AusAID Australian Agency for International Development [Jan 13 06 Canberra ACT]--The Australian Government's overseas aid program is a Federal Government funded program that reduces poverty in developing countries. The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) manages the program. Australia, through AusAID, works with other governments, the United Nations, Australian companies and non-government organisations to design and set up projects which tackle the causes and consequences of poverty in developing counties. Each year the Australian aid program reaches more than 58 million people living in poverty around the world, with most of its activities taking place in the Asia-Pacific region.  www.ausaid.gov.au 

Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) [Jan 11 06 Deakin ACT]--ABVs are experts in their fields who share their work skills to help build up micro, small and medium sized businesses in the developing countries of SE Asia and the Pacific. "ABV aligns itself with the aims of the Australian Government’s overseas aid program. These aims are to help reduce poverty and create sustainable development. Promoting good governance is also an important goal of the aid program. ABV contributes to poverty reduction, sustainable development and good governance by providing Australian expert volunteers who, through sharing their skills and experience, assist businesses and organisations in developing countries to grow and thrive. We focus on clients in South East Asia and the Pacific." www.abv.org.au 

Australian Center for International Agricultural Research [Jan 13 06 Canberra ACT]--ACIAR is a statutory authority that operates as part of the Australian Government's development cooperation programs. The Centre encourages Australia's agricultural scientists to use their skills for the benefit of developing countries and Australia. ACIAR funds research projects that are developed within a framework reflecting the priorities of Australia's aid program and national research strengths, together with the agricultural research and development priorities of partner countries. Our mandate directs activities to developing countries in five regions: Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, North Asia, South Asia and Southern Africa. Research is also allocated across regions through funding to the international agricultural research centres. Our functions are to: commission research into improving sustainable agricultural production in developing countries; fund project related training; communicate the results of funded research; conduct and fund development activities related to research programs; and administer the Australian Government's contribution to the International Agricultural Research Centres.

 www.aciar.gov.au/web.nsf/ 

Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine The website provides current information specifically for rural doctors. It features a calendar of events, directory to relevant organisations, links to other rural medical pages and articles by various authors on topics such as CME and computer education. The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is the peak professional organisation for rural medical education and training in Australia. The College has around 2000 Fellows and Registrars who practice in regional, rural and remote communities throughout Australia. The College’s core function is to determine and uphold the standards that define and govern competent unsupervised rural and remote medical practice. Fellowship awards are conferred to rural medical practitioners who have been assessed as meeting the College standards for rural practice. This qualification is required to be maintained by doctors' participating in professional development programs that are relevant and accredited for rural practice. http://www.acrrm.org.au/

Australian Council for International Development [Jan 11 06 Deakin ACT]--This Australian coordinating agency lists weekly vacancies with Australian aid agencies both in Australia and overseas. "ACFID is an independent national association of Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) working in the field of international aid and development. ACFID has some 80 members. ACFID is committed to achieving sustainable human development in which people are able to enjoy a full range of human rights, fulfil their needs free from poverty, and live in dignity."  www.acfid.asn.au 

Australian Development Gateway [Jan 13 06 Canberra ACT]--Development Gateways are innovative Internet portals that seek to maximize the interchange of development information with the objective of assisting countries achieve sustainable development and to reduce poverty. The Development Gateway Foundation based in Washington DC was launched by the World Bank and is the hub for a world-wide network of over 50 Country Gateways. Australia was a founding member and funding contributor of the Development Gateway Foundation and has become the first OECD country to develop its own Country Gateway. The Australian Development Gateway (ADG) is an integral part of this major international initiative. The Australian Development Gateway is a knowledge-sharing website, supporting people working in Asia Pacific countries to reduce poverty and promote sustainability. It is a mechanism for Australians and others in the Asia Pacific region to contribute knowledge and to engage in vigorous discussion. By accessing the ADG, people working in the field of development will be able to collaborate more effectively by sharing practical knowledge faster. They will be further empowered in developing policies and programs, researching issues, forming alliances and working towards sustainable growth and poverty reduction.  www.developmentgateway.com.au/   

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet This website provides an extensive amount of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health information, including important cultural information as well. There is on-line information and a vast amount of links to additional websites, publications or articles. The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is an innovative web resource that makes knowledge and information on Indigenous health easily accessible to inform practice and policy. Our web resource is a 'one-stop info-shop' for people interested in improving the health of Indigenous Australians. We provide quality, up-to-date knowledge and information about many aspects of Indigenous health, and support 'yarning places' (electronic networks) that encourage information-sharing and collaboration among people working in health and related sectors. http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/

Australian Indigenous Health Promotion Network (AIHPN) The Network is dedicated to improving the health of Indigenous Australians through education, professional development, mobilisation and advocacy. It is an organisation controlled by its members and is comprised of both Indigenous and non Indigenous health professionals. http://www.indigenoushealth.med.usyd.edu.au/

Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) ARHEN is a national communication and coordination body for all University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) in Australia. The Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN) was established in November 2001 to: optimise the outcomes of the University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) Program by encouraging a co-ordinated approach to the activities and the strategic direction of the Program; act as a communication and co-ordination conduit for the participating organisations and also between the Commonwealth and other government and non-government organisations and the participating organisations; provide proactive activities on behalf of the participating organisations based on the agreed business plans and programs of the participating organisations; provide advice to the Commonwealth on the direction of Commonwealth initiatives to create a national network of rural health education and training, in particular with respect to the UDRH Program. http://www.arhen.org.au/

Australian Strategic Policy Institute [Jan 13 06 Barton ACT]--ASPI has been set up to help Australians understand the critical strategic choices which our country will face over the coming years, and to help Government make better-informed decisions. This is important. Defence is one of the key functions of Government, and a major area of national expenditure. But it remains a difficult and arcane area of public policy - beset by technicalities, obscured by jargon and wreathed in tradition. Australians live in a complex and strategically dynamic region. Like people everywhere, we face risks from terrorism and other transnational threats. But we also face unique uncertainties about the stability of our immediate neighbourhood, and about the strategic balance of the wider Asia-Pacific region. We must meet major technological challenges to keep our forces up to date. And we must overcome managerial and budget problems to achieve the strategic goals we set ourselves.  www.aspi.org.au/

Australian Volunteers International (AVI) [Jan 11 06 Melbourne VIC]--Most assignments are for 2 years, although there are limited positions for a lesser period.  AVI also offers younger volunteers (ie 18+) shorter team-based opportunities for 8-12 weeks. "Australian Volunteers International is Australia's largest and most experienced international volunteer sending agency. Every year, we recruit, prepare and support hundreds of Australians who volunteer to live alongside people of other cultures and work towards the sustainable development of communities." www.australianvolunteers.com. 

Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD)Program [Jan 11 06 Canberra ACT]--This program places skilled young Australian volunteers, aged 18-30, on assignments up to 12 months in developing countries around Asia/Pacific. "The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development Program (AYAD) was launched in 1998 by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, to strengthen mutual understanding between Australia and the countries of the Asia Pacific and make a positive contribution to development." www.ausaid.gov.au/youtham/default.cfm  

Council for International Development [Jan 13 06 Wellington NZ]--The Council for International Development (CID) was formed in 1985 by a small group of aid and development agencies which identified the need to coordinate some activities and present a single voice on issues of common concern. Today CID has 79 members that include most of New Zealand's major Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that work in aid and development. CID works to achieve effective high quality international development programmes which focus on the alleviation and eradication of poverty and works to enhance the capacity and participation of member agencies, the NZ Government and other sectors of the NZ community.  www.cid.org.nz/ 

GAP Australia [Jan 11 06 South Yarra VIC]--This agency offers 17-20 year olds the opportunity to live and work in another country and culture, usually the year after leaving school. "GAP is a journey. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself, gain independence and discover the world. A chance to live and work in a different country and culture, to take a break from study, grow in confidence and widen your perspectives. GAP is about helping others and learning about yourself. It’s not a holiday. It’s the best year of your life." www.gapaustralia.org 

Indigenous Community Volunteers (ICV) [Jan 11 06 Alice Springs NT]--Assists Australian indigenous communities improving access to business, trade and professional skills, by linking them to volunteers. "Indigenous Community Volunteers (ICV) is an independent, not-for-profit company that offers support to Indigenous communities to pursue their community development goals in their own way. ICV is making a difference by providing volunteers who can transfer their skills to people in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations. ICV matches skilled volunteers with approved short to medium term projects. Communities and organisations choose the most suitable volunteer for their project." www.volindigenous.org.au.

Oaktree Foundation [Australia Jan 11 06 Camberwell VIC]--Australia's first entirely youth run international aid organisation, Oaktree's Research & Project Development Team offers young people the opportunity to work on the development of its overseas projects through research and project proposal contributions. "The Oaktree Foundation is a movement of passionate young people seeking to empower and equip children and youth in the developing world. The foundation is made up of volunteers (aged 25 and under), as we believe that young people have the passion, motivation and energy necessary for making positive change in our world. Oaktree also has a network of industry professionals who mentor our volunteers and provide them with support and guidance. Oaktree recognises the immense difference between the material and social wealth of those living in privileged communities compared with those in developing communities, and we accept that with great privilege comes great responsibility to help those less fortunate." www.theoaktree.org

PALMS Australia [Jan 12 06 Croydon Park NSW]--This Catholic agency places a large number of Global Mission participants in a wide variety of overseas cross-cultural situations. "Palms Australia started in Sydney in 1956 as the Paulian Association. Groups formed in around 100 communities to identify local issues, reflect on values and take appropriate action to address social inequality and assist people in need. After identifying that similar issues needed to be addressed globally, in 1961, the program was extended to communities overseas which request the placement of volunteers to assist develop health, education and other facilities. More recently Palms volunteers have been "opening our hands to hands to the world" in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, including countries such as Tanzania, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Aboriginal Australia."  www.palms.org.au 

TransRemote [Jan 12 06 Alice Springs NT]--Remote assistance for distant communities and organizations. "Australia’s recruitment network for remote employers and workers, established 1997. Trans offers a recruitment and selection service dedicated to remote Aboriginal community organisations and workers seeking jobs which consolidate their skills and interests in community development within remote environments. Our recruitment database covers a wide spectrum of community-based roles and is targeted specifically at remote community scenarios."  www.transremote.com.au 

Volunteering for International Development from Australia [Jan 13 06 Kent Town SA]--VIDA stands for Volunteering for International Development from Australia. VIDA is managed on behalf of AusAID by Austraining International Pty Ltd, an Adelaide based international human resource development company. The goal of VIDA is to ensure volunteers supported by AusAID contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable development in targeted developing countries as part of Australia's international aid program. VIDA's principles are to: 1. Be responsive to partner country needs - volunteers will be placed with host organisations in the public and private sectors, non-government and civil society organisations and education institutions in priority areas identified by partner countries, AusAID and country volunteer strategies. 2. Encourage local ownership and sustainability: while working in partnership with host organisations VIDA volunteers will not replace local staff. 3. Be demand driven - through responding to the needs of host organisations that complement AusAID program priorities. 4. Share commitment - between the host organisations and the VIDA volunteers. 5. Promote community engagement - a returned VIDA network will be set up for current and returned volunteers whereby they will be involved in public engagement activities, disseminating information in Australia and overseas about the important contribution made by VIDA volunteers as they are supported by the aid program and overseas partners.  www.vidavolunteers.com.au 

Youth Challenge Australia [Jan 13 06 Lindfield NSW]--Are you looking for an exciting volunteer program that combines grass roots community development work in Central and South America, Central Australia and the Pacific with personal development, teamwork and community service? Are you looking to immerse yourself in an entirely different culture while you lend a hand to construct community buildings and infrastructure? Are you looking to assist medical outreach prevention and awareness programs or help on projects that manage and conserve the environment? Youth Challenge Australia combines community development, health and environmental work in adventurous projects carried out by teams of volunteers aged 18-30 years.  www.youthchallenge.com.au