The United Nations Information Centres, or UNICs, make up the global network of field offices of the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC), which was originally established as the Department of Public Information in 1946 by General Assembly resolution 13 (I), to promote global awareness and understanding of the work of the United Nations.
The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Australia was established in November 1948 in Sydney. Later moving to Canberra is the formal UN presence in Australia and the principal local source of information about the United Nations system. Its information-related responsibilities also extend to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Samoa, Tuvalu, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
UNIC aims to help people in the region better understand what the UN is doing to make a difference in their lives. Its activities include:
- Disseminating information on the UN to government agencies, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and the general public.
- Assisting the media on all UN-related issues.
- Promoting better public awareness and understanding of the aims and principles of the United Nations by organizing public events, coordinating seminars and conferences, etc.
- Speaking engagements and addressing events organized by the government, non-governmental organizations, and other community groups.
The UNIC network gives global messages a local accent and helps bring the UN closer to the people it serves.
United Nations Information Centre for Australia Information:
| Location | Canberra |
| Established | November 1948 |
| Service to | Australia, Fiji, Kiribati , Nauru, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu |
| Head of office | Mr. Damian Cardona Onses Director |
| Street address | Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT 2600 Australia |
| Social media | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unic.canberra Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniccanberra/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/UNICCanberra YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/CANBERRAUNIC |
| Working language | English |
| Work week | Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday |
| Mailing addres | 18 King George Terrace Old Parliament House Parkes 2600 ACT Australia |
| Contacts | Mr. Damian Cardona Onses Director Ms. Julia Dean National Information Officer |
| Phone | (61 2) 6270 9200 |