Diaspora Action Australia (DAA) strives to help diaspora groups effect change in their countries of origin, as well as to highlight to government agencies and international NGOs the important work that these organisations do.

Diaspora Action Australia hosted a roundtable discussion with Mr Matthew Neuhaus, Assistant Secretary, Africa Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and African diaspora leaders in Melbourne on October 28.

Often, the best way to learn is through stories: people share knowledge and form communities through this elemental form of communication.

As the Director of DAA, from time to time I am asked to serve in an advisory capacity with other organisations. My most recent appointment is to a new body, the Advisory Group on Australia-Africa Relations (AGAAR).

Oromia Support Group Australia (OSGA) has voiced its concerns about the plight of Oromo refugees with the United Nation’s key refugee agency, the UNHCR.

Diaspora Action Australia recently held its second Friends Event of 2015 in Melbourne.

How do you engage the media? Develop an advocacy strategy? Become a confident public speaker? Feel comfortable in a leadership role? In May and June, DAA’s Women Leading Change program organised four free workshops on these topics.

“On this World Refugee Day, everyone should remember the things that connect all of us – our common humanity.” – United Nation’s High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres

In this series of blogs we look at some of the key tools that diaspora organisations and individuals can use in their efforts to promote peace, human rights and development.

“The Australian Government and its people have often been humane and quick to lend a helping hand” – Kot Monoah, Chairperson of the South Sudanese Community Association of Victoria