Showing posts with label Civil Society. Show all posts

Tuesday, 26 August 2014

Green Left Weekly Activist Calender - 14-08-27

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar

	August 27, 2014

Rally: March in August

Sunday, August 31, 1pm. The people united for better government. State Library, Swanston St, City.Followed by march to parliament. Facebook event

Socialist Alliance Victorian conference: Building the fighting alternative

Saturday, September 6, 12.30-5pm. Also launch of Socialist Alliance Victorian election campaign. Panels on: Fighting back against Napthine and Abbott; Campaigning against the East-West Link. Workshops on the housing crisis, the Victorian police state, the fight against coal seam gas. $10/$5. Electrical Trades Union, 200 Arden St, North Melbourne.. For more info ph 9639 8622. Facebook event

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, August 28

Rally: Protest the Liberals' big business fundraising dinner. The Napthine Liberal government is using the East-West Link and other major road projects to leverage donations from their big business mates in the lead up to the November state election. Scrap the East-West Link; Invest in public transport; Rip up the contracts. 6pm. Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St, City. Facebook event

Friday, August 29

Public meeting: Media Makers: Freedom Fighters. Mexico’s fearless campaigner against corruption Lydia Cacho, and Australian foreign correspondent Jill Jolliffe are true freedom fighters. These two extraordinary activists discuss their personal pursuits of truth and justice in this Fifth Estate event hosted by award-winning anthropologist and broadcaster Sally Warhaft. 1pm. Deakin Edge, cnr Flinders & Swanston Sts, City. To book visithttp://www.mwf.com.au/session/media-makers-freedom-fighters.

Fundraiser: The Eighth Annual John Cummins Memorial Dinner. Come join us for our annual dinner, which raises money for the wellbeing of cancer patients diagnosed with a brain tumour, and scholarships for promising secondary students who are in need of financial support. MC: Danny McGinlay; Archie Roach & Band performing live! 7pm. Moonee Valley Racing Club, McPherson St, Moonee Ponds. Tickets $135. Bookings: online at Cummo; email Jo Little, ph Di Cummins 0411 614 519.

Sunday, August 31

Protest: March Australia: the people united for better government. 1pm. State Library, Swanston St, City. Followed by march to parliament. Facebook event

Fundraiser: Peace of art. Join Melbourne’s top emerging artists, musicians and designers for an evening of visual and performance art to raise money for the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund. 5-8pm. Brightspace, 8 Martin St, St Kilda.

Wednesday, September 3

Fundraiser: Tarkine Tango! Save the Tarkine seriously needs $10,000 by the middle of September to pay for their appeal against the new Tarkine mine at Riley creek. Come and Tango in Northcote and we can help end the mining madness! 6:30pm. Francesca's Bar, 222 High St, Northcote. Entry by donation.

Thursday, September 4

Public meeting: Apartheid university: Does your school profit from Israeli war crimes? Does your university promote genocide?'Whether it's taking blood-money from the corporations who sell bombs and bullets to Israel, touring academics who justify and promote apartheid, or providing PR for the 'enlightened' State of Israel, many Australian universities are complicit in the ongoing ethnic cleansing and occupation in Palestine. 6:30pm. RMIT University, 330 Swanston St, City. Organised by Students for Palestine.

Thursday, September 4-Friday, September 12

Film screening: Environmental Film Festival. Using the power of film, music and debate to unite filmmakers, environmentalists, politicians, scientists, experts, and the broader public in their desire to actively engage in issues that affect all of our futures. Kino Cimena, Collins Place, Collins St, City. Full programme at http://www.effm.org.au/

Saturday, September 6

Socialist Alliance Victorian conference: Building the fighting alternative. Launch of Socialist Alliance Victorian election campaign. Panels on: Fighting back against Napthine and Abbott; Campaigning against the East-West Link. Workshops on the housing crisis, the Victorian police state, the fight against coal seam gas. $10/$5. 12.30-5pm. Electrical Trades Union, 200 Arden St, North Melbourne. For more info ph 9639 8622 Facebook event

Public meeting: Uniting Ireland. Australian speaking tour by leading Sinn Féin representatives Mary Lou McDonald TD and Francie Molloy MP. 7:30pm. The Celtic Club, 316-320 Queen St, City.

Thursday, September 11

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 visit http://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.

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.

Friday, September 19-Sunday, September 21

BRISBANE Conference: Australian Climate Action Summit. Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane. To book visit Climate Summit.

Tuesday, September 23

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.

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.

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.

Saturday, August 30

March in Geelong: Oppose Abbott's vicious budget. 2pm. Johnstone Park. Facebook event

Saturday, September 13

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. 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. Prepare to be inspired to revolt.
6.30pm. Cinema, 50, Cunninghame St, Sale.

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. Swan Island is also a key facility for ASIS, Australia’s oversea’s intelligence body. Many of us feel powerless in the face of an unjust war, but this is our chance to get alongside our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan, and learn how we can help and raise our voices. For more info visit http://swanislandpeace.org/

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.

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 Atheists’. 124pp, $15.

Available from Resistance Bookshop, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City or online from Resistance Books.

Wednesday, 8 January 2014

Cory Bernardi's hate speech and Warren Entsch's reply - The Liberal Party might well be a broad church but can it contain Bernardi?

Following this marvellous response to Senator Cory Bernardi by Warren Entsch MLA, I decided to put my money where my mouth is and have written to both men this morning. My emails to them are below.
~~~~~~~~

Dear Senator Bernardi, you might consider what you are doing leadership - but leadership of what, for whom, and to where. I particularly find objectionable your statements about single parent families. My mother-in-law was widowed twice by the time she was 38 and left with two children from each marriage. So she struck out twice in your book - single parent, and a step-parent family. My husband grew up in dire poverty. This was before there were government payments either for widows or single parents. The family lived in dire poverty. The children did not grow up to be criminals. They were/are a very close knit family. So where are you going with all this bigotry, hatred, and exclusion? Have you lived too narrow an existence? Is this the only way you can get your name iinto the MSM and draw attention to yourself? Do you have your eye on an international stage and attracting the attention of Fox News in the USA? I am a Christian - and this sort of behaviour was never exhibited by Him who I follow. Your statements seem to fit more with the man who built gas ovens for those he despised - so what coloured star are you suggesting for single parent families and step-parents? Are you going to lock up the kids just in case? Many people in this wealthy nation grow up in deprivation, poverty and exclusion. Many of them are Aboriginal people living out of sight and out of mind in communities where we won't even provide them the same local government services as suburban Australians take for granted. Your government is cutting services to people. It is favouring the rich against the poor - and you stand there sanctimoniously with exclusionist clap-trap. What do you expect the end result of all this to be? A blissfully happy and content society - or a society in which there are massive social controls. I thought the latter was contrary to the political philosophy of the Liberal Party of Australia. So what are you doing about resigning your membership? I wonder if you can answer my questions specifically - not form letter claptrap but specifically, genuinely, and personally.

#####

Well, Warren Entsch, aren't you one of the wonders of the modern world. Thank you for speaking out and getting stuck into Cory Bernardi. It would be all very well if Senator Bernardi was a constituency of one or may be two if including his spouse. However, there is something very nasty abroad in the political discourse of this nation at this time. It seemed to me to begin with the Julia Gillard comments of the Liberal Party, Alan Jones, and the convoy who wanted to Ditch the Witch and has gone well past political sloganeering to infect the political policies and discourse of the nation. The sort of stuff that Cory Bernardi says is now OK. Because the Prime Minister has not altered his discourse or called out such people as Bernardi, it is now OK to be nasty to the people one doesn't like or of whom one disapproves. Will be see action at Cronulla once again? Your statement has come into the public arena in a very refreshing way. I welcome it and I hope I can see more of it - from others as well. My view is that Australia as a nation has lost or is losing its way. The national ethos of a fair go has all but gone - swamped by greed, consumerism, bigotry, racism, and xenophobia. Who or what are we to become unless our national and political leadership turns those selfish and exclusionist boats around. I hope to hear more of your refreshing public voice and I hope your voice and the voices of others like you can lead us out of the darkness now enveloping us.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Further reading:

Amazon flooded with reviews mocking Cory Bernardi's book

Tony Abbott keeps distance from Cory Bernardi abortion comments

Tuesday, 22 October 2013

SAVING BALLARAT'S CIVIC HALL

This picture is from here.

There are more pix there as well as + an article by Jon Stanger

21 October 2013

New Group will Save Civic Hall

Around 200 people spilled out of the Ballarat Library meeting room on Sunday, forming a group to save the Civic Hall from demolition as currently proposed by the City of Ballarat.

Participants agreed on the beginnings of an alternative vision for Ballarat Civic Hall, which was unanimously decided should remain primarily for the use and benefit of the community.

The meeting was chaired by Jon Stanger. Speakers included historians, planners, academics, professionals and writers. Anne Beggs-Sunter talked about the heritage value of the Civic Hall and the long history of Council’s various decisions, commissioned plans and reports on the Civic Hall.

Michael Wilson, President of the Ballarat Residents and Ratepayers Association Inc informed the meeting that BRRA is willing to auspice the new group. Mr Wilson outlined the major concerns of BRRA, including the failure of Council to listen to the community.

Ailsa Brackley du Bois reported on a recent forum HeritageConservation as Environmental Conservation sponsored by University of Melbourne & the Heritage Council of Victoria.

“The most contemporary, cutting edge and common sense approach is to make the most of the existing building stock we already have,” said Ms Brackley du Bois. “Environmentally and economically this is the smartest thing to do.”

Ms Brackley du Bois said adaptive re-use was the popular approach around the world and the key message was to find “new tricks with old bricks”.

Former senior officer at Ballarat City Council Ron Egeberg encouraged people to sign the petition at savecivichall.com and urged more people to become involved.

The group was reminded by Jonathan Halls that Council’s actions over the Civic Hall are not compatible with democratic or local government principles.

At the 2 ½ hour meeting many sub-groups were formed to discuss and plan further action in the areas of activation of the Civic Hall, adaptive reuse and alternatives, tourism, governance, communications /media, fundraising, indigenous and youth involvement.

A committee was formed to coordinate ongoing activities, including leaders of the various sub-groups. The committee will meet again this week and all residents are encouraged to get involved by signing the petition at savecivichall.com

______________________________________________________________________

For additional information or images please contact:
Merle Hathaway
0419 324042
merle.hathaway@bigpond.com

Monday, 12 August 2013

Compassion lacking says Milne while ACOSS outlines proposals for lifting people out of poverty

As Christine Milne says - compassion is missing at this election. Let's hear what ACOSS has to say:

ACOSS outlines proposals for first 100 days of new government

Monday August 12, 2013

In the run-up to next month’s federal election, the Australian Council of Social Service today unveiled a set of comprehensive proposals for the first 100 days of the new government.

“Whoever wins the September 7 poll will be faced with some big challenges requiring bold action to ensure our nation is fairer as well as prosperous,” said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.

“The reality is that despite more than two decades of strong economic growth, fault lines are emerging in our economic and social foundations that we simply cannot continue to ignore.

“There are major holes in our social safety net that the next government will have to address – in affordable housing, education, disability, mental and dental health, and community controlled services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Most alarming is the growing gap between those that are doing well and the people falling further behind. In spite of our wealth, a greater number of people are living in poverty, which will worsen as unemployment rises.

“Having 2.2 million people living below the poverty line, including nearly 600,000 children, is unacceptable. If we don’t take action to reverse this trend now, it will be more damaging and costly down the track.

“ACOSS wants to see the next Australian government set a specific target, a national development goal, to reduce poverty in our country. We want to see the development of an anti-poverty plan, and an annual report on progress to the Australian parliament.

“As part of this we need to increase the single rate of allowance payments, such as Newstart and Youth Allowance, by $50 per week and index them to wage movements, to alleviate and prevent worsening poverty.

“ACOSS understands the big task ahead for the next government to meet the needs and expectations of the community. It won’t be easy. However, we believe room can be made for investment in high-priority social programs by cutting waste in the Budget that has accumulated over the last decade (such as the Schoolkids Bonus and the Extended Medicare Safety Net).

“Ultimately, we need structural reform of Australia’s tax and transfer system. Therefore, ACOSS wants to see the new Federal Government commit to comprehensive tax reform, including a Green Paper and White Paper process to enable broad public consultation on tax. This should use the considered recommendations of the Henry Tax Review panel as the blueprint.

“We also call on the next government to come together with business, union and community groups to develop a compact about growing job opportunities, particularly for people who are long term unemployed. We are extremely concerned about rising unemployment, especially youth and long term unemployment, which is already at crisis level.

“ACOSS has developed concrete proposals in this area, including expanding the proven wage subsidy scheme and paid work experience, and greater investment in case management. We also need to tailor training and support to better prepare long term unemployed people for the available jobs of the future.

“In this election, we look to our political leaders for a clear plan to meet our challenges. We urge the ultimate winner to hit the road running with actions that demonstrate a commitment to deliver a fairer future for all - one which is inclusive and gives everyone the opportunity to participate and enjoy a healthy, decent and productive life,” Dr Goldie said.

Media Contact: Fernando de Freitas - 0419 626 155

Download ACOSS Election Statement: Bold Action for a Fairer Future

ACOSS proposals in brief:
In its first 100 days, the next Australian Government should commit to:

Commence a Green Paper and White Paper process for tax reform using the Henry Tax Review as blueprint
Commence the development of an anti-poverty plan. Set a specific target - a national development goal - and report annually on progress to the Australian parliament.
Promise to increase the single rate of Allowances, including Youth Allowance and Newstart, by $50 per week and index them to wage movements
Review family payments, including the Schools Kids Bonus, to target the payments to child poverty prevention, improving the income support for the poorest families.
Bring together business, union and community groups to make a compact about growing job opportunities particularly for people who are long term unemployed.
Commit to the National Rental Affordability Scheme as a long term government priority
Commence negotiations with the states and territories to fund a long term plan of action to expand affordable housing options and reduce homelessness.
Commit to investing in effective community based health care that creates healthy lives while reducing the pressure on hospitals and health budgets.
Make a long-term investment to improve Australia’s mental and oral health so that neither condition predicts poverty, disadvantage or isolation.
Outline the policies that will ensure people with disability can get the job and income they need to live with dignity
Reaffirm commitment to the findings and recommendations of the Gonski review.
Agree on a timetable to hold a referendum on recognising Australia’s First Peoples in the Constitution.
Commit to developing justice targets in relation to the Safe Communities Building Block under ‘Closing the Gap’ and to achieving such through the implementation of a National Partnership Agreement.
Abolish compulsory income management and redirect the savings to community development initiatives based on strong partnerships with local community leaders to improve economic and social outcomes at the local level.
Commit to strengthening engagement with civil society (for example through the COAG Reform Council) and ensure mechanisms for civil society to contribute to the broad agenda for structural reform.
Include the community sector in national economic reform agendas to ensure everyone shares the benefits of lifting productivity, jobs growth, structural shifts in our industries and developing a strong economic future.

See full list of proposals in the ACOSS Election Statement

Thursday, 13 June 2013

Australian Civil Society 20 (C20) and G20 Brisbane : Welcome - but will we get positive change down on the ground?

Please note:

Links below are from Miss Eagle.

C20 major step for inclusion of Australia’s civil society: ACOSS

Thursday June 13, 2013

The Australian Council of Social Service today welcomed the announcement of the formation of the Australian Civil Society 20 (C20) as an integral part of the program for Australia to host the G20 in Brisbane later this year.

“This is a good move by the Prime Minister and a major step forward in ensuring community voices are heard at the highest level,” said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.

“As the national peak body for Australia’s community welfare sector, ACOSS is delighted to be part of this group’s steering committee that will go a long way to strengthen the role of civil society in public policy and decision making at the international level.

“This is recognition of the crucial community groups play in the fabric of Australian society and will leave an important legacy of formalising engagement of civil society in G20 proceedings, with past events held in Russia, South Korea, France and Canada.

‘No longer are the big decisions that are made on the global stage solely the domain of Presidents, Prime Ministers and Finance chiefs. Civil society is now firmly part of this process to make sure decisions are more reflective of the community’s wants, needs and aspirations.

“It is also an important opportunity for Australia to engage with global institutions and organisations on issues such as poverty and inequality, and the processes that are necessary to address these social issues that affect all countries.

“ACOSS welcomes the announcement that Reverend Tim Costello AO will chair the Australian C20 and looks forward to working with him, and alongside the leaders of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, the Australian Council of International Development and others in ensuring the views of civil society is truly represented at this important forum,” Dr Goldie said.

Media contact: 0419 626 155

Further reading:

The G20 - Dept of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Australia

The Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors

G20

G20 News from The Guardian

G20 Information Centre at the University of Toronto

From G8 to G20 to G-Zero: Why no one wants to take charge in the new global order

G20 Russia - Facebook

G20 Russia - Twitter

Monday, 7 January 2013

Dirty business on SBS : Part 1 : What a narrowly focussed dud!

First let me qualify what I am about to say about the heavily promoted SBS documentary, Dirty Business - How Mining Made Australia. SBS, as you can see below, is promoting this as a 'landmark documentary'. Don't believe this for a minute. I have been waiting for someone, somewhere, somehow, to do a balanced narrative of mining in Australia but I have to say that after watching Part 1 of this three party series, I am still waiting.

I am currently living in my third mining town. I have lived in Mount Isa (silver, lead, zinc); Tennant Creek (gold, copper, bismuth); and am currently living in Ballarat (gold).

I lived in Mount Isa at the time when Mary Kathleen (uranium) was still operational. My husband worked there for a time. I stood for the ALP in the seat of Kennedy in 1983 and 1984. After the 1983 election there was a a redistribution of the electorate which then included a number of the coal mines of Central Queensland in the electorate of Kennedy. I worked for the Australian Workers Union as their first female organiser in northern Australia from 1986-1993. The AWU is the major metalliferous mining union in Australia.

With the background outlined above, you can see, Networkers, that I have a little more than a passing interest in mining. The three mining towns in which I have lived have been wonderful places for me. I have enjoyed them very, very much and continue to do so. While Ballarat is no longer economically mining dependent, Tennant Creek and Mount Isa still are. I remain interested in what goes on in and around these mining centres from an historic, economic, social and environmental point of view. I was expecting something promoted as a 'landmark documentary' to provide a detailed and balanced view of these four aspects of mining in Australia.

Instead what we got was a rushed viewpoint with some nods to the social history of mining; little of any consequence about the social life of mining towns; nothing from the environmental point of view; and any comment on the economics of mining seemed to rest more on the "stock exchange" point of view.

The emphasis was heavily on gold - yet managed to ignore Tennant Creek, the site of what could be called the last gold rush in Australia. This was where the famous Australian R.M. Williams made his fortune. The program did mention Broken Hill and BHP without mentioning that silver was the main focus of mining there. The gold at Mount Morgan on which the multi-national corporation, British Petroleum (BP), was built didn't rate a mention. Perhaps coal will be dealt with more thoroughly later because the Hunter region of NSW was by-passed but coal developments in Queensland got a mention. Kambalda and its nickle were mentioned while Greenvale in North Queensland with its processing plant, Queensland Nickle, at Yabulu just north of Townsville, didn't rate a mention at all. Thought it might have got a mention simply because its current owner, Clive Palmer, makes the news as did its once upon a long ago owner, Alan Bond. One could go on - where was zinc in Tasmania, for instance?

However, considering the program made it through to the second half of the 20th century, I find it amazing that World Wars 1 and 2 didn't rate a mention. Perhaps programs two and three might enlighten us. Geoffrey Bolton kept popping up but we could have seen and heard more of him. We didn't have sight nor sound of historian Geoffrey Blainey who has quite a number of published mining histories under his belt:

Mines in the Spinifex

The Peaks of Lyell

The Rush that Never Ended

The Rise of Broken Hill

The Steel Master

to name a few.

And as I said - no mention of environmental issues whatsoever.

So much more could be said - and may yet be included in Parts 2 and 3. However, Part 1 does not whet one's appetite. It merely frustrates it.

I am not anti-mining. Mining has made its contributions to human history for millennia across civilizations, across time, across the planet. My personal experience of mining in Australia has been an enjoyable and significant part of my life.

I am concerned about aspects of corporate governance among many of the major players in mining in Australia and I am concerned about governance and legislation of the industry within the parliaments of Australia. I am concerned about environmental management. I am concerned about FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) practices which do not build viable and unique communities as once mining companies did. I believe that mining as an industry and the corporations and political representatives operating in Australia have to be held accountable by community scrutiny and transparent governance.

Party 1 of a Dirty Business does not provide any enlightenment. It provides, in the main, financial comment. It does not inform modern generations in an intelligent manner of the history of mining in Australia. It does not give balanced information on which Australians can form a view of the benefits and deficits of the mining industry and its contribution to Australian life and the Australian economy.

If perchance you missed Part 1 of Dirty Business there will another opportunity for you to watch it at 8.30pm on Thursday 10 January 2013.

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

International Association for Community Development activities : April 2012 newsletter

April 2012

Dear friends of IACD,

A warm welcome to our new members from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Uganda and the UK. With every new member who joins, we feel the world becoming a little smaller – and the possibilities of sharing experiences and advocating for community development expanding.

Among the exciting developments we share with you this month are details of a new collaboration with the Scottish government, the opening of the application process for our 2012 Practitioner Dialogue in Pune, India, and the launch of the Community Development Journal’s new website, CDJ Plus. There are many more… so please read on!

Don’t forget to visit www.iacdglobal.org for latest news and to check out our growing online bank of Member Profiles, helping you get to know your fellow IACD members from around the world. And please keep sending us news of events or resources which others might find useful!

With all good wishes
The IACD team

Activities update
SGstacked_Col_print-1

Scottish Government values learning from international practice

We are delighted to announce that Scottish Government Ministers have agreed to provide a contribution to IACD's running costs over the next three years. The support will help IACD to maintain its presence in Scotland and deliver a programme of activities, which will enable community development practitioners and policymakers in Scotland to learn from international experience, and highlight Scottish community development practice internationally. The programme includes publications, virtual events and face-to-face learning opportunities, including a major international conference to be held in Glasgow in the run up to the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

IACD members revitalize local networking

IACD members in Victoria, Australia have collaborated in organising a series of seminars for 2012. The first of these, ‘In the Spirit of Mutual Learning – what is the role of Community Development in this new world?’, was led by Dr. Sue Kenny. The guest speaker for the second seminar was Dr. Supriya Pattanayak, who spoke on the theme of ‘The impact of international aid funding from western countries on community development at the local level’. To read more about the seminars, please visit: http://www.iacdglobal.org/news/iacd-members-victoria-australia-discuss-role-community-development-new-world.

Assets mapping: want to tell us your story?

Many people are trying to get to grips with how to unlock and mobilise the assets existing within their communities. As well as building a bank of useful resources, we are looking for good stories! By gathering and sharing stories, we aim to bring to life the experiences of people who have led or participated in asset mapping. We are particularly interested in hearing about approaches which were effective in bringing in voices which aren’t normally heard. If you have resources to share or a story to tell, please contact gill.musk@iacdglobal.org.

The ‘Mapping community assets’ topic group on www.fieryspirits.com provides a forum for people working with communities in the UK, Ireland and internationally to share and learn from experiences of asset mapping.

Website developments

We are very close to launching new, member-only pages of the IACD website. These will enable us to keep members updated on current policy consultations, upcoming events, and opportunities to collaborate on the crowd-authored beginner’s guide to community development. Members will also be able to submit their own blog posts to our IACD blog. We will be sending out passwords over the next few days.

Upcoming events

IACD Practitioner Dialogue 2012: apply now!

Detailed information about IACD’s first Practitioner Dialogue, to take place in Pune, India in late August 2012, is now available. This exciting event will bring together practitioners from India and around the world in an exploration of the many faces of asset-based community development. The programme comprises an intensive workshop, followed by field visits to urban and rural projects, including Self-Help Groups and people’s organisations. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. For details and to apply, go to http://www.iacdglobal.org/node/729.

MFC conference: ‘Business or development? Time to choose’
Tbilisi, Georgia, 29-30 May 2012

The 15^th Microfinance Centre (MFC) conference will focus on an industry at the crossroads. It will take a critical look at the microfinance industry, its impact and the key choices the sector faces in Europe, Asia and elsewhere. It will also explore the impact of the euro zone crisis and the new wave of recessions on microfinance and its clients, and the role of the internet in helping people out of poverty.Indigo partners will participate in a workshop on innovative ways to build assets for low-income people. For more information go to www.mfc2012.com/.

Joint World Conference on Social Work and Social Development 2012: Action and Impact
8-12 July 2012, Stockholm, Sweden

This second joint world conference of IASSW, ICSW and IFSW will bring together policymakers, social workers, scholars and students to exchange experience and development in social work practice, social research and education and social policy. To read more and to register, go to http://www.swsd-stockholm-2012.org/.

'Breaking the Mould' Conference: Humanitarian Aid and Empowering Local Communities
1-3 August 2012, Durham University, UK

Societies are facing increasing levels of risk and uncertainty in disaster situations. This makes delivering humanitarian aid in disaster situations is a complicated and controversial subject. Whilst there are numerous examples of good practice that relief workers can point to, there are also countless instances of exploitative and/or inappropriate interventions that those receiving aid have to contend with. This conference asks whether it is time for a paradigm shift in the manner in which aid is delivered and who can be legitimately involved in such work. What are the agendas that donors should respond to if they are trying to empower local recipients? What can be learnt from research and practice in this regard? For more information go to www.dur.ac.uk/conference.booking/details/?id=106. NB Early booking discounts are available until 31st May 2012.

Publications and resources

Community Development Journal (CDJ) launches new website

The April 2012 issue (vol 47, No 2) of the Community Development Journal (CDJ) is as usual a wide-ranging publication. It includes articles drawn from diverse settings: from regeneration projects in London and Coventry in the UK, to community economic life in post-Soviet Ukraine, and then across the world to analyse the actions of recycling cooperatives in São Paulo, Brazil. Subjects range from theoretical discussions of community development in everyday life, the vocabularies people use to describe 'community' in Australia, the use of institutional ethnography as a research tool in Canada, and the need for community development strategies to tackle the 'digital divide'.

This issue was especially notable as it launched the new website, CDJ Plus, which connects the journal to the wider community development world. The site contains information on relevant organisations and journals, and freely downloadable materials. Access CDJ Plus here:http://www.oxfordjournals.org/cdjc.

Shaking our Assets: conference report now available

A report of this event, a collaboration of IACD with the Community Learning and Development Standards Council for Scotland, is now available. The event explored asset-based approaches to community development from Scotland and around the world. Download the report and keynote presentations here: http://www.iacdglobal.org/news/shaking-our-assets-conference-report-now-available

CIVICUS issues report on the state of civil society

Civil society faces a generational opportunity to prove its value as a source of alternatives at a time of profound global crisis. This is the headline conclusion of the inaugural report on the state of civil society from global civil society network CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation. The report concludes that in the face of connected economic, environmental, political and social crises, the institutions of global governance have been revealed as lacking. Meanwhile, state responses to the economic crisis are privileging private capital at the expense of citizens, and accordingly people around the world have risen up to resist poor governance, inequality and corruption, and to demand a change in the circumstances in which they live. The solution, the report concludes, can only be in the formation of new, more broad-based, inclusive coalitions and communities that take account of the diversity of civil society and the strengths of different parts of civil society, such as CSOs, community groups, online activists, the new protest movements, faith-based groups and trade unions. To read the report, go to:http://socs.civicus.org/.

New publication explores the impact of mobile technologies on development

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) publication, ‘Mobile Technologies and Empowerment: Enhancing human development through participation and innovation’, is now available online. This study shows that mobile technologies are impacting human development, enhancing democratic governance and other development areas such as health, education, agriculture, and the environment, not by themselves, but as catalytic tools for enhancing and broadening development programming, if deployed strategically. To download the report, go to:www.undpegov.org/mgov-primer.html.

Join us on facebook!

We invite you to look for International Association for Community Development on facebook and start a discussion or share something about your community development work on our wall and group.

We love to hear from you! If you have news, events or upcoming trainings to share please send them to us at: info@iacdglobal.org with the subject line: for IACD e.bulletin.

Feel free to contact us:
IACD office tel: +44 (0)1337 858 808 fax: +44 (0)1337 858 120
email: info@iacdglobal.org

Scottish Registered Charity: SCO36090

The Network