http://www.palms.org.au/ Overseas Volunteering Agency with 50 years experience in cross-cultural volunteering in the Pacific, Asia, Africa, South America and Indigenous Australia http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/59 Lukas and Kristina build relationships, run a marathon and continue their work. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/59 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/58 Ellie reminisces about some highlights of two years in Timor-Leste http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/58 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/57 Helena experiences some success with a student writing competition http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/57 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/56 Ida reflects on her work teaching English http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/56 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/39 Palms Australia will be hosting workshops in Adelaide and Brisbane for people interested in international volunteering. Whether you\ve committed yourself to the idea, are wondering what volunteering might involve or are curious about Palms\ approach to volunteering, you should come to one of our workshops. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/39 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/38 Palms Australia\s venture The Fair Trade Coffee Company now offers online ordering to customers within Australia, with free delivery for orders over 4kg. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/38 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/124 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/124 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/123 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/123 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/122 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/122 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/121 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/121 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/120 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/120 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/119 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/119 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/118 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/118 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/117 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/117 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/116 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/116 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/115 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/115 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/114 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/114 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/113 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/15/113 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/37 The end of the financial year 2009/2010 is the perfect time for you to make a tax-deductible donation to support the work of Palms Australia\s volunteers.  Read this article, or click the Donate Now button above. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/37 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/55 Elly and Andy enjoy new relationships and new experiences in Uganda http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/55 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/54 Elly and Andy enjoy new relationships and new experiences in Uganda http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/54 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/36 Palms Australia is seeking applications from persons interested in working as an Administrative Assistant. Applications close 24th May 2010. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/36 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/53 Annette\s second year proves more comfortable, but still with its challenges. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/53 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/52 Two years after Tony\s arrival he reflects on his role at Tapini, PNG. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/52 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/35 Registration is now open for Palms Encounter: Timor-Leste 2010.  Places are limited however, so reserve your place soon. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/35 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/34 Attention all returned PALMS volunteers.  In preparation for our 50th anniversary celebrations next year, we are trying to improve our records of our many returned volunteers. Please help us out by taking this short survey. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/34 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/51 Lukas and Kristina\s first impressions of Dili, Timor-Leste http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/51 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/112 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/112 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/111 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/111 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/110 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/110 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/109 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/109 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/108 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/108 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/107 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/107 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/106 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/106 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/105 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/105 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/104 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/104 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/103 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/103 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/102 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/14/102 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/50 Sally and Ben make a contribution to rural health in East Timor. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/50 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/49 Frank recounts a carpenter\s travels, from volcanic islands to remote villages. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/49 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/48 The Hale family settles in to their new home in Samoa http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/48 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/47 Donna sees positive change in the long view. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/47 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/32 Palms Australia has now added improved online donation functionality to its website, including the capacity to target donations to specific placements or projects. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/32 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/31 Following the successful Focus Workshop in Brisbane, Palms Australia will host more in the coming months in Sydney. Adelaide, Mittagong and Melbourne http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/31 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/30 While senior executives and project managers in the aid industry receive up to $433,000 per year (“Aid workers earning more than Rudd”, The Australian, 18 Feb 2010), hundreds of hard-working and expert Australian volunteers humbly work for as little as 1% of these sums. For 49 years, Palms Australia has sent Australians as volunteers to work in the Pacific, Asia, Africa, South America and Indigenous communities in Australia. In that time, at a total cost of less than $10 million, Palms Australia has sent over 1400 volunteers to 39 countries, providing over $160 million in expertise to developing communities. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/30 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/29 While Palms Australia\s core business is recruiting, preparing and supporting volunteers for long-term overseas placements, we also depend greatly on the ability of people to contribute their skills locally. At present Palms requires some specialist expertise to maintain and finetune its operations. Read more to find out how you can help. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/29 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/28 Palms Australia will be hosting Focus Workshops in Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney and Mittagong throughout February and March. These workshops are a great practical introduction to international volunteering, how to get involved and what it involves. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/28 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/25 25 Australians will prepare over the coming 9 days for cross-cultural work as part of Palms Australia\s 90th Orientation Course in Mittagong NSW. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/25 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/24 Palms Australia is seeking Australians to sign up as part of to be part of a global commUNITY. When Australians sign up to a volunteer\s commUNITY (available on individual volunteer profile pages) they are expressing their support for the incredible sacrifice these volunteers are making. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/24 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/49 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/49 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/46 Marlene completes six months and attends a rural celebration. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/46 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/45 Frank continues passing skills while noting some issues with \big development\. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/45 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/101 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/101 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/100 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/100 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/99 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/99 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/98 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/98 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/97 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/97 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/96 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/96 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/95 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/95 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/94 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/94 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/93 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/93 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/92 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/92 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/23 New volunteer profiles for 2010 have just been placed online. Read about the good work Palms\ volunteers are doing and choose to support one over his/her two year placement. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/23 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/91 Do you want to give new life this Christmas? After 10 years as Executive Director it dawns on me that what Palms does in the lead up to Christmas each year is very apt. It is a time in which we start earnestly preparing volunteers for a new life and we prepare requesting communities for receiving new life. http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/13/91 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/22 Palms Australia\s Orientation Course is essential preparation for people seeking to work cross-culturally. People considering volunteering in 2010 should apply now. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/22 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/48 Paul Tan, from Glenelg SA, is volunteering to work as a Financial Administrator in Kiunga for two years. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/48 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/47 Esther Sim, from Glenelg SA, is volunteering to work as a Financial Administrator in Kiunga for two years. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/47 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/46 Carol Fisher, from Townsville, will work mentoring teachers at St Joan of Arc Primary School, in Samoa for two years. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/46 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/45 Lorraine Kirk has volunteered to work as HIV/AIDS Coordinator in Uganda for 2 years. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/45 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/44 Lorraine Kirk has volunteered to work as HIV/AIDS Coordinator in Uganda for 2 years. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/44 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/43 Andy Moulton has volunteered to work as a Director of Youth Programs for KIDADE in Uganda for 2 years. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/43 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/42 Elly Armagos has volunteered to work as a Strategic Development Manager for KIDADE in Uganda for 2 years. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/42 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/41 Rob and Bev Hale, from Glebe NSW, will be working with staff at Paul VI College in Samoa, exchanging skills and increasing educational opportunities. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/41 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/39 Lukas Rajnoch and Kristina Gunawan have volunteered to assist Ahisaun Foundation improve its capacity to serve people with disabilities in Timor-Leste. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/39 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/38 Peter and Elaine Smyth are volunteering to provide legal advice and personnel assistance at DWU in Madang, PNG. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/38 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/21 Br Damian Keane, who for 10 years has volunteered in Palms\ office, passed away in October. \The voice of Palms\ will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/21 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/44 Monica and others continue to contribute to improved education in Timor-Leste http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/44 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/20 Palms\ members and supporters are invited to our Annual Christmas Celebration on November 12th 2009. The celebration will be preceded by a brief general meeting of members. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/20 http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/25 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/25 http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/24 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/24 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/19 \The prophetic style had to be outside the authority structure and could cause tensions - and they would be unpopular but they would triumph because their words were founded on important truths surrounding what it is to be human. NGOs have to return to this prophetic tradition from which they sprang.\ http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/19 http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/23 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/23 http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/21 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/21 http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/19 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/19 http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/17 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/17 http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/16 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/16 http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/14 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/14 http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/12 Another interesting article about volunteering abroad with Palms Australia http://www.palms.org.au/apply/positions/12 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/36 Frank Morgan, from Melbourne, is volunteering as a Tutor in Mae La camp on the Thai Burma border. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/volunteer/36 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/90 In the speech ‘Underscoring our future’ at our last AGM in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of our founding organization, The Paulian Association, I highlighted that: “the genius of Palms Australia’s work and philosophy does not come merely from altruisms, it has transcended that, it is a deep understanding and believe in the interdependence of all humanity together with ecology. That unless we truly see how connected we are to one another, to learn to dialogue and build good, lasting, responsible and strong relationships with one another through cross-cultural enrichment programs, through skill exchanges, through mutual development in the broadest sense, we will not be able to address the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) or Make Poverty History; the consequences of not doing so are dire... It must begin with us. I, you, we - together.” http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/90 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/89 Over the last 12 months Palms Australia has placed and supported 33 skilled volunteers who have been engaged in building the skills and capacity of individuals and organisations in Papua New Guinea, Bougainville, Timor-Leste, Kiribati, Tanzania, Kenya, and more recently on the Thai-Burma border. http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/89 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/88 Carlita is one of the main health workers at Atabae, working with Palms volunteer Margaret Hall. She had just one month of English training before writing this short story of her life. Here is the story just as Carlita wrote it. http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/88 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/87 Rosaleen Smyth , from Canberra ACT, is lecturing in English at RUCO in Iringa, Tanzania. http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/87 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/86 Ellie Virgona , from Moorabbin VIC, is working as a Teacher Trainer for the District of Ermera, Timor-Leste. http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/86 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/85 Annette Pocock , from Canberra, is working as a Nurse Educator at St Mary’s School of Nursing, Papua New Guinea. http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/85 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/84 Sally Johnson and Ben Kildea , from Brisbane QLD, are coordinating Field Based Midwifery, Primary Care and Public Health in Maliana, Timor-Leste for the Timor-Leste Ministry of Health in partnership with the Rotary Club of Morialta. In June the Ministry of Health had a huge Immunisation campaign which the field team was able to help with almost every day. This was a great opportunity for Sally to finally use some of her nursing skills even if it was just to make a lot of babies and young women cry! The DHS sent many teams out all over the district for two weeks to try and cover as much of the population as possible. In July, Sally has been working most days out in the community helping with SISCas. This has been a great way for her to support Frances and the research team as well supporting the midwives and other health staff and getting to know the individual communities. http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/84 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/83 Kevin Wilson , from Toongabbie NSW, is working as a Program Coordinator at Tunaniya Open Learning Centre, Bougainville. Death always seems very close here, but as Fred Smith says “Life seems much grander too”. Many occasions lately have the stamp of history being made before our eyes. The first Bougainville Remembrance Day commemoration on May 17 was a moving experience. It gave me an insight into what the first ANZAC Day ceremonies were like: All the veterans are still quite young men, and tributes to the fallen were laid not just by widows and children, but parents and grandparents as well. It hits home just how devastating a war is to all aspects of life. I had the humbling honour of helping to prepare the Day’s program and was asked to provide a suitable reflective phrase or ode. I came up with: That we may have a better life They gave us their own. We owe it to Them! And on the day everyone took it to heart and made it their own! I have to pinch myself sometimes: Did I just coin the “Lest We Forget” of Bougainville? http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/83 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/82 Marlene Rasmussen , from Toowoomba QLD, is volunteering for the Diocese of Tarawa and Nauru in Tarawa, Kiribati. http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/82 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/81 Palms Australia has recently placed Frank Morgan, an experienced teacher and “repeat” Palms volunteer, to work with the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Refugee Program on the Thai/Burma border. Providing training in a refugee camp setting is a new direction for Palms, although one which fits entirely with Palms’ vision and mission for sustainable development. http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/81 http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/80 What a busy first quarter of the new financial year! Finalising annual figures and the report; Focus Workshops around Australia; settling in our new Programs Officer, Daniel Gilfillan , and scoping potential placements in Ethiopia and Uganda kept all staff and some volunteers around the country fully engaged. However, fresh approaches to previous processes, that improve our ability to open new Palms to new communities, makes being busy considerably more joyful than painful. http://www.palms.org.au/news/palmspost/12/80 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/17 Duncan Mclaren, from ACU, will speak at Palms 2009 AGM about their distance education projects with refugees in camps on the Thai/Burma border. Palms has recently placed a volunteer tutor in the project. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/17 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/16 Palms Australia is one of many organisations, governments and agencies working towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). To find out more about these goals and how Palms contributes to achieving them, visit our "MDGs" section. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/16 http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/15 Palms Australia, based in Glebe, has already emerged as winners from the Westpac Community Idol competition of 2009, having received a special commendation from the panel of expert community judges. http://www.palms.org.au/news/latest/15 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/42 Palms volunteer Ellie Virgonas English class thrives in unexpected circumstances http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/42 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/41 Palms volunteer Kevin Wilson on the tragedy of war and adjusting to a new culture. http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/41 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/40 Palms volunteer Annette Pocock reflects on the importance of training nurses to strengthen PNGs health system http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/40 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/39 Palms volunteer Monica Morrison trains teachers in Values Education in East Timor http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/39 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/38 Palms volunteer Frank Hanrahan continues to exchange skills with his local counterpart http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/38 http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/37 Palms volunteer Des Hansen details a comedy of errors in Tapini, PNG http://www.palms.org.au/volunteers/newsletter/37