AAI is moving into a period of growth and expansion of operations, both in terms of the types of projects we undertake, and our geographical areas. We are expanding our volunteer database and looking to new sectors and approaches for funding.
AAI have recently achieved Overseas Aid Gift Deduction Scheme (OAGDS) status. In broad terms, this means AAI can issue a tax-deductible receipt for donations to programs AAI undertake in particular regions. This issued receipt can then be used by the donor to achieve a tax deduction for their charitable contributions, making it much more beneficial for donors of all capacities to fulfil their philanthropic wishes.
If you have ideas in identifying people or businesses that may wish to enter into support partnerships with AAI contact Nathan Mullins to discuss this further at nmullins@aai.org.au

Information to Potential Volunteers

AAI has had busy, productive time to the start of the new year. AAI will continue to expand operations, both geographically and in types of programs we undertake. We are in a busy period and well prepared to take on new challenges. Our strength is the people who are attracted to work on AAI operations and that is why we are remaining in contact with you. We continually need new staff to fulfill operational needs.

Every person who has completed the volunteer application on our website are entered into our database and we continually review and search for volunteer positions for you. If we have not been in contact with you, it is because we have not been able to match a position that suites your skills and experience yet. Volunteer positions within AAI are limited and highly sort. However, given the unique nature of international humanitarian work, opportunities can arise at anytime. If a position becomes available that suites your skills and experience we will contact you.

It is recommended that our volunteers complete our course in Humanitarian Operations prior to any deployment. Courses are only available a few times a year and it would be in your interest to enroll in a course as they became available to increase your chances of being selected for volunteer positions. Click here to learn more about our courses.

If you are still interested in being on the AAI volunteer database please update your volunteer profile on our website with your current experience, availability and any other details as you see fit. Click here to take you to the volunteer page.

CURRENT OPERATIONS

Timor Leste

AAI have recently been granted a further extension on our health project in Timor-Leste. We are very pleased that our partner, Oilex, have been satisfied with our work and have committed to further long term funding. Oilex’s support has been invaluable to the communities on Atauro Island where we are currently conducting our rural health project. AAI will enhance and continue our health objectives in providing support and supervision to the Ministry of Health programs by conducting activities in areas such as outreach and mobile healthcare clinic support, health promotion and capacity building of local healthcare staff.

Our focus in Timor-Leste is also to provide initiatives in broader health issues including public health, water and sanitation. AAI is a member of the Timor-Leste water and sanitation coordination committee. Recently AAI partnered with UNICEF to provide safe drinking water to people living in Internally Displace Persons (IDP) camps around Dili. Using the SkyJuice Foundation’s SkyHydrant water filtration units, AAI have been able to provide IDP’s with low cost, gravity feed and easy to maintain water filtration systems. Communities that received the systems have been thoroughly engaged in the project and have taken over responsibility for operating and maintaining the water filtration units.

Another area where we have been active in Timor-Leste has been in assisting the Hospital of Hope, Timor-Leste Foundation (HOHTL) in providing project advice and support for their proposed private not-for-profit hospital planned for Dili.

HOHTL are ready to commence activities that will see the building of a world class training hospital. Before construction can commence there will be a sustained effort by HOHTL to raise the required funds and carry out all the pre-construction work that is necessary to ensure the project is a success. AAI will provide project management for the operation on behalf of HOHTL.

We are also appealing for volunteer doctors for Timor Leste between May 08- Sep 08. Please go to our JOB page here to learn more.

Click here to read more about our Timor Leste program.

Jogjakarta , Indonesia

AAI successful completed a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Clinic Reconstruction Project in Java funded by AusAID. The project was an outstanding success with AAI meeting all donor requirements well within estimated timeframes and well below expected costs. AAI have now handed over to the community not only well built earthquake resistant buildings but a sustainable project where communities are now better equipped to prepare for future disasters. Also the large savings in estimated costs can now be returned to communities to provide other activities that will go towards earthquake recovery.

AAI are continuing to focus on areas of DRR in Java and also improve our internal emergency response capabilities for our Indonesia program.

Click here to read more about AAI in Indonesia

CURRENT STAFF & VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Volunteer of the Quarter

Penny Sizer volunteered with AAI six months ago on our Timor-Leste rural healthcare project. Penny originally undertook the AAI Humanitarian Operations course and was subsequently selected for a volunteer nurse position. Penny has long experience in nursing and was a Nurse Manager in a large public hospital for many years.

Penny successfully moved from a volunteer position to a project nurse and then the Health Coordinator appointment. Penny has been outstanding in her overall management and ability to operate in a sometimes insecure and ambiguous environment. She has successfully been able to develop AAI's rural healthcare project into a long term sustainable project by working closely with the local community.

Penny's dedication to underprivileged communities is highlighted by her commitment to AAI's project and generous donation of time to continue to support AAI's operations.

New Staff Appointments

There have been some fantastic additions to AAI's staff and Advisory Board this year. We would like to welcome Stephanie Cleary, Paul Reardon, Michael Hyde and Matt Morrison who have accepted positions on the AAI Advisory Board.

Stephanie Cleary has been advising AAI for some time and brings a great deal of energy and experience in the business and humanitarian sectors. Paul Reardon is a long time AAI supporter who will offer strategic guidance and business sense to operations and Michael Hyde is a creative and innovative thinker, whose background in the advertising industry will be highly valuable. Matt Morrison is a great analytical thinker with broad experience in web design and business. All these additions will give us long-term vision and the diversity that our organisation requires for the future.

Many of you will know Nathan Mullins. After filling many operational roles over the last few years Nathan has joined AAI's full time staff as the International Program Manager. Nathan brings broad experience from a number of sectors and culturally diverse working environments. Contact Nathan if you have ideas for programs or funding opportunities for current or future operations nmullins@aai.org.au

AAI Staff movements in our current programs

Headquarters

Frank Tyler and Nathan Mullins are currently in Melbourne working on AAI's future direction and program development. Frank and Nathan will be travelling regularly to AAI program sites and are on stand-by for deployments to international humanitarian emergencies that AAI intend to support.

Dom Bowen has recently moved to Sydney while he completes his Masters in International Development and Security Studies. This will not hinder Dom's commitments with AAI. Dom will continue to assist AAI with information and security management and he will travel to Melbourne regularly to liaise with and assist Nathan and Frank.

Timor-Leste

Dave Fuller (Country Manager), Penny Sizer (Health Coordinator) and Nairana Da Silva (Project Nurse) have all signed on with AAI for a further 12 months for our Timor-Leste program. Doctors Suman Mujumda and Rosalie Schultz successfully completed their volunteer positions and have returned to work in Australia. The new volunteer doctor, Tina Casey, commenced work in March for a 4-6 week placement.

Indonesia

Elsje Fourie and Joe Litobarski have completed their assignments in Java and are returning to the UK to undertake new adventures. While AAI are establishing new projects in Indonesia, Eva Pitolaka will undertake the Country Representative role.

Thai-Burma Boarder

Frank, Nathan, Dom, Dr Larry Stock and Sasha Poll went to Thailand during Feb-Mar this year as the AAI Training Team instructing on the Karin Landmine Trauma Surgical Course.

Click here to read about their work.

How the IFRC Code of Conduct is relevant to NGO's in Disaster Relief

Often described as the “mother of all codes”, the Code of Conduct for The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief, was developed and agreed upon by eight of the world's largest disaster response agencies in the summer of 1994 and is used to monitor and set standards for relief delivery and disaster response.

The Code is not about operational details, such as how one should calculate food rations or set up a refugee camp but rather, seeks to maintain the high standards of independence, effectiveness and impact to which disaster response NGOs and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement aspires. It is a voluntary code, enforced by the will of organisation accepting it to maintain its standards.

Online Humanitarian Training

AAI is currently organising the next round of Humanitarian Training courses to be run in Melbourne for the first half of this year. Subjects to be covered are an Introduction to Humanitarian Assistance, Crisis First Aid, Hostile Environment Awareness Training, Cultural Awareness and Psychological First Aid.

It is essential that all volunteers wishing to register with AAI complete the Humanitarian Operations course prior to being selected for a position. Keep an eye on our website for dates and email us of your interest in attending the training.

Click here to read more about AAI Training on our website.