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talk about....Is Australia a good global citizen? Australia is a rich country with values of care and compassion and giving others a 'fair go'. When there is a need there is generally a strong response with offers of money, goods, personal time and knowledge. The Australian Government has an overseas aid program which aims to assist developing countries reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development, in line with Australia's national interest. But is it doing enough? In 2007-08 the Australian Government plans to spend almost $3.155 billion on development assistance. This is an estimated 0.30% of Gross National Income for the year, of which only 11% or $355.9m is to be given to Papua New Guinea. Overseas aid improves our regional security and helps partner governments improve law and order, prevent and recover from conflict, and manage a range of threats to security such as people trafficking, illicit drugs, HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases. Is the Australian Government doing enough for its neighbours when it comes to foreign aid?Should Australia do more for the poor in other countries?(source www.globaleducation.edna.edu.au )
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ethos

Vada Café is about ‘more than just coffee’.

It is about creating a great café experience in support of a great concern for the poor.

Vada Café delivers great coffee, great food, and great service - and a direct involvement in issues of poverty, injustice, fair trade and charitable works.

The vision for a café was formed by founding director Rick Paynter, while doing missionary service in Papua New Guinea.

A student of sociology, theology, and business Rick was looking for a way to raise awareness among young Australians of the dire circumstances of those living in poverty in Papua New Guinea. His hope was that they might then take up those concerns, and become activists for compassion, especially for the thousands of children who live in the urban slums of PNG.

A café is the perfect environment for gathering people and encouraging what Rick refers to as “conversations of concern”.


“Vada café is not about fund raising. I believe that if people are made aware of the reality of poverty, have a forum for discussion, and a vehicle for action, they soon realise the solution is not just about money. It’s an issue of empowerment – helping people to overcome social and structural barriers to them meeting their own needs”.

Vada Café's mission is to support the work that the Gateway Children’s Fund is doing among the urban poor of Papua New Guinea.

Patrons of the café can also contribute to specific community development projects, and child development, either by donation, or by serving on short-term mission teams.