WHAM ARTIST CONVERGENCE : BUANGOR (between Beaufort & Ararat) : MAY 3 2015 FROM 10AM TO 3PM

FROM THE WHAM FACEBOOK SITE:

Helen Lewers added photos to April 26, 2015.

26 April at 21:31

Say your goodbyes to these beautiful old redgums who've been living in the Middle Creek area long before it had that name - 200-400 years previously, at least. Say goodbye to the young trees too. There aren't too many growing on adjacent farmland. NONE of these trees are protected. 

Not by‪#‎VicRoadsVandals‬.

Not by the ‪#‎AndrewsGvt‬.

Not by anyone who has the power to protect them. 

Say goodbye.

AN INVITATION

Noticed any roads authorities vandalising ancient habitat trees

on the Western Highway lately? 

Come to Buangor on the 3 May - Sunday - 10am to 3pm 

and help record the treasures we are losing. 

Bring all your own materials, picnic, chair, etc. 

(NB - good toilets at Beaufort!) 

The enormous environmental damage being inflicted upon us all 

is to save a TOTAL OF 2 WHOLE MINUTES of travel time 

between Beaufort and Ararat! 

For more details contact as per poster or via WHAM on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/867523523309131/

Numbers to phone for more information:

0408 545 229

0400 713 175

Could you also bring Yellow Ribbons
to tie around the trees
As a symbol of our care for them
Please know, we are being positive about saving these trees
for future generations

Activism through Climate Art - Art+Climate=Change 2015

For more about this please go here

Green Left Activist Calendar - 14-09-10

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar
	September 10, 2014

Socialist Alliance election launch: Community need not corporate greed

Saturday, September 20, 7pm. Stop the East West Link; Build public housing; Reverse the TAFE cuts; Real climate action; Expand public education and health to create jobs. Speakers: Sean Brocklehurst (SA candidate for Pascoe Vale) plus activists from various grassroots campaigns. Music from Inzane in the Membrane and Celine Yap. Cheap tasty dinner (from 6:30pm). Bar available. 7pm. Anatolian Cultural Centre, 195 Sydney Rd, Coburg (100m south of Reynard St).  For more info ph 9639 8622. Facebook event

Rally: People's climate mobilisation Australia

Sunday, September 21, 11am. On September 21, world leaders will be touching down in New York City for the UN's emergency summit on climate change. As they arrive, hundreds of thousands of people will take to the streets globally, calling on our leaders to use this summit to commit to bold climate action.11am. State Library, 328 Swanston St, City.

Film screening: 'Radical Wollongong' Melbourne premiere

Friday, September 26, 6:30pm. Documentary tale of miners battling deadly working conditions, women fighting Australia's biggest company, activists jailed for resisting the Vietnam draft, and today's movement to stop coal seam gas. From strikes to community rallies, from work-ins to parliament occupation, it features activist participants from Wollongong's unemployed unions, communists forced to set up an underground organisation, the battle against 'Pig Iron Bob', and struggles for Aboriginal justice in the Illawarra. This is the action-packed, people-powered story of Radical Wollongong. New Council Chambers, Trades Hall, 2 Lygon St, Carlton South. Tickets at the door. $20 solidarity, $15 full, $8 conc. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Thanks to Victorian Trades Hall Council for its support of the event. A fundraiser for 3CR Community Radio & Green Left Weekly.

This is the regular Melbourne activist calendar compiled by Green Left Weekly. Emailed to subscribers each Wednesday fortnight, it is a one-stop listing of the main left and progressive events in Melbourne and Geelong. Since it began in early 1991, Green Left Weekly has offered an indispensable alternative to the lies of the big-business media and has helped build the various movements for social change. To subscribe toGreen Left Weekly, visit our secure online website for rates and payment or call our national hotline on 1800 634 206. You can also contact us at the Resistance Centre, 5th floor, 407 Swanston St, City; ph 9639 8622. In Geelong we are at the Activist Centre, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St (opening hours: Mon 2-4:30pm, Fri 10am-4:30pm); ph 5222 6900. New email address? Not already receiving this calendar regularly? Want to subscribe someone else? Let us know at Greenleft Melbourne.

Thursday, September 11 Public meeting: Chile September 11: We don't forgive, We don't forget!  It has been 41 years since the US-backed coup against the popular and democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende in which thousands were killed and tortured. 11am-10pm. Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton South. For more info ph 0410 031 794, 9878 9799, 0425 539 149. Public meeting: Current issues in Australia’s treatment of refugees and asylum-seekers. Speakers:Michelle Foster (Melbourne Law School) and Eve Lester (Melbourne Law School). All are welcome. 1pm.Room 104, Level 1, Melbourne Law School 185 Pelham St, Carlton. To book visit Law School.  Fundraiser: APHEDA benefit concert for Gaza. Victorian union activists are hosting a fabulous event to raise money for our Gaza humanitarian appeal. To dazzle you on the night, there'll be an awesome MC and fabulous sounds courtesy of Casey Bennetto and The Half-Arsed Three, DJ Brunswick Massive and much more. 6:30pm. Bella Union, Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton South. $35. To book visit Bella Union. Film screening: Gasland II. Coal may be the single greatest threat to mankind but now we have a new contender. In this explosive follow-up to Gasland, filmmaker Josh Fox uses his trademark dark humour to take a deeper look at the dangers of fracking, the powers that are driving this invasive industry and the realities we face if unconventional gas takes over as the next big energy resource. You won’t believe the corruption and the greed driving this industry or the reckless nature of the people in power. Hear from residents including Australian farmers who are living with the devastating impacts of unconventional gas mining. Films followed by panel discussion with Quit Coal. 6:30pm. Kino Cinemas, Collins Place, 45 Collins St, City. To book visithttp://www.effm.org.au/gaslands-ii/ Tafanduhi: Ukeleles for West Papua. Relentless ukuleles for West Papua! Featuring: Black Orchid String Band (West Papua), Joe Geia, the Melbourne Ukulele Kollective, Rose Turtle Ertler, Helen Begley, the Ukulele Ladies, Cathouse and more. All money raised goes towards the ongoing campaign for West Papuan politcial prisoners. Five were recently released, but over 70 rermain in jail. 8pm. Bar 303, 303 High St, Northcote. Sunday, September 14 Rally: For medical cannabis. Rally to make the change and bring forth medicinal cannabis to help the children and all people. 2:30pm. Treasury Gardens, 2-18 Spring Street, East Melbourne. Planning meeting for anti-G20 Festival of Defiance in November. 5pm. All welcome. State Library, Swanston St, City. For more info email Melbourne Social Forum. Tuesday, September 16 Rally: No open cut on Big Hill. A controversial proposal by Canadian company, Crocodile Gold, has divided the community of the quiet rural town of Stawell in Western Victoria. The proposal is to develop two large open cut puts in close proximity to houses, a primary school, nursing home, church and other facilities. Please join the rally to voice concern about the environmental and health impacts of this major project. 1pm. Parliament house, Spring st, City. Forum: What is the reality of asylum seeker policy? Wholefoods is very proud to present this very rare event with our partner organisation RISE. 7pm. Monash Wholefoods, Monash University, Building 10, Wellington Rd, Clayton. Entry by donation. Money raised will go towards Wholefoods English classes. Wednesday, September 17-Tuesday, September 30 Exhibition: The art of silent protest. How do you protest without creating a disturbance? In view of new government legislation due to take effect in Victoria this year, a collective of Australian creatives respond to this question. Taking the form of the simple placard and exploring notions of social and ecological change, The Art of Silent Protest examines the visual impact of the art of activism. 11am-4pm (opening night: 6pm, September 17). The Snug, 447 High St, Northcote. Entry free. Thursday, September 18 Public meeting: Marcelo Svirsky conversation with Samah Sabawi. Marcelo Svirsky  is the author of After Israel: Towards Cultural Transformation. He argues that no political solution currently on offer can provide the cultural marrow necessary to effect a transformation of modes of being and ways of life in the State of Israel. 7pm. Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton South. $10/$5. Pre-book to guarantee your seat (NB: Facebook acceptance will not do this): phone 9662 3744 or email NIBS. Friday, September 19-Sunday, September 21 BRISBANE Conference: Australian Climate Action Summit. Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane. To book visit Climate Summit. Saturday, September 20 Socialist Alliance election launch: Community need not corporate greed! Stop the East West Link; Build public housing; Reverse the TAFE cuts; Real climate action; Expand public education and health to create jobs. Speakers: Sean Brocklehurst (SA candidate for Pascoe Vale) plus activists from various grassroots campaigns. Music from Inzane in the Membrane and Celine Yap. Cheap tasty dinner (from 6:30pm). Bar available. 7pm. Anatolian Cultural Centre, 195 Sydney Rd, Coburg (100m south of Reynard St).  For more info ph 9639 8622. Facebook event Sunday, September 21 Rally: People's climate mobilisation Australia. On September 21, world leaders will be touching down in New York City for the UN's emergency summit on climate change. As they arrive, hundreds of thousands of people will take to the streets globally, calling on our leaders to use this summit to commit to bold climate action.11am. State Library, 328 Swanston St, City.  Tuesday, September 23 Public meeting: How to stop the East West Link. Speakers: Sue Bolton & Sean Brocklehurst (both activists in Moreland Community Campagin Against the East West Link: MCAT). The startling Napthine government's decision to spend $8-15 billion on a single road project that will worsen congestion, is one that has left transport experts, academics and the community shaking their heads in disbelief. All welcome for a discussion on campaigning against the East-West Link and in support of public transport in Victoria. 2:30pm. RUSU offices (room 8.03.018), Building 8, RMIT City campus  (entrance from Swanston St). Organised by RMIT Resistance Club & Green Left Weekly.   For more info ph 9639 8622 or 0431 311 520. Comedy: Political Asylum at the Fringe Club. Featuring a fantastic lineup of smart and acerbic standup comics, this is the night for Abbott denialism, Labor lamentations and Palmer Party prophesising, all wrapped up in a flaming bundle of hilarity. Featuring: Rod Quantock; Stella Young; Toby Halligan; Nelly Thomas; Scott Abbot; Gerard McCulloch; Mick Neven. 9:30pm. North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne. Entry free! Tuesday, September 23-Saturday, October 4 Comedy: Rod Quantock: Invitation to a revolution. For 45 years Rod Quantock has been hurling Molotov Cocktails of Mirth at the deserving, cutting through bullshit with his Hatchet of Humour and now, because 'everyone has the right to be a bigot', he is saying things about Tony Abbott that would make a misogynist blush! But enough is enough, says Rod. There's still time for the Revolution. So rise up, get organised, buy a ticket and bring it on. There’s still time! Viva el Rod! (Special offer: Bring Jo Hockey to the show and you pay for his ticket too.) 8.15pm (Sun 7.15pm). 60 mins. Main Theatre, Lithuanian Club, 44 Errol St, North Melbourne. $28/$22. To book visit Invitation to a revolution Thursday, September 25- Sunday, September 28 FR!SK: Lucky Country. We have nothing to fear; we are the lucky country. We are entitled to equal opportunity and privilege is what we deserve. The only threat to our way of life is posed by the boats on our borders. It’s not our problem, yet we are accomplices in the denial of human rights. Lucky Countryexplores the struggle for human rights from the perspectives of asylum seekers and refugees, as well as their advocates and opposers. Thurs 6pm, Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm & 6pm, Sun 4pm & 8pm. Space 28, 28 Dodds St, Southbank. $19/$16. To book visit MFF14. FR!SK: The Adventures of Ophelia Sol (The Bride). In an audacious crusade against the world’s hostility towards same-sex marriage, one soul augments our love for people, not gender. The one, and only, fabulously flamboyant, Ophelia Sol invites you on a spectacular journey about love, identity and self-expression. Thurs, Fri: 6.30pm-10pm (30min); Sat, Sun: 2.30-9pm (30min). Space 28, 28 Dodds St, Southbank. Entry free. Thursday, September 25 Book Launch: John Tognolini's 'Brothers Part One: Gallipoli 1915'. Shows the horror of war for what it is, specifically, the hardship and suffering endured at Gallipoli. 7pm. New International Book Shop, Trades hall, cnr Victoria & Lygon sts, Carlton South. Friday, September 26 Film screening: 'Radical Wollongong' Melbourne premiere. Documentary tale of miners battling deadly working conditions, women fighting Australia's biggest company, activists jailed for resisting the Vietnam draft, and today's movement to stop coal seam gas. From strikes to community rallies, from work-ins to parliament occupation, it features activist participants from Wollongong's unemployed unions, communists forced to set up an underground organisation, the battle against 'Pig Iron Bob', and struggles for Aboriginal justice in the Illawarra. This is the action-packed, people-powered story of Radical Wollongong. 6:30pm.New Council Chambers, Trades Hall, 2 Lygon St, Carlton South. Tickets at the door.  $20 solidarity, $15 full, $8 conc. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Thanks to Victorian Trades Hall Council for its support of the event. A fundraiser for 3CR Community Radio & Green Left Weekly. Sunday, September 28 Public meeting: Righteous rights at the round table 2014. Youth driven forum providing a creative space for culturally diverse youth expression and celebration. Hot topics for discussion this year include racial profiling, intergenerational relationships, gender relationships and intercultural relationships. For full program visit www.multiculturalarts.com.au. 12-5pm. North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne. Free entry. Monday, September 29 Fundraiser: National Union of Workers 'Battle of the Bands'. Victorian Battle of the Bands will be the NUW's first and the competition will be on at this year's union picnic day. The winner will share the stage with another amazing musician at this year's Fluro Fightback for Anti-Poverty Week in October. 10am- 3pm. Moonee Valley Racing Club, McPherson St, Moonee Ponds. Public meeting: Strategies of resistance: Beyond the border. Australia’s border policies have become increasingly punitive over the past decade, under a succession of governments, as we push the ‘problem’ of asylum seekers who come by boat beyond our borders. Speakers: Aran Mylvaganam (spokesperson for the Tamil Refugee Council and activist for refugee rights); Angela Mitropoulos (writer and activist). 6:15pm. The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale St, City.  This is a free event. Bookings are recommended. To book visit Wheeler Centre. Saturday, October 4 Theatre: I'll Be There!  An inspiring music theatre show featuring songs and stories of solidarity that people really connect with. It was created, produced and performed by the Victorian Trade Union Choir in collaboration with award winning playwright Rebecca Lister and our musical director Michael Roper. The show has already had two sold out seasons in Melbourne at Trades Hall in 2012 and at La Mama in 2013. Now we are taking the show on the road with one show only in Melbourne then we're off to regional Victoria. 7pm. Unitarian Peace Memorial Church, 110 Grey St, East Melbourne. Hosted by Victorian Trade Union Choir. To book visit La Mama. Facebook event Sunday, October 5-Monday, October 6 Rally: Shut down Elbit Systems: Oppose Israel's War Machine. Israel’s 2014 war on Gaza, which saw 1951 Palestinians killed and 10,193 injured, has rightly prompted worldwide outrage and protest. One of the targets of these protests has been the Israeli arms companies that produce the weapons that have been used to massacre Palestinians. Elbit Systems is Israel’s largest military company. It provides a wide range of equipment and services to the Israeli military, including surveillance equipment used in Israel’s illegal Wall and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), known as drones. Elbit Systems armed drones are widely used by the Israeli military. Join Palestine solidarity groups and others in a community protest followed by a morning blockade of Elbit systems. 235 Ingles St, Port Melbourne. Sunday, October 5 Fundraiser: Rock 4 renewables. Featuring: Empat Lima, Alysia Manceau, Danny Walsh Banned, Nun of the Tongue. Plus DJ Emma Peel (PBS) & DJ Knave Knixx (Shack Shakers). Doors at 4pm. Gasometer, 484 Smith St, Collingwood. Thursday, October 9 Public Meeting: Stopping the East West Link. Join Moreland Community against the East West Link (MCAT) for a public meeting on the campaign. Speakers: Andrew Herrington (author of East West Link blog and former advisor to the Brumby government); Sue Bolton (a co-convenor of MCAT, Socialist Alliance Councillor for Moreland); Mike Naismith (Tunnel Picket), Lambros Tapinos (mayor or Moreland). 7pm. Coburg Court House, 1A Main St, Coburg. Organised by MCAT. For more info contact Riki 0400 877 819, Michael 0417 354 169 or Sue 0413 377 978. Saturday, October 11 Rally: Protest the first anniversary of 'Operation Sovereign Borders'. No tow-backs! No offshore or onshore detention! Process asylum claims for permanent visas! Scrap 'Operation Sovereign Borders'! Organised by the Refugee Action Collective. (NOTE THE NEW DATE.) December 2 - 13, 2014 2014 Australian solidarity tour to Venezuela will be a unique an opportunity to observe first-hand, learn about and be inspired by a grassroots movement that is transforming not only Venezuela, but all of Latin America, and is challenging the greed and destructiveness of global capitalism by showing that a better world is possible. The registration deadline is October 3, 2014. For more info visit Venezuela Solidarity.

Wednesday, September 10 BALLARAT Public meeting: Skills, jobs and the future of TAFE. AEU Victorian branch president Meredith Peace will present an overview of the situation facing our TAFE system, provide a specific picture of how this has impacted on TAFE in Ballarat and outline the campaign we are running to try and save TAFE in Victoria. TAFE teachers and students will also be talking about the importance of TAFE in their local communities. 5:30pm. Trades Hall, 24 Camp St, Ballarat. Thursday,  September 11 GEELONG Public meeting: Skills, jobs and the future of TAFE. See entry above. 5:30pm. Trades Hall, 127 Myers St, Geelong. Saturday, September 13 PORTARLINGTON Film screening: Mary Meets Mohammad. Follows the arrival of Tasmania’s first detention centre through the eyes of local Christian woman and knitting club member Mary and Muslim Afghan Hazara asylum seeker Mohammad, who is detained inside the centre, as they connect through the gift of a knitted beanie. 7:30am. Fellowship breakfast.  St Andrews Uniting Church Hall, Newcombe St, Portarlington. Please book with Barry Ruler 5259 3304 or Joy Porterer 5259 2538. SALE Film screening: Gasland II. Coal may be the single greatest threat to mankind but now we have a new contender. In this explosive follow-up to Gasland, filmmaker Josh Fox uses his trademark dark humour to take a deeper look at the dangers of fracking, the powers that are driving this invasive industry and the realities we face if unconventional gas takes over as the next big energy resource. 6.30pm. Cinema, 50, Cunninghame St, Sale. Sunday, September 14 WARBURTON Film screening: Mary Meets Mohammad. Follows the arrival of Tasmania’s first detention centre through the eyes of local Christian woman and knitting club member Mary and Muslim Afghan Hazara asylum seeker Mohammad, who is detained inside the centre, as they connect through the gift of a knitted beanie. 2pm. Mecca Theatre, Arts Centre, 3409 Warburton Hwy, Warburton. $10. Tea/coffee afterwards. Bookings: www.culturetracks.info or 1300 368 333 or at venue. Enquiries Kerry Nicholas 0439 039 171 ornicholas.g.k@southernphone.com.au   Hosted by Amnesty International Upper Yarra Group for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Wednesday, September 24 GEELONG Socialist Alliance election launch: Community need not corporate greed. Speaker: Sarah Hathway (SA candidate for Geelong). Please join the Geelong Socialist Alliance branch, friends and supporters to officially launch our state election campaign for the seat of Geelong. 6:30pm. Downstairs, Trades Hall 127 Myers St, Geelong. For more info ph 5222 6900. Sunday, September 28- Friday, September 3 QUEENSCLIFF Protest: Swan Island Peace Convergence 2014. For the fifth year in a row, peace activists are returning to the Swan Island Military Base in Queenscliff, Victoria for a week of non-violently resisting the SAS's role in dirty wars, through peaceful direct action. Swan Island Military base is a key training facility for the SAS who continue to fight and kill in Afghanistan in Australia’s name. The SAS are a key plank in our contribution to US imperialism through the ANZUS alliance. For more info visithttp://swanislandpeace.org/

Australian West Papua Association (AWPA). Struggles against the Indonesian occupation of West Papua and against environmental destruction and resource theft. For info 9510 2193 or email AWPA. Friends of the Earth's Anti-Nuclear & Clean Energy (ACE) collective. Meets every second Tuesday. FoE office, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. For meeting times & more info email Zin. Indigenous Social Justice Association. The Indigenous Social Justice Association was established in January 2005 campaigns to permanently stop Aboriginal deaths in custody. During 2013, ISJA will meet the first Thursday of every month. For more info visit ISJA. Quit Coal: No New Coal Power for Victoria. A Melbourne-based collective which campaigns against expansion of the coal industry in Victoria. We believe this is important because building new coal infrastructure locks in decades of dirty, old technology, when we should be moving towards clean, renewable energy. Quit Coal meets each Wednesday at 6pm, at FOE, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. For more info visit Quit Coal or email us. Refugee Action Collective. Established in 2000, RAC is a democratic, grassroots activist collective, representing a broad cross section of the community. It aims to mobilise opposition to Australia's inhuman refugee policies. For more info ph 0413 377 978 or visit RAC. Stop the East-West Link: Moreland Campaign Against the East-West Tunnel (MCAT) meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at the Temple Park Senior Citizens Centre, Hodgson St, Brunswick. For information contact Sue Bolton 0413 377 978; Michael Petit 0417 354 169; Riki Lane 0400 877 819 or go to Facebook. Yarra Campaign for Action on Transport (YCAT). For information on the campaign against the East-West Tunnel (pickets, meetings, info) visit YCAT. Timor Sea Justice Campaign. For info visit TSJC, email Tom Clarke or ph 0422 545 763.

Recent articles from Green Left Weekly

Send aid, not bombs to Iraq All out for world’s biggest climate march March in August reveals need for clearer focus in movement to beat Tony Abbott Spanish establishment trembles before Podemos advance Check out Green Left TV: See Fund the god damn CSIRO - March in August Brisbane To subscribe to Green Left Weekly visit our secure online website for rates and payment or call our national hotline on 1800 634 206. Join us on Facebook. You can also contact us at the Resistance Centre, 5th floor, 407 Swanston St, City; ph 9639 8622. In Geelong: Activist Centre, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St (opening hours: Mon 2-4.30pm, Fri 10am-4.30pm); ph 5222 6900.

Links: 'Socialism for the 21st century'

Links is an online journal which seeks to provide a forum for open and constructive dialogue between active socialists from different political traditions. It seeks to bring together those in the international left who are opposed to neoliberal economic and social policies, and reject the bureaucratic model of 'socialism' that arose in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Inspired by the unfolding socialist revolution in Venezuela, Links is a journal for 'Socialism of the 21st Century' and the discussions and debates flowing from that powerful example of socialist renewal. Kurds search for unity amid relentless fight to defeat 'Islamic State' thugs Iraq: West for pushes yet another Crusade Marxism and feminism: Was Marx a ‘class determinist’? Spain: Podemos and the dynamic reorganisation of the left

Socialist Alliance: Broad, non-sectarian, activist

Socialist Alliance is a proud supporter of the Green Left Weekly project and contributes a regular column. Socialist Alliance is a broad, non-sectarian socialist party, dedicated to bringing together all those who want to resist the capitalist assault on our planet and its people and fight for a socialist society that puts people's needs before business profits. Anyone who agrees with the general approach of our policies is welcome to join and organisations are invited to affiliate. For more information visit Socialist Alliance or join us on Facebook. See our recent statements: Government playing politics with refugees' lives Stop Israeli war crimes in Gaza! The movement to stop the war on the poor starts here Contact Socialist Alliance. Join with other socialists in the struggle. Melbourne: Visit us at the Resistance Centre, 5th floor, 407 Swanston St, City; ph 9639 8622. In Melbourne, Socialist Alliance meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm, at the Resistance Centre. Geelong: Activist Centre, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St (opening hours: Mon 2-4:30pm, Fri 10am-4:30pm); ph 5222 6900.

Moreland Socialists

Moreland Socialists is open to anyone (even if you live outside the area) who wants to work constructively to support Socialist Alliance councillor Sue Bolton and use her position to build up a stronger activist left presence in Moreland. In general, we meet monthly and alternate between Coburg and Fawkner. If you want to get involved in the group, email us at Socialist Alliance or phone Sue on 9639 8622 or 0413 377 978. For news and opinion visit Sue's Moreland Report or Facebook.

Resistance Bookshop

Christianity, Islam and Atheism: Reflections on religion, society and politics Indian-born and Catholic-educated, author Michael Cooke migrated to Australia in his teens. He moved away from religion and towards the political left. In this stimulating new work he focuses on issues where religion intersects with the secular society. He engages variously with the Catholic George Pell and the Muslim Waleed Aly. He also takes issue with Richard Dawkins and the so-called ‘New Athesists’. 124pp, $15. Available from Resistance Bookshop, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City or online from Resistance Books.

Hope in the art - means hope in the heart

FROM HERE

Don't be silent. Set your protest to music!

Hat Tip to Camilo de Guillermina for this.

Richard Curtis has made a nigh-on 30-minute film about protest, mainly through protest songs. He’s had a little help from Chiwetel Ejiofor and Colin Firth, and there’s not really any knocking the soundtrack.

The film was designed to be seen live, and projected onto the side of London’s Tate Modern Gallery, but that projection was filmed and is now online so you can get angry in the privacy of your own home. In a good way.

In support of Ben Quilty on the free of fees athletes at the Australian Institute of Sport

Australia's great artist, Ben Quilty, has spoken up and out to-day.  Australians are known around the world as being sports mad - and it is not just a bottom up thing.  It also runs from the top down with the government allowing sportsmen and sportswomen to attend the Australian Institute of Sport without incurring a HECS (Higher Education Contribution Scheme) debt.

Ben Quilty is not the first to raise this anomaly - this free gift to sport.  It has been an issue since the introduction of HECS and is part of the fall-out of Australia's poor swim medal performance in the Montreal Olympics of 1976.  Australia felt shamed and the poor showing in the swim medal tally has continued to haunt Australian sport since so reference to 1976 emerges from the shadows with some regularity in Australia.  Out of the ashes of our great medal lack came the Australian Institute of Sport and special support for our athletes.  

The result has been that Australia has been well rewarded for its investment - except the swimming performance at the London Olympics is being questioned thoroughly.  Under the review spotlight, poor behaviour by leading male swimmers has come into view.  Shame for Australia once again - and once again it is members of the swim team. 

Some graduate swimmers have done well financially and established successful post-swimming careers - notable among these has been Ian Thorpe.

So why shouldn't people query the free ride given to AIS athletes - when other tertiary graduates, especially those who deliver great service in important and significant professions, have to pay.

My own view is that tertiary education for all should be free as it was in the Whitlam years - and those who make big dollars further along in their careers should pay through a progressive taxation system which is not afraid to tax high income earners. 

I hope more voices join Ben Quilty in supporting HECS payments for AIS athletes.

Dale Hess's Calendar - 2013-02-04

Friday 8 February, 7.30 pm: Kanyini Film Night & Information Session. This will include film, dinner and a discussion.  Please emailinfo@oases.edu.au to register your interest or call Lisa Moore on 03-9819-3502. Venue: Oases Graduate School, Community Learning and Research Centre, 2 Minona Street, Hawthorn.

Saturday 9 February – Sunday 24 February: Sustainable Living Festival. For details see: http://festival.slf.org.au/

Wednesday 13 February, 8 am – 10 am: Commemorating the 5^th Anniversary of the National Apology. Join members of Aboriginal communities, school students and reconciliation supporters to commemorate the 5th anniversary of this sacred moment in our nation’s history….a moment we must never forget! Free coffee and breakfast! Live music from the Kutcha Edwards Trio. Students displaying Proud Race bollards of inspiring Aboriginal people. Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy. Link-Up Victoria book launch ‘Where were you?’ with guest speakers. Screening of the Apology Speech. Federation Square Main Stage.

"Morning Glory" in the Gulf of Carpentaria

Picture from here

Thursday 14 February, 6 pm – 8 pm: Opening of Flow of Voices: Paintings from the Gulf of Carpentaria by Jackie Green. At the Arena Project Space, 2 Kerr Street Fitzroy. Opened by Jacky Green, Prof. Jon Altman & Dr. Seán Kerins, Centre For Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, The Australian National University. ‘I want the government and mining companies to know that we are still here. We aren’t going anywhere. We aren’t dead yet. We are still here, feeling the country.’  Exhibition runs 14 - 24 February. Wednesday to Sunday – 11 am – 6 pm. Contact APS, projectspace@arena.org.au, Tel: (03) 9416 0232; website: www.arena.org.au.

Wednesday 13 February, 6 pm – 7.15 pm: Public Lecture: Seeking security: Australia's refugee policy in a time of complexity and change. Speakers: Ass Prof Harry Minas, the Director for the Centre for International Mental Health of the Melbourne School of Population Health at the University of Melbourne and Alex Pagliaro, the refugee campaigner for Amnesty International Australia, helping to ensure the rights of refugees and asylum seekers are protected in Australia. Venue: Monash University Law Chambers, 555 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. RSVP: castan.centre@monash.edu or telephone 03 9905 3327. Details: http://www.law.monash.edu.au/castancentre/events/2013/refugeepolicy.html

Picture from here

Sunday 17 February, 3 pm: Religious and Legal Attitudes on Refugees. The Council of Christians and Jews (Victoria) presentsguest speakers Julian Burnside, Rabbi Kim Ettlinger, Sr Brigid Arthur and Sheik Abdinur Weli. Edmund Rice Education Australia,9 The Vaucluse, Richmond (off Church Street) ample parking (vehicle entry from St Kevin’s Waterford Campus on the Vaucluse opp. St Ignatius Church). You are cordially invited to attend by please advising the CCJ office. Tel 9817 3848 or email ccjvic@bigpond.net.au.

 Monday 4 March and Thursday 7 March: Community Development Course. Learn practical ways of empowering communities; Understand the basic concepts of Community Development; Examine power and change processes; Discuss community development practices; Hold conversations with experienced Community Development workers; Access to further learning resources; Come to understand the field; Use the modes of head (intellect), heart (feelings), hands (practical work with people) and feet (groundedness). Led by Jim Ife,Jacques Boulet and Rob Nabben. Contact: 9819 3239, 2 Minona St, Hawthorn, icd@borderlands.org.au. Cost: $300 full / $250 con. Bookings essential.

Friday 15 March, 6.15 pm for 6.30 pm – 9.15 pm: Film Screening:  Rachel.  It was 10 years ago that Rachel was killed by an Israeli bulldozer as she tried to stop it crushing a Palestinian home. This is the story of her tragic death and the people she had come to love. State Library of Victoria, Conference Centre, Entry 2, La Trobe Street, Melbourne. Cost $15 plus booking fee $1.89. Book online: http://www.eventbrite.com.au/event/4361336876?ref=ebtnebtckt#

Saturday 16 March – Sunday 24 March: Cultural Diversity Week. For details, see: http://www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/projects-and-initiatives/cultural-diversity-week

Friday 5 April and Monday 8 April: Advanced Community Development Course. Feel more confident in practicing community development in your workplace; Examine the issues, challenges and dilemmas of Community Development; Connect theory with practice; Hold conversations with decision makers and other Community Development workers; Access to further learning resources; Use the modes of head (intellect), heart (feelings), hands (practical work with people) and feet (groundedness); Think creatively about your organisational context; Interfacing with the wider context. Led by Jim Ife, Jacques Boulet and Rob Nabben. Contact: 9819 3239, 2 Minona St, Hawthorn, icd@borderlands.org.au. Cost: $350 full / $300 con. Both courses: $600. Bookings essential. 

Sunday 12 May – Sunday 19 May: Kanyini Intensive (working with Uncle Bob Randall and his family). 7-day intensive (Sunday to Sunday, plus travel time) retreat located with in the Uluru National Park and surrounds in the Northern Territory. This is a unique opportunity to receive teachings from Bob Randall on the principles of Kanyini and Aboriginal culture. This will be a profound experience towards integrity in cultural counter-flows, a re-alignment of the importance of personal spirituality, and towards acknowledgment of 70,000 years of Aboriginal knowledge and traditions. Uncle Bob will share his wisdom and belief that spirituality is the ultimate answer to reconciliation in Australia. Uncle Bob will share his wisdom on aspects of Kanyini including, connections with the dreaming, place, family relationships and the spirit. Teaching Kanyini and sharing Aboriginal culture, knowledge and spirituality with all Australians and beyond, are an integral part of Bob's vision. Further information: email info@oases.edu.au or call 03 9819 3502.