Background to The Watsan Reference Group and The Sanitation and Water Conference 2008
Throughout 2007, WaterAid Australia, World Vision Australia and the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney worked together on water and sanitation advocacy.
This included the production of the Getting the Basics Right report on the water and sanitation situation in South East Asia and the Pacific. One aim and achievement of this work was the formation of the "Watsan Reference Group" to facilitate engagement between AusAID and NGOs, academics and the private sector working in water and sanitation and development. The Watsan Reference Group currently has approximately 20 member organisations and meets with AusAID on a quarterly basis. In December 2007, AusAID agreed to support a regional water and sanitation conference to be coordinated by World Vision Australia, with the conference content facilitated by a Steering Committee consisting of representatives from WaterAid, World Vision Australia, the Institute for Sustainable Futures, the International WaterCentre and AusAID.
World Vision is a Public Benevolent Institution and operates two funds which have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Tax Office.
