July 7, 2011 

 
Mrs Kerry Jones, Executive Director of the Constitution Fund Education Australia (CEFA) and Mr Thomas Keneally AO, CEFA trustee, will present CEFA’s latest projects to the Standing Council for School Education and Early Childhood (SCSEEC). The presentation is at the invitation of the Federal Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP. It will be held for Australia’s leading government educators including education ministers, key department heads and chief executives at 1:00pm tomorrow at the Langham Hotel in Melbourne.

Mrs Kerry Jones said today that:  

“It is an honour for CEFA’s civics education work to be presented to leading government educators. Previously CEFA has been sponsored by private philanthropy.” Mrs Jones added “At the council we will be presenting our latest national project for school students and teachers “AusCivics Film Festivals 2011” and online curriculum support.  

“AusCivics is a pioneering world first national project that utilizes social networking, innovative online learning experiences, and cinematic film experiences such as The Australian Way to educate Australians in civics, our Constitution and our democracy. AusCivics is a national imperative because half our young Australians do not know we are a democracy or what that means. 1.4 million Australians failed to enrol to vote in the 2010 Federal Election and more than 700,000 of those who were enrolled chose to vote informally. CEFA and AusCivics are delighted that Minister Peter Garrett is announcing his support for AusCivics and helping with funding and promoting our important messages. Through AusCivics we can all play an informed part in the future of our great Australian democracy and community - surely this is truly The Australian Way.”  

Further information on CEFA’s civics education work can be found at www.cefa.org.au. Detailed information regarding the AusCivics Film Festivals and online curriculum support can be found at www.auscivics.org.au.  

A short preview of what students and teachers can expect to see during the two hour AusCivics Film Festivals presentation can be found at the following YouTube link – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXWQ9Wi32xI&playnext=1&list=PLFD615A68B7A0A13B

 For further information or queries, please contact CEFA Executive Director, Mrs Kerry Jones on 02 9251 8511 or AusCivics 1800 553 545.