1. Jane Goodall’s Tribute to Nelson Mandela

With the passing on December 5 of one of our world’s most respected humanitarians, Nelson Mandela, Jane Goodall reflects on his life, her deep gratitude for his work and his impact on the world. You can read Jane’s tribute here.

2. New State and Territory Representatives

We’d like to welcome to our team Therese O’Brien from the ACT (left) and Cassandra Rowe from SA (right) as our new volunteer representatives. Both are zealously
helping JGIA by selling our merchandise at markets, promoting our solutionary and Africa programs to schools and helping to prepare for Jane’s 2014 national tour.

JGIA could not operate without the assistance of our team of volunteers. Thank you all for your help.  You can meet our team here.

3. Corporate Supporters

Thank you all for supporting JGI Australia in 2013 through sponsorships, donations, volunteering and pro-bono services.  We could not operate without your generosity. We’d particularly like to thank Disney Australia, King Kong, KPMG, Taronga Zoo, Zoos Victoria, SEMA, Iformat and Nagle & Co. You can see all our pro bono corporate supporters here.

4. Jane Goodall’s 2014 Australian Tour

Stay in touch with the latest news about Jane’s 2014 Australian tour through our website, Facebook and newsletters.

Tickets will be on sale SOON!

5. Uganda Tour 2014

Due to the popularity and success of Raw Africa’s unique eco-tours over the past two years, we are pleased to offer a third tour in 2014! Only 6 places are left! Click here to download an information brochure. For further information, please contact Brooke Squires.  brooke@rawafricaecotours.com

6. SBN Youth Awards- Congratulations to Patrick and Lucinda

The SBN International and National Indigenous Youth Awards 2013 are proudly in partnership with JGI Australia.

This year the International Award was given to 20 year old Patrick Johnn, a Masai from Tanzania, who captains the Lengo Football Academy in Arusha.  The Lengo aims to nurture and support disadvantaged youth and street kids through engaging them in soccer training during the critical gap time between school and bedtime, thereby protecting its players from possible alcohol and substance abuse. Patrick’s ambition to make a positive difference is evident in his consistent leadership and support of other disadvantaged youth in Arusha, Tanzania. 

The winner of the National Award is 20 year old Lucinda Robinson from Western Australia. Lucy is very proud of her identity and she is currently on the ‘Strong Spirit Strong Mind’ drug and alcohol council – an initiative of the WA government that encourages Aboriginal people to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills to choose healthy lifestyles, promote healthy environments and create safer communities.  

7. Merry Christmas

The JGI Australia team wishes all our friends a merry Christmas, safe holidays and a peaceful, happy, APE new year- for Animals, People and the Environment!

If you’re upgrading your mobile phone over the holidays, please remember to recycle your old phone through us!

1. Jane’s 2014 Australian Tour

Partners and sponsors are invited to join us in creating this once in a life time event in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.  Please contact CEO for further information- natalie@janegoodall.org.au

2. JGI Palm Oil Policy

JGI Australia has responded to your requests to develop an official position on the very complex and urgent issue of palm oil.  We’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the policy and, in particular, to the author and volunteer Palm Oil Co-ordinator, Natasha Jane Coutts. As Jane Goodall says, “Together, we are making a difference.”  You can download our palm oil policy here.
 
3. Solutionary Spotlight- David and William Clarke

JGI Australia’s mission is to create a generation of young people who care about our world and the animals, people and environment who share it. Our young members, who we call solutionaries, solve social, environmental and animal welfare problems to create a humane, peaceful and sustainable future.  This month, we proudly share with you the work of David and William Clarke.

Sydney based brothers Daniel (17) and William (15) are known in the media as “Australia’s most effective orangutan advocates”.  The boys have now set themselves a NEW GOAL by taking on another one of the Great Apes… the chimpanzee.  They have been working closely with JGI to plan a visit to a chimpanzee rehabilitation sanctuary in the Congo and write a second book.  The boys are hoping to raise funds to get them to the Congo and produce the first run of their book.  If you’d like to be a part of their amazing quest you can visit their website, or go directly to their crowd funding website.

4. Shout Your Support!

JGI has partnered with Shout- a new App designed to raise funds in a fun, simple to use and socially connected way. Shout values small donations and aims to change the world one Shout at a time. Shout embodies the Australian ethos of a ‘Shout’ – looking after your mates, enabling you to ‘Shout’ JGI the value of everyday items such as a coffee, drink or movie ticket and to share your ‘Shout’ via social media.  To download your FREE App and find out more, please click here.
 
5. Christmas Gift Idea

Are you looking for a unique gift for someone who’s passionate about primates?

JGI has on offer an ORIGINAL painting (76cm sq.) by Sydney artist Yvonne Levenston. The painting comes from her primate series dealing with our contact and conflict with Great Apes. Yvonne draws, paints, prints and sculpts Great Apes on the verge of extinction. 

Visit our online shop here.
 
6. JGI Australia’s Facebook

Have you visited JGI Australia’s Facebook page recently? We have a rapidly growing number of followers who stay in touch every day with news and discussions about issues affecting animals, people and the environment. Like us on Facebook today!

1. NSW Bush Fires

JGI extends our sincere sympathy to every one affected by the latest NSW fires and passes on the following message from the Australian Wildlife Protection Council.

Injured and distressed animals (including ringtail possums, sugar gliders, birds, swamp wallabies, echidnas, lizards and wallaroos) that have survived the bushfires in the Blue Mountains are still emerging from affected areas and seeking refuge. Distressed, many have been badly affected by smoke and are suffering from burned paws and fused claws which had been melted by heat. Local people can click here to learn how to help.

WIRES cares for animals until their local habitat regenerates and they can be safely released back into familiar territory. You can help injured, homeless, orphaned and disoriented animals by supporting WIRES  Bushfire Appeal Fund.

2. Solutionary Spotlight- Abby Hadlow

JGI Australia’s mission is to create a generation of young people who care about our world and the animals, people and environment who share it. Our young members, who we call solutionaries, solve social, environmental and animal welfare problems to create a humane, peaceful and sustainable future. This month, we proudly share with you the work of Abby Hadlow from Perth.

From the moment Abby, now 19, joined a Roots & Shoots group 4 years ago, there was no turning back!  Abby said, “It was one of the best experiences that school had given me. It gives students the opportunity to realise that the few can do so much to help the world we live in”.  Abby now promotes our program and advises other schools around Perth. “It’s a great honour to be able to continue with (this program) and watch the development of not only the projects and schools, but the students that become involved.”

3. Jane Goodall’s Interview on Climate Change

Earlier this month, Jane Goodall attended the International Women’s Earth and Climate Summit in New York to discuss climate change. Among Jane’s other remarks, she discussed her passion for empowering young people and the Jane Goodall Institute’s global environmental and humanitarian youth program. Click here to watch Jane’s interview.

4.The SBN International & Indigenous Youth Awards

Radio station SBN honours young solutionaries around the world for their innovation, leadership and caring for community. The SBN Indigenous Youth Awards are in proud partnership with JGI Australia. Nominations for the 2013 SBN Awards close on November 15. Nominate your favourite indigenous youth leader today! Click here for further information.

5. Unique Christmas Gifts at our Online Shop

Brand new stock has just arrived from South Africa in time for Christmas. Our Funky Chooks are life size pieces of art made by a Fair Trade organisation which designs, creates and markets the finest wire and bead craft art. The Funky Chooks are hand-made by permanently employed artists that work full time from studios in Cape Town.

We also have a 76cm sq. painting by Sydney artist Yvonne Levenston. The painting comes from her primate series dealing with our contact and conflict with Great Apes. Yvonne draws, paints, prints and sculpts Great Apes on the verge of extinction.  

Visit our online shop here.

1. Exclusive King Kong Event

Regent Theatre, Melbourne on Saturday, October 26, 2pm.
Bookings close Oct 14.
Special price for JGI members!
Click here for further information.
 

2. Bird Lovers’ Opportunity of a Lifetime

Jane Goodall travels an average of 300 days each year breaking only to visit family, recharge her batteries in Gombe National Park, and to witness the annual migration of the Sandhill Cranes in Kearney, Nebraska. She has made her trip to Kearney an annual tradition.

You can join Jane and the team from JGI USA at the Platte River,  Nebraska, to view the great migration of the Sandhill Cranes, one of Dr. Goodall’s most cherished pastimes. Bookings are now open for March 19-22, 2014. For further information, please contact Natalie. natalie@janegoodall.org.au

Testimonial: “I was privileged to visit Kearney with the Jane Goodall Institute, to see and hear one of the most beautiful spectacles I have witnessed in my 51 years of life. Being able to share this experience with Dr. Jane Goodall, herself, only made the trip more special.” Ann Hoffman

3. Great Apes Summit, USA

Last week, Jane attended the Great Apes Summit in Jackson Hole, USA.  To view Jane’s interview about her life and the future of Great Apes, please click here.  To view a video about Jane and how the Institute is using high-tech tools to transform chimpanzee conservation, please click here.
 
4. Solutionary Spotlight- Miani Rose

JGI Australia’s mission is to create a generation of young people who care about our world and the animals, people and environment who share it. Our young members, who we call solutionaries, solve social, environmental and animal welfare problems to create a humane, peaceful and sustainable future.  This month, we proudly share with you the work of Miani Rose.

Aged 14, Miani is passionate about giving young people a voice. She achieves this as a producer and host of radio programs on the School Broadcasting Network and 3WBC.

“Being able to interview world visionaries and activists… and to share their wisdom with young people around the world via our broadcasts and podcasts is one of the reasons I love being on radio. You get to talk with so many inspiring people who leave you with a feeling of hope and motivation that we really can make a difference” said Miani.

To read more, or listen to an interview by Miani, please click here.

JGI will have a stall at Fed Square, Melbourne, to celebrate this important day. Drop by to meet the team and check out our new merchandise!

6. Volunteer Opportunity

Want to make a difference? Want to join a dynamic, dedicated team? Live in Melbourne? Have business skills and experience?  If so, we’d love to hear from you! We are seeking a motivated, super-organised, volunteer Operations Manager. For further information, please click here.

1. Melanie Joy Tour

Knowledge empowers people to make informed decisions, which is why Humane Educators like Dr Melanie Joy are so important. JGIA, in collaboration with Sentient World Entertainment, have just completed a whirlwind tour through Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Auckland. Melanie has been presenting her world renowned Carnism presentation about our invisible belief system that underpins our food choices. We are grateful to all our sponsors, partners and volunteers who made this tour possible.  L-R: Dr Joy with JGIA Director Paul Smith. Dr Joy with JGIA Director Polly Cevallos.

2. Solutionary Spotlight- Janey Kennedy

JGI Australia’s mission is to create a generation of young people who care about our world and the animals, people and environment who share it. Our young members, who we call solutionaries, solve social, environmental and animal welfare problems to create a humane, peaceful and sustainable future.  This month, we proudly share with you the work of Janey Kennedy.

JGI Australia’s mission is to create a generation of young people who care about our world and the animals, people and environment who share it. Our young members, who we call solutionaries, solve social, environmental and animal welfare problems to create a humane, peaceful and sustainable future.  This month, we proudly share with you the work of Janey Kennedy.

3. NAB Recycling Mobile Phones

If you live in the ACT or NSW South Coast, you will be able to recycle your mobile phones at National Australia Banks.  By recycling mobile phones, you are helping to reduce the demand for coltan- a mineral that is mined from fragile Great Ape habitat in Africa. You will also be reducing landfill and supporting the important work of JGI Australia. JGIA is grateful to NAB for supporting this campaign. If you would like to collect mobile phones at your business or school, please click here.

4.Taronga Support to Tchimpounga Sanctuary

2013 is another big year for the partnership between Taronga Conservation Society Australia and JGI. In addition to the annual payment of $30 000 in support to Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre, Taronga has also allocated three Conservation Fellowships to Tchimpounga, which will add over $25 000 to the annual payment. The fellows, all Taronga staff, include a vet, a keeper and a construction project manager who will assist JGI staff in critical tasks at Tchimpounga. JGI Australia is sincerely grateful for Taronga’s continued support.

5. Fathers’ Day Presents

Have you seen our online shop lately? There are some great gift ideas for Fathers’ Day. Visit our shop here.

1. Dr Melanie Joy in Australia

The Jane Goodall Institute Australia is thrilled to be the hosting charity partner of Dr Melanie Joy’s Australia and New Zealand tour in association with Sentient World Entertainment.  Most people want a humane, peaceful and sustainable society, but are not aware of the implications of our food choices. The learning model underpinning Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program is that knowledge leads to compassion which triggers action. Melanie’s tour will unveil important truths which, in turn, will enable us to make informed choices. Special ticket prices are available for JGIA members. To book your tickets, please visit our website.

2. Solutionary Spotlight – Mia McKernan

JGI Australia’s mission is to create a generation of young people who care about our world and the animals, people and environment who share it. Our young members, who we call solutionaries, solve social, environmental and animal welfare problems to create a humane, peaceful and sustainable future.  This month, we proudly share with you the work of Mia McKernan.

In 2011, Mia met Jane Goodall during her Australian tour. “I was moved by her passion and motivation for all living things and her amazing discoveries about chimpanzees,” said Mia. “This inspired me to raise community awareness for JGI and more specifically for chimpanzees.” As a result, Mia has created a new campaign called Chocolate Chimp Cookie Day which will begin on Saturday September 7.  Stay tuned for more information next month! To become a solutionary like Mia, please click here..

3. Ultra-Marathon run for JGIA!

Comrades Marathon is the world’s largest and oldest ultra-marathon race, spanning 89km across South Africa. One of the charters of the race is to celebrate mankind’s spirit over adversity. Ernst Pelser, from Sydney, travelled to South Africa in June to compete in this gruelling challenge and raise funds for JGIA! Thank you so much Ernst! To support Ernst’s courageous effort, please visit his  fundraising page.

Through our online fundraising partner, Gofundraise, it’s now simple for anyone to help raise funds for JGIA.

4. JGI helping Orphan Chimpanzees

JGI’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre, in the Republic of Congo, is Africa’s largest sanctuary for orphan chimpanzees- victims of the illegal bushmeat trade. Until demand for bushmeat subsides, illegal hunting will continue.  To help the youngest victims—the orphaned babies— please become a Chimp Guardian by registering here.

To watch the story of Tchimpounga’s young Lemba, please click here.

1. Dr Melanie Joy’s Australian and New Zealand Tour

The Jane Goodall Institute Australia is thrilled to be the hosting charity partner of Dr Melanie Joy’s Australia and New Zealand tour in association with Sentient World Entertainment.  Most people want a humane, peaceful and sustainable society, but are not aware of the implications of our food choices. The learning model underpinning Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program is that knowledge leads to compassion which triggers action. Dr Joy’s tour will unveil important truths about food which, in turn, will enable us to make informed choices. For further details about the tour, please visit our home page.
 
2. Solutionary Spotlight – Thomas King

JGI Australia is on a mission to create a generation of young people who care about our world and the animals, people and environment who share it. Our young members, who we call solutionaries, solve social, environmental and animal welfare problems to create a humane, peaceful and sustainable future.  This month, we proudly share with you the work of Thomas King.

Four years ago, Thomas discovered the plight of orang-utans and other wildlife in SE Asia while watching television.  “A passion was sparked inside of me,” said Thomas. Since then, Thomas has become a voice for animals. He attends and sometimes speaks at demonstrations aimed to stop the exploitation of animals. He has also created his own website to raise awareness about the palm oil crisis.  To become a solutionary like Thomas, please click here.

3. Extraordinary Women

Featured in Melbourne’s The Age this month was Debby Cox who works tirelessly for chimpanzee protection through Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre in the Republic of Congo.  To read the article, click here. The Centre urgently needs public support from Australia. You can help by becoming a Chimp Guardian. To learn more about our Chimp Guardianship program, please click here.  
 
 4. New Stock in JGI Shop

Have you visited our on-line shop lately? If not, have a look at our new stock, including hard cover journals handmade in Sri Lanka from 100% recycled waste paper and elephant dung. To visit our shop, please click here.
 
5. Young Minds Conference

The Young Minds 2013 Summit in Sydney was a huge success with 40+ leading thinkers exploring the wellbeing and future of young people-  how do we grow a good person? Among the speakers, was CEO of the Jane Goodall Institute Australia, Natalie Houghton. Natalie discussed why some people are possibly more altruistic than others and the ingredients necessary to make ethical young leaders. For further information about our speaking service, please click here.

1. Mirriarl (Creator of Mother Earth)

An extraordinary collection of indigenous and non-indigenous contemporary Australian art will be exhibited for one special night at The Deakin Edge, Fed Square, Melbourne on June 13. On this night, a selection of rare art treasures, from authoritative collector Mr Arthur Roe, will be on display.  Expertly curated by Mr Jason Smith, Director and CEO of the Heide Museum of Modern Art, this memorable exhibition will connect the theme of Earth with the custodianship message of Dr Jane Goodall and her Institute. Download the invitation here.

2. King Kong

We are thrilled to announce that the creators of King Kong, Global Creatures, have chosen the Jane Goodall Institute to be their global charity partner.  Prepare to be amazed as KING KONG, the dazzling new music theatre event, brings a legend to life on stage! King Kong will be staged in Melbourne for 6 months before heading overseas. To read more about our partnership, please click here.

3. An urgent call to action from Jane Goodall

Dr Goodall is deeply concerned about the plight of elephants worldwide and says it’s time to stop the barbaric ivory business.  In Central African Republic, poachers and rebels are wantonly killing forest elephants. Please sign and circulate this Avaaz petition today. As Jane says, “Together we can make a difference.”

4. Mobile Phone and Palm Oil Campaign Resources

Thanks to our clever volunteers, we now have new resources for solutionaries, educators and corporate friends who want to know more about helping animals, people and the environment through mobile phone and palm oil awareness.  You’ll find our new palm oil fact sheet in our palm oil page and mobile phone resources in our mobile phone page.  Thank you everyone, especially Ed and Natasha, for creating these resources.

5. This is Your Planet Competition

G Adventures and the Planeterra Foundation have launched a competition to find creative ideas for a better world.  Through the G Project, you can submit your ideas or vote for those you like. Our founder, Jane Goodall, is among an international panel of judges. One of our solutionaries, Sophie Houghton, has submitted an idea and needs our votes! To read more about Sophie’s idea, Gaining Peace and Wisdom Through Sit Spots, or to vote for Sophie, please click here.

6. Raw Africa Eco-Tour

It’s not too late to book a place in the next Raw Africa eco-tour to experience some of the Jane Goodall Institiute’s Africa programs. “The JGI tour to Uganda was a very rewarding and enriching experience… The memories remain. The knowledge continues”.  Phil Hines, JGI Tour 2012. For further information about this life-enriching opportunity, please click here.

1. Young Minds Conference

Featuring special guest His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Young Minds 2013 is an exciting forum exploring the vital issues facing our youth.  Be engaged and motivated by a summit of 40+ leading thinkers. JGI will be presenting a session on “Converting Potential to Performance” and running a post-conference workshop.

SPECIAL 20% DISCOUNT OFFER FOR JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE AUSTRALIA MEMBERS! To learn more, click here. To become a member, click here.

2.Vision 2020 – inspiring solutionaries

In March, over 100 students, teachers and community leaders from schools around Melbourne attended the inaugural Vision 2020 Symposium, a joint initiative by School Broadcasting Network , JGI and KIOSC Discovery Centre. With the theme of “Creating Sustainable Societies”, delegates were treated to a dynamic line up of key note speakers and workshops that left them inspired, transformed and full of optimism and hope for a better future in 2020.   A consistent message radiated the keynote presentations, including Dr Jane’s opening video address: “We have the choice to use the gifts of our lives to create a better world”. Read about our brilliant keynote speakers here.
 
3. Young Solutionary recognised with prestigious award

JGI is thrilled that one of our past members, Rahul Kukreja, has been awarded the 2013 Monash University Sir John Monash Medal for outstanding achievement and contribution to social justice and sustainability. Rahul received this Medal largely due to his involvement and activity with the Monash University R&S group. Congratulations to Rahul for receiving this recognition for your contribution to Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots. Read Rahul’s letter about his inspiring journey with Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots. Rahul is pictured here with founder of the Monash University R&S group, Mahima Kalla.
 
4.Sophie Lived the Change!

CONGRATULATIONS to Sophie Taylor who shared her Live the Change Challenge with us all in April through her blog. Sophie covered a multitude of topics such as vegetarian options, orphan chimps, factory farming, palm oil awareness, conscious consumerism, technology impact, JGI heroes and so much more.

Sophie’s blog is packed full with ideas, inspiration, links and resources for her 3 actions: ethical eating, random acts of kindness and learning something new about Great Apes. It was a busy and insightful 21 days – but Sophie rose to the challenge and in doing so, shone a light for the rest of us to follow. Well done Sophie! Due to the popularity of Sophie’s blog, she will to continue to blog every week. Interested in taking up the Challenge? Click here.

 1. Thank You Peter FitzSimons

Our patron, Peter FitzSimons, was keynote speaker at the Geelong Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Luncheon on March 12 to help raise awareness of the Jane Goodall Institute Australia to the business community in the Geelong area. As a highly sought after journalist, author and professional speaker, we are grateful to Peter for generously giving us his time.

2. Animal Matters
CEO Natalie Houghton was among the speakers at a ground-breaking event in Sydney on March 19. Animal Matters was the first in the series of events paving the way for changes in the animal welfare and implications for corporate Australia through high end entertainment and a strong message. Due to the outstanding success of this event, it may be repeated in other cities around Australia.

3. Online Registration for Solutionaries and R&S groups
We now have online registration available for Roots & Shoots groups and Solutionaries.

What is a Solutionary? Someone with the skills, heart, tools and motivation to create a better world for all living things. At JGI we believe in the power of one – the ability of individuals to lead and effect change through the way we live our lives. As Dr Jane says, “Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference”. The actions we take today DO make a difference and collectively we have the power to shape our future through our simple every day choices.

Sign up as a JGI Solutionary TODAY and join a growing network of like-minded individuals from over 130 countries. Check out our 10 step plan for what you can do as a JGIAustralia Solutionary.

4. Sophie Lives the Change

Join us in April as Sophie Taylor, our volunteer Community Engagement Coordinator, takes up the Live the Change Challenge. Designed to encourage positive behaviour change for a peaceful, just and sustainable planet, Live the Change Challenge invites participants to adopt 3 simple actions for 21 days. Sophie is committing to the following 3 actions every day for 21 days: 1. Ethical Eating; 2. Random Act of Kindness and 3. Learn and share something new about Great Apes. Share Sophie’s journey via her blog and on our Facebook page. You too can do the Live the Change Challenge by clicking here.

5. Humane Education – Young Minds Conference

Featuring special guest His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Young Minds 2013 is an exciting forum exploring the vital issues facing our youth today. Be engaged and motivated by a summit of 40+ leading thinkers. JGI will be presenting a session on “Converting Potential to Performance” and running a post-conference workshop. SPECIAL 20% DISCOUNT OFFER FOR JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE AUSTRALIA MEMBERS! To learn more, click here

6. Duck Shooting

At sunrise, on Saturday, March 16, the peaceful wetlands of Victoria became the playground for duck hunters who derive pleasure from shooting our native water birds. The hunting season continues for 3 months. JGI supporters attended a community breakfast at the wetlands near Barwon Heads, Victoria, to peacefully object to duck shooting. To find out how you can help Victoria’s water birds, click here.
 
7. RAW Africa Tour

The RAW Africa Tour is on again in September 2013. Join a small team of adventure-loving conservationists and visit JGI’s program sights in Uganda. See the chimps and gorillas in the wild and contribute to our community conservation programs in the field. Register your interest here.

8. Have an Ethical Easter

Here is a useful guide to choosing ethical Easter eggs that are palm oil free and therefore friendly to orangutans