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Community Announcements 1 May 2012

Posted 1 May 2012 by Ken Norling (Vic Division)

If you have anything you'd like included in this listing, please contact the NTEU Vic Division at knorling@vic.nteu.org.au. If you would like to receive these announcements as a weekly email, go to http://eepurl.com/W1K-.

DISCLAIMER: Forwarding this information to you does not constitute any form of endorsement by the NTEU Victorian Division of the matters therein.

Tuesday 1 May
MAY DAY MARCH
March in solidarity with workers in struggle everywhere. 5:30pm. State Library, cnr La Trobe & Swanston Sts, City. Organised by Australia Asia Worker Links. http://www.facebook.com/events/249458638484101/

Tuesday 1 May
LAUNCH OF POSTCARD CAMPAIGN AGAINST INSECURE WORK
Come to the launch of a postcard campaign to tell the ACTU that insecure work is an important factor contributing to unequal pay. Get behind the call for the ACTU Congress to kick off a campaign for secure jobs that mobilises rank-and-file workers and builds a mass movement in workplaces and puts feet on the street. Ever been a casual worker, paid peanuts and treated like crap? The ACTU is currently heading a campaign against the epidemic of insecure work and we're hosting our own campaign in support. 6pm. The Elms Family Hotel, 269 Spring St, City. Presented by Pay Justice Action.

Tuesday 1 May
FILM SCREENING: HOME
The first film that has been made using aerial-only footage. The film marks artist-activist Yann Arthus-Bertrand's feature film directorial debut and is a call to environmental action. 6pm. Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, City. Entry by donation. Ross House's The Big Picture series screens on the first Tuesday of each month.

Tuesday 1 May
LAUNCH OF ACTIVISTRIGHTS.ORG.AU
This website has been an important resource for activists in Victoria for the past six years. Thanks to funding from the Victoria Law Foundation, Fitzroy Legal Service, the contribution of legal workers, activists, and writers, and the support of the RMIT Human Right Education Unit we are proud to be launching a new, up-to-date and more comprehensive site. Please join us to celebrate. Speakers: Rob Stary, Tasneem Chopra, Gary Foley, and Occupy Melbourne. Debate: 'Activism Doesn’t Pay' facilitated by Sebastian Prowse, featuring Cam Walker (Friends of the Earth), Lizzie O’Shea (Maurice Blackburn) & Julia Dehm. Entertainment: Izzy (Combat Wombat), Oud performance by Fadil, and spoken word artist Sista Zai. 5:30pm. RMIT University, Building 56, Level 4, Room 81 (enter via Queensberry Street), City.

Wednesday 2 May
WESTERN SAHARA: AFRICA'S LAST COLONY
Malak Amidan will tell the story of the Western Sahara conflict and the situation of human rights in her homeland. She will share her experiences of life in the occupied areas of Western Sahara where her people have been living in unbearable conditions for 37 years trapped in the territories occupied by Morocco where they suffer human rights abuses. Malak Amidan is a Saharawi human rights activist and trade unionist. She lives in the occupied zones of Western Sahara. 2pm. Room E405, Level 4, Building E, Footscray Park Campus, Victoria University. Presented by Victoria University School of Social Sciences & Psychology. Please RSVP by Friday, April 27 to Amanda.Rea@vu.edu.au or ph 9919 2685.

Wednesday 2 May
DISPUTE MAPPING WORKSHOP
Discussion with local and international activists involved in current airline disputes. Who flies the planes? Who loads the food onto aircraft? Who does the maintenance? Where are we weakest? Where are we strongest? What's the best strategy? Where should we apply pressure? 6pm. Evatt Room, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton South. Presented by Australia Asia Worker Links. Email: aawl@aawl.org.au Web: aawl.org.au

Wednesday 2 May
TRANSFORMING DATA INTO VOTES: SHOULD CURRENT CLIMATE CHANGE POLICIES IN AUSTRALIA SWAY YOUR VOTE AT THE NEXT ELECTION?
Public Forum to help typical Australian households understand what current policies will mean for them personally, and ultimately to help them decide if climate change policy should sway their vote at the next federal election. Panelists include: Mark Dreyfus (Parliamentary Sec for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency); Greg Hunt (Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment & Heritage); Philip Adams (Centre of Policy Studies, Monash University); David Karoly (School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne); Simon Schrapel (President, Australian Council of Social Services). 6.30 – 8.30 pm, Basement Theatre, Spot Building, 198 Berkeley Street, University of Melbourne. Free, all welcome, but registration essential. Register: http://www.ms.unimelb.edu.au/climatechangeforum/

Wednesday 2 May
KEEP MELBOURNE LIVEABLE - NO TOLLWAY
Emergency community meeting. Join community leaders, transport experts and Adam Bandt MP to find out what we can do to protect our community from the Baillieu government’s plan to drive an East-West tollway through our community. 7pm. Dan O'Connell Hotel, 225 Canning St, Carlton.

Thursday 3 May
MAY DAY WREATH LAYING AT 8-HOUR MONUMENT
5pm. Opposite Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton South.

Thursday 3 May
THE ACTIVISTS' HANDBOOK BOOK LAUNCH & CSG-FREE NORTHERN RIVERS CAMPAIGN PRESENTATION
Experienced social and environmental activist, prominent activism educator and writer Aidan Ricketts will be the Wilderness Society Victoria's special guest next month. Straight from northern NSW, he will be launching his new book: The Activists’ Handbook. He will also speak about his work on the cutting edge ‘CSG-free Northern Rivers’ campaign. For more information about Aiden’s work or to get yourself a copy of The Activists’ Handbook in advance: www.aidanricketts.com. Free, but please RSVP: pia.pb@wilderness.org.au by 30 April. 6pm, The Loft, Level 2, Kindness House, 288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy

Friday 4 May
FRIENDS OF AILEU ANNIVERSARY DINNER
Friends of Aileu 12th anniversary fundraising dinner. It will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of Timor-Leste’s restoration of independence. It should be a great night. Entry by donation. There’ll be a traditional East Timorese banquet, drinks included. Guest speaker is controversial human rights activist Pat Walsh. Entertainment by local East Timorese group, The Mystic Trio. Raffle with great prizes. 6.30-10.00 pm, Function Room, Hume Global Learning Centre, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows. RVSP asap to rbrown@moreland.vic.gov.au

Friday 4 May
PUBLIC FORUM: PROTEST ON TRIAL
In one of the largest political arrests in decades 19 pro-Palestine protesters were arrested last July for their participation in a demonstration against Israeli owned company Max Brenner. These 19 will be on trial for three weeks from May 1st in the Melbourne magistrates court. They are fighting charges of 'trespass in a public place', 'besetting' and 'riotous behaviour'. This trial is a political witch hunt by the state Baillieu government and the Victorian police against both civil disobedient demonstrations and those who stand up for Palestine. Speakers: Jeff Sparrow (editor of Overland); Vashti Kenway (one of the defendants); and Kevin Bracken (Vic Secretary, MUA). For more information visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/370435703008286/ 6:00pm - 10:00pm, Trades Hall, Carlton.

Saturday 5 May
LAUNCH OF LIP MAGAZINE
LIP is an independent magazine for young women that aims to provide intelligent, thoughtful content for our equally intelligent and thoughtful readers. You may not find crass sex advice and body-shaming fashion pages here, but you will discover wonderful new female artists and musicians, a fresh outlook on feminism, and enough sass to shock the fainthearted. 8:30pm. John Curtin Hotel, near cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton South. Entry plus mag $15, entry alone $10. All proceeds go to keeping LIP in print. For more info, visit http://lipmag.com/

Saturday 5 May
BELGRAVE CLIMATE IMPACTS RALLY
The rally will focus on link between climate change and more extreme fire weather days. This will be one of many events across the globe focusing public attention on the many impacts that climate change is already having on people, animals and ecosystems as part of the 350.0rg Climate Impacts global day of action. BYO climate change=bushfires placards. 10am. Ranges Community Health Centre, 1624 Burwood Highway, Belgrave. For more info email pcook@wildcoast.net.au or ph 5968 2824.

Saturday 5 May
SAVE WEEKEND PENALTY RATES: "YOU CAN'T HAZ OUR WEEKEND!" PROTEST
Join Workers Solidarity Network in showing in telling the fat cat bankers 'You Can't Haz Our Weekend', by joining a protest at 11am Saturday 5 May 2012 outside the Commonwealth Bank on the corner of Bourke and Elizabeth Sts in the Melbourne CBD. Come with your best meme-inspired banners, placards and costumes.  More info: www.workerssolidaritymelbourne.org.

Saturday 5 May
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
World Environment Day is an annual event that is aimed at being the biggest and most widely celebrated global day for positive environmental action. World Environment Day activities take place all year round but climax on 5 June every year, involving everyone from everywhere. For events in Melbourne, go to http://www.unep.org/wed/aroundtheworld/activitymap/

Sunday 6 May
MAY DAY MARCH
Assembling at 1PM Corner of Victoria & Russell Sts. Opposite Trades Hall, moving through the city and back to Lygon St. Speakers, activities, stalls etc. MAY DAY CONCERT Straight after the March and speakers’ platform

Sunday 6 May
SOCIALIST ALLIANCE MAY DAY TOAST: DAY OF WORKERS’ AND INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY
Socialist Alliance May Day warm-up: brunch, music, speakers & toast. Brunch from 10:15am, speakers & toast 10.45am. Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City (opposite RMIT). Speakers: Malak Amidane, trade unionist from El Aaiun, Western Sahara will talk about the unfair treatment of Saharawi workers at the Bou Craa phosphate mine as well as the harsh punishment for Saharawi protesting for the right to self-determination; others TBA. For more info ph 9639 8622 or 0413 377 978.

Sunday 6 May
EASTERN SUBURBS WALK AGAINST WANT
Starting any time between 9am and 1pm. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in the Walk Against Want over the last four decades, raising millions of dollars for the long-term development work Oxfam does around the world. This year, the walk will again take the popular Koonung Trail, starting and finishing at the St John Ambulance Hall, Elgar Park, Box Hill North.Choose to walk 6, 13 or 18km – or maybe even cycle 13, 18 or 36 km – amongst the abundant wildlife and wetlands that provide habitat for native flora and fauna in this area. Refreshments will be provided en route and there will be a free BBQ and entertainment at the end of the Walk. To register or to find out more, drop us an email or phone Barbara on 03 9720 1703.

Monday 7 May
BZE MONTHLY MONDAY DISCUSSION GROUP: DIRECT GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
Speaker Prof. Ian Johnston leads a team of geothermal experts from the University of Melbourne demonstrating direct geothermal systems in Victorian conditions. Direct geothermal energy uses the ground to within several tens of metres below the surface to extract heat in winter for heating and to reject heat in summer for cooling. Prof Johnston will join us to explain how this technology works and what the project will achieve. 6.30 pm, Fritz Loewe Theatre, (entry via level 2), McCoy Building, University of Melbourne, Cnr Elgin & Swanston Sts. All welcome, Gold Coin Donation. Beyond Zero Emissions ph 8383 2232. http://beyondzeroemissions.org/events/discussion/prof-ian-johnston-leads-geothermal-pilot-victoria

Tuesday 8 May
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION FOR PREVENTION OF WAR VICTORIAN BRANCH DINNER: REPORTING ON WAR
Author and historian Richard Trembath is co-author of Witnesses to War, a book on the history of Australian war journalism (he's also written a history of nursing!). From CW Bean, to embedding: a fascinating and important topic. Check out the book here: http://catalogue.mup.com.au/978-0-522-85644-6.html. The dinner will be at La Notte, 140 Lygon Street (near Queensberry); $30 fixed price for a tasty and substantial meal, student members subsidised $15.00; RSVP to Carole: secretary@mapw.org.au or via the office on 9023 1948.

Tuesday 8 May
VIGIL AGAINST THE AFGHANISTAN WAR
Is Australia withdrawing from the Afghanistan war? It seems clear that our military involvement is looking at continuing for quite some time yet. So let's keep the message strong: Stop the war. When we mean withdraw, we really mean withdraw. 4:30pm. Parliament Station, Spring Street, City.

Tuesday 8 May
INTELLIGENCE SQUARED DEBATES: FREEDOM OF SPEECH IS OVERRATED
Too often, the big issues feel ill-served by parliamentary question time or the 24-hour news cycle. Big issues and bigger ideas deserve informed and passionate consideration. Beyond the soundbites, beyond the sloganeering, beyond the posturing, there’s the debate. The Wheeler Centre and St James Ethics Centre combine once again in 2012 to bring you another series of Intelligence Squared debates. Arguing for the proposition will be Marcia Langton, Michael Gawenda and Catherine Deveny. Speaking for the opposing side will be Julian Burnside, Gretel Killeen and Arnold Zable. Melbourne Town Hall, 6:30PM - 8:30PM. $20 and $12 concession. Make a booking: http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=20161. More info: http://wheelercentre.com

Thursday 10 May
WHAT'S THE STATE OF THE CLIMATE?
Zero Carbon Moreland's May pub night will look at the key messages from the recent State of the Climate report produced by CSIRO and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Leading the discussion will be Shoni Maguire from the Centre for Australian Weather & Climate Research (a partnership between the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO). Come along to learn about observations of Australia's climate and analysis of the factors that influence it. Zero Carbon Moreland pub nights occur regularly on the second Thursday of each month. 6pm. Little dining room, Edinburgh Castle, cnr Sydney Rd & Albion St, Brunswick.

Thursday 10 May
MELBOURNE CAMPAIGNERS’ NETWORK: THEORIES OF CHANGE
The Melbourne Campaigner’s Network is a monthly gathering for campaigners, activists, and organisers to discuss ideas, exchange resources and discover new approaches to social change. The May MCN will explore how change comes about – the different theories of change which underpin our campaign choices. This participatory session will be facilitated by Naomi Blackburn. RSVP and more info: Holly Hammond holly@plantowin.net.au or 0421 508 446. 6pm – 8pm, The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale St. Activists, campaigners and organisers. Entry by donation – suggested donation $10

Friday 11 – Friday 18 May
VICTORIAN FAIR TRADE FESTIVAL
Annual Fair Trade Fortnight in Melbourne with exciting events including a corporate morning break, markets, art exhibition, talks and forums, and fun for the kids, showing that "Every Choice Matters". For details: http://moralfairground.com.au/vichighlights.html. Contact  Susanna Bevilacqua0409943254  susanna@moralfairground.com.au

Friday 11 May
AUSTRALIA NEEDS AN ABBOTT-PROOF FENCE: 2012 GREEN LEFT WEEKLY COMEDY DEBATE
Hosted by Rod Quantock. Two teams of comedians, including Matthew Grantham, Xavier Toby, Nelly Thomas, Greg Fryer, Courteney Hocking and Toby Halligan will debate whether "Australia needs an Abbott-proof fence." From 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm). Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell Street, Coburg. Tickets $40 Solidarity/ $25 full price/ $12 concession. Bar and dinner available. Phone 96398622 for bookings and further details.

Saturday 12 May
STOP ABORIGINAL DEATHS IN CUSTODY - 2012 AUTUMN ACTION
11:00am - 4:00pm, Old GPO, Corner Burke and Elizabeth Streets. Organised by Indigenous Social Justice Association — Melbourne. To support our work send cheques payable to ISJA – Melb to PO Box 308, Brunswick Vic 3056 • Phone/fax: 03-9388-0062 www.isja-msg.com. To be added to the ISJA – Melbourne e-list contact Alison Thorne at alison.thorne@ozemail.com.au

Saturday 12 May
PUBLIC MEETING: OCCUPY & BEYOND: PART 1
Share your thoughts on the strengths, weaknesses, successes and failures of the Occupy movement in Australia. Whether you were involved or not, everyone has a unique experience of Occupy and everyone has valuable insights to share. The forum will run in at least two parts. Part 1: Reflection and Evaluation. What was Occupy in Australia? Part 2: Future, Ideas, Solutions, Direction. Where might Occupy in Australia go to from here? (Date/ & venue TBA.) Part 1 at 12 noon-5pm. Melbourne University. This event is not endorsed by any Occupy movement, or any political organisation, but the idea has risen from people who have been contributing to or observing Occupy Melbourne. For more info visit Occupy Melbourne. http://occupymelbourne.org/

Saturday 12 May
EQUAL LOVE NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY - JOIN THE QUTE CONTINGENT
Equal Love invites you to join us on Saturday May 12 at the Victorian State Library, Swanston st Melbourne from 1:00pm for our next protest rally. Thousands are expected to march alongside one another in solidarity in support of the Australian Federal Government amending the current disciminative law prohibiting marriage equality. Let's keep up the pressure! Please invite every supporter of equality that you know! Let's make it big and loud so we won't be ignored! 1pm. State Library of Victoria – Queer Unionists in Tertiary Education contingent will gather near Mr Tulk Cafe - Wear Purple.

Sunday 13 May
MOTHER'S DAY CLASSIC 2012
Registrations are now open for the 2012 Mother's Day Classic fun run/walk for breast cancer research. Be sure to register as part of your union or Trades and Labour Council team in an event in your state! From modest beginnings in 1998, the Mother's Day Classic has grown into one of Australia's largest national charity events and has become an integral part of Mother's Day for thousands of Australians. Last year a record $3 million was raised, with 120,000 participants at 37 Mother's Day Classic events. http://mothersdayclassic.com.au/ ME Bank is the major sponsor of the Mother's Day Classic.    

Tuesday 15 May
GEELONG ONE FIRE RECONCILIATION GROUP MOVIE EVENING
Mad Bastards - “a beautifully measured take on violence and redemption … irresistible … a sublime soundtrack… a triumph in every sense.” (94 mins) Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-op, Lot 62 Morgan Street, North Geelong (please park outside the entrance, and follow the signs),  7.30pm. Donations appreciated. All movies will include some discussion time afterwards. Please let us know if you need help to get there: geelongonefire@gmail.com. www.geelongonefire.org.au

Tuesday 15 May
PILCH WALK
PILCH is a community legal centre who help people who would otherwise fall through the cracks – e.g. can’t afford their own lawyer and can’t get legal aid for whatever reason. The Walk for Justice, now in its fifth year, celebrates National Pro Bono Day and raises much needed funds for the Public Interest Law Clearing House Vic (PILCH). The money raised is used across all their programs including their work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and people who have been rejected refugee status but are seeking review owing to sub-quality assessments. From 7:30am, Parliament House, through the CBD via the Yarra River, finishing at the County Court on William Street Cost $20.00 for individual walkers, $10.00 for students and $180.00 per team of 10. Includes a light breakfast. To register visit: http://register.pilch.org.au/

Tuesday 15 May
VICTORIA’S FLORA AND FAUNA – WHERE’S THE GUARANTEE?
For threatened species such as the Leadbeater’s Possum, Victoria is a dangerous place to live. As developments like native forest logging and native vegetation clearance drive many species closer to extinction, Victoria’s biodiversity laws do little to protect these species and guarantee their survival. The Environment Defenders Office (Victoria) has will release a report in late April on Victoria’s biodiversity laws in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to allow logging in Toolangi and the Victorian Government’s decision to wind back protection for threatened species under the Forestry Code. Speakers: Nicola Rivers (Law Reform Director, Environment Defenders Office (Vic) Ltd); Luke Chamberlain (Campaigns Director, The Wilderness Society); Kylie White (Executive Director, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment). All welcome. No charge but registrations are essential: www.edovic.org.au/seminar-registration. 5.45pm – 7.30pm, 60L Green Building, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton.

Tuesday 15 May
THE ROAD TO RAINBOW LIBERATION: MARRIAGE, SEX AND GENDER RIGHTS TODAY
The radical queer movement has a long history dating back to the Stonewall Riots, a protest movement against brutal police and state repression. But the dream of queer and gender diverse liberation is an unfinished one, and requires mass action to rebuild it from the ground up. Join Socialist Alliance for the launch of the newly published pamphlet Road to Rainbow Liberation. Speakers Rachel Evans (co-author, Socialist Alliance member, queer rights activist & a founding member of Equal Love campaign); Graham Willet (queer historian, author and editor of Secret Histories of Queer Melbourne); Simba Kennedy (Youth gender diverse group (YGender) convenor). 6:30pm. Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City (opposite RMIT). Refreshments available. Organised by Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 9639 8622.

Tuesday 15 May
PUBLIC FORUM & RADIO PLAY ALLEGORY: TURNING THE TITANIC
Concerned about complacency, denial, government inactivity and reversals on global warming issues? Make your presence felt by coming to this public forum and help 'turn the Titanic'. The newly updated radio play allegory Turning the Titanic will be performed. Presented by A GRAND Stand for the Environment Inc. Guest Facilitator: David Spratt (co- author of Climate Code Red). 7:30 pm. Civic Centre, 699 Doncaster Rd, Manningham. For more info ph Catherine Tinel 0412 746 022 or visit www.agrandstandfortheenvironment.org

Tuesday 15 May
FROM HUMAN RIGHTS TO BIOLOGICAL RIGHTS: PROTECTING ANIMALS AND THE BIOSPHERE
Lawyers for Animals, with our partner Victoria University, invite you to hear former Justice of the High Court, the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG speak on how a new dimension of rights jurisprudence is likely to extend to animal welfare and the biosphere. 5.45pm for a 6.00pm start (concluding at 7.00pm and followed by refreshments), Victoria Law School, 295 Queen Street, Melbourne (enter courtyard via Little Lonsdale Street). Entry free or by gold coin donation to Lawyers for Animals. Seats are limited. RSVP to Rebekah Bessant at rebekah@lawyersforanimals.org.au

Tuesday 15 – Sunday 27 May
HUMAN RIGHTS ARTS AND FILM FESTIVAL 2012
The full program can now be seen at www.hraff.org.au. Opening Night: Joe Berlinger’s new film Under African Skies as been selected to open HRAFF 2012 on the 15th at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre. The evening will feature a video message from Director Joe Berlinger, music by JABULA!, a $5000 holiday giveaway thanks to Intrepid Travel and an after party with food and drink at ACMI, The Cube. Echoes of Others: Illuminating the Gaps Amid Translation, the HRAFF 2012 Art Exhibition, will open at No Vacancy, QV on Wednesday 16th May at 6pm. The full line-up has been announced for Rhythm and Rights which will take place at Abbotsford Convent on Sunday 20 May, from 1.30pm – 7pm. Tinpan Orange will be headlining the day, supported by bands such as Sol Nation, The Hacketts, Alwan, Musiki Manjaro and Wadaiko Rindo bring their unique global and local sounds together in celebration of musical expression and human rights culture. Tickets are only $15 Full / $10 Conc.

Thursday 17 May
HUMAN RIGHTS, PROTEST AND POLICE SURVEILLANCE FORUM
The Castan Centre for Human Rights presents: “Human rights, protest and police surveillance: a forum on intelligence gathering and monitoring of public protest.” Speakers: Michael Pearce SC (Barrister and Former President of Liberty Victoria); Anthony Kelly (Executive Officer, Flemington & Kensington Community Legal Centre); Anna Brown (Human Rights Law Centre) Special guests, Chris Heislers and Jan Beer, will talk about their experiences of being monitored for opposing the desalination plant and North-South pipeline and their subsequent legal challenge. 6:00 - 7:30pm, Melbourne City Conference Centre Chapel, cnr Little Lonsdale and Swanston Streets (opposite the State Library). RSVP: castan.centre@monash.edu or tel. 9905 3327. Full details: http://www.law.monash.edu.au/castancentre/events/2012/police-surveillance-powers.html

Friday 18 May
SISTERS IN CRIME@LAW WEEK: FAIR COP
Christine Nixon, former Chief Commissioner Victoria Police, talks to Sandra Nicholson, her former Assistant Commissioner, about her autobiography, Fair Cop: Christine Nixon (Victory Books), written with Jo Chandler in 2011. Plus “Second Novels in the Second Half” - Crime writers Jaye Forde and Y A Erskine will dissect their latest books – both second novels – with Vikki Petraitis, true crime author and Sisters in Crime convenor, after interval. 8pm, The Rising Sun Hotel, cnr Raglan St & Eastern Rd, South Melbourne. $5 (members/concession )/$10 (non-members). Dinner upstairs from 6.30pm (no lift). Men or ‘brothers-in-law’ welcome. Please book for event: Lindy Cameron (03) 5983 9429 or email lindycameron@own.net.au. Info: www.sistersincrime.org.au

Saturday 19 May
GET ANGRY, GET ACTIVE, IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
Resistance and Socialist Alliance present a day of radical ideas and discussion to give young people a political voice, and talk about how we can go about campaigning around different issues and get organised. This will be a day of radical ideas for radical youth who want to help make a change in the world around them. We will have 5 workshops for the day, discussing various issues which effect young people, and a range of campaigns we are involved in. Workshops include: 11:30am-12:45 Womens/queer/transgender rights & Refugee rights; 12:45-1:30pm Lunch break; 1:30-2:45pm Environmental campaigning & Arts, culture & activism; 3-4:30pm Youth exploitation & how we fight it. Radical musician and activist Mitch Cherry will also play us out with some songs of protest to finish the day. 11:30am-4:30pm. Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City (opposite RMIT).

Tuesday 22 May
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR MELBOURNE
Union of Australian Women, Coffee with a Focus. Speaker: Dr Alison Parkes, Greens candidate for Lord Mayor. 10.30 – 12.30, 4th floor meeting room, Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane. Cost: $5 uawv@vicnet.net.au

Thursday 24 May
LUNCHBOX / SOAPBOX: ANIMALS, EQUALITY AND DEMOCRACY
While it may be true that nature is red in tooth and claw, it seems that for animals subject to human law – rather than the law of nature – life is much more like a lottery. For an animal, where you are born, and why you were bred, is critically important. This is because animal welfare laws in Australia and around the world are inconsistent. If a rabbit is bought as a family pet and then sold to a fur farm, the law will protect the same rabbit very differently. In this presentation political scientist Dr. Siobhan O’Sullivan outlines inconsistencies in Australia’s animal protection laws and explains why for animals it is critically important to be born good looking, popular, and highly visible to the community. The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street, 12:45PM - 1:15PM. This is a free event.