Gas crisis for NSW? - Will someone tell govt, business & the moneybags lot that the time for lies, disguises, and self-interest is over

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar 2013-10-23

	Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar
	October 23, 2013

Conference: Stand up! Fight back! Ideas to challenge Abbott's agenda

Saturday, November 2. Plenary & workshop topics: Workers, refugees, the environment: In the firing line but fighting back * What kind of feminism are we fighting for? * Beyond market solutions: Fighting for environmental justice * Towards a socialist Australia * No justice, No peace: Uniting to fight racism.Click for detailed agenda.  10am-5pm. Maritime Union of Australia Hall, 46-54 Ireland Street, North Melbourne (5 minute walk from North Melbourne Station). Full day: $15/$8 (Includes morning & afternoon tea); half day: $7/$4 (includes morning or afternoon tea) . Lunch available. Organised by Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 9639 8622.

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.

Wednesday, October 23 Public meeting: Action on air pollution in the Inner West. 21,000 trucks travel inner West streets every day, through Yarraville, Seddon, Footscray, and Kingsville. Diesel trains are also prevalent & set to increase. Find out what diesel pollution means for your health and what we can do to clean up our air. Speakers: 1. Merryn Redenbach (Doctors for the Environment); Richard Di Natale (Greens senator & public health specialist); Samantha McArthur (Maribyrnong Truck Action Group); Colleen Hartland (Greens MP). 6:30pm. Acqua E Vino bar-restaurant, upstairs, 18a Ballarat St, Yarraville. Friday, October 25 Memorial meeting for Doug Lorimer. Commemorating the life of a longtime socialist who died earlier this year. 6:30pm (for 7pm start). Upstairs, Bar Centrale, 162 Lygon St, Carlton. Fundraiser: Rock for Refugees. This will be a very special night of music, dancing, sharing stories and most of all information about how you can get involved with grassroots refugee struggles. Featuring: New dub city; Flybz; Birdz. 7:30pm. Bar 303, 303 High St, Northcote. $8/$10 (solidarity). This is a fundraiser for RISE (Refugees, Survivors and Ex-Detainees). Saturday, October 26 Rally: Defend the Fertility Control Clinic. The anti-abortionists '40 Days for Life' continues until November 3, and the Fertility Control Clinic is its chief Melbourne target. October 26 is also the anti-abortion zealots' monthly 'Rosary Parade'. In September, the prospect of a large defence scared them away. 9:30 am. 118 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne. Sunday, October 27 Planning meeting: Stop the theft of public housing. Planning meeting and workshop for the November 9 'Stop the theft of public housing' street meeting at the State Library.1-4pm. Jika Jika Community Centre, cnr Plant & Union Sts, Northcote. Monday, October 28 Planning meeting: Stop the East-West Tunnel: Recruiting other groups to the campaign.6pm. Elderly Citizenship Centre, Eddy Court, Collingwood. (Melway ref: 2C, 10H) Adjacent to Collingwood Station. Sponsored by VITAL (Victorian Integrated Transport Alliance). Please RSVP to Freda Watkin, Secretary, Yarra Campaign for Action on Transport (YCAT) on 0422 650 936 or emailFreda. Tuesday, October 29 Conscience on Collins:  'I have a dream . . .' In honour of the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s famous speech, Collins Street Baptist Church and Urban Seed have invited the speakers to share their dream for this city and society: Adam Bandt (Greens federal MP); Jessie Taylor (barrister & refugee advocate); Bob Maguire (‘Larrikin priest’ & social activist).  $5/$10 (in support of Urban Seed).6pm. Baptist Church, 174 Collins St , City. Public meeting: Australia & the nuclear umbrella: absurd, immoral & reckless. Speaker: Richard Tanter (Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability). Dyason House, 124 Jolimont Rd, East Melbourne. 6pm. For more information visit AIIN. Wednesday, October 30 Rally: Abbott get your hands off our education and student unions. Student action against Abbott and Pyne’s ‘inquiry’ into higher education. We will assemble at Parliament House and then march to the Liberal Party HQ on Exhibition St. Stand up and fight back for your right to a fair and equal tertiary education. 12:30pm. Parliament, Spring St, City. Friday, November 1 Film screening: Fallout. Documentary that explores the iconic filming of Nevil Shute's novel On The Beach in Melbourne in the late 1950s. Shute’s novel depicts the last huddle of humanity preparing to die as a cloud of nuclear fallout drifts towards Australia. 6:30pm. Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon St, Carlton. Presented by ICAN (International Campaign Against Nuclear Weapons). For more info visit ICAN. Saturday, November 2 Conference: Stand up! Fight back! Ideas to challenge Abbott's agenda. Plenary & workshop topics on: Workers, refugees, the environment: In the firing line but fighting back * What kind of feminism are we fighting for? * Beyond market solutions: Fighting for environmental justice * Towards a socialist Australia * No justice, No peace: Uniting to fight racism. Click for detailed agenda. 10am-5pm. Maritime Union of Australia Hall, 46-54 Ireland St, North Melbourne (5-minute walk from North Melbourne Station). Full day: $15/$8 (includes morning & afternoon tea); half day: $7/$4 (includes morning or afternoon tea) . Lunch available. Organised by Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 9639 8622. Sunday, November 3 Film screening: Mary Meets Mohammad. Tasmania’s first detention centre opens and local knitting club member Mary, a staunchly Christian pensioner, is not welcoming of the 400 male asylum seekers mostly from Afghanistan. Mohammad is a 26 year old Muslim asylum seeker detained inside the centre and an unlikely friendship develops between Mary and Mohammad after her knitting club donates woollen beanies to the asylum seekers. Mary finds many of her prior beliefs are challenged as her relationship with Mohammad deepens. 6:30pm. Premiere + filmmaker Q & A. (Then sessions twice day from November 7-13.) Kino Cinema, 45 Collins St, City. To book ph 9650 2100 or visit Mary meets Mohammad. Wednesday, November 6 Public meeting: Workers power and international action. AAWL co-ordinator Pier Moro reports on his recent visit to India and the struggles of car workers at Maruti Suzuki. 6pm. Evatt Room, Trades Hall. Organised by Australia Asia Worker Links. Thursday, November 7 Rally: Defend women's birthing rights. In defence of  women's right to choose where and how to give birth — a core reproductive right. In Australia and around the world, women are denied this choice: women who assert this right and midwives who support them are threatened and punished with severe legal penalties.  10am. Women's Hospital, cnr Grattan St & Flemington Rd, Parkville. Organised by Campaign for Women's Reproductive Rights. Saturday, November 9 Street meeting: Stop the theft of public housing. Both major parties want to privatise public housing, that is part of the National Affordable Housing Agreement of 2009 to which all states have signed up. But Australia has a housing crisis and public housing is a large part of the solution to that. The privatisation madness must stop. 1pm. Gather underneath statue of St Joan in front of the State Library, Swanston St. Protest: No coal port for Victoria, no port expansion for Hastings. Brown coal export ports have been proposed for Hastings, the Ninety Mile Beach and Corner Inlet. Gippsland communities concerned with the same threat will attend this action.  It is supported by Quit Coal. 2pm. Fred Smith Reserve, Hastings foreshore. For more info visit WPPC Public meeting: Trade unionist refugee activist strategy meeting. The aim of this meeting is to discuss how to build more effective networks between unionists and refugee activists in order to build greater support for the refugee campaign. Speakers: Kevin Bracken (MUA Victorian branch secretary); Jeannie Rea (NTEU national president). 1pm. ANF house, 540 Elizabeth St, City. Organised by Refugee Action Collective. Tuesday, November 12 Public meeting: 17,300 nuclear weapons. Screening Maralinga Pieces, Genie in a bottle: Unleashedand The War Game. Speakers: Dimity Hawkins, Tim Wright (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons) and Gisela Gardener. 7pm. Longplay Bar and Cinema, 318 St Georges Rd, North Fitzroy. Hosted by the ACE Collective. Sunday, November 17 Rally: National day of climate action. 11am. Treasury Place, City. Organised by GetUp. For more info visit GetUp. Monday, November 18 Rally: Canberra convergence to demand a fair go for refugees & asylum seekers. It's time to tell our parliamentarians to stop violating human rights and adopt compassionate policies that protect asylum seekers. Parliament House, Canberra. To join the bus from Melbourne, emailtrconcepts@netspace.net.au or ph 0409 252 673. Organised by Refugee Action Network. Friday, November 22 Rod Quantock: Forty-five and counting. A walk down Memory Tollway (Rod remembers when it was a Lane) as Australia’s most seriously funny comedian reveals the things that have made him laugh for the last 45 years and sets a course for the next 45. Doors open 7pm (for 7:30pm start). To book visitTicketek. Saturday, November 23 Rally: Equal marriage rights now. 1pm. State Library, 328 Swanston St, City. Tuesday, November 26 Public meeting: Muckaty & radioactive waste. Screening Muckaty Voices and Into Eternity.Speaker: Dave Sweeney (Australian Conservation Foundation). 7pm. Longplay Bar and Cinema, 318 St Georges Rd, North Fitzroy. Hosted by the ACE Collective. Friday, December 13-Sunday, December 15 Conference: How to make a revolution. Ideas for socialist youth. For young people across Australia and the world, these are difficult times. The newly elected Coalition led by the bigot Tony Abbott is rolling out a wave of cuts and attacks against young people, students, the LGBTIQ community, women, indigenous people, workers and refugees, while around the world governments and the ruling elite attempt to hold onto power against a rising tide of furious and marginalised young people.This is a conference to help young people who are ready and willing to challenge the system to develop a political understanding of the oppressive system we live under and a clear analysis of how to change it. Brisbane Activist Centre, 74b Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley. Organ ised by Resistance & Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 9639 8622.

Thursday, October 31 Warragul Public meeting: CSG information night. Speakers include: Mark Ogge (Australia Institute). 7pm. Warragul Community House, 138 Normanby St, Warragul. For more info ph Cathy or Judy on 5623 6032. Saturday, November 9 Benalla Public meeting: Stop the boats, burn the boats or welcome the boats? Speakers: Julian Burnside & Pamela Curr (Asylum Seeker Resource Centre). This public forum will discuss the current political and social implications of seeking asylum in Australia and ways in which we might respond to the need for safe refuge in Australia. 6pm. FCJ College, Wedge St, Benalla.

Beyond Zero Emissions Melbourne branch. We meet on the third Monday of every month at Level 2, Kindness House, 288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. For more info email Chitra Perez or ph 0401 087 085. 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. Melbourne Feminist Action Group. It's time to put women's rights back on the public agenda. We've started an open organising group and everyone's invited, from already existing women's rights groups and activist organisations, to women and men who may never have been involved in feminist action in their lives but just want to do something. For more info ph 0438 869 790 or email us. 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. Victorian Climate Action Calendar. For a comprehensive list of climate action events in our state. To subscribe to the calendar email Monique Decortis. Weekly updates are e-mailed out and online updates are available at VCAC. To add an event to the calendar, please download the Event Template from the website. Feel free to forward the VCAC to other interested people. Workers Solidarity Network. WSN believes that we, as workers, have the power to improve our working conditions and bring about positive social change. WSN believes that the only way to bring about a fairer share of resources in our society in by forming active unions and community organisations to fight for it. For more info visit WSN. Yarra Campaign for Action on Transport: Stop the East-West Link – Support Doncaster Rail. For all information on the campaign against the East-West Tunnel (pickets, meetings, info) visit YCAT.

Recent articles from Green Left Weekly

Climate change is a political problem Socialist councillor re-elected in Fremantle No winners in Labor leadership poll Government refugee secrecy fails Check out Green Left TV: See Rape Culture, Misogyny and the Fight Against Women's Oppression 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. John Bellamy Foster: The epochal crisis -- the combined capitalist economic and planetary ecological crises Malaysia: Kampong Hakka -– when 100 years of community residence does not matter Thailand: The bloody civil war in Patani and the way to achieve peace Bolivia: Workers to take over closed or abandoned firms; The working class and the political process

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: Women’s rights, not prisons and police Reject government secrecy on refugee arrivals Four reasons to stop the East-West Tunnel 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.

Concern about Coal: Fighting Fracking in Victoria; Lakes Oil in Western Vic; an export facility on beautiful but fragile 90 Mile Beach

From Cam Walker of Friends of the Earth

Dear Friends

Thank you to everyone who came along to the ‘farmers and friends against fracking’ rally last Sunday.

As you know, our petition was one of the ones handed in to Greens MP Greg Barber on the 18^th.

The Energy Minister is feeling the pressure (and came out in the media the next day to counter the rally  and say that ‘he is open to discussion on fracking’.)

However, he has still not organised the community consultation he keeps promising.

Please email or call his office, asking him to engage with the community as a matter of urgency. Tell him that there should be no on-shore exploration or production of gas until we know whether it will be safe for people, water supplies and farming. Ask him to initiate a public inquiry into this matter.

A phone call has the most impact: (03) 9651 1156

But an email is good too:

Hon Nicholas KotsirasMinister for Energy and Resourcesnicholas.kotsiras@parliament.vic.gov.au, 

Please remember, we have a monthly email newsletter, if you’d like to stay in the loop on what we are doing, please email cam.walker@foe.org.au with the words SUBSCRIBE CLIMATE in the subject line

Regards

Cam Walker

Friends of the Earth

CONTENTS

·  Farmers and friends against fracking rally

·  Lakes Oil in Western VIC

·  Coal export facility on 90 Mile Beach?

·  Local meetings: Yarragon, Drouin, Catani

·  Getting involved

Farmers and friends against fracking

There is a great set of photos on the Quit Coal facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/quitcoal.org.au/media_set?set=a.420077811442101.1073741832.100003196581402&type=1

Lakes Oil – western VIC

Lakes Oil have been quietly drilling for gas in western Victoria under petroleum exploration permits PEP163 andPEP169. 

These were issued under the Petroleum act for 'tight gas', not the MRSD Act which is used for Coal Seam Gas (CSG). One permit allows for 3 wells and to 'frack' one, the other permit for one well, drilling only.

These sites are near Timboon and north of Peterborough (PEP 169)and a broad area from Aireys Inlet up towards Winchelsea and across to Geelong, then down through the Bellarine Peninsula (PEP 163).

If you live in either of these areas and want to help stop Lakes Oil, please get in touch. Cam.walker@foe.org.au

We are hoping to hold an info session in Torquay shortly.

Further info here.

http://www.melbourne.foe.org.au/?q=node/1240

Coal export facility on 90 Mile Beach?

It has recently come to light that “a $3 billion rail line and port concept connecting the Latrobe Valley to the Bass Straight via a port at McGauran's Beach on the Ninety Mile Beach …is … the preferred export route by developers of alternative brown coal technologies”.

In May 2013, the Victorian government said that it wanted to see development of ‘next generation’ coal mines in the Latrobe Valley. An export industry will need new mines, new roads, new infrastructure and new ports.

So far, the Port of Hastings and Port Anthony have been suggested as possible locations for export infrastructure. A proposal for 90 Mile Beach seems particularly crazy.

We will be launching a campaign shortly, but in the meantime, check here for further details on what is proposed:http://www.melbourne.foe.org.au/?q=node/1257

Local events

Below is a list of some of the other upcoming events/meetings in Gippsland. If you have been thinking of getting more involved, WE NEED YOU, please come along to any of the gatherings below, everyone is welcome!

Meet the Candidates Coal & Gas Forum 

When: Wednesday the 28th August @ 7pm

Where: Yarragon Public Hall, Campbell St, Yarragon

All known candidates in the McMillian electorate have been invited.

For more information email: bbsn@dcsi.net.au

Friday 30th August, 7pm

Drouin CSG Information Meeting

@ The Drouin South Hall, Drouin-Korumburra road

Speakers: Dr Gavin Mudd (Groundwater Specialist), Felicity Millner (Environment Defenders Office)

and Dr Merryn Reddenbach (Doctors for the Environment)

Catani CSG Information Night

When: Wednesday 11th September @ 7pm

Where: Catani Football Club, Taplins road, Catani

Speakers Include: Ariane Wilkinson (Environment Defenders Office) &

Allison Sable (Seaspray Local)

For more info call Gillian on 0418 995 756

Getting involved

NO CSG IN VICTORIA 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/No-CSG-in-Victoria/278427315523831

Friends of the Earth facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-the-Earth-Australia/16744315982

Quit Coal: 

http://quitcoal.org.au/

FoE website: 

http://www.melbourne.foe.org.au/

To support our work, please check here: 

http://www.givenow.com.au/foecsgcampaign

Campaigns co-ordinator

Friends of the Earth

Box 222, Fitzroy, 3065

Ph: 03 9419 8700 (ext 20)

M: 0419 338 047

melbourne.foe.org.au

foe.org.au

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar 2013-08-14

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar

August 14, 2013

Rally Equal Love 9th anniversary rally Saturday, August 17, 1pm. State Library, cnr Swanston & La Trobe Sts, City. Equal Love's rally will mark the 9th anniversary since John Howard changed the marriage act to state that marriage shall be strictly 'an institution between a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others'. The rally is three weeks before the federal election and is expected to send a loud and passionate message to both major parties demanding equality.

Rally Farmers against fracking Sunday, August 18, 1pm. City Square, cnr Collins & Swanston Sts, City. A peaceful gathering showcasing what's at risk from the planned expansion of Victoria's coal and unconventional gas industries. We will be handing over our 10,000-strong petition to Greg Barber who will table it in parliament the following week. Come and show your support for farmers and communities who will be most affected by the expansion of coal, coal seam gas, tight gas and shale gas. Speakers: Rod Quantock (MC) & Drew Hutton (founder of Lock the Gate Alliance). March to State Library. Organised by Quit Coal & Coal and CSG Free Mirboo North. For more info visit Quit Coal

Wills candidates meeting Our climate & sustainability Monday, August 19, 7pm (for 7:30pm start). Coburg Concert Hall, Moreland Civic Centre, 90 Bell St, Coburg. For the 2013 federal election, come and hear what the candidates have to say about policies. The following Wills candidates have agreed to attend: Dean O'Callaghan (Save the Planet), Kelvin Thomson (Australian Labor Party), Margarita Windisch (Socialist Alliance), Tim Read (Greens). Entry: gold coin donation. Presented by Climate Action Moreland; supported by: Moreland BUG, Brunswick Residents Network, CERES, Sustainable Fawkner, Friends of Upfield Linear Park. For more info ph 0431 445 930.

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 at Green Left Weekly 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.

Other coming events

Thursday, August 15

Concert: MDC (Multi Death Corporation). MDC, aka Millions Of Dead Cops aka Multi Death Corporation aka Millions of Dead Children, are credited as one of the most politically vocal US hardcore punk bands to come out of the early 1980s and will make their way to Australian shores for the first time ever this August. Over 30 years after their formation, MDC are still full of breakneck, old school punk rock energy and loaded on furious guitar riffs, singing their anthems for the anarchic, open-minded and disenfranchised. Doors 7:30pm. Northcote Social Club, 301 High St, Northcote. $44. To book visit NSC.

Friday, August 16

Rally: Climate activists for mine workers. Before all else comes solidarity! Locked-out mine workers and their families are coming to Melbourne for a joint protest with climate activists, for dignified, safe working conditions and a transition to renewable energy jobs. 11am. China Light & Power, 385 Bourke St, City.

Public meeting: Stop racism, not the boats: How can we rebuild a grassroots refugee movement?6:30pm. Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton South.

Fundraiser: Solidarity dinner supporting Latin American Solidarity Conference. 7pm. Bar-Bistro, 14 Smith St, Collingwood. $25/$20. Organised by LASNET. RSVP by August 15 to 0425 539 149 (seats are limited).

Saturday, August 17

Rally: Equal Love 9th anniversary rally. Equal Love's rally will mark the 9th anniversary since John Howard changed the marriage act to state that marriage shall be strictly 'an institution between a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others'. The rally is three weeks before the federal election and is expected to send a loud and passionate message to both major parties demanding equality. 1pm. State Library, cnr Swanston & La Trobe Sts, City.

Public meeting: Community gathering in Melbourne as the West Papua Flotilla embarks from Cairns. Come along and enjoy West Papuan culture; Support West Papuan political prisoners. Speaker:Rev. Peter Woods (ex-missionary West Papua & longtime worker for West Papuan self-determination). 2pm. St Lukes Uniting Church, 94 Essex Rd, Mt Waverley. $10 (or donation; children free). For more info ph Shereen 0461 596 857 or Faye 0402 853 147 or visit Free West Papua.

Public meeting: Democracy action convergence. What can be done about the sorry state of democracy in Australia? What should a twenty-first century democracy look like and how can we get there? How can we harness the new technologies of participation to give ordinary Australians a fair say in our democracy? Real Democracy Australia is pleased to invite you to a day of workshops, discussion and stategising to change the way our democracy works. 10am-5pm. Melbourne Town Hall, cnr Collins & Swanston sts, City. $20 (or $25 on the door). Register at: Democracy convergence.

Saturday, August 17-Sunday August 18

Public meeting: People's hearing into racism and policing. Have your voice heard! If you have experienced racial or religious profiling by police, or if your family, group, clients or community have been impacted by racially discriminatory policing this is your chance to tell your story. The People's Hearing is a safe and supportive opportunity to ensure all community voices are heard. It will identify the nature and extent of racial profiling by police and look for systemic long-term changes to prevent it. We will hear from impacted communities, witnesses, victims, advocates and community representatives. All welcome; entry free. If you are interested in sharing your story contact Chantelle Higgs 9376 4355. 10am-4pm. Melbourne Town Hall, cnr Swanston & Collins Sts, City. Register at: People's Hearing.

Sunday, August 18

Rally: Farmers against fracking. A peaceful gathering showcasing what's at risk from the planned expansion of Victoria's coal and unconventional gas industries. We will be handing over our 10,000 strong petition to Greg Barber who will table it in parliament the following week. Come and show your support for farmers and communities who will be most affected by the expansion of coal, coal seam gas, tight gas and shale gas. Speakers: Rod Quantock (MC) & Drew Hutton (founder of Lock the Gate Alliance). 1pm. City Square, cnr Collins & Swanston Sts, City. March to State Library. Organised by Quit Coal & Coal and CSG Free Mirboo North. For more info visit Quit Coal.

Public meeting: Support LGBTI rights in Russia. The Putin regime's recent banning of 'gay propaganda' (any non-negative mention of LGBTI people) and the increasing attacks on LGBTI people in the street by neo-Nazis have shocked the world. Prominent Russian socialist and LGBT activist Igor Yasin will be speaking live from Moscow explaining the reasons behind what's happening in Russia and how people in Australia can give concrete support to the organisations on the ground. 7pm. Fitzroy Town Hall. $8/$5. All money raised will go to on-the-ground community campaigns against homophobia in Russia.

Fundraiser: Spoken word for refugees. 7pm. Bella Union, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton South (enter via Lygon). $8/$10/$15 (solidarity).

Monday, August 19

Wills candidates meeting: Our climate & sustainability. For the 2013 federal election, come and hear what the candidates have to say about policies. The following Wills candidates have agreed to attend: Dean O'Callaghan (Save the Planet), Kelvin Thomson (Australian Labor Party), Margarita Windisch (Socialist Alliance), Tim Read (Greens). 7pm (for 7:30pm start). Coburg Concert Hall, Moreland Civic Centre, 90 Bell St, Coburg. Entry: gold coin donation. Presented by Climate Action Moreland; supported by: Moreland BUG, Brunswick Residents Network, CERES, Sustainable Fawkner, Friends of Upfield Linear Park. For more info ph 0431 445 930.

Monday, August 19–Sunday August 25

Festival: Fair food week. Co-ordinated by Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance to support the Peoples' Food Plan, Australia's first-ever Fair Food Week shines a light on our new story of food. Over the week you will discover events across the country that will attract, intrigue and entertain you: forums; workshops; speakers, films, farmers’ fairs, food swaps, community garden and farm tours. For more info visit Fair food week.

Tuesday, August 20

Rally: National day of action against higher education cuts. (1) No cuts to funding, staff or courses; (2) More funding; (3) Education for all: No caps on placements, raise student welfare, reinstate start-up scholarships, more Indigenous graduates, retention and completion, concession cards for international students. 2pm. State Library, cnr Swanston &amp La Trobe Sts, City.

Wednesday, August 21

Public meeting: Wikileaks & whistleblowers. Bradley Manning told the truth that the richest and most powerful state in the world tried to cover up, tried to hide from its citizens. A world now more militarised than ever before by the far-too-rich and the far-too-powerful, needs more Bradley Mannings, more Edward Snowdens, more Julian Assanges. 12pm. Student meeting room, room 8.03.018 (opposite gym). Organised by RMIT Resistance Club. For more info ph 9639 8622 or 0431 311 520.

Public meeting: How can we stop the race to the bottom on refugee policy? The 2013 election sees Abbott and Rudd competing over who can kick refugees the hardest. Abbott wants to 'stop the boats', risking lives by towing boats back to sea. Labor is budgeting $7.5 billion over the next 4 years to detain asylum seekers and implement the failed Howard era policy of offshore processing. Grill the candidates for the federal seat of Melbourne and join the Refugee Action Collective for a discussion on how we can win a genuinely humane policy towards refugees. Speakers: Adam Bandt (Greens); Margarita Windisch (Socialist Alliance); Anthony Maine (Socialist Party); Cath Bowtell (ALP); Chris Breen (Refugee Action Collective); a refugee speaker. 6:30pm. Multi-Cultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St, City. Organised by Refugee Action Collective.

Thursday, August 22

Fundraiser: Rock the Boat benefit gig. Make some noise for asylum seekers. Featuring Joelistics; The Basics; Even. Doors 7:30pm. Northcote Social Club, 301 High St Northcote. $30. To book ph 1300 724 867.

Friday, August 23

Public meeting: First Nations Australian Writers. Meet the people behind the newly established First Nations Australian Writers Network. Kylie Belling will host playwright John Harding and authors Ali Cobby Eckermann and Tony Birch to share their views on the current state of Indigenous literature, and explain the practical opportunities that FNAWN can provide Indigenous and emerging writers. 1pm. Deakin Edge, Federation Square. To book visit Melb Writers' Festival.

Comedy: Aamer Rahman, 'The Truth Hurts'. 6:30pm. State Library. Ticket details soon.

Public meeting: An evening with Ray Jackson. Ray Jackson, president of the Indigenous Social Justice Association, is visiting from Sydney. Ray is a Wiradjuri man, Indigenous rights activist and all round fighter for the oppressed. He will share his experiences at a dinner hosted by the Freedom Socialist Party. 6:30 pm. Solidarity Salon, 580 Sydney Rd, Brunswick. $30/$20/$10.

Saturday, August 24

Rally: Single parents need to be heard and not forgotten. It seems our government has forgotten single parents once again. We need to get our voices out there as much as possible. 11:30am. State Library, 328 Swanston St, City.

Rally: Stop Rudd's PNG 'solution': let the refugees in. Take more refugees from Indonesia to save lives. Stop deportations to danger. 1pm. State Library, 328 Swanston St, City. Organised by Refugee Action Collective.

Public meeting: Destroying the joint? More than 28,000 self-proclaimed Destroyers have 'liked' Destroy the Joint, a Facebook page that 'shines a light on sexism and misogyny.' While social media may provide a platform for participative activism, social commentator Jane Caro and Aidan Ricketts ponder the question: how many likes does it take to change the world?. 3:30pm. Deakin Edge, Federation Square. To book visitMelb Writers' Festival.

Chilean documentary film festival: 40 years of struggles, resistance & new possibilities of change.11am-7pm. Latrobe University City Campus, 215 Franklin St, City. Organised by LASNET.

Sunday, August 25

Public meeting: Security: Who decides? How much do we know about the policy decisions that shape our personal security? A potent issue in the lead-up to the federal election, chair Julianne Schultz leads expert panel George Megalogenis, Antony Loewenstein, Fiona Stanley and Desmond Manderson, in dissecting why questions of security are making us so anxious. 1pm. Deakin Edge, Federation Square. To book visitMelb Writers' Festival.

Public meeting: Border vigils: how far can governments patrol migration? Jeremy Harding has been tracking asylum seekers and undocumented migrants on their perilous journeys since the 1990s: in Serbia and Albania, Italy, North Africa, northern France, and the US-Mexican border. Attitudes have changed since he began his own border vigils, and globalisation has drawn migration into stark relief. Is it time we recognised that our frontiers, already under pressure from global market forces, will also be challenged by human beings in search of work and safety? 5:30pm. Deakin Edge, Federation Square. To book visit Melb Writers' Festival.

Public meeting: From grassroots to global activism. Former Greens leader Bob Brown may have retired from federal politics, but he still remains a prominent activist in the global green movement. If Australia is facing a backlash on climate change action, what options are open to maintain momentum for a sustainable environmental future? Bob Brown takes to the stage to map a future for grassroots activism; address the conflict between long-term politics and urgent environmental action; and reinforce his lifelong commitment to an ecologically sustainable and just world. 7pm. Deakin Edge, Federation Square. To book visit Melb Writers' Festival.

Monday, August 26

Public meeting: Is Australia in crisis? Do human rights matter? A forum on our treatment of asylum seekers. Speakers: Julian Burnside (Human rights advocate); Dr Leanne Weber (Monash school of Political & Social Inquiry); William Maley (Director ANU College of Asia & the Pacific); Philip Huggins (Vice chair Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce). 6pm (for 6:30pm start). Kaleide Theatre, RMIT, 360 Swanston St, City. Entry by donation. For more info ph 0409 252 673. Organised by Refugee Advocacy Network.

Tuesday, August 27

Public meeting: Tradition versus development. Can communities reap the benefits of development whilst still preserving their cultural identity? This important and fascinating discussion, chaired by Life Matters presenter Natasha Mitchell introduces Indonesian educator and activist Butet Manurung, linguist Simon Musgrave, Tebtebba Foundation founder Abel Guterres, and veteran Asia Development Bank economist Steve Pollard. 6:30pm. Deakin Edge, Federation Square. To book visit Melb Writers' Festival.

Public meeting: ASIO, FOI & refugees. Speakers: Julian Burnside (Human rights advocate); John Cain (premier of Victoria 1982-90); Rose Iser (campaigner for refugees). 7pm. Meeting room 1, Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton South.

Friday, August 30

Wills candidates meeting. Uniting Church, 212 Sydney Road, Brunswick. Presented by Brunswick Uniting Church. Further details TBA. For mor einfo ph 0409 285 182.

Saturday, August 31

Rally: Livewire for Refugees: 24-hour non-stop community speakout for refugee rights. 12 noon. City Square, cnr Collins & Swanston Sts, City. Hosted by Refugee Action Collective.

Rally: Slutwalk Melbourne 2013. Because it's never okay to blame the victim. In solidarity with international cities, SlutWalk Melbourne stands against victim-blaming and slut-shaming. 12 noon. State Library.

Rally: Say no to the East-West Tunnel. 1pm. Smith Reserve, cnr Alexandra Pde & George St, Fitzroy.

Public meeting: The forgotten war. On Anzac Day we remember Australian soldiers who served in wars overseas. Yet the 'frontier wars' fought between indigenous Australians and European settlers barely register on our historic radar. Eminent historian Henry Reynolds asks whether we can achieve genuine reconciliation without acknowledging almost 150 years of conflict on Australian soil. 1pm. Deakin Edge, Federation Square. To book visit Melb Writers' Festival.

Public meeting: Feminism now. Contemporary cultural messages about work, sex and the female body defy notions of equal opportunity for modern women. Writers Anna Goldsworthy and Monica Dux join women's rights campaigner Samah Hadid to discuss the trajectory of feminism and its status in the 21st century with media expert Lynne Haultain. Proudly supported by the Queen Victoria Women's Centre. 2:30pm. Deakin Edge, Federation Square. To book visit Melb Writers' Festival.

Public meeting: Intergenerational war. Satyajit Das argues that our economic growth and prosperity is based on excessive debt, irreversible environmental damage and overuse of non-renewable resources, including oil and water. It is an official policy of 'extend and pretend' where problems and costs are pushed into the future to feed current consumption and lifestyles. But the transfer of wealth from the future cannot go on forever and robs the generations to come. Can we adjust our behaviours? Will we stop eating our own children? Introduced by Michael Webster. 7pm. Deakin Edge, Federation Square. To book visit Melb Writers' Festival.

Fundraiser: Latin fiesta. With two amazing bands, The Conch & Son3. 7:30pm. MUA Hall, 54 Ireland St, West Melbourne. $15/$10. Organised by LASNET. Bookings essential, ph 0414 970 418 or 0425 539 149.

Wednesday, September 4

Concert: David Rovics 'into a prism' world tour 2013. These days David lives in Portland, Oregon and tours regularly on four continents, playing for audiences large and small at cafes, pubs, universities, churches, union halls and protest rallies. He has shared the stage with a veritable who's who of the left in two dozen countries, and has had his music featured on Democracy Now!, BBC, Al-Jazeera and other networks. His essays are published regularly on CounterPunch and elsewhere, and the 200+ songs he makes available for free on the web have been downloaded more than a million times. Most importantly, he's really good. Support act Les Thomas has played at many protests and venues across Melbourne and has been recording his debut album with the likes of Jeff Lang and The Stillsons. 7pm. $15 at the door. Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton South. Presented by Renegade Activists. Any profits donated to refugee campaign.

Thursday, September 5

Exhibition: Unseen Habitation. A site-specific exhibition, a walk through maze of installations created by 5 Australian artists of colour from diverse migration experiences: Somalia, Eritrea /Egypt, Vietnam and Bosnia. Each artist will explore how communities reconstruct place and home post-migration making use of various art forms, including; sculpture, installation, mixed media, and photography. Goodtime Studio, 746 Swanston St, Carlton (directly opposite Melbourne University). For more info ph Dominic Golding 0403 851 240.

Thursday, September 5-Friday, September 13

Film screening: Environmental film festival. Groundbreaking films, traversing the relationship between humans and their environments, challenging the way people think about the natural world and inspiring them to discuss, explore and act on important environmental issues. For bookings or info visit EFFM.

Friday, September 6

Public lecture: The politics of ungrievable lives. An analysis of the massacre of 1988 in the global context, a public lecture by Shahla Talebi of Arizona State University, herself a political prisoner under both the Pahlavi regime and the Islamic Republic. 7pm. Kaleide Theatre RMIT, 360 Swanston St, City. Presented by Iran Solidarity Melbourne & the Coalition of Iranian Activists of Sydney. For more info ph Shannon Woodcock on 0416 801 653 or Afshin Nikouseresht on 0402 360 442.

Saturday, September 7

Conference: Chile 40 Years. It has been 40 years since the overthrow of the popular and democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende in Chile. Local and international speakers, a film night with music, Latin American and Chilean activists. 10am-7pm. Richmond Town Hall, 333 Bridge Rd, Richmond. For more info ph Maria Teresa 0429 947 776, Andrea 0431 125 709 or Marisol 0447 138 517.

Thursday, September 26

Concert: UK Subs last ever Australian tour. The UK Subs are one of the most visibly successful punk bands of all time, establishing themselves in the history books with a staggering amount of releases and a relentless touring schedule that continues to this day. 'Punk pioneers UK Subs released their 24th politically-charged album last month, to rave reviews' (see Green Left Weekly). The Bendigo, 125 Johnston St, Collingwood. To book visit OZ tix.

Wednesday, December 4-Saturday, December 13

Venezuela Solidarity Brigade: Participatory democracy, solidarity & socialism. Witness a people's revolution in the making. The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network's 14th solidarity brigade to Venezuela this December is a very special opportunity to observe, learn about and be inspired by the Bolivarian revolution that is transforming Latin America and challenging the greed, exploitation and destructiveness of global capitalism by showing that a better world is possible. Bookings close Sunday, September 1. For bookings or info visit AVSN.

Geelong & regional Victoria

Friday, August 16

Red Cinema: No fire zone, the killing fields of Sri Lanka. 7pm (dinner from 6:30pm). Downstairs, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St, Geelong. For more info ph 5222 6900. Entry by donation.

Wednesday, August 21

Briagolong Public meeting: Briagolong CSG meeting. Speakers: Felicity Millner (lawyer, Environment Defenders Office); Doctors for the Environment speaker; and Seaspray local speaker. 7:30pm. Briagolong Hall, Briagolong. For more info email CSG Free.

Friday, August 30

Drouin Public meeting: Drouin CSG information meeting. Speakers: Dr Gavin Mudd (Groundwater Specialist); Felicity Millner (Environment Defenders Office); Merryn Reddenbach (Doctors for the Environment). 7pm. The Drouin South Hall, Drouin-Korumburra Road. For more info email CSG Free.

Campaign committees

Beyond Zero Emissions Melbourne branch meetings. BZE's monthly branch meetings are a way for current and prospective BZE volunteers to meet up, get to know each other and discuss upcoming events such as presentations, stalls, film nights and discussion groups. Meets on the third Monday of every month at Level 2, Kindness House, 288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. Active and prospective volunteers welcome. For more info email Chitra Perez or ph 0401 087 085.

Friends of the Earth's Anti-Nuclear & Clean Energy (ACE) collective meetings. 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 to organise a Melbourne rally and march as part of a National Day of Action to mark the first anniversary of the death of Kamilaroi teenager, TJ Hickey in Redfern, and to demand a fresh inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death. Those organising this held consultations with interested members of the Victorian Aboriginal community. Participants in these consultations enthusiastically supported the proposal for a Melbourne rally to demand justice for TJ but asked that this not be a one-off event but part of an ongoing effort to permanently stop Aboriginal deaths in custody. During 2013, ISJA will meet the first Thursday of every month. For more info visit ISJA.

Melbourne Feminist Action Group. We think it's time to put women's rights back on the public agenda. We've started an open organising group and everyone's invited, from already existing women's rights groups and activist organisations, to women and men who may never have been involved in feminist action in their lives but just want to do something. We want to get together to have that crucial discussion: what can we do, right now, that will give this movement a push? It's open to everyone; anyone who attends can have their say. If you can make it, bring your ideas about what you would like to see happen next. For more info ph 0438 869 790 or email MelbFemAction.

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 visitQuit Coal or email Quit Coal.

Refugee Action Collective (RAC). 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.

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 to the calendar email Monique Decortis. Weekly updates are e-mailed out and online updates are available at VCAC. To add an event to the calendar, please download the Event Template from the website. Feel free to forward the VCAC to other interested people.

Workers Solidarity Network. WSN believes that we, as workers, have the power to improve our working conditions and bring about positive social change. WSN believes that our country is not a real democracy unless we have democratic workplaces where workers have a say. WSN believes that the only way to bring about a fairer share of resources in our society in by forming active unions and community organisations to fight for it. For more info visit WSN.

Resources

Recent articles from Green Left Weekly Elections an opportunity to challenge racism, offer solutions Refugees: How Australia makes Nauru do its bidding Aboriginal groups welcome refugees Community honours murdered sex worker Check out Green Left TV: See War: What is it good for? Iraq veteran speaks out. To subscribe to Green Left Weekly visit our secure online website for rates and payment at Green Left Weekly 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.

Broad, non-sectarian, activist Socialist Alliance 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. Join us on Facebook. See our recent statements: Rudd's lurch to right on refugees exposes 'barbaric core of imperialism' Socialist Alliance resolution on left unity Socialist Alliance 2013 federal election campaign: Take back the wealth! Get involved Moreland Socialists The group 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. 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.