Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Launches 2010 AusCivics Film Festivals, Tuesday August 10 !!!!

An AusCivics Film Festival featuring faces of Australia and Broken Hill the movie has been a great success in pilot screenings for students, teachers, educators and local governments mayors across Australia!!!	"Motorbike Riders for Democracy" departing Government House Yarralumla to take Her Excellecy's Commission to Mayors, educators, schools and local communities across Australia to make the Constitution "cool by association"

Click here to see more photos of the AusCivics Film Festivals Launch

Click here to find out how to participate in the AusCivics Film Festivals with Andrew O'Keefe

Click here to book tickets for the AusCivics Film Festivals

Click here to book tickets for Premiere Celebrity Charity events

AusCivics Key Messages  

• Half of Australian’s youth don’t even know that Australia is a democracy.
•  With an influx of immigration and population growth in Australia, we need to raise awareness on the values which Australia stands for and were built upon.
•  Australians are becoming increasingly disengaged or are unaware of the basic systems that allow us the privileges we have in Australia.
• The numbers of eligible voters that are not enrolled is increasing each year. Currently there are 1.4 million non enrolled voters, down by 200,000 in 12 months.
• Engagement and understanding the basics of the Australian system of democracy.
• Voting is a privilege and it is imperative to know the importance of your vote and the role it plays in shaping our democracy.
• Shift the attitudes that many young people have towards politics – as mundane and non relevant to their current lifestyle.
  

Implementation and execution  

• Informative DVD and promotional material sent to all schools across Australia.
• Screening 300 film festivals across Australia in the month of September.
• Interactive website for young people to engage, blog, share thoughts, ideas and start forums.
• Governor General’s National Film Civics Prize.
•  Long standing CEFA projects including participants in schools and the Governor Generals Undergraduate Essay Competition.

Results/ Outcome  

• Better informed Australians on the importance of their vote and the systems of government that make our democracy possible.
• Increase in enrolled voters.
• Increased awareness within the schools system about the great Australian democracy.
• More respect for politicians and the political system.
• More engagement in community projects and a population with an improved values system.

CEFA’s 5 Pillars of Australian Democracy –  

1. Westminster System of Government
2. History of Nationhood
3. Constitutional Heritage
4. Shared Values
5. Participation of Citizens

Ten values that underpin the Australian way – 

1. Care, compassion, fair go - Care for others not just self; pursue and protect the common good; treat all people fairly for a just society.  

2. Doing your best - Seek to accomplish something worthy and admirable; try hard; pursue excellence; exercise vision, hope and optimism. 

3. Freedom - Enjoy all the rights and privileges of Australian citizenship free from unnecessary interference or control; stand up for the rights of others; recognise the challenges of maintaining an open, fair and representative democracy; be prepared to defend those privileges.  

4. Honesty, Integrity and trustworthiness - Be honest and sincere; honour agreements; act in accordance with principles of moral and ethical conduct; ensure consistency between words and deeds; and expect the same of others. 

5. Remembering - Learn the key turning points of Australia and world history; honour the efforts and sacrifices of those who have preceded us. 

6. Respect - Treat others with consideration and regard; respect another person’s point of view; be aware of and honour the roles and sincere efforts of those who serve in public office.  

7. Responsibility - Be accountable for your own actions; resolve differences in constructive; non-violent and lawful ways; contribute to society and civic life; take care of the environment. 

8. Understanding tolerance and inclusion - Be sensitive to others and their cultures; accept diversity within a democratic society; adopt a spirit of inclusion not exclusion. 

9. Informed judgement - Be thoughtful and knowledgeable about all sides of each argument or issue in local, national and international current affairs; value your vote by making thoughtful, considered choices before attending the polling booth. 

10. Health, wellbeing and safety - Make the best available health and lifestyle choices; exercise and nourish mind and body; take appropriate precautions to protect life, health and property at home, on the road and in other daily pursuits.