WORLD WATER DAY

22 March 2010: On Friday Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith announced $13 million to improve access to clean water, sanitation services and food security in Zimbabwe. On Saturday, to raise awareness of World Water Day 2010, WaterAid organised the World’s Longest Toilet Queue.

AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS FIJI IN THE WAKE OF CYCLONE TOMAS

22 March 2010: Supplies from Australia, including tarpaulins, water purification tablets and water containers, have been distributed to northern and eastern parts of Fiji.
How you can help

AUSTRALIA FURTHERS COMMITMENT TO THE PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM

19 March 2010: The Australian Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the Pacific region and the important work of the Secretariat.

HELPING WOMEN IN BUSINESS IN THE PACIFIC

15 March 2010: A three-day workshop in Vanuatu for women from across the Pacific and East Timor aims to improve their business skills and help them develop professional networks.

FOCUS ON DISASTERS: AUSAID MAGAZINE OUT NOW

12 March 2010: The latest edition of Focus, the magazine of Australia's overseas aid program, is out now. The feature section is on disasters, including how we respond, rebuild, and reduce risk. To download a copy of the magazine or for additional online content, go to Focus Online.

CAIRNS COMPACT TO DRIVE MDG PROGRESS

The Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination, endorsed by the Pacific Islands Forum on 6 August, is centred on the aim of achieving real progress against the MDGs.