KEY KNOWLEDGE
2.6 the role of non-government organisations based in Australia in promoting global health and sustainable human development
KEY SKILL describe the role of international and Australian government and nongovernment agencies and organisations in promoting global health and sustainable development

• ‘Organisations not based in government and not created to earn a profit.’
• Australia has many NGO’s which provide aid both within this country and overseas.
• NGO- implies no government involvement however many of the agencies rely on funding from the Australian Government through DFAT, as well as funds generated from public donations.
• NGO’s generally focus on smaller projects that involve the community.
• Type of work includes: emergency relief, advocacy, landmines, food security, globalization, provision of resources such as education and healthcare

•
•
NGOs vary greatly according to their philosophy, purpose, operational orientation, program approaches, scope of activities, expertise and structures
• Their purpose may be religious or secular. They may work with specific groups, women or children
•
•
Operational orientation may be emergency relief, welfare, development, advocacy, provision of resources such as education or health care, or a combination of these
Program approaches may involve service delivery or participatory activities
•
• NGOs vary in the scope of their activities (health, governance, education)
NGOs may work within a specific geographical area
• NGOs utilize both professional staff and skilled volunteers
NGOs bring particular strengths:
•
•
•
• The mobilize public support and voluntary contributions for aid
They often have strong links with community groups in developing countries
They often work in areas where government to government aid is not possible
Many have expertise in meeting people’s basic needs, particularly emergency situations where a quick and flexible response is needed.

• World Vision Australia- focus on poverty and hunger
• CARE Australia- focus on humanitarian and relief assistance
• Australian Red Cross- focus on humanitarian work and those who are disadvantaged
• Tabitha Foundation Australia- focus on improving the life of the poor. Most projects link to increasing ability to earn an income.
• Oxfam- focus on addressing causes of poverty
• WaterAid- focus on safe water
• Medecins Sans Frontieres- focus on health care and providing doctors/medics etc.