Hello!
Welcome to the first Diamond Valley Oxfam Community Aid Abroad Group newsletter for 2004! It is with excitement and anticipation that I start this year as the elected President of the Group for 2004. Since joining the Group in July last year, I have quickly immersed myself in the life of the Group and have made a number of observations.

It is necessary to say first off, that the Group represents something very unique in Australia today. In stark contrast with the general apathy and "comfort" of modern Australia, I have found the Group members to demonstrate a very real "discomfort" with many of the things that are happening in our country and in our world today. While the media bombards us with the latest stories of disaster or human suffering somewhere in the world, it leaves one quite disengaged and unable to discern a way forward to make even a small difference in someone else's life. In contrast, the Group comprises of members who are not only well informed, but articulate in understanding the challenges in our world. This clarity of thought results in practical action at a local, national and international level. That's what I call empowerment!

This is an appropriate opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of a number of office bearers who have either relinquished or changed their roles in the Group effective for 2004. In particular I acknowledge the contribution that Beth has made over the last decade. It is impossible to capture in a few words the passion that Beth exercises, to see change in the lives of the poor and powerless. It is this culture of selfless giving that Beth leaves as a legacy, as she moves from President to Vice President (which I'm very pleased about!). I would also like to acknowledge the contribution Carole has made as Vice President and in 2004 we look forward to her continued involvement as the Coordinator of Human Rights. We are fortunate to have Alistair, John and Elizabeth continuing in their capacities as Treasurer, Publicity Officer and Minutes Secretary respectively. Rod Millard is our Bookfair Assistant for the 2004 Bookfair that will take place in August.  We have a number of activities and projects already mapped out for this year. At our February meeting, we will spend some time identifying several other coordinator roles for upcoming "one off" and ongoing projects. We will be looking for these roles to be filled. An example being Trailwalker that is coming up in late March. Start thinking how you can be involved in this annual event.

In closing, I feel it is useful to acknowledge the year that was 2003 and the challenges that presented themselves. It seems incredible that in the space of twelve months (or less), we had to deal with events including the Iraq War, SARS, and the ongoing events relating to refugees and asylum seekers. Unfortunately, truth was almost always one of the first casualties as each of these events unfolded and was reported. This often slowed down our ability, individually and corporately, to accurately understand the real issues and determine a practical way

ahead. As we move into an election year in Australia, as well as the United States, we move into the "real silly season" when political parties of all flavours start to panic and try to protect their positions, or make up lost ground. It is inevitable, although sad, that we will see a year of political debate (read: arguing) of issues that politicians believe will win them votes. (Taxpayers) money will be thrown at problems as a quick way to buy public favour. When this occurs, let us remind politicians (through emails to politicians and letters to newspaper editors) that what matters more to us is that they live up to their commitments (such as Australia' signatory to the UN Millennium Development Goals, which aim to halve the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water by 2015), to honor the truth, and genuinely and humanely work through the tough issues including refugees/asylum seekers, and the plight of indigenous Australia, to name a few. Let's ask them, why is it only now in an election year that they make any effort to seek or presume what will make us vote for them? It will be an interesting year! Let's move into 2004 as a Group with renewed hope that sustainable improvements can be made in the lives of the poor and those suffering from injustice, whether they are an asylum seeker, or a village community in Mavume, Mozambique. In this election year, we have some great opportunities to be heard!

Ant