Many voices to raise money for tsunami victims
The University of Queensland will hold a multi-faith - multicultural concert this month to raise money for those affected by the devastating Indian Ocean earthquake disaster.
More than 220,000 people have been confirmed dead by the tsunami and millions more have been left homeless.
The Many Voices - One Song concert will be held in the University's Great Court on Thursday, February 24 from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
All donations and proceeds from the concert and fund-raising BBQ - Halal (including vegetarian), will go to Rotary International for a 100 percent distribution to the affected countries.
Performers taking part will include rock band Alibi, an Indonesian choir, a jazz duo, the Brisbane Muslim School, as well as singers, dancers, musicians and guest artists from various faith groups, and the UQ Union Clubs and Societies.
Concert coordinator Reverend Peter Rama Rau from the UQ Chaplaincy Services said members of the general public were invited to join the UQ community.
“I encourage students, staff, graduates, visitors and St Lucia residents to attend the concert. I believe the UQ community can contribute towards this enormous humanitarian response,” he said.
Reverend Rama Rau said the Asian tsunami affected so many people from so many different cultures, religions and walks of life.
“The concert will be a chance for the community to remember those who died so tragically and to raise funds to help the affected countries rebuild their lives, homes and businesses,” he said.
“I invite you to come along and eat your lunch while watching the performers, even if you can only stay for part of the concert, it should be a great event.
“Any donations no matter how great or small will be gratefully accepted.”
Media: For more information, contact Reverend Peter Rama Rau (telephone 07 3365 7059, email: p.ramarau@uq.edu.au) or Chris Saxby at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2479, email: c.saxby@uq.edu.au).
Statement by Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay, AC
On behalf of the UQ community, I offer deepest condolences to the students, staff, alumni and their families – and all those from the many countries affected by the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004. This shocking event caused incalculable suffering to millions of people who have lost loved ones, homes, infrastructure, communities and livelihoods.
UQ has close connections with many of the affected countries, with international students coming from Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India and the Maldives. We have made urgent efforts to establish the whereabouts and safety of students and staff who may be in tsunami-hit countries by contacting country ambassadors, alumni associations, private agents, student association representatives and students' families. The University has also been offering counselling and other support to students and staff who may have been affected by this tragedy.
The generosity and support shown by the Australian and global communities to the events of December 26 remind us of how the world is brought closer together in times of adversity. Reconstruction and rebuilding will require long-term commitment from many quarters, and UQ is cooperating with the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee to establish where our expertise can be employed best in the months and years to come.
Our Chaplaincy is coordinating a memorial concert during Orientation in February 2005, and the University will also support student and staff fundraising initiatives.
I again express the University's greatest sympathy to the many people and countries affected by this terrible natural disaster.
Asian tsunami disaster support
Counselling is available to UQ staff or students requiring support during this difficult period. Please contact: 1800 800 123.
Below are some helpful links for those wanting more information.
Australian Government: Tsunami Assistance www.tsunamiassist.gov.au
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Indian Ocean Tsunamis www.dfat.gov.au/tsunami.html
Study in Australia: Message to Students Affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami http://studyinaustralia.gov.au/Sia/en/Tsunami.htm
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