Patrons of the Wakakirri National Story Festival

PATRON – Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and National Race Discrimination Commissioner

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission was established in 1986 by an act of the Federal Parliament.

Their goal is to foster greater understanding and protection of human rights in Australia and to address the human rights concerns of a broad range of individuals and groups.

Tom Calma is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and National Race Discrimination Commissioner. One of his key roles is to combat racism and promote equality for all Australians, regardless of race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin. To promote equality, it is important to preserve and celebrate the cultural diversity of Australia.

Tom Calma

We are proud to announce that Tom Calma is our major patron of the Wakakirri National Story Festival and is delighted to be able to endorse the Festival.

‘The Wakakirri National Story Festival provides a special opportunity to encourage equality for all and respect for culture. By inspiring students to become more creative and open-minded about the world around them, and to share their stories, students will experience the cultural diversity of Australia and learn to respect others. In my role at the Commission I am particularly pleased to endorse two of the Wakakirri values - tolerance and understanding, and the opportunity for all children to become involved.’ - Tom Calma – National Race Discrimination Commissioner

For more information on the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and the Voices of Australia project go to: www.hreoc.gov.au/voices/