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Community Announcements 19 July 2011

Posted 19 July 2011 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 19 July
IS VICTORIA BECOMING A POLICE STATE?
Public meeting with Rob Stary (civil rights lawyer) & Amanda George (prisoners' rights activist). Since the Baillieu government was elected, the only policy it seems prepared to spend money on is 'law and order': Armed guards on stations, longer sentences, more prisoners, more jails, a new riot squad and on-the-spot fines for swearing in public. This is despite crime rates actually decreasing. The issues that are really making people's lives hard (such as underfunded or non-existent health services, overcrowded public transport; traffic jams; and increasing electricity and water bills) are being deliberately ignored. 6:30pm (meal 6pm). Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City. Organised by Socialist Alliance. For more info ph 0413 377 978.

Tuesday 19 July
WHY GENDER MATTERS
You are invited to join the Victorian State Committee of Oxfam Australia to discuss the Oxfam Gender Equity Policy. The discussion will be lead by Jo Crawford (International Womens Development Agency) and Christine Gregory (Oxfam Australia). 6.00 to 7.30pm (drinks and nibbles from 5.30pm), Oxfam Australia, 132 Leicester Street, Carlton. An outcome of the evening will be to gain input into the review of our Gender Policy. We hope you will join us for an insight into this important issue of national and international significance. Please RSVP to Mark Baker groups@oxfam.org.au or on 1300 886 445.

Wednesday 20 July
SPEAK OUT FOR LEX WOTTON'S POLITICAL FREEDOM!
One year ago Lex Wotton was released from jail after serving two years behind bars as a political prisoner. Lex got a 6-year sentence after being found guilty of riot after a justified community protest against the death in custody of Mulrunji Doomadgee. In contrast, Chris Hurley, the police officer responsible for the death in custody, has been promoted and compensated. While Lex is free, he remains politically muzzled by harsh parole conditions, which deny him the right to speak to the media or to attend public meetings. 12:30pm. Bank of Queensland, 163 Bourke St, City. For more info ph Cheryl on 0401 806 331 or Solidarity Salon on 9388 0062.

Wednesday 20 July
FILM SCREENING: ASHES TO HONEY
This is the third film from director Hitomi Kamanaka on the issue of nuclear power and weapons throughout the globe. This film focuses on the island of Iwai-shima, where residents have been fighting the construction of a nuclear power plant for almost 30 years. Hitomi Kamanaka will be speaking to the audience after the screening. 7pm. New Council Chambers, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton. Info: http://www.mapw.org.au/events/film-ashes-honey

Wednesday 20 July
TRANSITION DECADE ALLIANCE FUNDRAISER
Film screening: Homegrown. Followed by a panel discussion: Zero Carbon Food Production by 2020? Panellists: David Holmgren (permaculture teacher), Kirsten Larsen (VEIL), Adrian Whitehead (BZE). 6:30pm. GM15 Melbourne Law School, Level 1, 185 Pelham St, Melbourne University. $20/$15. Bookings at http://lifechangingdocos.com/melbourne/blog.

Thursday 21 July
WHO PAYS FOR CLIMATE SOLUTIONS?
Ben Courtice, renewable energy campaigner with Friends of the Earth (FoE) will discuss 'climate justice' measures that look for solutions which build community and don't let the most vulnerable suffer the worst of climate change; Marguerite Marshall, journalist and trained Al Gore presenter will present Gore's latest presentation of current thinking on solutions to climate change. 7:30pm. The new Anderson Creek Primary School Performing Arts Centre, Warrandyte. Organised by Warrandyte Climate Action Now. For more info ph Jill Dixon 0404 024 449 or Wayne Rankin 0418 394 494.

Thursday 21 July
FILM SCREENING: ROCKING THE FOUNDATIONS
In the 1970s the Builders Labourer's Federation was radicalised after winning many of its own demands. There was a shift in power in the union from top down to bottom up. The empowered rank and file then joined a fight for city parkland and historic buildings, placing 'Green Bans' to stop destructive development at the request of community campaigns. 6:30pm. Climate Action Centre, 5th Floor, New Building, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton. Organised by Union Climate Action Network. For more info ph 0403 013183 or email ucan@live.com.au.

Thursday 21 July
FILM SCREENING: INTO ETERNITY
Japanese for Peace, with MAPW and other partners presents a screening of the documentary film Into Eternity which explores the practical, political, philosophical and ethical problems associated with the storage of nuclear waste. 7-9pm. Classic Cinema, Elsternwick. For background on the film see http://www.intoeternitythemovie.com/

Thursday 21 July
MEXICO SOLIDARITY SEMINAR
The Latin American Solidarity Network (LASNET), in conjunction with the Latin American Solidarity Society at Latrobe University, is proud to present the Mexican Solidarity Forum with activists and academics interested in the Mexican people’s situation. Since 1996, LASNET has been working in solidarity with the Zapatista movement and for peoples' human rights in Juarez. Speakers: Ralph Newmark (Director, Institute of Latin American Studies, Latrobe Uni), Silvia Rosas (Mexican journalist now resident in Australia), Colm McNaughton (award winning radio documentary producer), Rodrigo Rojas (LASNET activist). Latrobe University City Campus, 215 Franklin St, Melbourne. 6:30 doors for a 7pm start. Food and drinks will be available. Entry by donation - with all proceeds going to support human rights and popular organisations in Chiapas and Juarez. More info: lasnet@latinlasnet.org, http://observatoriointernacionalcpm.wordpress.com, http://www.latinamericansolidaritynetwork.org, http://www.latinlasnet.org

Thursday 21 July
FORUM ON THE VICTORIAN CHARTER OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Amnesty International together with the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education at RMIT University are co-hosting a forum on the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. The Victorian Government is currently reviewing the Charter, so this is a chance to have a say about what the Charter means to you. New evidence from a community survey on the value of the Charter will also be presented. 5.30pm - 7pm, RMIT University, Research Lounge (opposite library), Building 8, Level 5, 368 Swanston St, Melbourne (enter building 8 just past RMIT Gallery and take the lift to level 5). RSVP essential for catering purposes: Email: barbara.legg@rmit.edu.au or tel: 03 9925 2395.
For more information, visit: www.rmit.edu.au/achre, www.amnesty.org.au

Friday 22 July
EQUAL LOVE ACTION: SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALITY? TELL GILLARD IN PERSON
Gillard is coming to Melbourne and will be at an event the Park Hyatt on July 22. We all weren't invited to this event but Equal Love invite you to come to the doors of the Park Hyatt to tell Julia Gillard what we think of the government's continued ban on marriage equality to further pressure the ALP to change their position on marriage equality at their conference in December and in parliament. 11:30am. Park Hyatt, 1 Parliament Square (off Parliament Place), City. Organised by Equal Love, for more info visit http://www.equallove.info/

Friday 22 July
PROTEST AT THE HYATT AGAINST GILLARD & THE MALAYSIAN SOLUTION
The Refugee Action Collective want to make sure Gillard can't show her face in public in Melbourne without vocal and angry opposition to her attacks on the basic human rights of asylum seekers and refugees. Come to the Park Hyatt and voice your outrage. 11:30am. Park Hyatt, 1 Parliament Square (off Parliament Place), City. Organised by Refugee Action Collective. For more info visit http://rac-vic.org/

Friday 22 July
DAY OF ACTION AGAINST MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS
5pm, State Library, Swanston Street, Melbourne. Multinational corporations act only to benefit the privileged few at the expense of the majority. They reinforce exploitation of poor people, try to smash unionism and undermine workers rights, they have been known to terrorise and murder union activists, they displace and assimilating Indigenous communities, and trash our natural resources and environment. Come to a rally to discuss and protest the well-documented crimes of corporations such as BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Barrick Gold, Coca-Cola, Fonterra, Chiquita, Monsanto, Drummond, Nestle, BP, Posco, Toyota, Unilever, Motorola, Samsung, Dow Chemicals, OXI, Repsol, Ssangyong and Foxconn. More information:  www.latinlasnet.org

Friday 22 July
CASTAN CENTRE ANNUAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW CONFERENCE
Spring Street Conference Centre, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne. The conference will include Jeffrey L. Bleich, United States Ambassador to Australia; Associate Professor Megan Davis, Director of the Indigenous Law Centre at the University of New South Wales and member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and many, many more. For more information on the event, or to register, go to http://www.monash.edu.au/alumni/events/july/castan.html

Friday 22 July
CONCESSION DAY FOR EQUAL PAY
Australian women earn on average 18% less than men. The average superannuation payout for a woman is projected to be half that of a man's by the age of retirement. If the pay gap doesn't change, we will see a void emerge over the next 40 years that will leave today's 25-year-old women nearly $1 million worse off than their male counterparts. July 22 is 'Concession Day' for equal pay: we are calling for all women to pay the concession rate for their public transport ticket. (If you're already on a concession, don't pay anything at all!) Meet 9am at Tram Stop 1, cnr Bourke & Spencer Sts, City for a protest concession fare ride through Melbourne. For more info ph 9388 0062.

Saturday 23 July
CLIMATE EMERGENCY NETWORK AGM & LAUNCH OF GROUNDSWELL FOR A SAFE CLIMATE
Groundswell is a proposed mobilisation across all of Australia, aiming to build commitment in the Australian community to initiate the transformation of the Australian economy by 2020 to drive the restoration of a safe climate; and to catalyse the election of governments that accept the need for urgent action to restore a safe climate and are committed to take action on the timescale required. 2-5pm. Climate Action Centre, 5th Floor, New Building, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton. For more info & RSVP ph Janet Rice 0439 363 846 or email janet@janetrice.com.au

Saturday 23 July
INDIGENOUS STRUGGLES FILM FESTIVAL
2:00pm, Resistance Centre, Level 5, 407 Swanston St, City. A film festival which gives an insight to the state of degradation that indigenous people have been facing: OUR GENERATION (Screening time - 2:15 pm) Through the stories of the Yolungu of Arnhem Land, the film looks at the Government's ongoing policies of paternalism and assimilation which continue to wreak havoc on their lives, and THE LAND SPEAKS ARABIC (Screening time - 5 pm) Award-winning documentary which shines a spotlight on the ethnic cleansing of indigenous Arab population in Palestine that began in 1948. Gold coin donation entrance: all money will go towards supporting Resistance and Green Left Weekly - our progressive newspaper. For more info, call 9617 6070 or visit www.resistance.org.au

Saturday 23 July
NEVER AGAIN! REMEMBER MURDERED SECURITY GUARD, STEVE ROGERS
Ten years ago Steve Rogers was killed at work, defending the Fertility Control Clinic. On July 16, 2001, an anti-abortion terrorist stormed the Clinic’s waiting room. A terrifying melée ended in Rogers’ death. The Clinic remains the target of an ultra-right movement intent on revoking Victoria’s legalisation of abortion and stripping back women’s choices. Every month, on the fourth Saturday, reproductive rights activists defend the Clinic and its neighbourhood from a contingent of anti-choice crusaders. At the July defence, pro-choicers will commemorate this anniversary, remember Steve Rogers and say “Never Again!” Come rally for full reproductive rights for all women and join in building a movement that will stop the anti-abortionists and secure real choices for women. 10.00 am – 12 noon, Fertility Control Clinic, 118 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne (between Powlett and Simpson Streets). For more information, contact Campaign for Women’s Reproductive Rights: cwrr.justice@hotmail.com or 03-9388-0062.

Sunday 24 July
SAY NO TO DICTATORSHIPS - SOLIDARITY WITH THE SYRIAN & ERITREAN PEOPLES
2-4pm. Assemble Old GPO, cnr Bourke St Mall & Elizabeth St, City. Followed by march to Federation Square. Organised by Middle East Solidarity Group. For information 0413 127 595 or 0413 377 978.

Sunday 24 July
STORIES AROUND THE FIRE: FITZROY'S ABORIGINAL HISTORY
Featuring Stories from: Wurundjeri elder Ringo Terrick; playwright John Harding; political activist Robbie Thorpe; Office of Housing resident and daughter of the late Aunty Denise, Lorina Lovett. With music by Dave Arden and Kutcha Edwards. 5-7pm (storytelling starts at 5.30pm). The Meeting Place, Atherton Gardens Housing Estate, Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. For more info ph Dan Ducrou 9205 5107.

Sunday 24 July
CASTLEMAINE FILM SCREENING: FOOD INC
The corporate food industry ensures we can ignore what we should be concerned with: where food comes from, how it is raised, picked, handled, altered, transported and sold. Instead our attention is focused on the packages on market shelves, the unblemished fruits and vegetables available year round. Continuing Education, 30 Templeton Street, Castlemaine. $5 recommended donation. For more info ph 5472 4842 or email lucy@cch.org.au

Tuesday 26 July
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND SERVITUDE PANEL DISCUSSION
The International law Association (Victorian Chapter) and Australian Lawyers for Human Rights invites you to hear the following speakers: Federal Agent James Cheshire, AFP (Team Leader, Human Trafficking Team for Melbourne); Susan Kneebone, (Professor and Deputy-Director of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, Monash University); Kristy Fleming, (Child Wise); Nick Goodfellow (Expert Advisory Group Member of SISHA Anti-Human Trafficking and Exploitation). 5.45pm arrival for 6.00pm start, Mallesons Stephens Jaques, Level 50, Bourke Place, 600 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Free event, but RSVP: nedamonshat@gmail.com by 21 July.

Tuesday 26 July
SISTERS FOR SISTERS
Melbourne-based collective, Sisters for Sisters are hosting a night of spoken word, music, dance and creative expression from sisters of diverse cultural background. The night is in support of Asha India in Mumbai and Art2Healing in Cambodia to empower sex-workers and their children. Featuring: Candice Monique, Emma Donovan, Lady Nadee, Simone Gill and many MORE! Toff in Town, Second Floor, Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Doors from 7.00pm, $15.00 on the door. www.thetoffintown.com. More info: http://www.sisters-for-sisters.com/

Wednesday 27 July
ARENA DISCUSSION FORUM: PEAK FOOD
Speakers: Kirsten Larsen (Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab); Ben Fallon (Regenerative Ag); Adam Grubb (Very Edible Gardens). 7:30pm. Arena Project Space, 2 Kerr St (between Brunswick & Nicholson Sts), Fitzroy. For more info ph 9416 0232 or http://www.arena.org.au/

Wednesday 27 July
ALP RENEWAL AND REFORM: RACE MATHEWS @ UNDERGROUND TALK
"THAT the ALP has a membership crisis on its hands is nothing new... Past reviews of the party have repeatedly drawn attention to the precipitous decline in membership and recommended remedies for it. Nobody in authority acted upon their advice. Nobody cared. Now the chickens have come home to roost with a vengeance. Joe De Bruyn says it's all due to the gay marriage debate. Stephen Conroy vilifies the Faulkner-Bracks-Carr Review... recommendations for fixing the problems as ''navel-gazing'' and ''self-indulgence''. It is reminiscent, really, of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. Makes you want to weep. Tempts you to despair. But you can't give in because - somehow - the party has to be enabled to survive and recover." (Race Mathews, letter to The Age, May 26 2011) The Hon Dr Race Mathews is a former academic, federal MP, state MP and minister, municipal councillor and chief of staff to Gough Whitlam as Opposition Leader in the Australian Parliament. 6.30 pm, New International Bookshop, Trades Hall, cnr Victoria & Lygon St, Carlton. Entry to all events is $5/ $2 concession. More info (email) nibs@nibs.org.au, (ph) 9662 3744.

Thursday 28 July
PALESTINIAN LIBERATION AND THE BID FOR UN STATEHOOD
An Underground Talk/ Direct Action joint forum. In September the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) will seek recognition of a Palestinian state in the United Nations. Will UN recognition of Palestinian statehood be a “game changer” as some have claimed, or will it do little to change the reality of Israel’s occupation and apartheid policies on the ground? This forum will discuss the PLO’s bid for UN recognition and what it means for the Palestinian struggle for national... liberation and self-determination. Speakers: Yousef Alreemawi (Palestinian academic and radio presenter), Samah Sabawi (Palestinian writer and Public Advocate for Australians for Palestine), and Kim Bullimore (Direct Action journalist and international volunteer with the International Women’s Peace Service in Palestine). 6.30 pm, New International Bookshop, Trades Hall, cnr Victoria & Lygon St, Carlton. Entry to all events is $5/ $2 concession. More info (email) nibs@nibs.org.au, (ph) 9662 3744.

Thursday 28 July
WHO'S TELLING THE TRUTH ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE & AND WHO CAN WE TRUST?
The media is full of claims and counter claims about the reality and impact of climate change. Scientists, industry leaders and politicians all seem to be at loggerheads about what, if anything, needs to be done. Meteorologist David Karoly talks with social psychologist Yoshihisa Kashima. 7:30pm (refreshments 7pm). Manningham Function Centre, Level 1, Room 2, 699 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster. For more info email Grandstand for Environment. grandstandenv@gmail.com

Thursday 28 July
INTELLIGENCE SQUARED DEBATE: THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION FOR RISKING AUSTRALIAN LIVES IN AFGHANISTAN
As each name is added to the growing list of Australians killed serving in Afghanistan, the government assures the nation that the sacrifice in lives has been for a good cause and in the national interest. But what is the national interest that justifies such a terrible cost? Is this the price of our alliance with the United States? Is this the price of helping to curb the terrorist threat? Is this the price of national honour? Speakers for: Kellie Tranter, Raoul Heinrichs & Eva Cox. Speakers against: Sonia Ziaee, Jim Molan & Peter Singer. 6:30 -8:30pm. Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St, City. Organised by the Wheeler Centre (http://wheelercentre.com). Tickets & Bookings $20 and $12 concession. Make a booking: http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=9784

Thursday 28 July
GARY FOLEY SPEAKS ON THE HISTORY OF ABORIGINAL RESISTANCE
In 1968 Gary Foley read Malcolm X. Since then, he has been one of the most radical and uncompromising voices in the Aboriginal struggle against racism and the Australian state. In 1972 he was a founding member of the Aboriginal tent embassy that embarrasses politicians in Canberra to this day. He was also part of the successful fight against the apartheid South African rugby team, the Springboks. In this meeting Gary will speak on the ongoing history of Aboriginal resistance to colonisation and genocide. Entry by gold coin donation. Hosted by Socialist Alternative (www.sa.org.au) Call: 0401 513 302 for more info

Friday 29 July
STAND UP FOR PALESTINIAN HUMAN RIGHTS
Melbourne rally at 5:30pm, State Library, Swanston Street. On 1 July 2011, the Victorian police attacked a pro-Palestine demonstration in Melbourne. 19 protesters were arrested during a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) action against Israeli-owned Max Brenner store owned by the Israeli conglomerate Strauss group. This is a company that provides rations packs for the Israeli military, including the military brigades involved in Israel’s brutal assault on Gaza in December 2008 and January 2009, which killed more than 1300 Palestinians, including over 300 children. This protest against Max Brenner is part of the global Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against the apartheid Israeli state. More information: http://boycottisrael19.wordpress.com/2011/07/08/support-the-boycott-israel19-defence-campaign/#more-41 

Friday 29 July
PUBLIC MEETING: EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT FROM VENEZUELA
We feel there is a lack of clarity on the left about Venezuela. We do not believe it is a socialist country but do not want to dismiss the gains won by workers. Clearly there have been huge gains won since the start of the 'Bolivarian Revolution' including the election of Hugo Chavez as president in 1998. Earlier this year Chavez said: 'After 12 years, today we can at last say we have a national public health care system. This is only possible in revolution. This is only possible with this Bolivarian government.' But this is not a perfect society in which the people are free from class, poverty or oppression. So where is the Revolution heading? John Cleary has just returned from another trip to Venezuela to address these issues with us. 6pm. RAAF Office, Trades Hall, 4th Floor, rear building. For more info email renegadeactivist@gmail.com

Sunday 31 July
GEORGE ZANGALIS ON MULTICULTURALISM – ‘FOUNDATIONS AND DYNAMICS - LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD’
George Zangalis is widely recognised as a significant and lifelong thinker, policy strategist, fighter and builder of movements and organisations for migrant workers and ethnic rights - the essence of Multiculturalism. The lecture will explore the real history of Australian multiculturalism, the myths of Terra Nullius and English monoculturalism; the resistance to the White Australia Policy and ongoing struggles for recognition of Australia's diversity, and the fundamental issues of today and visions for the future. With contributions from Maria Vamvakinou MHR and Steve Georganas MHR. 2.30pm, Greek Community, 3rd Floor, 168 Lonsdale St Melbourne. Organised by Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria 9662 2722 email: info@greekcommunity.com.au

Monday 1 August
PUBLIC MEETING: VOICES FROM THE PACIFIC
Australia is currently debating the introduction of a carbon tax but there is little public discussion of how government climate change policies are affecting people in neighbouring Pacific countries. Join us for a presentation by journalist and researcher Nic Maclellan, who will talk on the impacts of global warming in the Pacific islands, and how climate change is affecting livelihoods for people living in our region. 7:30pm. Worrell Reserve, Emerald (Mel 127 F4). For more info ph Peter Cook (president, Dandenong Ranges Renewable Energy Association) on 5968 2824 or email pcook@wildcoast.net.au

Monday 1 August
BZE AUGUST DISCUSSION GROUP: WIND TURBINE PLACEMENT
6:30pm - 8:00pm, Fritz Loewe Theatre (entry via level 2) McCoy Building University of Melbourne Cnr Elgin & Swanston Streets, Carlton. Presentation by Dr Frank Neumann (University of Adelaide), who is working on wind turbine placement optimisation in collaboration with researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr Neumann has developed computer algorithms that maximise the energy generated, given a particular terrain, turbine type, wind direction and area of land. These are called "evolutionary algorithms" because they are inspired by biological evolution. An evolutionary algorithm is a mathematical process where potential solutions keep being improved a step at a time until the optimum is reached. Entry: Gold coin donation. For info, contact pablo@beyondzeroemissions or go to www.beyondzeroemissions.org

Wednesday 3 August
AMOS OZ - ISRAEL: PEACE, WAR AND STORYTELLING
Melbourne Town Hall, 7:00PM - 8:30PM. The Monash Israel Oration is presented in partnership between the Wheeler Centre and Monash University’s Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, and under the auspices of the Leon Liberman Chair in Modern Israel Studies. In 2011, the Oration will be delivered by Amos Oz. The much-loved author, and celebrated peace campaigner, will deliver the oration at Melbourne Town Hall, under the title ‘Israel: Peace War and Storytelling’, followed by an on-stage interview. Info: http://wheelercentre.com. Tickets $20 and $12 concession. Make a booking: http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=9786

Wednesday 3 August
THE DEVIL'S MILK: A SOCIAL HISTORY OF RUBBER: JOHN TULLY @ UNDERGROUND TALK
Capital, as Marx wrote, comes into the world “dripping from head to foot, from every pore, with blood and dirt.” He might well have been describing the long, grim history of rubber. From the early stages of primitive accumulation to the heights of the industrial revolution and beyond, rubber is one of a handful of commodities that has played a crucial role in shaping the modern world, and yet, as John Tully shows in this remarkable book, laboring people around the globe have every reason to regard it as “the devil’s milk.” All the advancements made possible by rubber—industrial machinery, telegraph technology, medical equipment, countless consumer goods—have occurred against a backdrop of seemingly endless exploitation, conquest, slavery, and war. But Tully is quick to remind us that the vast terrain of rubber production has always been a site of struggle, and that the oppressed who toil closest to “the devil’s milk” in all its forms have never accepted their immiseration without a fight. Dr. John Tully is Lecturer in Politics and History at Victoria University in Melbourne Australia. 6.30 pm, New International Bookshop, Trades Hall, cnr Victoria & Lygon St, Carlton. Entry to all events is $5/ $2 concession. More info (email) nibs@nibs.org.au, (ph) 9662 3744.

Wednesday 3 August
CLIMATE, JOBS & GREEN BANS
In May, Victoria’s EPA granted approval to build a plant of 300 MW, half the size requested by HRL, which is attempting to commercialise “dual gas” technology, that combines brown coal with gas to produce emissions at the level of the black coal used in power stations in the rest of the country. Unionists will need to campaign for clean energy jobs and justice for workers in affected industries such as the Latrobe Valley miners and power workers. That’s why UCAN (Union Climate Action Network) has called a public meeting at Trades Hall to discuss what response unionists should have to the HRL project. Speakers: Jack Mundey (eader of the Builders' Labourers Federation's famous 'Green Bans' in the 1970s); Steve Dodd (assistant secretary Gippsland Trades and Labour Council); Luke Van Der Meulen (president Victorian District Branch, Mining & Energy Division, CFMEU); Merryn Redenbach (Stop HRL Campaign). 6:30pm. New Council Chambers, Trades Hall, Carlton. Meeting organised by Union Climate Action Network. For more info ph Chris 0403 013 183, ucan@live.com.au or unionclimateactionnetwork.blogspot.com

Saturday 6 August
ANNIVERSARY OF HIROSHIMA & NAGASAKI BOMBINGS
Lunchtime vigil (1 pm at GPO, cnr Bourke & Elizabeth Sts); followed by the Japanese for Peace wonderful Saturday afternoon concert. Performers: Lily and King (folk/jazz/roots) King Kadu and the Sunshine Sisters (Aboriginal music), Tom Bolton Band (acoustic folk), Fuefukuro (Japanese drums & bamboo flute). Speakers: Felicity Hill (Women's International League for Peace and Freedom), Phillip White (formerly of Citizens' Nuclear Information Center, Japan). $15/$10. Proceeds from the concert will go towards the victims of Japan’s earthquake and tsunami. 3-5pm. State Library Village Roadshow Theatrette (La Trobe St entrance), City.