Monday, 27 October 2014

Dale Hess Calendar - 14-10-27


Dale Hess has produced a calendar every Monday morning for many years - and The Network has been publishing it for quite a long time too. Dale does give university holidays a miss. Dale is a Quaker - in fact something of an expert on Quaker history - and a member, as well, of the Anabaptist Association of Australia and New Zealand.  Dale's calendar has an interesting flavour of peace, ethics, and environmental activism/spirituality.  The calendar appears here each Monday except for the university holidays and the occasional day when Dale's calendar doesn't arrive in the mail box.


Tuesday 28 October, 6 pm – 8 pm: Australia Adrift: Navigating New Pathways.  Prof. Joe Camilleri at St Michael’s Church at 120 Collins Street, Melbourne. ‘I am greatly looking forward to a thoughtful conversation on the many challenges we face and possible responses in Australia and internationally.’ Cost: $15 or $50 for whole series of four lectures. Bookings can be made at:

Tuesday 28 October, 7 pm:  Forum and Round Table: Beat the Budget and the Rest of Abbott’s Anti-Worker Program. There will be brief updates on the unacceptable budget measurers and just what is still being proposed by the Doctors Reform Society, Fair Go for Pensioners, Victorian Council of Social Services, Australian Education Union. Venue: Meeting Room 1, Trades Hall, corner of Lygon and Victoria Streets, Carlton South.


Wednesday 29 October, 6 pm: The Forgotten Palestinians of Lebanon. Olfat Mahmoud, Director of Palestinian Women’s Humanitarian Organisation of Lebanon, and university lecturer, will talk about the forgotten Palestinians of Lebanon. Victorian Trades Hall, 54 Victoria Street, Carlton. RSVP: office@apheda.org.au. All welcome.

Thursday 30 October, 6.30 pm – 8 pm: Melbourne Free University: Iran. Amin Ansari, Flinders University and curator of Greens’ Art website, Linda Briskman, Swinburne University, will be interviewed for 45 minutes, then there will be 45 minutes of open discussion. The Alderman (upstairs), 134 Lygon Street, East Brunswick.

Saturday 1 November,  9.30 am till 6 pm: Borderlands Mega Book Sale.  We will be having a fund-raising mega book sale at Borderlands cooperative. There is a wide variety of genres to choose at very cheap prices: something for everyone. At The Habitat Centre, 2 Minona Street, Hawthorn.

Sunday 2 November 10 am till 5 pm: Borderlands Mega Book Sale.  We will be having a fund-raising mega book sale at Borderlands cooperative. There is a wide variety of genres to choose at very cheap prices: something for everyone. At The Habitat Centre, 2 Minona Street, Hawthorn.

Monday 3 November, 6 pm dinner, 6.30 program: Skillshare #3: Writing letters to the editor, media releases and opinion pieces with Jim Green. Friends of the Earth, 312 Smith street, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia 3070. Upstairs (entry via side-door on Perry Street). RSVP to ace@foe.org.au. Contact: 0421 955 066 (Gem).

Wednesday 5 November, 6 pm – 7 pm: Melbourne Activist Legal Support Information Night. Interested in becoming more involved in the work of Melbourne Activist Legal Support? These are many ways to contribute to our work, knowing you are helping to provide an essential support to those standing up for social and environmental justice. Come along and find out more! Venue: Trades Hall, Room TBA, 54 Lygon Street, Carlton. Registration: http://malsinfo051114.eventbrite.com.au

Thursday 6 November 7:30 pm -9 pm: Conflict over the Islamic State in Iraq & Syria: Insights from Muslim experience & social traditions. With Susan Day Dirgham, who has lived for several years in Syria, and Fr Bruce Duncan, who examines changes in Islamic just war thinking in the light of international human rights today. The Study Centre Yarra Theological Union. Best entry via 34 Bedford Street, Box Hill. Refreshments available afterwards. An entry donation is welcome. Further info: 9899 4777  |  admin@socialpolicyconnections.com.au.

Wednesday 12 November – Sunday 23 November: Tales of a City by the Sea: A Palestinian Story of love, separation and beautiful resistance. Wednesday performance at 6.30 pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7.30 pm, Sunday 4 pm. $25 full; $15 concession. La MaMa, 349 Drummond Street, Carlton. Tel: 9347 6142.

Tuesday 18 November, 5.30 pm – 8 pm: Victorian Election Environmental Expert Policy Review. In preparation for the 2014 Victorian Election, the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) and RMIT University are hosting a panel of renowned environmental practitioners to review the environment policies offered by the major political parties. Our Panel of experts will offer a fact-based analysis of each party’s policy based on decades of experience: Peter Nadebaum,Senior Principal - Environment, GHD Consultants; Zena Helman, Principal, Helman Consultants; Stephen Jenkins, Director, EnviroRisk; Professor Graham Currie, Chair - Public Transport, Monash University. Attendance is free but bookings are essential. Places are limited and expected to book out fast. Register by Monday, 10 November. Venue: The ground floor lecture theatre (room 007) of RMIT’s new Building 80, 80/445 Swanston St, Melbourne. Any queries, email vic-events@eianz.org.

Monday 1 December, 6 pm dinner, 6.30 program: Skillshare #4:: Non-Violent Direct Action with Nicola Paris, CounterAct. Friends of the Earth, 312 Smith street, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia 3070. Upstairs (entry via side-door on Perry Street). RSVP to ace@foe.org.au. Contact: 0421 955 066 (Gem).

Wednesday 3 December – Friday 5 December: Melbourne Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Workshop. The purpose of the DRM workshop is both to develop practical skills for risk management practitioners who are involved in initiatives across the Disaster Risk Management Cycle (DRMC) spectrum in both Australia, and the Asian-Pacific region. Venue: 277 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Further details: http://www.torqaid.com/images/stories/melbdrmdec2014...pdf

Wednesday 10 December – Friday 12 December: Melbourne Participatory Project Management (PPM) Workshop.The purpose of the PPM workshop is to develop practical project management skills for community development (CD) practitioners or project managers, working in either Australia or overseas, who are involved in initiatives throughout the Project Management Cycle (PMC). Venue: 277 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Further details:http://www.torqaid.com/images/stories/melbppmdec2014...pdf

Tuesday, 21 October 2014


Post by Andrew Bray.


Today's courageous Christian leaders from Bendigo are now being released from the watchhouse. Children in detention, however, remain there with no end date in sight. ‪#‎LoveMakesAWay‬ will NOT stop until they are all free.

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar - 14-10-22


Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar
October 22, 2014
Rally: Solidarity with Kobani!
Saturday, October 25, 11:30am. Arm the defenders of Kobani! End Turkey's support for the 'Islamic State'! Open the border & create an aid corridor for Kobani! Resistance is not terrorism: Remove the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party) from Australia's terror list! People around the world have been inspired by the epic resistance of Kobani against the IS killers and the massive role played by women in the defence of the town. Come along and show your support. Federation Square, cnr Swanston & Flinders Sts, City.Organised by Australians for Kurdistan.
Public meeting: Women's liberation and the Kurdish revolution
Wednesday, October 29, 6:30pm (meal from 6pm). Left-wing Kurdish resistance fighters are defending the city of Kobani from the brutal ‘Islamic State’. Women are in the frontline of the fight against the women-hating IS killers. Kobani is a predominantly Kurdish city in northern Syria that is part of the Rojava liberated zone. Rojava has set a great example of women’s liberation, social justice and democracy. It is an inspiring example for the whole Middle East. Guest speaker: Basak Gel (Kurdish Association).  Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City. Organised by Green Left Weekly & Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 9639 8622.
Conference: Venezuela, the Bolivarian revolution continues
Sunday, November 9, 9am-6pm. Speakers:  Nelson Davila (Venezuelan ambassador); Kevin Bracken(MUA Secretary, Victoria); Len Cooper (CWU Secretary, Victoria). RMIT Building 56, Level 3, 115 Queensberry St, Carlton. For more info ph 0422 389 831 or email LASNET.
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 22
Protest: Fluro Fightback. Rally to fight against casualisation and insecure work. 8:30am. Southern Cross Station, City. Organised by NUW.
Forum: A night with the Pacific Climate Warriors. Australia's fossil fuels are destroying the Pacific. RMIT Cinema, Level 1, Room 002, 445 Swanston St, City. For more info visit Pacific Warriors.
Thursday, October 23
Rally: National Day of support for Ms Dhu and to stop Aboriginal deaths in custody.  Julieka Dhu was a  22-year-old Yamatji Woman who died in police custody in WA on August 4 this year. 12:30pm. Old GPO, cnr Bourke & Elizabeth Sts, City. Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association and First Nations Liberation.
Public meeting: Israel-Palestine. Speakers: Samah Sabawi (Palestinian Australian Canadian writer and human rights advocate); Eli Glasman (Jewish writer and author of the novel The Boy's Own Manual to Being a Proper Jew). 6:30pm. The Alderman (upstairs), 134 Lygon St, East Brunswick. Organised by Melbourne Free University.
Saturday, October 25
Rally: Solidarity with Kobani. Arm the defenders of Kobani! End Turkey's support for the 'Islamic State'! Open the border & create an aid corridor for Kobani! Resistance is not terrorism: Remove the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party) from Australia's terror list! People around the world have been inspired by the epic resistance of Kobani against the IS killers and the massive role played by women in the defence of the town. Come along and show your support. 11:30am. Federation Square, cnr Swanston & Flinders Sts, City. Organised by Australians for Kurdistan.
Rally: Walk Together. A celebration of diversity to present a picture to our leaders and media of the Australia that is possible, an Australia that recognises in its public debate, media conversation and legislation that we are all common people with common dreams, equally deserving of freedom, fairness, opportunity to contribute, welcome and belonging. 1pm. State Library, 328 Swanston St, City. The walk will end at Treasury Gardens.
Big Red Quiz Night. $25/$15. Bar & snacks available on the night but you are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Prizes Galore! 7pm (for 7:30pm start). Bookings essential. Contact the New International Bookshop on 9662 3744 or email NIBSTrades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton South. 
Vigil: Peaceful gathering for Sheikh Nimr Baqir Al.  Condemned to death in Saudi Arabia government for leading peaceful protests for the rights of the oppressed Shia minority. 8:30pm. State Library, Swanston St, City.
Monday, October 27
Film screening: The spook who sat by the door. Movie about a black nationalist who infiltrated the CIA (loosely based on real events). Fundraiser to help get a 3CR team to Brisbane to cover the G20 protests. $15 (solidarity), $10 (waged), $5 (conc). 7pm. LongPlay,  318 St. Georges Road, Fitzroy North.
Wednesday, October 29
Public meeting: Women's liberation and the Kurdish revolution.  Left-wing Kurdish-led resistance fighters are defending the city of Kobani from the brutal ‘Islamic State’. Women are in the front lines of the fight against this misogynistic force. Kobani is a predominantly Kurdish city in northern Syria that is part of the Rojava liberated zone. Rojava has set a great example of women’s liberation, social justice and democracy. It is an inspiring example for the whole Middle East. Guest speaker: Basak Gel (Kurdish Association). 6:30pm (meal from 6pm). Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City. Organised by Green Left Weekly & Socialist Alliance.
Public meeting: The Forgotten Palestinians of Lebanon. Speaker: Olfat Mahmoud (Palestinian Women’s Humanitarian Organisation). 6pm. Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton. All welcome. RSVP APHEDA. Hosted by Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA. 
Thursday, October 30
Public meeting: War zones, detention and deportation: the plight of Iraqi refugees. Speakers: Richard Tanter (Melbourne University), Asilairaqi  (Iraqi refugee & refugee rights activist), Alex Bhathal  (Greens candidate for Northern Metro & former refugees spokesperson). 6:30pm. Melbourne's Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St, City. Organised by Refugee Action Collective.
Friday, October 31 
Concert: Les Thomas. Performance by the Melbourne singer-songwriter and activist who follows in the same tradition as Joe Hill and Woody Guthrie. His songs are pointed and passionate, addressing matters both personal and political. 8pm. Some Velvet Morning, 123 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill. For more info visit Les Thomas Music.
Saturday, November 1- Friday, November 14
Film screening: Latin American documentary film festival. November 1, 7 & 14. Backlot Studios Cinema, 65 Haig St, Southbank. Spanish with English subtitles. $15 one film, $25 two films, $35 three. To book 0425 539 149 or email LASNET.
Thursday, November 6
Film screening: Pride. UK gay activists work to help miners during their lengthy strike of the National Union of Mineworkers in the summer of 1984. 6:30pm. Palace Westgarth Cinemas, 89 High St, Northcote.A fundraiser for 3CR radio. $25/$20. To book visit 3CR.
Saturday, November 8
Rally: Equal Love Marriage Equality. 1pm. State Library, 328 Swanston St, City.
Sunday, November 9
Conference: Venezuela, the Bolivarian revolution continues. Speakers: Nelson Davila (Venezuelan ambassador); Kevin Bracken (MUA Secretary, Victoria); Len Cooper (CWU Secretary, Victoria). 9am-6pm.RMIT Building 56, Level 3, 115 Queensberry St, Carlton. For more info ph 0422 389 831 or emailLASNET.
Run for Palestine 2014. 10am.  For more info, tickets visit Run for Palestine. Organised by Australians for Palestine.
Wednesday, November 12-Sunday, November 23

Theatre: Tales of a city by the sea. A Palestinian story of love, separation and beautiful resistance. Written by Samah Sabawi. La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton. $25/$15. To book ph 9347 6142 or visit La Mama.
Saturday, November 15
Rally: Stop the East-West Link! Rip up the contracts! Invest in public transport! 1pm. State Library, Swanston St, City. (Note change of venue.)
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, October 25
GEELONG Rally: Walk Together. A celebration of diversity to present a picture to our leaders and media of the Australia that is possible, an Australia that recognises in its public debate, media conversation and legislation that we are all common people with common dreams, equally deserving of freedom, fairness, opportunity to contribute, welcome and belonging. 1pm. The Pulse, 68-70 Little Ryrie St, Geelong. Walk to Johnstone Park, 28 Gheringhap St.
Wednesday, October 29
GEELONG Trivia night: Socialist Alliance election campaign fundraiser. Support Sarah Hathway for Geelong! 6:30pm. Downstairs, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St, Geelong. For more info ph 5222 6900.
CASTLEMAINE Film screening: Farmland not gasland. If you think fracking is something that’s happening far far away — think again. It’s happening right here on our doorstep. Farmland, Not Gasland talks to farmers, environmentalists and local Victorians facing invasive unconventional gas mining in their backyards. 6pm. The Comma, 16 Hargraves St, Castlemaine. Free event. Gold coin donation welcomed. Presented by Friends of the Earth, with the support of Mt Alexander Sustainability Group.
Saturday, November 1
ALBURY Rally: Rainbow Pride Day. A peaceful walk down Dean Street showing off your rainbow colours, a gathering in QEII Square featuring speakers, music, performers and stalls and a BBQ. Dean Street, Albury.
Friday, November 21
GEELONG Red Cinema: Farmland, not Gaslands.  If you think fracking is something that’s happening far far away — think again. It’s happening right here on our doorstep. Farmland, Not Gasland talks to farmers, environmentalists and local Victorians facing invasive unconventional gas mining in their backyards.Trades Hall, 127 Myers St, Geelong. 7pm (meal 6:30pm). Entry by donation. For more info ph 5222 6900. Presented by Socialist Alliance.
Australian West Papua Association (AWPA). Struggles against the Indonesian occupation of West Papua and against environmental destruction and resource theft. For info 9510 2193 or email AWPA.
Friends of the Earth's Anti-Nuclear & Clean Energy (ACE) collective. Meets every second Tuesday. FoE office, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. For meeting times & more info email Zin.
Indigenous Social Justice Association. The Indigenous Social Justice Association was established in January 2005 campaigns to permanently stop Aboriginal deaths in custody. During 2013, ISJA will meet the first Thursday of every month. For more info visit ISJA.
Quit Coal: No New Coal Power for Victoria. A Melbourne-based collective which campaigns against expansion of the coal industry in Victoria. We believe this is important because building new coal infrastructure locks in decades of dirty, old technology, when we should be moving towards clean, renewable energy. Quit Coal meets each Wednesday at 6pm, at FOE, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. For more info visit Quit Coal or email us.
Refugee Action Collective. Established in 2000, RAC is a democratic, grassroots activist collective, representing a broad cross section of the community. It aims to mobilise opposition to Australia's inhuman refugee policies. For more info ph 0413 377 978 or visit RAC.
Stop the East-West Link:
  • Moreland Campaign Against the East-West Tunnel (MCAT) meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at the Temple Park Senior Citizens Centre, Hodgson St, Brunswick. For information contact Sue Bolton 0413 377 978; Michael Petit 0417 354 169; Riki Lane 0400 877 819 or go to Facebook.
  • Yarra Campaign for Action on Transport (YCAT). For information on the campaign against the East-West Tunnel (pickets, meetings, info) visit YCAT.
Timor Sea Justice Campaign. For info visit TSJC, email Tom Clarke or ph 0422 545 763.
Recent articles from Green Left Weekly
Check out Green Left TV: Seehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE3v2xYcOY4&list=UU8W1PDkZhEDTV9H31hwJQqQSydney Kurdish community launch hunger strike in solidarity with Kobane
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.
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:
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.
Resistance Bookshop

Christianity, Islam and Atheism: Reflections on religion, society and politics

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

Thursday, 16 October 2014

Sanitation and hygiene - not just a health issue but an issue about women's inequallity #Blogaction14, #Inequality, #Oct16, #Ballarat

We, in supposedly comfortable Australia,
often forget that what we regard as "the basics" 
are not always available everywhere.

Sanitation is not only a matter of health and hygiene,
it is also a women's issue of great importance.
Some women on this planet, because of culture and poverty,
 can only "go"under cover of darkness to a communal dump.

Sanitation is an issue in Australia too -
for many Aboriginal communities in remote Australia.

Please update your knowledge at the links below.
Please consider.


...and the situation in Australia?


This post is being cross posted at Advocacy for Blog Action Day 2014

Tuesday, 14 October 2014

I want justice - oceans of it. I want fairness - rivers of it.


Amos 5:24The Message (MSG)

21-24 “I can’t stand your religious meetings.
    I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions.
I want nothing to do with your religion projects,
    your pretentious slogans and goals.
I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes,
    your public relations and image making.
I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.
    When was the last time you sang to me?
Do you know what I want?
    I want justice—oceans of it.
I want fairness—rivers of it.
    That’s what I want. That’s all I want.

Anti-Poverty Week 2014 - 12-18 October 2014 - Poster & Information to get on board the campaign against poverty and severe hardship - #1 -#Blogaction14, #Inequality, #Oct16, #Ballarat


From the #ANZAC Centenary Peace Coalition - Peace in Australia: the untold story

Two pages in the document below.
Read on-line by scrolling down the sidebar of the document
 - or print from the post.


Monday, 13 October 2014

Blog Action Day - 16 October 2014. Please participate. #Blogaction14, #Inequality, #Oct16, #Ballarat, #Eureka


Blog Action Day began in 2007.  This landmark day brings together bloggers from different countries, interests and languages to blog about one important global topic on the same day.

Past topics have included Water, Climate Change, Poverty, Food, Power of We and Human Rights, with over 25,000 blogs taking part since 2007.

Blog Action Day will be held on October 16, 2014 and will focus on the topic Inequality.  
 
Tags for this year are 
 #Blogaction14, #Inequality, #Oct16

The Network's specialty is social and political commentary.  It is significant that Blog Action Day on the issue of Inequality falls smack bang in the middle of Australia's Anti-Poverty Week for 2014.  The Network will be working with Advocacy on this issue and cross-posting each to each.  Advocacy is the blog of a recently formed group, Advocacy@ St Paul's, which has been established within the Christian community at St Paul's Anglican Church at historic Bakery Hill, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.

Interesting titbits: It is fitting for a a blog like The Network to link up with Advocacy.  St Paul's, situated on Humffray Street, Ballarat, is the site of the 'monster' meeting of 11 November 1854 which was a significant event in the lead up to the Eureka rebellion.  On that date the Ballarat Reform League was established to fight for the rights of the miners against officialdom and over-regulation on the goldfields of Ballarat. The spirit of Eureka has had an historic influence on the union movement in Australia.  

The first May Day marches in the world took place on 1 May 1891 in Barcaldine, Queensland, in the midst of the historic Shearers's Strike.  The Eureka Flag was flown in Barcaldine.  Thirty-seven years after the events on the goldfields of Ballarat, the Spirit of Eureka was alive, well and not forgotten. Nor is it to-day.





Tuesday, 7 October 2014

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar - 2014-10-10

Green Left Weekly Activist Calendar
October 10, 2014
Public meeting: Stopping the East West Link

Thursday, October 9, 7pm. Join Moreland Community against the East West Link (MCAT) for a public meeting on the campaign. Speakers: Andrew Herrington (author of East West Link blog and former advisor to the Brumby government); Sue Bolton (a co-convenor of MCAT, Socialist Alliance Councillor for Moreland); Mike Naismith (Tunnel Picket), Lambros Tapinos (mayor of Moreland). 7pm. Coburg Court House, 1A Main St, Coburg. Organised by MCAT. For more info contact Riki 0400 877 819, Michael 0417 354 169 or Sue 0413 377 978.Save
Film screening: The Runner
Friday, October 10, 6pm. The story of Western Sahara athlete Salah Hmatou Ameidan who became a symbol of the resistance of his country under Moroccan occupation since 1975. 97 mins. 6pm (for 6:30pm start). New Council Chambers, Trades Hall, Lygon St, Carlton South. $15 solidarity, $12 full, $8 concession. Presented by Australia Western Sahara Association. For info visit AWSA.
Public meeting: Housing is a human right
Thursday, October 16, 6:30pm. Speakers: Donna Bennett (Hope St Youth & Family Services); Fiona Ross (Friends of Public Housing); Sean Brockelhurst (Socialist Alliance); MC: Sue Bolton  (Socialist Alliance councillor for Moreland). 6:30pm. Old Court House, 1A Main St, Coburg (near Bell St). Presented by Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 9639 8622 or 0413 377 978. (PLEASE NOTE: This is the correct date.)
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, October 9
Public meeting: Stopping the East West Link. Join Moreland Community against the East West Link (MCAT) for a public meeting on the campaign. Speakers: Andrew Herrington (author of East West Link blog and former advisor to the Brumby government); Sue Bolton (a co-convenor of MCAT, Socialist Alliance Councillor for Moreland); Mike Naismith (Tunnel Picket), Lambros Tapinos (mayor or Moreland). 7pm. Coburg Court House, 1A Main St, Coburg. Organised by MCAT. For more info contact Riki 0400 877 819, Michael 0417 354 169 or Sue 0413 377 978.
Friday, October 10
Film screening: The Runner. The story of Western Sahara athlete Salah Hmatou Ameidan who became a symbol of the resistance of his country under Moroccan occupation since 1975. 97 mins. 6pm (for 6:30pm start). New Council Chambers, Trades Hall, Lygon St, Carlton South. $15 solidarity, $12 full, $8 concession. Presented by Australia Western Sahara Association. For info visit AWSA.
Concert: Murru: 10 Songs of Freedom for John Pat. A musical tribute to John Pat, a young Yindjibarndi man who died in custody 30 years ago, sparking a royal commission and shining a spotlight on the increasing rates of Indigenous incarceration in our country. Featuring: Big hART, Archie Roach, Lucky Oceans, Emma Donovan, John Bennett and more. 7:30pm. Federation Square, cnr Swanston & Flinders Sts, City. For more info visit Melbourne Festival.
Saturday, October 11
Rally: Support reproductive rights. Every year bigots take to the streets, led by Liberal MP Bernie Finn. to protest against our hard-won right to access abortion. These bigots want to see abortion outlawed, a move which would undoubtedly see women die. They want to silence and shame us for exercising our right to choose what happens to our own bodies. 1pm. State Parliament, Spring St, City.
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'! 2pm. State Library, City. Organised by the Refugee Action Collective.
Film screening: Nobody's Child: Waiting to go home. The inspiring and moving  story of five survivors of the Stolen Generations who grew up in children's homes in the Whitehorse area. Jack, Helen, John, Karen and Sharon share memories of the places they, as removed Aboriginal children, called home, of friendships forged as well as the challenges they face as adults. (52 min). 3pm. Yarran Dheran Info Centre, Mitcham (Mel 49 B6). For info ph 9719 7661 or 0409 519 829.
Fundraiser: Dinner for Lex Wotton speaking tour. This three-course dinner will cater for varied tastes including meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free. The event will feature a special performance by Ezekiel Ox, entertainer, singer/song writer and founding member of Musicians Against Police Violence. $40 solidarity, $25 waged, $15 unwaged. Bookings essential; to book email Sean Pickard. 7pm. Solidarity Salon, 580 Sydney Rd, Brunswick. Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association.
Wednesday, October 15
2014 transport election: We demand our say! Pro-public transport groups discuss plans for action in the lead-up the state election and beyond. 6pm. Multicultural Hub, Elizabeth St, City.
Public meeting: Climate change: Risks & opportunities.  Speakers: Rob Gell (Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society & former TV presenter); David Karoly (University of Melbourne climate scientist), Kirsty Albion (Australian Youth Climate Coalition, via video); Jennifer Lauber Patterson (Yarra Energy/Frontier Carbon). 7:30pm. Brighton Secondary College, 120 Marriage Road, Brighton East. RSVP:Eventbrite. Gold coin donation at the door. Presented by Bayside Climate Change Action Group and Brighton Secondary College  Facebook event
Thursday, October 16
Rally: Say no to $100,000 degrees. October 16 marks the first day of the senate inquiry into the Abbott government's budget. Students and young people are some of the worst hit by the budget and we have been protesting all year to stop its passage. 1pm. Bowen Lane, RMIT University (just behind Swanston St). Organised by National Union of Students.
Rally & stop work:  Keep Community Health healthy. Your local Community Health Centre plays an essential role in Victoria’s healthcare system, taking the pressure of the over-worked hospital system. The centres urgently need an injection of funding to continue to provide essential services to communities across the state. Support your local Community Health professionals in their campaign to keep Community Health Centers healthy. 1:30pm. Parliament House, Spring St, City.
Public meeting: Housing is a human right. Speakers: Donna Bennett (Hope St Youth & Family Services); Fiona Ross (Friends of Public Housing); Sean Brockelhurst (Socialist Alliance); MC: Sue Bolton  (Socialist Alliance councillor for Moreland). 6:30pm. Old Court House, 1A Main St, Coburg (near Bell St). Presented by Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 9639 8622 or 0413 377 978. (PLEASE NOTE: This is the correct date.)
Friday, October 17
Concert: Outright. Melb LP launch, Free World, Old Love, Vicious Cycle, Aggressor. Celebrating the release of their new socially conscious LP Avalanche, Outright are heading out on tour and sharing the party with some special friends. Come and be a part of something real and inclusive, something meaningful, and most importantly, fun. 8pm. Bendigo Hotel, 125 Johnston St, Collingwood.
Saturday, October 18
New International Bookshop one-day fair. 10am-4pm. NIBS, 54 Victoria St, Carlton. All books $1or $2 + bulk bargains.
Rally: Reclaim the night 2014. 7pm. Protest violence and harassment against women. Brunswick Town Hall, Sydney Rd, Brunswick. All welcome.
Sunday, October 19
Rally: Stop Abbott's attacks on Muslims. No to the anti-terror laws, no to attacks on civil liberties. 1pm.State Library  City.
Rally: Free Cannabis Victoria 420 Picnic. Bring your glass, your goodies, munchies, friends and most importantly a smile! Meet like minded people and get even more like minded. 2-6pm. Flagstaff Gardens, 309-311 William St, City.
Monday, October 20
Forum: The new era of climate activism.  Speakers: David Spratt (author & climate activist), Paul Gilding (author), Mark Wakeham (Environment Victoria). 6:30pm. RMIT University, Building 80, Theatre 80.02.007, 445 Swanston St, City. Entry free. Please register your attendance online at Breakthrough. Presented by Environment Victoria and Sustainable Living Foundation.
Public meeting: Invasion to federation, Indigenous peoples, convicts & empire. Speakers: Henry Reynolds, Anna Clark (co-author History Wars). Panel discussion follows featuring Clare Land & Tony Moore. 7:30pm. Unitarian Peace Memorial Church, 110 Grey St, East Melbourne. Presented by the ANZAC Centenary Peace Coalition. To book visit Peace Forum.
Wednesday, October 22
Protest: Fluro Fightback. Rally to fight against casualisation and insecure work. 8:30am. Southern Cross Station, City. Organised by NUW.
Forum: A night with the Pacific Climate Warriors. Australia's fossil fuels are destroying the Pacific.RMIT Cinema, Level 1, Room 002, 445 Swanston St, City. For more info visit Pacific Warriors.
Thursday, October 23
Rally: National Day of Support for Ms Dhu and to Stop Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.  Julieka Dhu was a  22-year-old Yamatji Woman who died in police custody in WA on August 4 this year. 12:30pm. Old GPO, cnr Bourke & Elizabeth Sts, City. Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association and First Nations Liberation. 
Saturday, October 25
Rally: Walk Together. A celebration of diversity to present a picture to our leaders and media of the Australia that is possible, an Australia that recognises in its public debate, media conversation and legislation that we are all common people with common dreams, equally deserving of freedom, fairness, opportunity to contribute, welcome and belonging. 1pm. State Library, 328 Swanston St, City. The walk will end at Treasury Gardens.
Friday, October 31 
Concert: Les Thomas. Performance by the Melbourne singer-songwriter and activist who follows in the same tradition as Joe Hill and Woody Guthrie. His songs are pointed and passionate, addressing matters both personal and political. 8pm. Some Velvet Morning, 123 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill. For more info visit Les Thomas Music.
Saturday, November 8
Rally: Equal Love Marriage Equality. 1pm. State Library, 328 Swanston St, City.
Saturday, November 15
Rally: Stop the East-West Link! Rip up the contracts! Invest in public transport! 1pm. Flinders St Station, City.
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.
Thursday, October 9
BENDIGO  Rally: Save jobs at La Trobe Uni. A group of La Trobe University students in Bendigo will hold a protest next week to express their concern for impending staff cuts. Protest organiser Natasha Joyce said she hoped about 100 students from different departments would attend the demonstration. 11am. La Trobe University, Bendigo campus. For more info see Bendigo Advertiser.
Saturday, October 25
GEELONG Rally: Walk Together. A celebration of diversity to present a picture to our leaders and media of the Australia that is possible, an Australia that recognises in its public debate, media conversation and legislation that we are all common people with common dreams, equally deserving of freedom, fairness, opportunity to contribute, welcome and belonging. 1pm. The Pulse, 68-70 Little Ryrie St, Geelong. Walk to Johnstone Park, 28 Gheringhap St.
Wednesday, October 29
GEELONG Trivia night: Socialist Alliance Election campaign fundraiser. Support Sarah Hathway for Geelong! 6:30pm. Downstairs, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St, Geelong. For more info ph 5222 6900.
Saturday, November 1
ALBURY Rally: Rainbow Pride Day. A peaceful walk down Dean Street showing off your rainbow colours, a gathering in QEII Square featuring speakers, music, performers and stalls and a BBQ. Dean Street, Albury.
Australian West Papua Association (AWPA). Struggles against the Indonesian occupation of West Papua and against environmental destruction and resource theft. For info 9510 2193 or email AWPA.
Friends of the Earth's Anti-Nuclear & Clean Energy (ACE) collective. Meets every second Tuesday. FoE office, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. For meeting times & more info email Zin.
Indigenous Social Justice Association. The Indigenous Social Justice Association was established in January 2005 campaigns to permanently stop Aboriginal deaths in custody. During 2013, ISJA will meet the first Thursday of every month. For more info visit ISJA.
Quit Coal: No New Coal Power for Victoria. A Melbourne-based collective which campaigns against expansion of the coal industry in Victoria. We believe this is important because building new coal infrastructure locks in decades of dirty, old technology, when we should be moving towards clean, renewable energy. Quit Coal meets each Wednesday at 6pm, at FOE, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. For more info visit Quit Coal or email us.
Refugee Action Collective. Established in 2000, RAC is a democratic, grassroots activist collective, representing a broad cross section of the community. It aims to mobilise opposition to Australia's inhuman refugee policies. For more info ph 0413 377 978 or visit RAC.
Stop the East-West Link:
  • Moreland Campaign Against the East-West Tunnel (MCAT) meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at the Temple Park Senior Citizens Centre, Hodgson St, Brunswick. For information contact Sue Bolton 0413 377 978; Michael Petit 0417 354 169; Riki Lane 0400 877 819 or go to Facebook.
  • Yarra Campaign for Action on Transport (YCAT). For information on the campaign against the East-West Tunnel (pickets, meetings, info) visit YCAT.
Timor Sea Justice Campaign. For info visit TSJC, email Tom Clarke or ph 0422 545 763.
Recent articles from Green Left Weekly
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.
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:
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.
Resistance Bookshop

Christianity, Islam and Atheism: Reflections on religion, society and politics

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

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