our members will experience with CHARITYSTAKES, our members will also enjoy knowing that a large portion of their monthly dues will be donated back to a great and worthy cause. In effect, through their enjoyment, they will be contributing to the betterment of others lives, all creatures great or small, and any and every tragedy that may affect society as a whole.
CHARITYSTAKES' patent pending business model was developed as a venue to encourage people to play competitively along with the ability to win prizes – without their risking any of their own money. The only cost to our Members is a low monthly fee – NO CONTRACTS INVOLVED.
CHARITYSTAKES has applied its unique approach to many online games, tournaments and contests, enabling players to WIN BIG WITHOUT ANY RISK. With the increasing rise in the popularity of poker and CHARITYSTAKES unique approach, it is guaranteed to be a WIN – WIN for all.
Most important, we at CHARITYSTAKES are committed to responsible game-play, and are NOT A GAMBLING WEBSITE. In fact, we consider ourselves the "Anti-Gambling Website", because we do not offer gambling, we make it impossible for Members to lose their own money. Our goal is to maintain the thrill of online games while keeping it safe for everyone. Yet, we still provide the fun and exciting entertainment experience.
We promote safe and responsible game play all while working to "Play for Your Cause".
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Gaming
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
On a whole, charitable contributions are down, as well as, organizational memberships. This squeeze is hindering MANY very worthwhile charities and causes, funded by these great organizations.
We at CHARITYSTAKES have developed a fun and exciting solution to this American dilemma.
Through CHARITYSTAKES, we want to bring an exciting experience for those who enjoy: playing poker, sports events and contests, games, tournaments, and other fun and exciting activities of entertainment. We offer them a place where Members can "Win Big with No Risk".
Along with all the fun and excitement our members will experience with CHARITYSTAKES, our members will also enjoy knowing that a large portion of their monthly dues will be donated back to a great and worthy cause. In effect, through their enjoyment, they will be contributing to the betterment of others lives, all creatures great or small, and any and every tragedy that may affect society as a whole.
CHARITYSTAKES' patent pending business model was developed as a venue to encourage people to play competitively along with the ability to win prizes – without their risking any of their own money. The only cost to our Members is a low monthly fee – NO CONTRACTS INVOLVED.
CHARITYSTAKES has applied its unique approach to many online games, tournaments and contests, enabling players to WIN BIG WITHOUT ANY RISK. With the increasing rise in the popularity of poker and CHARITYSTAKES unique approach, it is guaranteed to be a WIN – WIN for all.
Most important, we at CHARITYSTAKES are committed to responsible game-play, and are NOT A GAMBLING WEBSITE. In fact, we consider ourselves the "Anti-Gambling Website", because we do not offer gambling, we make it impossible for Members to lose their own money. Our goal is to maintain the thrill of online games while keeping it safe for everyone. Yet, we still provide the fun and exciting entertainment experience.
We promote safe and responsible game play all while working to "Play for Your Cause".
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Gaming
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Online Charity Gaming Site Opens In Arizona - 31st July 2008
In America, a new membership-based Internet gaming site has launched in the state of Arizona, home to leading online gambling opponent Senator Jon Kyl, as a way to raise money for charity.
Members of CharityStakes.com pay $19.95 per month for unlimited access to four online casino games along with pools for various sporting events. Operated by Scottsdale-based CharityStakes LLC, five dollars of this non-contract fee is given to charity while another five dollars is designated for a winner’s pool.
Co-founded by Michael Schapp and Barbara Bucca, CharityStakes.com is legal because members cannot lose any money so it is not defined as a gambling website.
“We are in a time where the American family’s dollar is being stretched far beyond the breaking point,” read a statement from CharityStakes.com.
“With rising costs across the board, Americans are looking for outlets to explore that will offer them great fun and entertainment at the lowest possible costs. Worthy charities and organisations are also feeling the same financial pinch as well.
”On a whole, charitable contributions are down, as well as organisational memberships. This squeeze is hindering many very worthwhile charities and causes funded by these great organisations.
”We at CharityStakes have developed a fun and exciting solution to this American dilemma. Through CharityStakes.com, we want to bring an exciting experience for those who enjoy playing poker, sports events and contests, games, tournaments and other fun and exciting activities of entertainment. We offer them a place where members can ‘win big with no risk’.”
Benefiting charities include the American Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation and members can also get political by designating their money for the Democratic National Committee or the Republican National Committee.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Gaming
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Members of CharityStakes.com pay $19.95 per month for unlimited access to four online casino games along with pools for various sporting events. Operated by Scottsdale-based CharityStakes LLC, five dollars of this non-contract fee is given to charity while another five dollars is designated for a winner’s pool.
Co-founded by Michael Schapp and Barbara Bucca, CharityStakes.com is legal because members cannot lose any money so it is not defined as a gambling website.
“We are in a time where the American family’s dollar is being stretched far beyond the breaking point,” read a statement from CharityStakes.com.
“With rising costs across the board, Americans are looking for outlets to explore that will offer them great fun and entertainment at the lowest possible costs. Worthy charities and organisations are also feeling the same financial pinch as well.
”On a whole, charitable contributions are down, as well as organisational memberships. This squeeze is hindering many very worthwhile charities and causes funded by these great organisations.
”We at CharityStakes have developed a fun and exciting solution to this American dilemma. Through CharityStakes.com, we want to bring an exciting experience for those who enjoy playing poker, sports events and contests, games, tournaments and other fun and exciting activities of entertainment. We offer them a place where members can ‘win big with no risk’.”
Benefiting charities include the American Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation and members can also get political by designating their money for the Democratic National Committee or the Republican National Committee.
Media Man Australia Profiles
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
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Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Bessie Bardot joins rugby pack - Sunshine Coast Daily - 24th July 2008
It’s strange company for a girl more likely to be photographed with Richard Branson, Ian Thorpe or Shane Warne.
But it’s a fair bet Maroochydore Rugby Club has backed a winner with its choice of master of ceremonies for its major annual charity bash.
Bessie Bardot has made a career out of being … Bessie Bardot.
Queensland Reds and Australia A coach Phil Mooney, former Reds captain John Roe and recently retired Reds veteran David Croft will contribute manfully to the rugger talk at the August 1 luncheon at Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club.
But organiser Mike Elder suspects even those icons of the game may have agreed to attend because of the club’s choice of MC.
While Bardot’s physical attributes may, as organiser Mike Elder hopes, have rugby’s young bucks lining up for tickets, the best-selling author, speaker and businesswoman can hold her own.
The 2005 Australia Day and Mercedes Fashion Week ambassador and 2005-2006 Make a Wish Foundation ambassador has been nominated for the Telstra Young Businesswoman of the Year and the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
She is also the chief executive of four of her own companies and has written four books: Bessie’s Guide For Girls – More From Life, Bessie’s Body Secrets, Secrets of a Female Entrepreneur Exposed and, with husband of 10 years television personality Geoff Barker, Casting Couch Confidential.
For its part, Maroochydore has one of the proudest records in Coast rugby, and fields 155 senior players in four competition sides and one non-competition third grade outfit and 256 players in 12 junior teams.
Tickets are $120 and include lunch and drinks. Phone 0414 698 632
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Bessie Bardot
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But it’s a fair bet Maroochydore Rugby Club has backed a winner with its choice of master of ceremonies for its major annual charity bash.
Bessie Bardot has made a career out of being … Bessie Bardot.
Queensland Reds and Australia A coach Phil Mooney, former Reds captain John Roe and recently retired Reds veteran David Croft will contribute manfully to the rugger talk at the August 1 luncheon at Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club.
But organiser Mike Elder suspects even those icons of the game may have agreed to attend because of the club’s choice of MC.
While Bardot’s physical attributes may, as organiser Mike Elder hopes, have rugby’s young bucks lining up for tickets, the best-selling author, speaker and businesswoman can hold her own.
The 2005 Australia Day and Mercedes Fashion Week ambassador and 2005-2006 Make a Wish Foundation ambassador has been nominated for the Telstra Young Businesswoman of the Year and the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
She is also the chief executive of four of her own companies and has written four books: Bessie’s Guide For Girls – More From Life, Bessie’s Body Secrets, Secrets of a Female Entrepreneur Exposed and, with husband of 10 years television personality Geoff Barker, Casting Couch Confidential.
For its part, Maroochydore has one of the proudest records in Coast rugby, and fields 155 senior players in four competition sides and one non-competition third grade outfit and 256 players in 12 junior teams.
Tickets are $120 and include lunch and drinks. Phone 0414 698 632
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Bessie Bardot
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Media Man Australia interviews Changing Colours Movement
Yesterday Media Man Australia director, Greg Tingle, interviewed Mojada band members, and Changing Colours Movement mainstays, Marco Yellin, Chad Kendrick and Wes Roy at Channel 31 Community TV TVS on Joy's World. More news soon.
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Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Gambling Hangover Campaign - communitybuilders.nsw
A new NSW Government responsible gambling campaign aimed at young men 18-24 has recently been launched, offering a range of new help and support options.
The Gambling Hangover campaign is designed to reach young men in the ‘morning after’ phase following a gambling binge, because this is when they are most likely to recognise the problem and be willing to take action.
The launch of the campaign follows a study of gambling in the state which showed that people in this age group are four times more likely to be problem gamblers than the rest of the population.
The campaign includes advertising in metropolitan and regional newspapers and radio; billboards at train stations and bus interior advertising, concentrating on gambling hotspots throughout the state. Gamblers will be able to access help immediately via SMS, using codes provided in the advertisements.
A campaign website, www.gamblinghangover.nsw.gov.au offers a range of self-help and support options, including a quiz, a ‘gambling calculator’ that assesses your potential losses over a year, free materials, including a practical workbook, and a free SMS service, through which young gamblers can subscribe to reminder messages at times when they are most likely to gamble. There is also a searchable database of support and counselling services throughout NSW.
Information on the campaign is also being made available through universities and TAFE colleges, Centrelink, local courts, libraries, GP surgeries and other outlets.
Reverend Harry Herbert, chair of the Responsible Gambling Fund, which is running the campaign, said it was important that young gamblers who had not yet developed a severe problem, take advantage of the help available.
“A recent survey found that 90% of clients felt better able to manage their gambling up to six months after receiving help from a face to face counselling service. But we know that these services are more likely to be utilised by people later in life so this campaign is all about telling young men that this help is available and encouraging them to come forward,” he said.
Download the Gambling Hangover public awareness campaign factsheet
WWW: http://gamblinghangover.nsw.gov.au
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
The Gambling Hangover campaign is designed to reach young men in the ‘morning after’ phase following a gambling binge, because this is when they are most likely to recognise the problem and be willing to take action.
The launch of the campaign follows a study of gambling in the state which showed that people in this age group are four times more likely to be problem gamblers than the rest of the population.
The campaign includes advertising in metropolitan and regional newspapers and radio; billboards at train stations and bus interior advertising, concentrating on gambling hotspots throughout the state. Gamblers will be able to access help immediately via SMS, using codes provided in the advertisements.
A campaign website, www.gamblinghangover.nsw.gov.au offers a range of self-help and support options, including a quiz, a ‘gambling calculator’ that assesses your potential losses over a year, free materials, including a practical workbook, and a free SMS service, through which young gamblers can subscribe to reminder messages at times when they are most likely to gamble. There is also a searchable database of support and counselling services throughout NSW.
Information on the campaign is also being made available through universities and TAFE colleges, Centrelink, local courts, libraries, GP surgeries and other outlets.
Reverend Harry Herbert, chair of the Responsible Gambling Fund, which is running the campaign, said it was important that young gamblers who had not yet developed a severe problem, take advantage of the help available.
“A recent survey found that 90% of clients felt better able to manage their gambling up to six months after receiving help from a face to face counselling service. But we know that these services are more likely to be utilised by people later in life so this campaign is all about telling young men that this help is available and encouraging them to come forward,” he said.
Download the Gambling Hangover public awareness campaign factsheet
WWW: http://gamblinghangover.nsw.gov.au
Media Man Australia Profiles
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Berfield Jetting Into Space With Branson - 28th July 2008
Former MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE star JUSTIN BERFIELD is planning to jet into orbit with RICHARD BRANSON when the Virgin tycoon launches the first commercial space flight next year (09).
The 22-year-old actor has reportedly paid $250,000 (GBP125,000) for a seat on a Virgin Galactic space flight.
Berfield, whose production company J2TV reportedly has links to Branson's charity Virgin Unite, is one of a number of celebrities linked to the first space trips; former Star Trek star William Shatner, rockers Dave Navarro and Moby, actress Victoria Principal and astrophysicist Stephen Hawking are all hoping to take off with Branson.
Those with enough money for a seat will get to experience five minutes of weightlessness during a two-and-a-half hour flight miles above the earth.
(Credit: ShowBiz Spy)
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Virgin Unite
Richard Branson
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The 22-year-old actor has reportedly paid $250,000 (GBP125,000) for a seat on a Virgin Galactic space flight.
Berfield, whose production company J2TV reportedly has links to Branson's charity Virgin Unite, is one of a number of celebrities linked to the first space trips; former Star Trek star William Shatner, rockers Dave Navarro and Moby, actress Victoria Principal and astrophysicist Stephen Hawking are all hoping to take off with Branson.
Those with enough money for a seat will get to experience five minutes of weightlessness during a two-and-a-half hour flight miles above the earth.
(Credit: ShowBiz Spy)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Unite
Richard Branson
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Monday, July 28, 2008
Sonny Bill has let down kids - charity, by David Southwell - News.com.au - 27th July 2008
Sonny Bill Williams "has let a lot of kids down" says a children's charity who had recruited the NRL star as the major drawcard for their main fundraising event.
Williams sudden and announced departure for France, apparently to take up a big rugby union contract, has left children's charity Essere without a guest of honour for their "Take a Walk on the Wild Side " dinner in Sydney on Tuesday 19 August.
"Yeah, it's a very big blow for us," said Fran Dobbie, the founder of Essere, which funds and organises workshops for children and young people to prevent bullying , teasing , depression and youth suicide.
Williams signed a letter that went with invitations to the dinner and appears in his NRL Bulldogs jersey on the website advertising the event as being "with Sonny Bill Williams and friends".
"He was a big drawcard. People might say we don't want to go,' Ms Dobbie said.
Ms Dobbie said that Williams was an important rolemodel for children both boys and girls "who just love him".
"A lot of children will know about it" she said.
"What message is this giving young people? He is only 22 to make such a big decision."
Ms Dobbie says she thinks Williams may not have been able to cope with the "fishbowl" attention and targeting he got as such a high profile sports star but he should face up to the situation he is in with "integrity".
"He should say 'I've made a mistake. Sorry, I've let you guys down. What can I do to rectify it?'" Ms Dobie said.
Ms Dobie said she still wished Williams well and was trying to make a negative into a positive by hosting a "dream team" of other celebrity, sporting and political figures at the upcoming dinner.
In attendance will be Today Show presenter Karl Stefanovic, New South Wales Premier Iemma , NSW Treasurer Michael Costa, Manly and Bulldogs NRL personalities with former Sixty Minutes reporter Jeff McMullen as MC.
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Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Williams sudden and announced departure for France, apparently to take up a big rugby union contract, has left children's charity Essere without a guest of honour for their "Take a Walk on the Wild Side " dinner in Sydney on Tuesday 19 August.
"Yeah, it's a very big blow for us," said Fran Dobbie, the founder of Essere, which funds and organises workshops for children and young people to prevent bullying , teasing , depression and youth suicide.
Williams signed a letter that went with invitations to the dinner and appears in his NRL Bulldogs jersey on the website advertising the event as being "with Sonny Bill Williams and friends".
"He was a big drawcard. People might say we don't want to go,' Ms Dobbie said.
Ms Dobbie said that Williams was an important rolemodel for children both boys and girls "who just love him".
"A lot of children will know about it" she said.
"What message is this giving young people? He is only 22 to make such a big decision."
Ms Dobbie says she thinks Williams may not have been able to cope with the "fishbowl" attention and targeting he got as such a high profile sports star but he should face up to the situation he is in with "integrity".
"He should say 'I've made a mistake. Sorry, I've let you guys down. What can I do to rectify it?'" Ms Dobie said.
Ms Dobie said she still wished Williams well and was trying to make a negative into a positive by hosting a "dream team" of other celebrity, sporting and political figures at the upcoming dinner.
In attendance will be Today Show presenter Karl Stefanovic, New South Wales Premier Iemma , NSW Treasurer Michael Costa, Manly and Bulldogs NRL personalities with former Sixty Minutes reporter Jeff McMullen as MC.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Charity
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
Friday, July 25, 2008
Australia's Greatest Entrepreneurs - Media Man Australia
In the near future Media Man Australia will be reporting on an array of Australia's Greatest Entrepreneurs. This will compliment a series of filmed interviews on some of the showcased entrepreneurs.
Media Man Australia director Greg Tingle said, "This is without a doubt one of the most exciting projects I have ever been involved with. A number of these entrepreneurs are also doing fantastic work in society, and sharing their knowledge and success. They are truly inspirational".
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Media Man Australia director Greg Tingle said, "This is without a doubt one of the most exciting projects I have ever been involved with. A number of these entrepreneurs are also doing fantastic work in society, and sharing their knowledge and success. They are truly inspirational".
Media Man Australia Profiles
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
First Countries Named to Benefit from Forest Carbon Partnership Facility - Press Release - The World Bank - 21st July 2008
14 developing and 9 industrialized countries formally join partnership to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD)
Contacts:
In Washington: Anita Gordon (202) 473 1799
agordon@worldbank.org
Roger Morier (202) 473 5675
rmorier@worldbank.org
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2008 –Fourteen states have been selected as the first developing country members of an innovative partnership and international financing mechanism to combat tropical deforestation and climate change.
The 14 developing countries include six in Africa (the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar); five in Latin America (Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Mexico, Panama); and three in Asia (Nepal, Lao PDR, and Vietnam). They will receive initial funding from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), an innovative approach to financing efforts to combat climate change.
The FCPF aims to reduce deforestation and forest degradation by compensating developing countries for greenhouse gas emission reductions. The partnership, approved by the World Bank Board of Executive Directors on September 25, 2007, became functionally operational on June 25, 2008. The 14 tropical and sub-tropical countries will receive grant support as they build their capacity for REDD and tap into future systems of positive incentives for REDD.
The decision about which countries will receive initial funding came at a two-day meeting in Paris of the FCPF Steering Committee. The committee was made up of an equal number of developing and industrialized countries, plus observers from international organizations, non-governmental institutions, and forest-dependent indigenous peoples and other forest dwellers. The committee was assisted in its decision by an independent Technical Advisory Panel comprised of experts in different technical fields and different regions of the world.
“Deforestation and forest degradation together are the second leading man-made cause of global warming,” said Joëlle Chassard, Manager of the World Bank’s Carbon Finance Unit. “They are responsible for about 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the main source of national emissions in many developing countries. For that reason, we have been eager to initiate this partnership and assist countries while building a body of knowledge on how best to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by protecting forests and helping the people who benefit from them.”
Each of the nine industrialized countries that formalized their participation in the partnership was present at the Paris meeting. These countries are Australia, Finland, France (the French Development Agency), Japan, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Together, they have committed to contribute about US$82 million to the FCPF. More contributions from the public and private sector are expected in the coming months.
“The FCPF is an important mechanism for giving effect to what was agreed at the Bali climate change meetings in 2007 – that donors and developing countries should work together to trial approaches to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation,” said Robin Davies, Assistant Director General, Sustainable Development Group, AusAID, representing Australia, the first donor to the facility. “The selection of this initial group of developing country partners is an important first step in improving global understanding of ways to reduce forest carbon emissions and lift forest-dependent communities out of poverty.”
The grant money being provided to the first 14 developing countries in the FCPF will help them to prepare for future systems of positive incentives for REDD, in particular by establishing emissions reference levels, adopting REDD strategies, and designing monitoring systems. Developing countries have expressed a strong interest in participating in the FCPF and it is expected that more countries will receive support in the coming months.
“The FCPF has created a true partnership,” said Gisela Ulloa, National Clean Development Office NCDO Coordinator in Bolivia, “where developing countries and developed countries, alongside the World Bank, are working in a transparent and participative way to learn and support each other in the readiness process for REDD. Selection into the program will now allow Bolivia to build its capacity to undertake actions to slow deforestation and to become an early actor in the emerging market for REDD. By joining with other tropical nations and potential carbon market actors, we expect our pace of learning, preparation, and action to address climate change to be faster and better focused on the conditions and needs of our country."
At their meeting last December in Bali, the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed to start demonstration activities on REDD. The FCPF, which was announced by the World Bank at the Bali Conference, will help to finance some of these demonstration activities.
For more information, please visit
www.carbonfinance.org
(Credit: The World Bank)
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Carbon Trading
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Contacts:
In Washington: Anita Gordon (202) 473 1799
agordon@worldbank.org
Roger Morier (202) 473 5675
rmorier@worldbank.org
WASHINGTON, July 21, 2008 –Fourteen states have been selected as the first developing country members of an innovative partnership and international financing mechanism to combat tropical deforestation and climate change.
The 14 developing countries include six in Africa (the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar); five in Latin America (Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Mexico, Panama); and three in Asia (Nepal, Lao PDR, and Vietnam). They will receive initial funding from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), an innovative approach to financing efforts to combat climate change.
The FCPF aims to reduce deforestation and forest degradation by compensating developing countries for greenhouse gas emission reductions. The partnership, approved by the World Bank Board of Executive Directors on September 25, 2007, became functionally operational on June 25, 2008. The 14 tropical and sub-tropical countries will receive grant support as they build their capacity for REDD and tap into future systems of positive incentives for REDD.
The decision about which countries will receive initial funding came at a two-day meeting in Paris of the FCPF Steering Committee. The committee was made up of an equal number of developing and industrialized countries, plus observers from international organizations, non-governmental institutions, and forest-dependent indigenous peoples and other forest dwellers. The committee was assisted in its decision by an independent Technical Advisory Panel comprised of experts in different technical fields and different regions of the world.
“Deforestation and forest degradation together are the second leading man-made cause of global warming,” said Joëlle Chassard, Manager of the World Bank’s Carbon Finance Unit. “They are responsible for about 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the main source of national emissions in many developing countries. For that reason, we have been eager to initiate this partnership and assist countries while building a body of knowledge on how best to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by protecting forests and helping the people who benefit from them.”
Each of the nine industrialized countries that formalized their participation in the partnership was present at the Paris meeting. These countries are Australia, Finland, France (the French Development Agency), Japan, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Together, they have committed to contribute about US$82 million to the FCPF. More contributions from the public and private sector are expected in the coming months.
“The FCPF is an important mechanism for giving effect to what was agreed at the Bali climate change meetings in 2007 – that donors and developing countries should work together to trial approaches to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation,” said Robin Davies, Assistant Director General, Sustainable Development Group, AusAID, representing Australia, the first donor to the facility. “The selection of this initial group of developing country partners is an important first step in improving global understanding of ways to reduce forest carbon emissions and lift forest-dependent communities out of poverty.”
The grant money being provided to the first 14 developing countries in the FCPF will help them to prepare for future systems of positive incentives for REDD, in particular by establishing emissions reference levels, adopting REDD strategies, and designing monitoring systems. Developing countries have expressed a strong interest in participating in the FCPF and it is expected that more countries will receive support in the coming months.
“The FCPF has created a true partnership,” said Gisela Ulloa, National Clean Development Office NCDO Coordinator in Bolivia, “where developing countries and developed countries, alongside the World Bank, are working in a transparent and participative way to learn and support each other in the readiness process for REDD. Selection into the program will now allow Bolivia to build its capacity to undertake actions to slow deforestation and to become an early actor in the emerging market for REDD. By joining with other tropical nations and potential carbon market actors, we expect our pace of learning, preparation, and action to address climate change to be faster and better focused on the conditions and needs of our country."
At their meeting last December in Bali, the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed to start demonstration activities on REDD. The FCPF, which was announced by the World Bank at the Bali Conference, will help to finance some of these demonstration activities.
For more information, please visit
www.carbonfinance.org
(Credit: The World Bank)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Carbon Trading
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Paintings to cover holes in the wall, by Natasha Robinson - The Australian - 21st July 2008
From Sydney's Pitt Street to Perth's Fremantle, 10 Aboriginal women from the Simpson Desert are about to stamp their mark on one of capitalism's most ubiquitous symbols, the automatic teller machine.
The project to decorate National Australia Bank ATMs around the nation is not just practical, but also symbolic for the enterprising women of the Titjikala Arts Centre.
As the women yearn for independence and freedom from annual cycles of government funding, the NAB project has indirectly brought unexpected cultural riches, with indigenous stories, told in Arrernte, Pitjantjatjara and English, tumbling out as paintings develop on canvas.
Young Titjikala woman Lisa "Makinti'' Wilyuka, one of the artists of the works that will provide a decorative "skin'' for NAB ATMs in major cities and towns, said: "It's been a time when the ladies get together; we laugh, we have fun, we tell jokes. We tell stories, we learn from the old ladies.''
Nora Campbell is in her early 60s and used to herd sheep for the Maryvale Station, 130km south of Alice Springs and close to Titjikala. Her painting is an explosion of colour, typical of the contemporary style of Titjikala works that echo the history of its people's movement during the years of central Australian frontier violence. Many in the community are former station workers who found themselves forced on to welfare with the advent of land rights in the Northern Territory, as the station jobs dried up.
Titjikala Arts Centre manager Jane Easton said: "Their paintings tend not to focus on traditional styles. They are explorative, creative. There is a range of styles from the Western Desert to the Santa Teresa influence.''
The NAB commissioned the 10 artworks after forming a relationship with the central Australian community during the shooting of its successful Auskick commercial. The project was an initiative of two women who work in marketing at the bank _ Siobhan Forbes and Michelle Farkas _ but the commitment from the nation's largest bank of forming partnerships with indigenous communities has been driven from the top.
NAB chief executive Ahmed Fahour is a member of the federal Government's Australian Social Inclusion Board, created in May.
He knows what it is to struggle. As a child, Mr Fahour would sometimes watch his father, Abdel, a cleaner, toil at night scrubbing an NAB branch in Melbourne's north.
Lebanese-born, Melbourne-raised Mr Fahour said he would never forget the family's disappointment when his father was refused a loan by a big bank.
Mr Fahour said the ATM project was a small way that a large corporation could fulfil its obligations to the community.
"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the terrible situation our indigenous people find themselves in is one (issue) that is the responsibility of us all,'' he said. The NAB's partnerships with remote communities extends beyond Titjikala.
Mr Fahour will travel to Groote Eylandt, off the eastern coast of Arnhem Land, this month for the opening of a new branch of the Traditional Credit Union, an indigenous financial institution that is being expanded with $1 million provided by NAB as an interest-free loan.
NAB has paid market rate _ $3750 for each painting _ for the works that will decorate its ATMs. There is a roughly 60-40 split of the profits from the sale of each painting between the artist and the arts centre. The bank hopes to commission more works on an ongoing basis.
The Titjikala artworks will initially decorate ATMs in the CBD and Bondi Junction in Sydney; St Kilda's Acland Street and Collins and Bourke streets in Melbourne; New Farm in Brisbane; the Todd Mall in Alice Springs; Perth's Fremantle and St Georges Terrace; and King William Street in Adelaide.
Titjikala's former local council chief executive Harry Scott said the community was previously heavily dependent on jobs in Community Development Employment Projects, the Aboriginal work-for-the-dole scheme recently reinstated in remote communities. Out of a population of 250 people, there were 105 CDEP places.
Even though CDEP was officially reinstated by the Rudd Government on July 1, federal departments, with little fanfare and no publicity, have quietly been providing communities funding for "real jobs'' with award-based wages and conditions.
The Department of Workplace Relations has come up with $85,000 to pay the salary of the art centre's manager, and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has provided funding to replace the arts centre's former CDEP jobs with six part-time positions. Combined with partnerships with corporations such as NAB, it is starting to look like a remote Australian welfare revolution.
"I think there's a need for governments to create more scope for this sort of thing to happen,'' Mr Scott said. "Instead of being out there in front, they need to be in the background. Really in the long-term, projects like this are where the community will get their experience of working with private enterprise and the real economy.''
Mr Scott said an organisation such as NAB was in a much better position to develop a long-term relationship with a community than a government was, because its funds were "not tied to a 12-month program''.
Ms Wilyuka said the women artists had already held meetings to discuss their plans for arts-oriented business ideas following the NAB ATM project.
"What we have learned is that sometimes government will fund for stuff, and sometimes they won't,'' she said. "It's something that's happened to us before, that made us want to stand up, and stand on our own.''
Natasha Robinson travelled to Titjikala as a guest of NAB
Media Man Australia Profiles
Aboriginal and Indigenous Media
Social and Community Entrepreneurs
The project to decorate National Australia Bank ATMs around the nation is not just practical, but also symbolic for the enterprising women of the Titjikala Arts Centre.
As the women yearn for independence and freedom from annual cycles of government funding, the NAB project has indirectly brought unexpected cultural riches, with indigenous stories, told in Arrernte, Pitjantjatjara and English, tumbling out as paintings develop on canvas.
Young Titjikala woman Lisa "Makinti'' Wilyuka, one of the artists of the works that will provide a decorative "skin'' for NAB ATMs in major cities and towns, said: "It's been a time when the ladies get together; we laugh, we have fun, we tell jokes. We tell stories, we learn from the old ladies.''
Nora Campbell is in her early 60s and used to herd sheep for the Maryvale Station, 130km south of Alice Springs and close to Titjikala. Her painting is an explosion of colour, typical of the contemporary style of Titjikala works that echo the history of its people's movement during the years of central Australian frontier violence. Many in the community are former station workers who found themselves forced on to welfare with the advent of land rights in the Northern Territory, as the station jobs dried up.
Titjikala Arts Centre manager Jane Easton said: "Their paintings tend not to focus on traditional styles. They are explorative, creative. There is a range of styles from the Western Desert to the Santa Teresa influence.''
The NAB commissioned the 10 artworks after forming a relationship with the central Australian community during the shooting of its successful Auskick commercial. The project was an initiative of two women who work in marketing at the bank _ Siobhan Forbes and Michelle Farkas _ but the commitment from the nation's largest bank of forming partnerships with indigenous communities has been driven from the top.
NAB chief executive Ahmed Fahour is a member of the federal Government's Australian Social Inclusion Board, created in May.
He knows what it is to struggle. As a child, Mr Fahour would sometimes watch his father, Abdel, a cleaner, toil at night scrubbing an NAB branch in Melbourne's north.
Lebanese-born, Melbourne-raised Mr Fahour said he would never forget the family's disappointment when his father was refused a loan by a big bank.
Mr Fahour said the ATM project was a small way that a large corporation could fulfil its obligations to the community.
"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the terrible situation our indigenous people find themselves in is one (issue) that is the responsibility of us all,'' he said. The NAB's partnerships with remote communities extends beyond Titjikala.
Mr Fahour will travel to Groote Eylandt, off the eastern coast of Arnhem Land, this month for the opening of a new branch of the Traditional Credit Union, an indigenous financial institution that is being expanded with $1 million provided by NAB as an interest-free loan.
NAB has paid market rate _ $3750 for each painting _ for the works that will decorate its ATMs. There is a roughly 60-40 split of the profits from the sale of each painting between the artist and the arts centre. The bank hopes to commission more works on an ongoing basis.
The Titjikala artworks will initially decorate ATMs in the CBD and Bondi Junction in Sydney; St Kilda's Acland Street and Collins and Bourke streets in Melbourne; New Farm in Brisbane; the Todd Mall in Alice Springs; Perth's Fremantle and St Georges Terrace; and King William Street in Adelaide.
Titjikala's former local council chief executive Harry Scott said the community was previously heavily dependent on jobs in Community Development Employment Projects, the Aboriginal work-for-the-dole scheme recently reinstated in remote communities. Out of a population of 250 people, there were 105 CDEP places.
Even though CDEP was officially reinstated by the Rudd Government on July 1, federal departments, with little fanfare and no publicity, have quietly been providing communities funding for "real jobs'' with award-based wages and conditions.
The Department of Workplace Relations has come up with $85,000 to pay the salary of the art centre's manager, and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has provided funding to replace the arts centre's former CDEP jobs with six part-time positions. Combined with partnerships with corporations such as NAB, it is starting to look like a remote Australian welfare revolution.
"I think there's a need for governments to create more scope for this sort of thing to happen,'' Mr Scott said. "Instead of being out there in front, they need to be in the background. Really in the long-term, projects like this are where the community will get their experience of working with private enterprise and the real economy.''
Mr Scott said an organisation such as NAB was in a much better position to develop a long-term relationship with a community than a government was, because its funds were "not tied to a 12-month program''.
Ms Wilyuka said the women artists had already held meetings to discuss their plans for arts-oriented business ideas following the NAB ATM project.
"What we have learned is that sometimes government will fund for stuff, and sometimes they won't,'' she said. "It's something that's happened to us before, that made us want to stand up, and stand on our own.''
Natasha Robinson travelled to Titjikala as a guest of NAB
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Greenfest comes to Brisbane, by Rob Ashwell - Greenbang - 21st July 2008
Greenbang is currently throwing her toys a little. She had so hoped that she might be able to attend Greenfest, the Australian green show taking place in October. That was until she realised that it wasn’t the best idea to fly half way across the globe to highlight ways to be green - she’s not the Pope afterall.
Instead, Greg Tingle will be Greenbang’s eyes and ears from the show. He has the advantage of already being on the east coast of Australia and can get to the Brisbane show a little more easily.
The show will have everything from food to transport to education and will be backed by a wealth of local bands as a music and film festival is held too.
The show is definitely worth a look if you’re near the area on the 10-12 October, if for no other reason than to see the Tesla electric sports car.
More information is on the Greenfest website and MySpace page.
(Credit: Greenbang)
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Greenfest
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Instead, Greg Tingle will be Greenbang’s eyes and ears from the show. He has the advantage of already being on the east coast of Australia and can get to the Brisbane show a little more easily.
The show will have everything from food to transport to education and will be backed by a wealth of local bands as a music and film festival is held too.
The show is definitely worth a look if you’re near the area on the 10-12 October, if for no other reason than to see the Tesla electric sports car.
More information is on the Greenfest website and MySpace page.
(Credit: Greenbang)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Greenfest
Colman Ridge
Environmentalists and the environment
Monday, July 21, 2008
Australia tops for cancer survival - The Sydney Morning Herald - 18th July 2008
Australia has been given a glowing report in an international cancer review which shows the nation has one of the best disease survival rates in the world.
Australian cancer experts have welcomed the report published in the journal The Lancet, but say Australia still has big gains to make in bowel, breast and lung cancers.
The study compares survival rates in 31 countries for the major cancer types, with Australia consistently falling at the top of the league table next to north America and Japan.
The poorest survival rates were seen in Algeria, Brazil and eastern Europe.
In Australia, Tasmania had the poorest survival rates for most cancers except breast and prostate, where the Northern Territory was the worst performer.
But the UK reviewers said state variations were "generally very small and overall survival was very high, suggesting high standards of health care in most areas."
"We are looking very good," said Professor Graham Giles from the Cancer Council Australia.
"People complain about our health system in Australia but in international comparisons we are doing quite well."
Recent publications from state-based cancer registries have shown big gains in survival in the last decade.
Prof Giles said good access to drug treatments and well established screening programs from cancer of the breast and cervix had put Australia in the lead.
But slow uptake of the national bowel screening program currently being rolled out was not helping the statistics, he said.
"Bowel is an unattractive cancer to sell to the public and not enough older Australians are getting their bums off seats and taking up the offer of being screened."
Improvements could also be made to breast screening rates, with only about 50 per cent of women over 50 regularly getting a mammogram.
Lung cancer "needs work", mostly in increased effort to reduce smoking rates, he said.
"Men are giving up in droves but the smoking epidemic in women has yet to abate and that's a problem," Prof Giles said.
Prostate and pancreatic cancer also had room for improvement, the specialist said, but the focus needed to be on research.
"With these ones, what we need is not greater public awareness but more basic research to better understand them," he said.
"For prostate we've got the awareness, but we
Australian cancer experts have welcomed the report published in the journal The Lancet, but say Australia still has big gains to make in bowel, breast and lung cancers.
The study compares survival rates in 31 countries for the major cancer types, with Australia consistently falling at the top of the league table next to north America and Japan.
The poorest survival rates were seen in Algeria, Brazil and eastern Europe.
In Australia, Tasmania had the poorest survival rates for most cancers except breast and prostate, where the Northern Territory was the worst performer.
But the UK reviewers said state variations were "generally very small and overall survival was very high, suggesting high standards of health care in most areas."
"We are looking very good," said Professor Graham Giles from the Cancer Council Australia.
"People complain about our health system in Australia but in international comparisons we are doing quite well."
Recent publications from state-based cancer registries have shown big gains in survival in the last decade.
Prof Giles said good access to drug treatments and well established screening programs from cancer of the breast and cervix had put Australia in the lead.
But slow uptake of the national bowel screening program currently being rolled out was not helping the statistics, he said.
"Bowel is an unattractive cancer to sell to the public and not enough older Australians are getting their bums off seats and taking up the offer of being screened."
Improvements could also be made to breast screening rates, with only about 50 per cent of women over 50 regularly getting a mammogram.
Lung cancer "needs work", mostly in increased effort to reduce smoking rates, he said.
"Men are giving up in droves but the smoking epidemic in women has yet to abate and that's a problem," Prof Giles said.
Prostate and pancreatic cancer also had room for improvement, the specialist said, but the focus needed to be on research.
"With these ones, what we need is not greater public awareness but more basic research to better understand them," he said.
"For prostate we've got the awareness, but we