News

After the tsunami: What Now? Melbourne public forum examines the issues

Media Release, Wednesday 16 February 2005

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty, World Vision CEO Tim Costello, and Indonesia’s Aksara Foundation Chair, Dr Nono Anwar Makarim, will headline a public forum on regional implications of the Boxing Day tsunami this Friday, 18 February, at 6-7.30pm at the Melbourne Town Hall.

This first major public discussion of`the issues facing Asia and Australia after the tsunami is an initiative of the Asialink Centre at the University of Melbourne. All proceeds from entry donations will be distributed through the Indonesian Red Cross and the National Coordinating Board for Disaster Relief.

Other prominent speakers include Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Bruce Billson and Indonesian Ambassador Imron Cotan.

A reception hosted by the Indonesian Consulate General, will follow the forum in the Main Hall of the Melbourne Town Hall at 8pm, and will feature traditional Indonesian music and dance from the islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali, and a fundraising auction. (Cost is $25, $20 concession)

During the forum, speakers will talk about their first hand experiences of visiting areas in the region devastated by flooding, and consider the impact the tsunami and relief efforts are likely to have on Australia-Asia relationships.

What:
After the Tsunami: What Now? Asialink Forum

Who:
** Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Bruce Billson MP
** Indonesian Ambassador, His Excellency Imron Cotan
** Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mick Keelty
** Aksara Foundation Chair, Dr Nono Anwar Makarim
** World Vision CEO, Reverend Tim Costello

When:
Friday 18 February
6pm – 7.30pm

Where:
Melbourne Town Hall


For more information, contact:
Jennifer Conley
Media & Public Affairs, Asialink
Tel: 8344 3575
Mobile: 0431 174 502
Email: j.conley@asialink.unimelb.edu.au