The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) unveiled a peace pole in a dedication ceremony at their Kingston headquarters on Tuesday, August 13.
Rotary Club of Salamanca Sunrise member Cecilia Lawler explained that peace poles originated after World War Two in 1955 as an internationally recognised symbol of peace.
More than 250,000 peace poles stand across the globe with the message ‘May peace prevail on Earth’ in different languages on their four or six sides.
Rotary Tasmania is giving out 100 peace poles to schools and organisations across the state to celebrate their 100th anniversary.
“Working in Antarctica and the southern oceans, our scientists constantly partner with representatives from many countries to preserve not only the Antarctic region, but to instigate support for the entire world environment,” AAD Head Emma Campbell said.
“Peace and collaboration are pillars upon which these partnerships thrive, so the peace pole project is a perfect fit for us.”
The Australian Antarctic Division has secured four more peace poles to erect in each of their workplaces in Hobart.
The large outdoor peace pole has been erected beside the reflection pond at the Antarctic centre.
Mellissa Harvey, representing the Rotary Club of Salamanca Sunrise, said that along with End Polio Now Project, Malaria Eradication Project and Rotary Youth Exchange, the Peace Pole Project is one of the most recognisable projects sponsored by Rotary International. “Promoting peace globally, nationally and locally is the first of Rotary International’s seven areas of focus,” Melissa said.
“These are: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies and protecting the environment.
“We are delighted to have this partnership with the Australian Antarctic centre to promote peace.”
