"As we mark Democracy Day, I urge all governments to respect the right to active, substantive and meaningful participation; and I salute all of you who strive tirelessly to make this happen." — UN Secretary-General, António Guterres United Nations
"As we rightly focus our energies on tackling climate change, we must be careful not to neglect the ozone layer and stay alert to the threat posed by the illegal use of ozone-depleting gases." — UN Secretary-General, António Guterres Concern about the hole in the ozone layer was in many ways a precursor to contemporary… Read More »International Day for Preservation of the Ozone Layer
Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker) was born Kathleen Jean Mary Ruska, on Minjerribah (the Stradbroke Island). She was a poet, political activist, artist and educator. Oodgeroo Noonuccal means Oodgeroo of the tribe Nunuccal. Oodgeroo was a strong promoter of Aboriginal culture and a campaigner for indigenous rights. As the Australian Women's Register explains: "Oodgeroo's work has… Read More »1993: Death of Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker), Aboriginal poet, activist and artist
Robert Bellarmine was a Jesuit scholar who was eventually made a Cardinal. His major work Disputations on the Controversies of the Christian Faith, helped to discredit the divine right of kings theory. This paved the way for Catholic Social Teaching's contemporary understanding of the Pope's role in temporal affairs, and of the role of the… Read More »Saint Robert Bellarmine
"Mr. Hammarskjold, whose name is on buildings in and around the United Nations headquarters in New York, was an iconic Swedish diplomat, the organization’s second secretary general and a strong advocate for decolonization in Africa. He is the only person to have been posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and was described by President John… Read More »1961: Death of UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld
"In sending his disciples forth on mission, Jesus told them: 'Whatever house you enter, first say, "Peace be to this house!" And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you." (Lk 10:5-6). Bringing peace is central to the mission of Christ's disciples.… Read More »International Day of Peace
The Australian Consumer Association is now known as CHOICE. It describes its aim as "to tackle the issues that really matter to consumers, arming them with the information to make confident choices and lobbying for change when consumers are getting a raw deal." It played an important role in the drafting of the Trade Practices… Read More »1959: Launch of Australian Consumer Association (ACA)
When you think of shipping, do oil spills and cargo being washed up on beaches come to mind - or do you think of the sustainable movement of goods around the world? The theme for World Maritime Day this year is Sustainable Shipping for a Sustainable Planet.
"In each of our faith communities, we believe we are called to pursue peace and to love and care for all humanity and all creation. Collectively, our faith leads us to reject weapons designed to cause mass death and destruction and instill terror and fear. It is this faith that compels us to act for… Read More »International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
From this year forward, Migrant and Refugee Sunday will be celebrated in Australia on the last Sunday in September. This brings the practice of the Church in Australia into line with the practice of the Church around the world. The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) produces a Migrant & Refugee Kit it to… Read More »Migrant and Refugee Sunday