UNICEF Australia

We know that health equity is critical to every child’s right to be healthy and happy. That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate Professor Gabrielle Casper, a longtime friend and advocate of UNICEF Australia, for receiving the Distinguished Service Medal from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists RANZCOG.   Professor Casper has dedicated her career to combating gender-based violence, advancing healthcare equity, and championing access to quality maternal health services worldwide.   Her work reminds us how interconnected the health and rights of women are to the wellbeing of children and communities. Congratulations!   St Vincent's Health Australia | St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney | The University of Notre Dame Australia | Tony Stuart

UNICEF Australia is proud to partner with the UTS Transdisciplinary School as an industry collaborator for the TD elective subject Reframing, Remixing, Reimagining Society. Together, we’ll engage with students on the critical question:    🌿 How might we empower and amplify the voices of children and young people in shaping #ClimateAction, ensuring their unique perspectives are integrated and their needs prioritised for sustainable and just futures? 🌿   With 1 in 4 children in Australia experiencing a climate disaster each year, the urgency to act has never been greater. We believe young people are experts in their own lives and should have the opportunity to use their voices to shape policies, governance, and systems for a better future.   We’re excited to work with UTS students on this meaningful challenge to create real impact for children and young people. To learn more about the TD Electives Program, visit https://lnkd.in/gwvV5xzi #YouthAction #Climate

When we work together, we can create better outcomes for children all around the world. Our faith-based partnerships are a perfect example of how collaboration can help us reach the most vulnerable children, with partners supporting us through their trust-based connections in local communities.     Since 2021, we’ve partnered with Islamic Relief Australia (IRAUS) to improve the lives of children in the Asia Pacific region. IRAUS is a humanitarian and development organisation working on the ground in some of the world’s hardest-to-reach places, from conflict zones to remote communities.     We’re proud to continue our work together, developing and implementing joint programs that will help children access nutrition, health care, education, and safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). To learn more about our work with IRAUS, click the link here: https://unicef.au/4fd0AEm

UNICEF Australia welcomes Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s commitment to building a universal Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) system. In particular, the abolishment of the activity test and guaranteeing three days of subsidised childcare for all families earning less than $530,000 a year will be a game changer. Removal of this test will ensure greater access to ECEC for families and children, particularly for those experiencing disadvantage The Australian Government 's $1 billion Building Early Education Fund is another significant step, which will help to build and expand more ECEC centres in areas of need. This key reform aligns with calls that have been made for many years by leading experts in the sector, including UNICEF Australia, and will help ensure that every child in Australia has the best start in life. We know that investment in ECEC provides dividends in the future for children and their families. Increased access to quality and affordable ECEC for families will ensure all children have the opportunity to thrive and make the most of their potential. Read our full statement here: https://unicef.au/3BarCyg

On 11 December 1946, UNICEF was founded to bring hope to children in the aftermath of World War II. For 78 years, we’ve been a lifeline for children, standing by their side before, during and after emergencies – providing lifesaving supplies, protecting their rights, and helping them thrive. From humanitarian crises to natural disasters, we’ve remained on the frontlines, creating lasting change. Today, our work is as important as ever: ensuring that every child, regardless of who or where they are, has a chance to grow up safe, happy and healthy. #UNICEFDay

We are so proud to have been chosen as The Aaron Sansoni Foundation’s charity partner for 2024, supporting our Children in Crisis Emergency Appeal.   In November, a high-energy fundraising sprint held during their Wealth Immersion Event in Melbourne showcased the incredible generosity and commitment of the Foundation, alongside Empire Mastery students. This event, combined with other fundraising activities throughout the year and personal contributions from Elena and Aaron Sansoni, has resulted in an extraordinary donation of more than $274,000 to support UNICEF’s work with children.   The official cheque handover took place at the Sansoni end-of-year event on Friday 29 November, at Spice Market, marking a moment of shared celebration and impact.   Thank you to Aaron, Elena, and everyone involved in this exceptional effort—it’s because of partnerships like these that UNICEF can continue delivering lifesaving support to children facing crises worldwide. Nicola Barrans | Libby Hodgson | Emily Gribble

With the situation in Syria rapidly evolving, we are committed to staying on the ground to deliver lifesaving aid to children and their families. More than a decade of war has caused massive damage to critical infrastructure, widescale displacement, and severely limited access to essential services, and we continue to call on all parties to ensure that there is safe, unimpeded humanitarian access. The children in Syria have suffered enough. They deserve a future of peace, dignity, and opportunity. Read the full statement by UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, here: https://unicef.au/4g2l83C

UNICEF Australia is delighted to welcome Cameron Brownjohn as our newest Board Member. Cameron is a father to four children and is founder and CEO of Federation Asset Management, an organisation which supports investors seeking profit with principles. His twenty-seven years of experience spans several sectors including healthcare, financials, resources, media, technology, telecommunications and infrastructure throughout Australia, Asia, Europe and North America. Speaking about his appointment, Cameron says: “It’s a privilege to join the board of UNICEF Australia and I’m looking forward to using my skills and background to support a cause that works tirelessly to overcome entrenched disadvantage. I look forward to working alongside UNICEF Australia's dedicated team of board members, as we strive to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and their families – in Australia and around the world.” Cameron has previously Chaired the Board of Special Olympics Australia and in addition to his roles with Federation portfolio companies, he serves as a member of The University of Queensland’s Business, Economics & Law Council.

A moment of joy for little Ye. When the eight-year-old Ye was diagnosed with a physical disability, his family’s world changed. Ye struggled with daily tasks and relied on his family for mobility. Now, thanks to a UNICEF-supported cash transfer project, Ye’s life has been transformed. With enough money for his family to pay for physical therapy, the little boy can now walk independently, play, and go to school. Every child – including those with disabilities - should get the chance to grow healthy and feel included. UNICEF is making sure that children with disabilities like Ye are supported to unlock their potential, no matter what. #ForEveryChild #Protection #IDPwD International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD) This program is supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade #ANCP

As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Australia has committed to creating the conditions in which all children are treated with dignity and respect.   We share the concerns recently expressed by Professor Ann Skelton, the Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child over new laws removing the principle of detention as a last resort and allowing children as young as 10 to be sentenced to life in prison. Prevention, rehabilitation, and support need to be at the heart of #YouthJustice reforms to address youth offending effectively. We support the recommendations of the "Help Way Earlier!" report by the National Children’s Commissioner and are committed to working with the government and other stakeholders for youth justice reforms that support and protect children's rights. Read our full statement: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gFcUK-KE 🔗 #ChildRights #ForEveryChild | Australian Human Rights Commission