April 2010 update

To find out about Youth Allowance changes go to information from the National Union of Students  and the Commonwealth Government. Also note that from 1 April 2010, Equity and Merit-based scholarships have been made exempt from means testing. Full report can be found here.

Student income support update

JustAct has campaigned about this issue. Here is an update.

Source (go here for more of the article)
A new resource to help students estimate the amount of financial assistance they are eligible for from the Government has been launched by the Minister for Education, Julia Gillard. The estimator is available from: www.deewr.gov.au

Western Heights Uniting Church, Geelong found a very creative way to use their Mother’s Day cards with one group of people in their congregation! 

Small ethical businesses don’t have huge promotional budgets so getting an award is a very big deal. Rise Up has been nominated for the City of Sydney Business Awards and they’d love to win. Voters are in the draw for $1500 and Rise Up, as the winning business, could get $25,000 to help them keep on making stuff to wear which alleviates poverty and improves the environment. Rise Up would love you to vote for them, and get others you know to do the same.  Voting is online at or you can sms ‘riseup’ to 0407 877 677. You can go online to find www.riseup.com.au and check it all out and grab an Australian Made, Fairtrade Certified organic cotton hoodie to warm not only your body but the lives of poor Indian farmers.

The Connections UnitingCare Anti-Poverty Awards recognise young Victorians and Tasmanians between the ages of 16 and 30 who are making a contribution to the eradication of poverty, locally, nationally or internationally. One Award recipient will receive a $4000 grant to continue their work. Encouragement Awards up to $1000 are also offered. Deadline: Last day in August (each year). For more information…

Micah Challenge is calling Christians all over Australia to pick up their pens to fight poverty. The ‘Offering of Letters’ campaign asks churches and other Christian groups to prayerfully write a letter to the Prime Minister calling for generosity and justice for 1.2 billion people who live in extreme poverty. The letters will be delivered to Mr. Rudd during the Micah Challenge national gathering, ‘Voices for Justice’, in September.

The Offering of Letters kits for organisers and participants can be downloaded

Reconciliation Victoria is currently in danger of being forced to close with the Victorian Government not committing to further funding from June this year. Show your support for Rec Vic now by writing a letter to the Victorian government or going to see you local MP.

Check out the ANTAR website for more info and guidelines on writing letters and who to write to.

You could be a part of the Centre for Sustainability Leadership Fellowship Program that provides expert training and mentoring to inspire and cultivate responsible leaders of tomorrow.

The Centre for Sustainability Leadership welcome people in any field to apply. Successful applicants will be joining an esteemed network, dedicated to making a difference, that includes everyone from artists to engineers, lawyers to graphic designers, academics to accountants. You just need to be passionate about sustainability and committed to make our future a better place to live and work.

To apply or find out more, visit www.csl.org.au. Applications are now open until March 30. A significant number of full scholarships are available.