Public comment closes 7 Nov 2011 - stop Clive Palmer's China First coal mine from gobbling up Bimblebox Nature Refuge

HELP PROTECT BIMBLEBOX NATURE REFUGE

As a friend recently said to me, 

'How many pages does it take to say "we're gonna dig a damn great hole?" '

Waratah Coal has finally confirmed that its proposed 'China First' mine would destroy Bimblebox Nature Refuge. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) clearly states that 52% of Bimblebox would be open cut, and the remainder subject to major subsidence and interference from underground longwall mining. It would set a dangerous precedent for the mining of Queensland's precious conservation areas and contribute 3.3 billion tonnes of CO2 to the atmosphere, on top of a myriad of regional impacts.

NOW IS THE TIME TO HAVE OUR SAY. 

The period for public comment closes on November 7th. We have prepared a submission for people to send in, and have information for people who want to write their own. It is vital that we send a message loud and clear that we will not allow our nature refuges to be dug up for the sake of more coal profits.

Please visit the Bimblebox website HERE to find our how to make a submission.

I really appreciate your time.

Many thanks, 

Paola Cassoni

www.bimblebox.orgbimblebox@gmail.com+61 7 49853474

Bimblebox Nature Refuge

Alpha QLD 4724

Australia

Click to enlarge

Further Reading:

Resourcehouse Limited

Bowen Business Information Forum - PowerPoint type presentation in .pdf format

China First now a major project

Billionaires 'China First' Qld coal mine move

Clive Palmer scores biggest export contract worth $60b

China denies $US60bn coal deal with Clive Palmer's Resourcehouse

Palmer plans coal $6.5b behemoth

Palmer's Resourcehouse gets $1.2bn funding (Lateline transcript and video)

Bird may halt Palmer mine project

Australian Mining - Clive Palmer

Non-stunned slaughter in Australia: Rally to-night at MCG to send the message to Primary Industries Ministers

As you know, a big decision will be made this week when primary industries ministers from around the country meet in Melbourne to decide whether to close the loophole on non-stunned slaughter in Australia.

I'm writing to invite you to an important rallyorganised by Animals Australia on Thursday evening at the MCG, where the ministers are due to discuss their decision on this issue. Already 14,000 Animals Australia supporters have written to these ministers imploring them to show mercy and remove the exemptions that are allowing some abattoirs in Victoria and South Australia to cut the throats of fully conscious sheep. We need your help to send one last and all-important reminder as the ministers arrive for their dinner meeting, that caring Australians are depending on them to make the right decision.

• Where: Gate 2, Melbourne Cricket Ground
• When: 5:45pm, Thursday, 27th October (finishing 7pm)
• What to bring: Just yourself, we will have plenty of posters for people to hold
• More information: Call the Animals Australia office on 1800 888 584

Miss, of all the cruelty I have seen inside abattoirs, non-stunned slaughter of animals represents the single greatest cause of distress, pain and suffering I have born witness to.

Fortunately we understand that several ministers are already of the opinion that non-stunned slaughter is unacceptable, which means there is real hope to end this brutal practice in Australia. This rally may be the tipping point that gets the others over the line.

Please join our experienced campaigners for a peaceful gathering on Thursday evening and help us ensure that all animals in this country are extended this most basic legal protection.

I hope you can join us, Lyn White Campaign Director

P.S. You may be aware that the official meeting of the primary industries ministers will be held on Friday morning. We are rallying at their Thursday evening dinner meeting as it is expected that their position will be determined at this time. I hope you can attend, but even if you can't, you can have your say on our website right now.

Murray Darling Basin Authority slammed by Fair Water Use for "astounding ignorance"

MDBA slammed for "astounding ignorance"

MEDIA RELEASE 26th October 2011 Reports that Craig Knowles, Chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, is considering a dramatic increase in groundwater extractions as part of his Basin Plan have stunned public-water rights and environmental advocacy group, Fair Water Use. The group’s coordinator, Ian Douglas, responded today, “This announcement suggests an astounding level of either ignorance or cynicism on the part of the Authority, and specifically Craig Knowles.” “If the former, it would appear that Mr Knowles understands less about the hydrologic cycle than most secondary school children, and the absolute continuum that is surface water, groundwater and in-stream flows”, he continued. “Proposing a 2,400 billion litres a year increase in take from the groundwater component of the resource, whilst modelling a reduction in diversion limits of a mere 2,800 billion litres, implies that the Basin Plan may involve a reduction in total extractions of a paltry 400 billion litres, around one tenth of the minimum amount recommended; it would also give the green light to a massive increase in the production of contaminated water by mining activities in the Basin”, Dr Douglas concluded.

Further reading:

 Limits on water drawn from ground to increase

Murray Irrigation Limited

Murray groundwater limits to increase

Murray Darling  Basin Authority to open floodgates for mining

Understanding the groundwaters of the Murray Darling Basin

Sustainable Groundwater Management

Stuart Rattle Open Garden Garden, Musk, Victoria and Restoration of Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens

Click to enlarge

From Melbourne Art Network

Professor Noam Chomsoky - Only Melbourne appearance booked out - Register on the wait list

 

 

Professor Noam Chomsky - Public Lecture

Deakin University proudly presents Professor Noam Chomsky in a free public lecture and his only public appearance in Melbourne. Professor Chomsky will present a lecture entitled “Changing Contours of Global Order”. 

VENUE:

The Plenary
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
1 Convention Centre Place
South Wharf, VICTORIA 3006

Please note, tickets to this highly anticipated and free public event, proudly hosted by Deakin University, are ‘sold out’. We regret any disappointment caused.

We do however invite you to register your interest for any spare, returned or cancelled tickets on our wait list, by clicking the ‘continue booking’ button below.

One ticket per person registered on the wait list, will be issued directly, if and when tickets become available. We thank you for your understanding.

CONTACT DETAILS: For information about about Deakin University courses or general enquiries, please phone 1300 334 733,
email enquire@deakin.edu.au or visit our website: www.deakin.edu.au.

To return any un-required/excess tickets only, or for event specific enquiries, please contact:
Mr Trevor Dean
Manager, Corporate Events
Deakin University
Phone: 03 92468077
Email: trevor.dean@deakin.edu.au

TryBooking is providing the booking service free to Deakin University as part of its community goodwill. 

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar - 20111026-20120120

Forum Organising the 99%: from anti-corporate S11, to anti-war campaigns, to the Occupy movement Thursday, October 27, 6:30pm (meal from 6pm). Resistance Centre, level 5, 407 Swanston St, City (opposite RMIT). Speakers: Jorge Jorquera (former S11 Alliance spokesperson 2000); Emma Kerin (Occupy Melbourne Union & Community Outreach Group); Margarita Windisch (Act Now to End War (ANSWER) collective); Rachel Evans (Occupy Melbourne activist & Socialist Alliance). For more info ph 9639 8622 or 0413 377 978. Organised by Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 9639 8622.

Occupy Melbourne March & occupation Saturday, October 29, 12 noon. State Library, cnr Swanston & Latrobe Sts, City.Assemble State Library for march to Treasury Gardens for occupation. There will also be a general assembly, venue to be decided depending on outcome of occupation.

Rally for refugees No to offshore processing! No to Pacific solutions! No to mandatory detention! Saturday, November 5, 12 noon. State Library, cnr Swanston & Latrobe Sts, City.Organised by Refugee Action Collective. For more info visit RAC.

Wednesday, October 26

Public meeting: An Indigenous welcome for asylum seekers? How can we think about asylum seekers on indigenous land? Who can welcome? Who can exclude? In this forum we engage in conversations on the current policies toward asylum seekers and the history of treatment of indigenous people in Australia. We ask how these practices and policies speak to questions of sovereignty, ethics and hospitality. Panelists: Tony Birch (University of Melbourne); Ghassan Hage (University of Melbourne); Ray Jackson (president, Indigenous Social Justice Association); Joseph Pugliese (Macquarie University). 6:30pm. Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, Swanston St, University of Melbourne. Registrations close on October 26. For more info contact Juliet Rogers or ph 8344 7945.

Thursday, October 27

Public meeting: The biggest estate on Earth: How Aboriginal people made Australia.Speaker: Bill Gammage (academic historian at the Australian National University). 12:45-1:15pm. Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street, City. This is a free event. No bookings required. For more info visit Wheeler Centre.

Rally: Protest against big business controlling Australia's national food plan. Federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig will be talking to the Rural Press Club of Victoria on Australia's first National Food Plan. Australia needs a food plan that supports people's health and the ability of farmers to make a living. Instead this is a plan to support Big Food and the processed food industry. Meet the farmers and primary producers who work to keep our seed, food and agricultural land in local hands, growing food for us all. 7-9am. CQ Functions, 113 Queen St, Melbourne, between Bourke and Little Collins Sts. Organised by MADGE and Gene Ethics. For more info on why we want a National Food Plan for people not big business see MADGE.

Forum: Organising the 99%: from anti-corporate S11, to anti-war campaigns, to the Occupy movement. Speakers: Jorge Jorquera (former S11 Alliance spokesperson 2000); Emma Kerin (Occupy Melbourne Union & Community Outreach Group); Margarita Windisch (Act Now to End War (ANSWER) collective); Rachel Evans (Occupy Melbourne activist & Socialist Alliance). 6:30pm. Resistance Centre, level 5, 407 Swanston St, City (opposite RMIT). For more info ph 9639 8622 or 0413 377 978. Organised by Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 9639 8622.

Friday, October 28

Orlando queer party fundraiser. Orlando is a queer not for profit indie dance party that fundraises for campaigns like the Refugee Action Collective, Melbourne Anti Intervention Collective and Equal Love. 8pm. The Workers Club, Fitzroy. For more info ph Sam 0432 803 360.

Saturday, October 29

Occupy Melbourne. Assemble State Library for march to Treasury Gardens for occupation. 12 noon. Cnr Swanston & Latrobe Sts, City. There will also be a general assembly, venue to be decided depending on outcome of occupation.

Latin fiesta & party. Two great live Latin bands and Peruvian and Colombian dance groups. 7:30pm. Northcote Uniting Church Hall, 251 High St, Northcote. Bookings 0425 539 149 or 0414 970 418.

Sunday, October 30

Protest: Stop discrimination and exclusion in Victorian Mental Health Services. We invite you, your families, carers, friends and colleagues to this protest and memorial to commemorate the deaths of over 1000 people who died while under the protection, care and treatment of the state since 2006. These deaths are described as unexpected, unnatural or violent. Speakers include Robbie Thorpe and others. 2pm. Parliament House, Spring St, City. Organised by Australian Mental Health Human Rights and Law Reform Coalition. For more info visit Light 1000 Candles.

Protest: Save our open space. Picnic in the park. Our open space parks are a treasured place to be with family and friends amidst our busy suburbs and lives. One such park on the Kororoit Creek in Sunshine is under threat. Melbourne Water have asked Brimbank Council to rezone the land along Kororoit Creek from Public Open Space so they can sell it off for housing. Come along for a community picnic to find out more, including how you can help save our park. 2pm. At the park on Kororoit Creek, 113 Fraser St, Sunshine.

Public meeting: Refugees are welcome, racists are not! Ray Jackson, a Wiradjuri man, is a campaigner to stop deaths in custody and president is the Indigenous Social Justice Association in Sydney. Jackson is visiting Melbourne to participate in an Indigenous welcome for asylum seekers at Melbourne University. You are welcome to join him for a less formal discussion about these issues as he mounts the case that 'these racist One Nation clones do not speak in my name!' Ray will speak after a relaxed buffet dinner. 6pm. Solidarity Salon, 580 Sydney Rd, Brunswick. $15/$10 & $20 solidarity. For more info ph 9388 0062.

Wednesday, November 2

Public meeting: Standing together; connecting strikes. Workers in every country face the same pressures to work longer, produce more, for less. In our increasingly globalised economies, not only do we work in the same industries, but often for the same company. What is the best way to fight together? How do we make our actions more effective? You are invited to attend an AAWL meeting featuring local and international activists to discuss the most effective forms of international solidarity actions. 6pm. Evatt Room, 1st floor, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton South. Organised by Australia Asia Worker Links.

Friday, November 4

Public lecture: Noam Chomsky: Changing contours of global order. This is a free public lecture and will be Chomsky's only public appearance in Melbourne. Registrations are essential: visit Chomsky. 7.30pm. The Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf. Organised by School of International and Political Studies, Deakin University.

Fundraiser: Wild Things forest fundraiser. The WTFF events are a celebration not a protest, they are a canvass for melbourne artists and lovers of forests to come together as a community and celebrate all the good work forest campaigners do for our forests. Dress up theme 'Wild Things': Think tails and scales, feathers and wings, hooves and horns, whiskers and ears!! 9:30pm. RMH the Venue, 629 Bourke St, City. Presale tickets $22; $25 at the door. Organised by Party For A Purpose, Melbourne New Folk & The Wilderness Society. For more info ph 0405 393 908 or visit Wild Things.

Saturday, November 5

Rally for refugees: No to offshore processing. No to Pacific solutions. No to mandatory detention. 12pm. State Library, cnr Swanston & Latrobe Sts, City. Organised by Refugee Action Collective. For more info visit RAC.

Rally: The 1000 Warrior March Calling all Aboriginal & Islander Men! Come reclaim, respect and protect!! Families, friends and supporters are asked to cheer the Warriors along or meet the Warriors at the end of the march at Birrarung Marr, on the north bank of the Yarra River next to Federation Square. 10am. Assemble at Fig Tree, cnr Gertrude & Nicholson Sts, Fitzroy. For more info ph 0413 045 536 or 0408 486 603.

Monday, November 7

Public meeting: How Spain's Gemasolar plant reaches 24-hour solar power. Santiago Arias is the Technical Director of Torresol Energy which constructed the 19.9MW Gemasolar plant in Seville, Spain. Gemasolar is the world's first plant to apply the salt thermal-storage system in a configuration with a central tower and an array of heliostats. Gemasolar reached 24 hours of uninterrupted production in June 2011. This is the baseload concentrated solar power technology modelled by the Zero Carbon Australia 2020 Stationary Energy Plan to supply 60% of Australia's stationary energy requirements. Arias will join us via Skype. 6:30pm. Fritz Loewe Theatre (entry via level 2), McCoy Building, University of Melbourne, cnr Elgin & Swanston Sts, Carlton. For more info ph 8383 2232 or email Pablo. Entry by gold coin donation.

Tuesday, November 8

Film screening: Afghan women. In 2001 the US announced the liberation of women as a significant reason for invading Afghanistan. Ten years later, have women's lives changed? Join us for the showing of I was worth 50 sheep, the compelling, award-winning documentary film by Swedish filmmaker Nima Sarvestani. Join us for an evening of learning and discussion with the opportunity to be part of creating change for Afghan women and girls. 6:30pm (for 7pm start). 1000 Pound Bend Cinema, 351 Little Lonsdale St, City. $20/$15 & $25 solidarity. Bookings essential: Onnie. All funds raised will go to support women's projects of RAWA & theCooperation Center of Afghanistan.

Wednesday, November 9

Film premiere: Dirt Cheap 30 years on. An updated version of the 1980 film tells the story of how the Ranger uranium mine in Kakadu was imposed on the Mirarr people in the late 1970s. The film also provides contemporary insight into the Mirarr's experience with Ranger and Jabiluka. Speakers including representatives from Gundjeihmi and the Environment Centre NT. 6:30pm. State Library Theatrette, cnr Swanston & Latrobe Sts, City (entry from Latrobe St).

Public meeting: Kathy Kelly. Voices in the Wilderness USA. Prospects for Peace in the Middle East. Reflections of a peace activist. Nominated three times for The Nobel Peace Prize. Described as probably the most respected leader in the American peace movement, Kathy has invested her life in search of non-military solutions to end wars, often at great personal cost. Kathy has lived in war zones, sharing the dangers with civilians in Nicaragua, Gaza, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. 6:30 pm. Church of All Nations, 180 Palmerston Street, Carlton. $15/$10). For more info ph 0408 299 981 or email Kathy Kelly tour.

Thursday, November 10

Public meeting: Conversations with Kathy Kelly Pace e Bene Australia presents Kathy Kelly, an American peace activist, pacifist and three times Nobel Peace Prize nominee, in conversation along with Afghan youth peace volunteers. 7:30 pm. Collins St Baptist Church, 174 Collins St, City. $15/$10. For more info ph Dale Hess 9592 5247 or email Dale Hess.

Friday, November 11

Film screening: Urban Roots. Ross House presents The Big Picture, films for environmental and social justice. The industrial powerhouse of a lost American era has died, and the skeleton left behind is present-day Detroit. But now, against all odds in the empty lots, in the old factory yards, and in between the sad, sagging blocks of company housing, seeds of change are taking root. A small group of dedicated citizens, allied with environmental and academic groups, have started an urban environmental movement with the potential to transform not just a city after its collapse, but also a country after the end of its industrial age. 6pm. Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, City. For more info ph Sarah 9650 1599 or email Sarah. Entry by donation.

Sunday, November 13

Rally: Join the Backwards March and call on the premier to stop taking Victoria backwards! In just one year Premier Baillieu has taken Victoria decades backwards on the environment: Cattle trampling our national parks; new wind farms blocked; CO2 emissions target ignored; Endangered species habitat logged; new coal-fired power station approved; green wedges threatened; Westernport destruction fast-tracked. Premier Baillieu said he would 'fix the problems, and build the future', but when it comes to our environment his government has created new problems and is threatening out future! 1-2:30pm. Parliament House, Spring St, City. Organised by Victorian National Parks Association, The Wilderness Society, Environment Victoria & Friends of the Earth.

Thursday, November 17

Rally: Protest at BHP Billiton AGM. 10:30am. Melbourne Convention Centre, 2 Clarendon St, South Wharf, City. For more info call Latin America Solidarity Network 0425 539 149.

Friday-Sunday, November 18-20

Festival: Commonground Festival. Commonground Festival is an intimate new community music festival, celebrating the social change movement. Just one hour north of Melbourne on beautiful regenerated bushland of the Commonground Resource Centre. Featuring: The Band Who Knew Too Much; Flap!; The Tiger and Me; The Shivering Timbers; The Stetson Family; April Maze; Beth King; Stephen Pigram; The Grenadines; The Nymphs; Sun Hyland Band. Plus workshops on activism, co-housing, working collaboratively and greenthumb garden action. Visit Commonground Festival to find out more and to purchase tickets. Funds raised support Commonground and their work resourcing the social change movement.

Saturday, November 19

Fundraiser: Wyndham Greens present Rod Quantock in Pardon My Carbon. With our finite planet as the star of the evening, Rod takes his hatchet of humour to Peak Oil, Peak People, Peak Pollution, Politics and Profiteers (and no doubt a few other usual and unusual suspects). Kelly Hall (next to RSL, Melway 205 K8), 5 min walk from Werribee Rail Station. $20/$15 concession for a wonderful, illuminating and hilarious evening. For bookings ph Beck 8742 6752, 0431 252 703 or email Wyndham Greens.

Community Festival: Celebrating our struggles against corporate greed 1pm. Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High St, Northcote. For more info call Latin America Solidarity Network 0425 539 149.

Sunday, November 20

Public meeting: Transgender Day of Remembrance. You are invited to join Ygender in commemoration on the Transgender Day of Remembrance. We ask that you join us to pay respects to the memory of some of our communities most vulnerable citizens in a day of reflection and remembrance. The event will include guest speakers, performance and a space for discussion. We look forward to seeing you there, please RSVP by November 10 for catering and venue capacity. 1pm. Grattan Gardens Community Centre (Community Hall), 40 Grattan St, Prahran. (Please note that car parking spaces are extremely limited.) Organised by Ygender Melbourne.

Rally: Peaceful law reform rally to legalise cannabis. There will be several live music acts performing throughout the day, including Mr DNA and AOI (hip hop) Jahmakn'It'Funky (reggae) & acoustic sets by Jamal Moyle and Armado. Speakers: The Australian Sex Party, Greg Denham (LEAP Australia), Brett Lothian and more to be announced. 1pm. Flagstaff Gardens, between William & King Sts, City (200 metres from Flagstaff Station lawn).

Saturday, December 3

Sydney Rally for marriage equality at ALP Conference. This is a national protest. Equal Love groups from across the country are organising for their supporters to make the trip to Sydney, from Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and more. What better reason to make a trip to Sydney than this! Equality advocates are urged to gather at Hyde Park to march to the Labor Party national conference as they debate their policy on marriage. 12 noon. Hyde Park North at the fountain (Sydney).

Friday, January 20, 2012

Rally: Freedom fighters Tunnerminnerwait & Maulboyheener. Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner were amoung five Tasmanian Aborigines who conducted a campaign of resistance to European settlement in 1841 around Western Port and South Gippsland near Melbourne. After three military expeditions they were finally captured and brought back to Melbourne for trial. They were not allowed to give evidence themselves. The two men were found guilty of murder, with the jury saying due to the circumstances mercy should be granted. No mercy was given and Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheenner were the first judicial executions to take place in Melbourne on January 20, 1842 before a crowd of 5000, a quarter of the population of Melbourne at the time. 12pm. RMIT entrance, cnr Bowen & Franklin Sts, City.

Geelong & regional Victoria

Saturday, November 5

Leonards Hill Rally: Hepburn Community Wind Farm Launch Festival Our community began saying 'yes' six years ago when we decided to build our own wind farm, the first in Australia to be owned by a community. Now it is time to officially celebrate community power. We hope you will join us as we open Australia’s first community owned wind farm. This family friendly event will feature local music, food stalls, wind farm tours, information booths and we are privileged to be hearing from David Karoly, one of Australia’s leading climate scientists. 12:30-5:30pm. Hepburn Community Wind Farm, 2040 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Leonards Hill. $5 on the gate (Hepburn Wind members free). For further details and to register your attendance visit Hepburn Wind.

Campaign committees

Melbourne Anti-Intervention Collective (MAIC) meets meets on the first and third Monday of each month, 6.30pm on Level 4 of the rear building at Trades Hall, Lygon & Victoria Sts Carlton. For info, ph 0431 311 520 or visit MAI Collective.

Refugee Action Collective (RAC). For more info ph 0413 377 978 or visit RAC.

Stop HRL: No New Coal Power For Victoria meetings. Join the community campaign against HRL's proposed new coal-fired power station. For more info visit Stop HRL or call 0402 337 077.

Victorian Climate Action Calendar for a comprehensive list of climate action events in our state. The VCAC covers events in Victoria and major events elsewhere and is intended to inform, educate and inspire. To subscribe or to add an event to the calendar email Monique Decortis. Weekly updates are e-mailed out and online updates are available at VCAC.

Diversity, Dignity Determination: 2011 National Conference of Single Mothers and their Children

Dale Hess - Calendar - 20111024 to 201123

Tuesday 25 October – Saturday 5 October: The Tunnel Rat by Neil Cole. 

The tunnel rat, based on true stories from the Vietnam War, explores the nature of post traumatic stress on an individual and societal level. It has a season at the Malthouse Theatre from October 25.

Thursday 27 October, 6 pm – 7.30 pm: Ethics in Philanthropy Debate. Does philanthropy reinforce the distinction between the haves and have nots? Come and hear what some of our leading philanthropic and public policy thinkers and commentators have to say. 

Speakers: Prof. Dennis Altman, Rod Quantock, Emeritus Prof. Dorothy Scott, Stephanie Alexander and Cath Smith. Co-hosted by Melbourne Writers Festival, Australian Communities Foundation, ABC Radio National and Federation Square. BMW Edge, Federation Square. Free, bookings essential. Book now

Friday 28 October, 2 pm – 5 pm: Free public forum on religion and ecology to launch the Forum on Religion and Ecology @ Monash.

Panelists: Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black (founding President of Greenfaith Australia), Assoc. Prof. John Bradley(Monash Indigenous Centre), Dr. Padmasiri Da Silva (Monash Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology), Prof. Norm Habel (Theology, Flinders University), Elyse Rider (Monash Centre for Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies), Dr. Salih Yucel (Monash Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology). Monash University Caulfield H Building Room 1.16. RSVP (for catering purposes):Sharon.Elliot@monash.edu.au with subject line: Forum on Religion and Ecology RSVP.

Saturday 29 October, 8.50 am to 5.00 pm One-day Symposium on Climate Change – Cultural Change: Religious Responses and Responsibilities: Keynote address: Professor Norman Habel “Eco-wisdom and Climate Change”. 

Dr. Norman Habel hails from Yulecart, near Hamilton in Victoria, Australia and is a pastor of The Lutheran Church. He was professor of Biblical Studies in the USA from 1955-1973. In 1974 he returned to Australia and established the first Religion Studies Department in Australia. From 1984-1987 he was Principal of Kodaikanal International School in South India. During his time in India, he and his wife Janice Orrell established the Grihini programme, a school for empowering oppressed uneducated Tribal and Dalit women in the remote hills around Kodaikanal. Centre for Theology and Ministry, 29 College Crescent, Parkville. For further details and to register visit:http://www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au/about/news--media/events/cultural-change-symposium.html; please register by Friday 21 October 2011. Registration (includes tea/coffee, morning and afternoon tea and lunch): $55 full; $45 concession. Contact: Dr Anne Elveyaelvey@trinity.unimelb.edu.au; Dr David Gormley O’Brien dobrien@trinity.unimelb.edu.au.

Thursday 3 November, 6.30 pm (time TBC): Public Lecture by M. V. Ramana. 

M.V.Ramana is an Associate Research Scholar on Science and Global Security at Princeton University. He works on the future of nuclear energy in the context of climate change and nuclear disarmament and is completing a book on nuclear power in India. He is a member of the Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and the International Panel on Fissile Materials. He will address the topic of Australian uranium sales to India. This is an event held jointly by MAPW and ICAN. Venue: Trades Hall. Further info: Nancy: 9023 1958.

Saturday 5 November, 9 am – 11 am: Oases breakfast: Climate Change and Natural Law.  Speaker: Barrie Pittock. 

While the message is clear that climate change is here (and in some areas, might already be having disastrous effects), there is still hope for the future, and the ideas presented here will inspire people to take action. Barrie Pittock did a Ph. D. in physics in 1963. He joined CSIRO in 1965 and worked on stratospheric ozone, solar-weather relationships, surface climate change, the climatic effects of nuclear war, and the greenhouse effect. Cost waged $25, unwaged $15. Augustine Centre, 2 Minona Street, Hawthorn. RSVP to OASES 03 9819 3502 or email info@oases.edu.au

Tuesday 8 November, 6.30 pm:  Film screening: 'I Was Worth 50 Sheep'. 

Join us for an evening of learning and discussion with the opportunity to be part of creating change for Afghan women and girls. This is a compelling, award winning documentary film by Swedish filmmaker Nima Sarvestani that follows 16-year old Sabere's courageous actions to escape from and divorce her 55 year old, violent, Taliban husband of 6 years when she calls on the help and sanctuary of her family and a local Safe House in her desperate mission. Together, progress is made, however it becomes clear that this common pattern of abuse is about to be repeated as her young sister has been sold for 50 sheep. Venue: 1000 Pound Bend Cinema, 351 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Tickets: $20/$15 concession $25 solidarity ticket. Fingerfood and wine will be available for purchase. Bookings essential: Onnie: mok@connexus.net.au to pre-book your ticket. All funds raised will go to support women's projects of RAWA (http://www.rawa.org) and the Cooperation Center of Afghanistan (http://www.ccamazar.org).

Wednesday 9 November, 6.30 pm: Film Premiere: Dirt cheap 30 years on. 

An updated version of the 1980 film, Dirt Cheap, 30 years on...the story of uranium mining in Kakadu tells the story of how Ranger uranium mine was imposed on the Mirarr people in the late 1970s. The film also provides contemporary insight into the Mirarr's experience with Ranger and Jabiluka. The premiere will be in Melbourne on Wednesday November 9th at 6.30 at the State Library Theatrette with speakers including representatives from Gundjeihmi and the Environment Centre NT.

Wednesday 9 November, 6.30 pm: Prospects for Peace in Israel/Palestine. 

Kathy Kelly, nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize, has been described as probably the most respected leader in the American peace movement.  Kathy has invested her life in search of non-military solutions to end wars, often at great personal cost. Kathy has lived in war zones, sharing the dangers with civilians in Nicaragua, Gaza, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Venue: Church of All Nations, 180 Palmerston Street, Carlton. $15 waged $10 unwaged (no need to book). Further info for this event and following two events please contact either Simon: smoyle@gmail.com or Dale: d.hess@ozemail.com.au...

Thursday 10 November, 7.30 pm: Conversations with Kathy Kelly. 

Friday 11 November, 6 pm  – Sunday 13 November, 4 pm: Transforming the world, Transforming ourselves: a weekend retreat with Kathy Kelly. 

Wednesday 16 November, 5.30 pm – 8 pm: Food Security Issues in Timor-Leste. 

The forum will address food security issues, including agricultural practices, climate, imports, skills, quality of seeds and many other issues The Keynote Speaker will be Dr Brian Palmer, former Agriculture Adviser to the President, Minister for Agriculture and ‘Seeds for Life’ Manager. He will be joined by two panel members: Dr Bev Wood Food Security Adviser and expert on food security issues David Adams Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment who will address land cover and land use issues. Venue: Edinburgh Gardens Community Room Off Brunswick Street, North Fitzroy (Old Fitzroy Football Ground—Melway Reference 2C 1C). The forum will be webcast live on the evening from 6:15 pm at http://timorlive.vlga.org.au. For catering purposes please RSVP to Gary Jungwirth, Timor-Leste Project Officer by Friday 11 November 2011 via email, vlga@vlga.org.au or phone 9349 7999.

Tuesday 22 November – Wednesday 23 November: Ethics in a Multifaith Society: Muslims and Christians in Dialogue. The conference “Ethics in a multifaith society: Muslims and Christians in Dialogue” is held in honour of M. Fethullah Gülen, from whom the Australian Catholic University Chair in the Study of Islam and Muslim-Catholic Relations, established in 2007, takes its name. For Fethullah Gülen, dialogue between Jews, Christians and Muslims is imperative, not only because of what followers of these three monotheistic religions have in common, but also because of their shared responsibility to make our world a more peaceful and safer place. Australian Catholic University, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy.  Conference Program (PDF, 1.25MB); Conference Registration (PDF, 472KB);  Conference Poster (PDF,3.75MB)

Dale Hess - Calendar - 20111018 to 20111111

Tuesday 18 October, 6 pm – 7.15 pm: From Hiroshima to Fukushima: Paths to a Nuclear-Free Future. 

• Tens of thousands of Japanese citizens recently took to the streets to demand a nuclear-free future. Since the March 11 crisis at Fukushima began, ICAN has worked to provide the public with accurate information about the health effects of radiation. We have also drawn attention to the inextricable link between nuclear power and nuclear weapons. This month, we invite you to a forum in Melbourne with Steven Leeper, the chair of the A-Bomb Museum and Peace Park in Hiroshima.Green Building, 60 Leicester St, Carlton. Inquiries: info@icanw.org or 03 9347 4795

Tuesday 18 October, 6 pm – 9.30 pm: An evening of Brotherhood with Emmanuel Jal. 

• On Tuesday 18 October supporters of the Brotherhood will have the exclusive opportunity to meet international hip-hop artist and human rights activist, Emmanuel Jal at a screening of the Emmy-nominated film War Child. Emmanuel will be talking with his childhood friend, David Vincent, about their shared experiences as children in an Ethiopian refugee camp. These experiences are depicted in the film, War Child, which tells Emmanuel Jal’s story. Venue: The Collingwood Town Hall, 140 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford 3067, Melway ref 2C, J10. Contact: Brotherhood of St Laurence: Email:events@bsl.org.au; Phone: 9483 1301

Wednesday 19 October, 6 pm – 7 pm: You say you want a revolution: Emmanuel Jal speaks.

• Sudanese rapper and writer Emmanuel Jal is a child of war. The internationally acclaimed hip-hop star is celebrated for his electrifying concerts and albums, songs written about his homeland and his history amongst the violence and horror of civil war. Alongside his musical appearance for the Festival, for one night only he discusses peace and reconciliation, his experiences as a child soldier and survivor, and his memoir War Child. Fairfax Studio, the Arts Centre, 100 St Kilda Rd Melbourne. $20 and $12 concession. Booking fee applies. Website:  http://wheelercentre.com/calendar/event/emmanuel-jal-speaks/

Thursday 20 October, 6.00 pm for 6.30 pm: Hamer Oration on Good Government: A public lecture with Professor Larissa Behrendt, "Under the Radar: Indigenous Governance". Prof. Larissa Behrendt 

• is a Eualeyai/Kamillaroi woman. She is the Professor of Law and Director of Research at the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning at the University of Technology, Sydney. A barrister of the Supreme Court of the ACT and NSW, Larissa Behrendt graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Jurisprudence from the University of New South Wales. She became the first Aboriginal Australian to graduate from Harvard Law School when she gained her Master of Laws and Senior Doctorate of Jurisprudence. Copland Theatre, Arts West Building, University of Melbourne ArtsWest Building, University of Melbourne. Free event but RSVP essential.  To book your place, please visit:

http://hameroration2011.eventbrite.com

Friday 21 October, 5:30 pm -7:30 pm; Saturday 22nd October 2011, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm: National Justice Symposium. 

• Keynote speaker: Frank Vincent QC. Frank Vincent will be addressing the question: What does a humane and effective justice system look like? Key leaders across the justice system will address: crime prevention; sentencing and restorative justice; prisons; transitional and post release support. Friday evening entry by donation - TO BOOK:www.trybooking.com/UNP; Saturday $75 or $50 concession - TO BOOK: www.trybooking.com/UYZ.Registration closes on 14 October. Limited seating capacity - bookings essential. Enquiries - Tel: (03) 9427 7388 or email: kerrie.spencer@jss.org.au. For information -www.jss.org.au/nationaljusticesymposium. The Symposium is jointly sponsored by Jesuit Social Services and the Public Policy Institute, Australian Catholic University.

Saturday 22 October, 8 pm: Notes from the Hard Road and Beyond: A Musical Collaboration from Revolution to Redemption. Mavis Staples, Joss Stone, Rickie Lee Jones, Paul Dempsey, Emmanuel Jal, The Black Arm Band, John Schumann. 

• notes from the hard road and beyondchronicles an inspiring canon of songs from civil rights, anti-war and women's suffrage to environmentalism, feminism and the abolition movement in a glorious and daring celebration of the music of protest, rebellion, love and hope. Weaving together music by Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Leonard Cohen, Pete Seeger and Green Day, to name just a few, notes from the hard road and beyond is a unique and joyous testament to the indomitable nature of the human spirit, expressed through music. Sidney Myer Music Bowl, King's Domain, Cnr Linlithgow and Alexandra Avenues,Melbourne3004.Website:http://www.melbournefestival.com.au/program/production?id=3869&activityid=34899

Thursday 27 October, 6 pm – 7.30 pm: Ethics in Philanthropy Debate. Does philanthropy reinforce the distinction between the haves and have nots? 

• Come and hear what some of our leading philanthropic and public policy thinkers and commentators have to say. Speakers: Prof. Dennis Altman, Rod Quantock, Emeritus Prof. Dorothy Scott, Stephanie Alexander and Cath Smith. Co-hosted by Melbourne Writers Festival, Australian Communities Foundation, ABC Radio National and Federation Square. BMW Edge, Federation Square. Free, bookings essential. Book now

Friday 28 October, 2 pm – 5 pm: Free public forum on religion and ecology to launch theForum on Religion and Ecology @ Monash. 

• Panelists: Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black (founding President of Greenfaith Australia), Assoc. Prof. John Bradley (Monash Indigenous Centre), Dr. Padmasiri Da Silva (Monash Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology),Prof. Norm Habel (Theology, Flinders University), Elyse Rider (Monash Centre for Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies), Dr. Salih Yucel (Monash Centre for Studies in Religion and Theology). Monash University Caulfield H Building Room 1.16. RSVP (for catering purposes): Sharon.Elliot@monash.edu.au with subject line: Forum on Religion and Ecology RSVP.

Saturday 5 November, 9 am – 11 am: Oases breakfast: Climate Change and Natural Law. Speaker: Barrie Pittock. 

• While the message is clear that climate change is here (and in some areas, might already be having disastrous effects), there is still hope for the future, and the ideas presented here will inspire people to take action. Barrie Pittock did a Ph. D. in physics in 1963. He joined CSIRO in 1965 and worked on stratospheric ozone, solar-weather relationships, surface climate change, the climatic effects of nuclear war, and the greenhouse effect. Cost waged $25, unwaged $15. Augustine Centre, 2 Minona Street, Hawthorn. RSVP to OASES 03 9819 3502 or emailinfo@oases.edu.au

Thursday 10 November, 7.30 pm: Conversations with Kathy Kelly. 

• Kathy Kelly, nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize, has been described as probably the most respected leader in the American peace movement.  Kathy has invested her life in search of non-military solutions to end wars, often at great personal cost. Kathy has lived in war zones, sharing the dangers with civilians inNicaragua, Gaza, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Venue: Collins St Baptist Church, 174 Collins StMelbourne. $15 waged $10 unwaged (no need to book). Further info Simon: smoyle@gmail.com or Dale:d.hess@ozemail.com.au.

Friday 11 November, 6 pm  – Sunday 13 November, 4 pm: Transforming the world, Transforming ourselves: a weekend retreat with Kathy Kelly. 

• Kathy Kelly, nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize, has been described as probably the most respected leader in the American peace movement.  Kathy has invested her life in search of non-military solutions to end wars, often at great personal cost. Kathy has lived in war zones, sharing the dangers with civilians in Nicaragua,Gaza, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Venue: Commonground, near Seymour, Victoria. $200 waged; $150 unwaged. Bookings essential, limited places. Registration now open. Further info contact Simon: smoyle@gmail.com or Dale: d.hess@ozemail.com.au.