Our Representatives
Meet our Patron and Special Representatives:
Our Patron, the Honourable Tim Fischer AC
Former Deputy Prime Minister
Tim Fischer maintains an active interest in world affairs and humanitarian issues. In 1999, he visited East Timor as Leader of the Official Australian Delegation accredited by the United Nations to oversee the independence ballot. His book, Seven Days in East Timor - Ballots and Bullets, describes the historic consultation process and reflects on the violence that engulfed the island in the days that followed. Tim Fischer continues to take time out of his busy schedule supporting Australia for UNHCR's fundraising and public awareness activities.
Our Special Representatives
Ian Chappell
Former Australian Test Cricket Captain, broadcaster and businessman
"I had the opportunity to see UNHCR's work first-hand. I was deeply impressed by the selfless approach of UNHCR workers, their ability to think laterally and to fully utilise the minimal resources they have at their disposal."
Ian Chappell is one of Australia's most successful and respected test cricketers of the '60s and '70s, and Australian Cricket Captain from 1970-1975. It was the Tampa crisis in August 2000 that motivated Ian Chappell to become involved in refugee issues. Believing that there must be a better solution - that desperate, vulnerable people like these were deserving of a fair go - he agreed to throw his support behind Australia for UNHCR.
With Australia for UNHCR, Ian has taken part in a range of public awareness and fundraising campaigns, giving strong support to UNHCR's appeal for Afghan refugees. Ian travelled to East Timor in 2002, a trip he considers a crucial part of his refugee education.
Jane Turner
Actor, writer and star of the TV comedy series Kath & Kim
It's UNHCR's work in the field that I really admire. I am very much a 'doer' and when I saw the practical, hands-on way that UNHCR helps refugees and war-ravaged communities, I wanted to be involved."
One of Australia's most popular female comedians, Jane Turner is best known as "Kath", the 'high maintenance' mother in the TV hit comedy series Kath & Kim. Jane is keen to inspire generosity in Australians, to help them realise the plight of refugees worldwide and to understand the benefits that come from their donations.
"When you see the difference that our dollars can make out there in the field, it really lifts your spirits," she maintains. "And Australia for UNHCR makes this kind of giving so easy." A natural communicator, Jane Turner brings to the role of Australia for UNHCR Special Representative her trademark warmth and humour.
Read Jane Turner's Diary from Chad/Sudan Visit
Mark Schwarzer
Australian Soccer Star
"Football has opened many doors for me. Becoming a Special Representative allows me to lend a face and a voice to the silent millions whose lives, for their religion, political views or gender, are at risk. Hopefully, through my involvement with UNHCR, I can make a difference, however big or small, to their quality life and in turn open some doors for them."
Mark is a world class international soccer player. He currently plays for the Australian national team the Socceroos and in the English Premiership League in the UK. Mark is committed to helping refugees, especially young people and has been helping to promote the work of UNHCR's Emergency Response Team since becoming a representative in 2006.
Special Youth Representatives
Sophie Weldon and Adut Dau Atem are our Special Youth Representatives. Sophie and Adut undertake speaking engagements at schools and community groups to raise public awareness of the plight of the world's 20 million refugees and to raise funds for the UN Refugee Agency's international humanitarian programs.
View the Special Youth Representatives page
Dr Jack Gray
Leading investment and financial consultant
"All organisations and governments utter the mantra that people are their most important asset. Almost none practice what they preach. UNHCR is a rare exception. Having seen how committed and dedicated UNHCR field staff are, increased funding will multiply their considerable effectiveness in helping refugees and displaced persons."
Dr Jack Gray is a leading investment and financial consultant. Jack has a PhD in mathematics, which he taught and researched at the University of NSW before pursuing a career in the financial services sector.
Jack is regularly invited to speak at international and domestic conferences on investing, and regularly publishes in both popular and professional journals. He is passionate about the work of UNHCR and is working with corporate Australia to bring greater awareness to the circumstances of refugees around the world. In 2005 he travelled to Sri Lanka to see the work of UNHCR's Shelter program for those displaced by the tsunami and ongoing civil war.
