Page 18 of this issue features an introduction to Deacon Gary Stone, who accepted the role of Patron in May. On the opposite page is a profile of a potential patron that I am recommending for approval at the board meeting next month. If the board approves I have his word that he will accept.
Please read through our selection criteria and role description, below for Palms’ patrons and judge for yourself if you think these two fit the bill and then make suggestions for women that might equally help us project Palms’ vision and mission.
Selection Criteria
Patrons shall be appointed on the basis of their standing within the community, the compatibility of their values with that of Palms Australia and their actual or potential significant contribution to Palms’ Vision and Mission. No current politician will be considered for the role of patron.
Role of Patrons
The role of a Patron includes, but is not limited to:
- Enhancing the status of Palms Australia by their willingness to be publicly associated with the objectives and activities.
- Providing advice and counsel on general directions or specific activities of Palms Australia.
- Attending public events of Palms Australia as VIPs and may from time to time be asked to participate in significant events.
- Attending fundraising events or support fundraising activities.
Dr José Ramos Horta
16th December 1949: Born in Dili, Timor-Leste.
1969-74: Journalism career.
November 1975: Appointed FRETILIN Minister for External Affairs and Information in the new Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. He leaves to represent the country overseas just days before the Indonesian invasion. His address to the UN Security Council results in a unanimous resolution demanding the withdrawal of Indonesian forces from Timor-Leste.
1975-90: As FRETILIN’s representative at the UN, Ramos-Horta acts as one of the primary voices for Timor-Leste on the world stage.
1990: Settling in Sydney, he founds the Diplomacy Training Program in UNSW’s law faculty.
1996: Ramos-Horta and Bishop Belo are awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for “their work towards a just and peaceful solution to the conflict in Timor-Leste.”
1999: Ramos-Horta returns to his homeland for the first time in almost 25 years, becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in 2002.
July 2006: Elected Prime Minister of Timor-Leste
May 2007: Elected President of Timor-Leste.
July 11th, 2012: Dr Ramos-Horta agrees to become a Palms Australia Patron.
As Host of Palms’ Inaugural Solidarity Awards Dinner on October 16th 2012, his address will outline the need for Palms’ volunteers in the regional and remote areas of Timor-Leste. Please reserve your place at the dinner immediately.