With one in ten Australians living below the poverty line, it is important to note that they are not all the same. People in poverty come from diverse backgrounds and there are many different reasons for poverty. Some come from disadvantaged backgrounds, some have long term illnesses or disabilities, others were once well off but a family crisis or illness has changed their lives for the worse.
Anti Poverty Week in 2008 starts on Sunday 12 October and ends on Saturday 18 October, with the United Nation’s International Anti Poverty Day on Friday 17 October. The week focuses on poverty around the world, especially in the poorest countries, but also in wealthier countries such as Australia.
Its main aims are to:
- strengthen public understanding of
the causes and consequences of poverty
and hardship around the world and within
Australia - encourage research, discussion and action
to address these problems, including action
by individuals, communities, organisations
and governments.
In previous years, various councils have been actively involved with Anti Poverty Week. Last year, more than 300 organisations and 10,000 people were involved in activities across Australia, and more than 400 media references were made.
In 2008, all councils are encouraged to get on board by organising activities large or small during the week.
In New South Wales, the organising committee for the week has selected a theme linking literacy, early childhood education and poverty prevention as its primary message. Accordingly, Marrickville Council has arranged activities for the week that will reflect this theme. Activities organised include a soup lunch for staff and community members, where participants will donate what they normally would have spent on lunch that day to a range of local non government organisations that work with people in or near poverty; workshops on climate change prevention tips for low income households; a street soccer tournament; a poetry night; an art exhibition featuring works by various low income people, and more.
Palmerston and Darwin City Councils in the Northern Territory are also getting involved and will assist NT Housing to host ‘Big Brekkies’.
The breakfasts are for the community to come together and think about poverty and disadvantage locally and abroad, and to encourage people to take action to fight hardship in their own ways.
Other event ideas include conferences, seminars, lobbying, publications, forums, workshops, public lectures, petitions, exhibits, performances, surveys, rallies, media events, debates and launches.
If your council is organising an event, details can be posted on the Anti Poverty Week website to encourage participation and stimulate action by other organisations.
The website also includes basic fact sheets, promotional material and links to sources of information and ideas about ways of reducing poverty and hardship.
To notify your plans or for further information phone 1300 797 290 or visit apw@antipovertyweek.org.au
