A basic human right

For the past four years, I have spent my Friday afternoons in the home of a Sudanese family who came seeking asylum from their country. Each Friday, I work with three of their children and last night was no different. Except for an announcement from our government. 

While I was in the warmth of their home, Kevin Rudd, the man who calls himself leader of our country, was announcing that asylum seekers who arrive by boat will have simply no chance of being settled in Australia as refugees. Instead of keeping our agreement to the Refugee Convention and our values as Australians with “boundless plains to share”, our government has agreed for asylum seekers to be processed and resettled in Papua New Guinea. 

Papua New Guinea, the poorest country in the Asia-Pacific that has endured many years of political instability and in-country conflict resulting in a breakdown of infrastructure. This is the country Kevin Rudd has deemed suitable for the immense and complicated task of processing and resettling refugees. Just recently I finished working on the Live Below the Line campaign, where I was raising awareness and funds for the people of Papua New Guinea as more than half their population are living on less than $2AU each day. These funds were to go towards assisting the young people of Papua New Guinea to access education where there is a severe lack and to gain the necessary skills needed for employment. Yet, this is the same country where Kevin Rudd believes is the right place for the already vulnerable people seeking asylum from their countries. 

I currently have a family friend who is working with Save the Children in Papua New Guinea. I have heard first hand of the conditions there. The conflict and instability has not passed with time. Each day, there are large armed guards at her hotel and place of work. Even our own government recognises the dangers of travelling there and warns Australians to “exercise a high degree of caution in Papua New Guinea” through their Smart Travellers website. Yet, this is the country Kevin Rudd has agreed to send those seeking asylum at our shores. 

“Australia has international obligations to protect the human rights of all asylum seekers and refugees who arrive in Australia, regardless of how or where they arrive with or without a visa.”

~ Australian Human Rights Commission

How can it be that our government can pass such a ridiculous and unjust policy that goes against our international obligations and the compassion of the Australian people? I do not understand one iota what went through Rudd’s head as he signed that document. Kevin Rudd, a fellow Christian, was certainly not asking himself the question of “what would Jesus do?” Jesus, who I may point out, had to seek asylum and flee from his home country just like those seeking refuge at our borders. But Kevin Rudd did not think. He just signed.

We can make him think. We will make him listen. We have to do what is just.

Australia must take action and rally against this unbelievable injustice. So please, I ask of you to call, write, email, paint the sky with messages of human rights. Seeking asylum is not illegal, we will help our neighbours.

Australia has obligations to not return or send people to countries where they will face risks of violation of human rights, whether they are proven to be refugees or not. Kevin Rudd, I believe has lost his sense of human rights. 

We need to make Kevin Rudd see that he is not leading Australia in a positive direction.

The latest antics of Tara Lee

It has been awhile since I have had a chance to just sit beneath the Peace Tree. I am at an exciting moment in my life where I have received my final results for honours and can begin to embrace the real world outside of my cocoon of study.

So in the past month, I have thrown all my energy into a campaign I am incredibly passionate about.  Live Below the Line, is an Oaktree Foundation initiative where participants feed themselves on $2 a day for five days while raising funds and awareness for the 1.2 billion people living in extreme poverty each day. 

Personally, I love this campaign as it is more than just a fundraising campaign. Live Below the Line encourages personal awareness through experiencing a "taste" of what it is like to live in extreme poverty while also creating countless conversations about this important issue and what can be done about it.

My role as Geelong Coordinator has had its share of challenges but nothing beats that feeling when you are surrounded by people who are as passionate as you are. My lovely Geelong LBL ninjas helped me paper Geelong with posters and chalked messages of ending extreme poverty. 

I have also hosted a Whovian Dinner Below the Line, given presentations to local community groups, contacted MPs, about to hold a Live Below the Line kitchen tea, started organising a celebration fundraiser, and have very talented friends who created an amazing Live Below the Line video.

As you can see it's been a busy month of Live Below the Line but I love it. 

Outside of the world of Oaktree, I have started my search for employment. I believe that working in early intervention is where my heart lies and I look forward to embracing the world of the paediatric occupational therapist very soon. 

So where am I now? Quite literally sitting in a library about to do a Live Below the Line presentation. But where am I really? I can confidently say, I am in a happy place. 

You can join Live Below the Line or sponsor me here. 

UK leading the way

The United Kingdom, the land that has brought Enid Blyton tales and the wonderful world of Doctor Who into my life. Now, the United Kingdom has brought hope. Not just into my life but into 1.3 billion people living in extreme poverty and those who are campaigning for an end to extreme poverty. 

Yesterday it was announced that the United Kingdom will now allocate 70 pence out of every 100 pounds of their national budget towards foreign aid. This is such an exciting and historic moment as the UK become the first country to reach this target of 0.7% GNI. 

With such important steps, the United Kingdom is now leading the way for an end to extreme poverty. Now for Australia to follow. 

To join the Movement to End Poverty and encourage our nation to follow in the UK's footsteps by committing to 0.7% GNI for foreign aid head to www.endpoverty.com.au

A reminder of values

Today I was asked to do a presentation at Clonard College, my old high school. The focus of my presentation was the Movement to End Poverty and the power young people have to make a difference in our world. 

As I listened to the teacher introduce me to her young Year 10 students, I realised just how far I have come since sitting in those very same school chairs. My confidence and approach on life has changed since my own Year 10 days. I have always shown an interest in helping others but now I know just how much of a difference I can make. 

I began to speak about the impact the Oaktree Foundation has had on my life. Through campaigns, camps and trainings I have learned so much. I learned that I have a voice! That I can truly make a difference in our world. The Oaktree Foundation was one of the first organisations where I really felt listened to and valued as a fellow activist. I learned that I was not alone in working towards an end to extreme poverty!

I continued with my presentation highlighting the strong voice and power that young people have in creating positive change in our world. The importance of aid and what it has done for our global community was discussed with some great questions asked. I remember feeling confident in all I said. I have come a long way in confidence and knowledge of my self and social justice issues since I sat in the classroom in my dress and blazer. 

After my presentation, I was invited to stay and assist in their classroom while they worked on their community service projects. It was such a great experience talking with students in smaller groups as they explained their understanding of the Catholic social justice principles and how they relate to the work that organisations do within the global community. 

Having these conversations discussing the Catholic social justice principles was a lovely reminder of the values I believe in. These principles are the foundations that have shaped the work that I do. To me, these social justice principles are no longer just print in a book but are now incorporated throughout my life. 

Human dignity, working towards a common good, assisting the poor, participation and social inclusion, solidarity and subsidiarity, and to show stewardship for all creation. This is what I believe in and follow each day.

I will continue to work for a peaceful and just world for all. I hope that you will join me. 

Difficult decisions

My roadtrip bag just sits there. My campaign flag is folded up neatly. My ambassador T-shirt and lanyard resting on top. 

Day one into the road trip and my knee decided to have a hissy fit. Well not exactly a hissy fit but I did manage to aggravate an old knee injury. End result: return home from the road trip. 

Life really is made up of difficult decisions and I can honestly say this was one of them. I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was to be able to go on this road trip. Especially after the last road trip I had been accepted as an ambassador but couldn't go because I was on crutches at the time.  I remember thinking just last week how brilliant it was that there was nothing physically stopping me for going on this road trip and it felt good. Till the end of day one that is.

So I had to make the tough decision to return home and not continue campaigning my way to the lawns of parliament. Now, it would be all to easy for me to feel defeated by this Roadtrip. I mean I didn't even make it out of the state but I refuse to feel defeated or knocked down. Yes my knee hurts, yes I'm not physically on the RT but it doesn't mean I can't continue campaigning. 

All day I have been having conversations about ending extreme poverty. With friends, family, colleagues and even strangers. Yesterday alone I collected 54 signatures. Because of my knee I had to see my doctor yesterday ... walked out with his signature on the petition. Every person, every opportunity. 

I may still be in my home town but I am determined to have my voice heard. I will continue to campaign for what I know is right.

An end to extreme poverty, that's what I'm working towards. Will you join me?

You can sign the petition here at endpoverty.com.au
 

Our voices loud and clear

The Oaktree Foundation has shown me time and time again the power of young people. Yesterday began the Roadtrip to End Poverty, an amazing initiative where 1000 young, passionate Australians will be campaigning across our nation. 

Through the road trip, I have been blessed with brilliant new friendships. The road trip has offered opportunities that allow us to become the amazing, confident individuals that we can be. 

From ambassadors overcoming challenges of stepping out of their comfort zones as well as tackling the tricky questions, to the young ambassador who spoke these words at her school, I am proud to know them all.

"We may be young. We may not have much money, or be able to vote, or be old enough to drive. But we all have a voice and our voices together make noise loud enough to change the world."

~ Ebony Brown, 16

They all understand the importance of ending extreme poverty and show such inspiring determination in achieving this goal. 

One person can speak up, one person has a voice.

Imagine the sound of one thousand voices united with the Australian communities. With that volume they will have to listen and they will have to take action.

What we're asking is for the Australian Government to commit to 0.7% GNI by 2020. 
That's only 70c out of every $100. 

We have the potential to end extreme poverty in our lifetime. 

Australia should be a part of that movement. So will you use your voice?

You can sign our petition at endpoverty.com.au

Thank you for joining me in the movement to end poverty. 

The road awaits

Only three more nights spent at home in my bed before I will be venturing into communities across Australia with 1000 other young Australians with one message on our lips...will you join the movement to end poverty?

How are we planning on doing this? Well, young people have an amazing power to be heard, to make change in this world. So, imagine the energy of a thousand young people travelling and campaigning all across the nation with the same message: We can end extreme poverty in our life time, will you join the movement?

A week long of travelling, campaigning, petition signing and conversations about extreme poverty await us. We are ready. We are pumped. We can do this!

By Thursday, we will be on the lawns of our parliament. With the support of our communities behind us, we aim to get the government to commit to 0.7% GNI to foreign aid by 2020. If our country can commit to just 70 cents in every $100, we will have the potential to be a part of the end to extreme poverty.

Together we can end extreme poverty!


To join the movement head to endpoverty.com.au or text your name, post code and email address to 0467 777 333.

Ending extreme poverty, join the movement!

This Saturday, I will be hitting the road along with a bus full of amazing, enthusiastic young people. We have a mission. To rally Australia to join the movement to end extreme poverty. 

With 1000 young people embarking on similar road trips, we are heading through communities nation wide. Having thousands of conversations about extreme poverty and foreign aid with the aim to collect over 100 000 signatures. These signatures we will be taking straight to parliament where we will be having many conversations with politicians showing them that Australians want to support foreign aid and an end to poverty.

So, if you are keen to see an end to extreme poverty come and join the movement.

You can sign our petition at endpoverty.com.au or send a simple text with your name, postcode and email address to 0467 777 333. 

We can end extreme poverty. We can end it in our lifetime. Let's see history happen!

Young people have the power to make a difference to create change in this world and the Road Trip to End Poverty is just the beginning!

Imagine the possibility

It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday 
Is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow. 

~ Robert H. Goddard

Ending extreme poverty is a cause I am extremely passionate about. This is why I continue to campaign, to educate and to ultimately work towards an end to extreme poverty. 

Why do I care so much? 

I have a strong belief that we are all individuals no matter what race, religion, social status or background you come from. I believe that all people are entitled to the basic human rights of food, education and medicine. I believe that people should be able to do the things they need and want to do without being scared for their lives or stopped because of easily broken barriers. 

We live in a world where we have enough resources to end extreme poverty. No one need go hungry and many diseases are preventable. There is injustice in our world and I want to do something about it.

Throughout my years of campaigning, I have faced many people who say it is impossible to end extreme poverty. But is it really? I don't think so at all. 

In the past twenty years, just my life time, the numbers of people living in extreme poverty has been HALVED. 

So can we end extreme poverty? Yes.

Better still we have the power to end it in our lifetime! 

Imagine if we could end extreme poverty in our lifetime. What an amazing legacy we could leave our children and grandchildren. In years to come, our world could be with out extreme poverty. It might seem impossible but it can be achieved. I have hope and I will not stop until we can say we have ended extreme poverty. 

Just imagine the possibility!

A peaceful tune

From the beautiful surrounds of Halls Gap where we nestled around a wood fire, my family and I began our journey to share our message of peace through music. 

In Halls Gap we attended our first open mike night. So many nerves but oh so much fun! Since then we have met up often to jam together. Michael on vocals and guitar, Chris on harp and myself vocals and tambourine. 

Together we made the decision to form a band and The Peace Tree Trio was born. At the moment, we sing covers of some of our favourite bands while we work on lyrics for our own songs. 

Just last Friday, we performed for the first time as The Peace Tree Trio at a lovely school fete fundraiser. Friends of ours lost their home, shop supplies and band equipment in a house fire. This was just one of the ways the community has been showing their support for the beautiful Cooper family. We were more than happy to provide music while children climbed trees, parents sipped delicious chai and quaint little stalls were set up around the school (not to mention gorgeous goats in a nearby field that came close to say hello). 

The Peace Tree Trio aim to spread the message of peace, love and family through our songs. We also hope to raise awareness of social justice issues through the songs we have started to write. Through busking, all funds raised will be donated to a cause we believe in reinforcing what The Peace Tree Trio is all about because together, we believe we can make a difference in our world.

So if you see us playing around Geelong, please come over, say hello and listen awhile. We promise to play a peaceful tune.

Stay true, stay strong.

I have grown up listening to my family saying stay true to yourself, stay strong. Life will always throw challenges and tests at you but hold your head high, be yourself and you can get through anything. The importance of staying honest to yourself is an important lesson. 

For me, my faith plays an important role in who I am. Faith forms the foundations of my life providing the values and lessons that guide me. I am not one to preach or even one to go to church every week. However, I am a practicing Catholic and I practice my faith through the work I carry out each day. Through the way I treat other people, the many causes I am involved in, and my outlook on life. 

Throughout history, people have had to stay true to themselves and their faith. Whether it be significant historical events or debates regarding your church or religion, there will always be something to test who you are. For me, my faith has been tested once again.

The debate of logic versus faith is an ongoing one. One that I believe shall never be won. I am all for logic however you cannot compare faith and logic. Faith is more than logic; it is more than what can be imagined. Faith is just that, faith. 

When religious figureheads are the centre of controversy, it is important to remember that they are people. Those that practice hate, lies and violence are not true to their faith or religion. You can not condemn an entire faith on the actions of one individual. Nor can you point the finger at one church. It is unfair and would not achieve anything. 

I understand where my friends come from with their words and carefully thought out arguments. I respect people who stand up for what they believe in. However, we should not disrespect others for their beliefs or show contempt for those we believe act unjustly. Instead we should educate and lead by example. Let us practice equality, social inclusion and justice for all through our daily actions. Imagine what a world we could create together.

I recognise not all people follow a religion, in fact many of my friends are atheists, but I encourage you to stay true to what makes you who you are. Values of peace, love and compassion for others should be the fundamentals of any being on this earth. Stay true to these and stay strong.  

16,405 words later...

Gosh, I cannot believe how long it has been since my fingers have danced across the keys typing words for the Peace Tree. The past year has been so intense with my final year of university while I have been working on my honours thesis. Now March draws closer and I can close the door on my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) degree as I hand in my 16,405 word thesis. So many words and what a journey they have taken me on. 

My journey through honours has been an interesting one filled with many challenges, experiences and new found friends. There have been many days where it has been a struggle to keep going and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this time. 

Firstly, I would like to thank my family especially my mum who has helped to keep me calm and always managed to make me smile or laugh. My family have provided endless support, late night conversations, and countless hugs for when words were not enough, thank you. 

Secondly, I would like to thank Dr. Karen Stagnitti. Her knowledge in the field of play and research is amazing and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with her. Thank you Karen for sharing your experiences, advice and knowledge. It has been a new experience for us both as I embarked on a systematic review for an honours project. During the times where I was incredibly stressed, all it took was one step into your office and your understanding and optimism would have me seeing my project in a new light. I cannot put into words how grateful I am for your supervision throughout my honours except to say thank you.

Finally, I would like to thank my university friends. I have been so grateful for your support, feedback and chats throughout my time at university, especially this past year. I am so glad to be a part of the Honours Class of 2012. You are all brilliant individuals. We said we could get through this year “one step at a time” and we have. Thank you and I am glad to call you my friends. 

It has been such an amazing year and I am grateful for the opportunities, friendships and self discovery it has brought. I would like to leave with you the words of my thesis dedication; an acknowledgement of the strong willed, beautiful personalities who have influenced my life. 

 “This thesis is dedicated to the important people in my life. To my grandad, I wish you were here to see what I have achieved, to come to my graduation and to give me one of your hugs. To my Roly, I miss our philosophical conversations on life and your encouraging words. I know in my heart, that the love from my grandad and Roly has never ended and that they have helped me to reach for my dreams. I dedicate this to them.

To all the strong women of my family, I dedicate my honours thesis to them. The women of my family have shown me numerous times that no matter what difficult times or challenges life throws, we have the strength to get through with our head held high. For this I am grateful and as the first female in our family to go through university, I dedicate this to them.”