World of Difference 2007 Graduates

Stewart Davies � Successful Living Donor 2007

Cause: Engineers Without Borders

Thanks to the Vodafone Australia Foundation, Stewart spent 12 months as a full-time Project Director for Engineers without Borders. Engineers Without Borders works with disadvantaged communities to improve their infrastructure through sustainable engineering projects and community education.

As Program Director, Stewart helped develop 38 new Australian projects and placed more than 25 volunteers in eight countries to work with local people. He also travelled to disadvantaged communities to speak to locals about their needs and setting up projects. Engineers Without Borders then educated and trained the local development sector to continue their work.

Engineers Without Borders also provides education and awareness about community development to schools, universities and the broader community here in Australia.

Having graduated from the World of Difference Program, Stewart is now overseeing all international placement of volunteers for Engineers Without Borders Australia.

Ellie Whittaker � Successful Living Donor 2007

Cause: Urban Myth Theatre of Youth

Armed with a degree in theatre, experience as a youth worker and a belief in the arts as a tool for personal development, Ellie Whittaker spent her World of Difference year at Urban Myth Theatre of Youth.

The Adelaide not-for-profit organisation gives young people aged 5-26 an avenue to express their culture, work and personal issues through role play.

Ellie believes role-play helps people view their issues and cultural differences from another perspective, while having the support of a team environment.

Ellie developed and implemented an outreach program for young people and ran performance art workshops with children aged 8-12 years, helping Urban Myth Theatre of Youth expand its programs to schools, universities and other youth groups.

Since completing her year with the World of Difference Program, Ellie has gone on to accept a performing arts scholarship in the Netherlands.

Peter Holland � Successful Living Donor 2007

Cause: Red Dust Role Models

Red Dust Role Models is a not-for-profit organisation that uses positive role models to promote healthy lifestyle changes for young people in remote indigenous communities.

Peter spent two years volunteering with Red Dust Role Models to support its strategic planning process and core business plan. As part of the World of Difference program, Peter then took the chance to work closely with Red Dust Role Models to implement this plan.

Peter used his management consultancy skills with large corporations and experience in consultation with Aboriginal groups to help Red Dust deliver their programs. He has since returned to work in consultancy, but continues to provide support to Red Dust Role Models.

Rachel Haimes � Successful Living Donor 2007

Cause: Deaf Services Queensland

Profoundly deaf Queenslander Rachel Haimes knows first hand how difficult it can be for deaf and hearing-impaired people to access support services. That�s why she donated her time to Deaf Services Queensland through the World of Difference program.

With her Diploma in Multimedia, Rachel helped develop an interactive website for the not-for-profit organisation, taught Auslan (Australian sign language) and raised awareness in the community of the issues faced by deaf people.

The website also provides access to relevant information and supports a major international mental health and deafness event being held in Queensland in 2009.

After her year with the World of Difference Program, Rachel took on a part time role at Deaf Services Queenland and became a mother for the first time. She will soon take on a new challenge working in Government interpretation..