AUSTRALIAN MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Senator the Hon. Bob Carr
AUSTRALIA FORGES STRONGER LINKS WITH THAILAND
February 21, 2013
Foreign Minister Bob Carr today invited applications for the 2013 Australia – Thailand Institute (ATI) grants program.
Senator Carr said applications are welcome from individuals and community organisations in Australia and Thailand for projects that strengthen the Australia-Thailand relationship.
“The ATI grants respond to the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper’s call for Australians to develop stronger relationships in Asia,” Senator Carr said.
“In addition, the ATI also funds a number of annual programs including the Next Generation Community Leaders visit.
“This visit brings a group of young Thai community leaders to Australia to increase their understanding of our multicultural and interfaith society.
“The ATI hosted six young Thais last week (February 2013) in a program that introduced them to Australia’s indigenous culture and our multicultural media, schools, universities and different faith communities.
“The delegation also met with my colleague, Ed Husic, Federal Member for Chifley, who represents a diverse electorate and who was the first Muslim Member elected to the Australian Parliament,” Senator Carr said.
Grant projects currently funded by the ATI include:
• Bookend Trust’s Environmental Learning Exchange between the students of Monsaengdao Ecological School, Chiang Rai and high school students from Tasmania
• ‘Watermark’ art exhibition at the Centre for Contemporary Art and Culture at Chiang Mai University inspired by recent flooding in Thailand and Northern Queensland
• A project to enhance the early reading skills of Thai children through the establishment of institutional links between Sydney University and Srinakharinwirot University.
More information on ATI activities available from www.dfat.gov.au/ati
Media Contact: 02 6277 7500