Ambassadors and Supporters

UNICEF Australia’s Children’s Day Ambassadors want to encourage all schools in Australia to help make a difference on UNICEF Day for Children.

Tim Cahill, Australian Socceroos hero and player for Everton Football Club, is encouraging Australian students to help give all kids around the world a kick start to school. Tim Cahill is well known on the playing field for his determination, commitment and team spirit, making Australian sporting history when he scored the first two goals by an Australian at a World Cup in Germany, 2006. He’s also known for his strong support of many causes for kids including the Tim Cahill Cancer Fund for Kids and global 1 Goal-Education for All campaign.

Tim Cahill is proud to be UNICEF Australia’s Day for Children Ambassador and is challenging Aussie kids to help UNICEF make a big difference to the lives of children around the world. “We’re blessed to have the freedom and opportunity to access great education in Australia, but for too many kids around the world, going to school remains a distant dream. UNICEF is one organisation that is making sure this dream comes true for kids around the world and on UNICEF Day for Children, Aussie kids can help make a difference.”

Morris Gleitzman is one of Australia’s best-loved children’s authors who has written over 30 children’s books, including Bumface, Toad Rage, Boy Overboard and Once. For many children and adults in Australia, Morris Gleitzman’s books are synonymous with childhood. His books have been published in countries around the world from Indonesia to Czechoslovakia.

“This Universal Children’s Day, join thousands of students around Australia by taking part in UNICEF’s Day for Children. It’s a fun way for your school to make a real difference to the lives of children in Timor-Leste,” said Gleitzman.

Other UNICEF Day for Children supporters

The Wiggles, UNICEF Australia Ambassadors, believe kids in Australia have a great role to play in helping children everywhere go to school. Their special video message encourages schools to dedicate Universal Children’s Day to helping children less fortunate around the world. In 2010, Dorothy the Dinosaur and Fairy Claire helped celebrate UNICEF Day for Children at Petersham Childcare, Sydney.

In 2010, members of UNICEF Australia’s Parliamentary Association presented students at schools in their electorates with certificates of appreciation and a UNICEF soccer ball in recognition of their UNICEF Day for Children achievements. “Australia’s education system is one of the best in the world and it’s easy to take for granted just how lucky our students are. I am pleased to support UNICEF Day for Children as an excellent example of how Australian students can discover how children live and learn in other countries and, importantly, do something to help,” Ms Plibersek said when visiting Rozelle Public School.

Olympic swimmer Elka Whalan (nee Graham) was appointed as UNICEF Day for Children Ambassador in 2009. As part of this role, she visited schools to offer encouragement and support in the lead up to UNICEF Day for Children. “UNICEF’s dedication to ensuring every child has access to a quality education is an objective I admire and respect. UNICEF Day for Children is just one way that Australian school students can help make a difference to the lives of vulnerable children in developing countries.”