WITH the worst flood in decades causing devastation in Thailand, the Thai embassy in Canberra is collecting donations to aid victims of disaster-struck regions. Embassy staffer Venus Asawapoom advises that donations can be transferred into the Commonwealth Bank account called Royal Thai Embassy - Emergency Relief (BSB 062900; account number 10733708). Cash will also be accepted through the embassy and the consulates in other Australian cities. Thailand is also in urgent need of diesel water pumps with a minimum 41cm diameter and water-inflated property protectors (WIPPs), which can be used to prevent damage to properties. The embassy would appreciate contact from distributors and an estimated time for shipping to Bangkok.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Hunt for Hoopers
VIETNAM and Borneo veteran Bruce Glossop, of Holt, happens to have an Army Record of Service (A.A.B.83) for a Leonard Richard Hooper and would love to get it back into the hands of Hooper's family. He got the record from a friend who is a ''avid book hunter'', who passed it on to him because of his military connections. The record states his army number as NX 10974; May 25, 1941, as the date he enlisted in the Australian Military Forces; his wife, Joycelyn Hooper, of Cremorne, NSW, as his next of kin; and October 12, 1907 as his date of birth. Glossop would like to pass on this record to a relative of Hooper because he thinks it might be valuable from a family history point of view. It includes a photograph and many other personal details. ''I just want this to go to someone who really cares about him,'' Glossop said. If you know the Hooper family, contact Today.
Gleitzman spreads word
GIVEN his predilection for writing about bums and warts, it's no wonder children's author Morris Gleitzman has been chosen to spread the word about troubles with hygiene in Timor-Leste schools. The writer, also a UNICEF Universal Children's Day ambassador, is encouraging his young readers to think about the lives of East Timorese kids for a day and take action to support them. ''I know children can handle tough subjects ... [and] Timor-Leste is right on our doorstep, yet seven out of 10 children don't complete school and 60 per cent of schools don't have enough toilets,'' he said. Today is Universal Children's Day and also the UNICEF Day of Change. On this occasion students nationwide are taking the Walk for Water challenge. They'll collect buckets of water from around their school to get insight into what it's like to have no access to clean drinking water. Gleitzman said, ''Many of us in Australia have never stopped to think about how important our school plumbing was in helping us receive a good education. But many children in Timor-Leste start every school day fetching buckets of water to flush the toilets or wash their hands at school.'' Local schools taking part include St Michael's Primary School, Emmaus Christian School and Daramalan College.
Lake dragon quest
IF YOU'VE ever fancied a spot of dragon boating, catch up with the Canberra Griffins Dragon Boat Club on their open day this weekend. The fun, fitness and friendship-oriented team would be happy to welcome people of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels, provided they are older than 16. To take part, head down to the lake on Sunday from 10.30am-noon and look for the aqua and purple uniforms at the Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club, Mariner Place, Yarralumla.
Celebrate Miller's work
SPEAKING of happenings on Sunday, help the Friends of the National Library of Australia celebrate the life and work of writer Alex Miller - a two-time winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award - in the National Library Theatre from 2pm. Each year the Friends celebrate the life of a distinguished author, someone who has contributed greatly to this nation's writing and culture. This year's event will feature a keynote address by writer Adrian Caesar and Miller in conversation with 666 ABC broadcaster Genevieve Jacobs. Tickets: $25 Friends, $35 non-members. To book contact 62621698 or friends@nla.gov.au.
Crisis centre gala
TIME'S running out if you'd like to nab a ticket to the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre's gala fundraising lunch at Restaurant@CIT on November 10 - they'll only be available until Friday. Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick will be guest speaker at the event featuring Canberra-based journalist Suzanne Mostyn as master of ceremonies. Tickets cost $50 each or $450 for a table, including a two-course meal. Money raised will help the centre that provides support to women, men and children who are victims of sexual violence. Inquiries can be directed to Anne Houghton: Gala@homemail.com.au.
