MARK McCOSKER, MEN'S COMMITTEE QUEENSLAND PUBLIC SECTOR UNION CHAIR TAPPED AS AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR 2010 INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY

AUSTRALIA - 8 MARCH 2010 --The International Men's Day Coordination Committee has announced that Mr. Mark McCosker, Chair of the Men's Committee Queensland Public Sector Union has been selected as the Australian National Coordinator for 2010 International Men's Day (http://www.international-mens-day.com) which will be observed worldwide on Friday, 19 November 2010.


Mr. McCosker will coordinate the participation of individuals, organizations, institutions, and communities throughout Australia in the worldwide observance of International Men's Day which celebrates and honours the sacrifices that Men have made and continue to make to our families, communities, and our society. The theme for 2010 International Men's Day is "Our Children ... Our Future" - a theme that celebrates the 48 hour partnership that International Men's Day has with Universal Children's Day, which is celebrated on 20th November 2010 and endorsed by the United Nations. Our children's futures are greatly enriched by the presence of positive male role models.

"Mr. McCosker was brought to our attention by Jason Thompson, Historian and Global Promotions Coordinator for International Men's Day and member of the International Men's Day Coordination Committee. We look forward to working with Mr. McCosker and supporting him in his role as Australian national coordinator for 2010 International Men's Day," stated Diane A. Sears, United States Coordinator for 2010 International Men's Day and a member of the International Men's Day Coordination Committee.


International Men's Day was founded in 1999 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a History Lecturer at the West Indies University, Trinidad Tobago, and the Chairman of the International Men's Day Coordination Committee whose membership comprises Warwick Marsh (Australia), Global Media Coordinator for International Men's Day, Jason Thompson (Australia), Historian and Global Promotions Coordinator for International Men's Day, Uma Challa, Coordinator for India - for International Men's Day, and Diane A. Sears, Coordinator for the United States of America - International Men's Day.



Mr McCosker stated, "I am extremely humbled and excited to take on this role to help further increase the awareness of IMD in Australia. Throughout history men have displayed true altruism and made the ultimate sacrifice for family and country. Men are employed in the most dangerous of jobs that ensure we all live in a safe and prospering society. Men also fill a nurturing role with their children. Over many years I have been involved in coaching junior sports and to many boys and girls, sometimes being the only male role model in their lives. As we look around our schools we find a disparity between male and female teaching numbers which further reduces the presence of male role models. International Men’s Day is one avenue by which we can highlight the positive values men can model for our children. I am currently the VP Membership of the Ipswich Acapella Harmony Club, an all male barbershop chorus, encouraging men to sing and assist in the community. My working life has been in Education Queensland for the past 30 years where hopefully I still offer a positive contribution to “Our Children – Our Future”


Dr. Teelucksingh, in 1999, put into place the Core Objectives of International Men's Day which gives individuals and groups wanting to celebrate International Men's Day in their own community, the framework and foundation for their celebrations. The Core Objectives of International Men's Day which were ratified by members of the International Men's Day Committee in December 2009 are as follows:

* To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sports men but everyday, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.

* To celebrate men's positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment.

* To focus on men's health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and spiritual.

* To highlight discrimination against men; in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law.

* To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.

* To create a safer, better world; where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential.

For further information about International Men's Day, visit its website at
http://www.international-mens-day.com/

Individuals, institutions, and organizations in Australia that are interested in participating in 2010 International Men's Day, should contact Mr. Mark McCosker, the Australian Director by telephone at 0401220122 or send an e-mail to: cool_gem11@bigpond.com.