Community Announcements 24 April 2012
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.
Thursday 19 April - Thursday 24 May
MELBOURNE FREE UNIVERSITY: ACTIVISTS, ACTIVISM & CHANGE
How does what activists do matter? How does activism bring about social and political change? In this series a number of scholars bring their various perspectives to this very pressing issue. Presenters include: Graham Willett (Melbourne Uni), Michael Connors (La Trobe Uni), Gwenda Tavan (La Trobe Uni); Sean Scalmer & Verity Burgmann (Melbourne Uni). Semester begins April 19. Thursdays 6:30-8pm at The Alderman (upstairs), 134 Lygon St East Brunswick in the usual format: 45-minute presentation, 45-minute open discussion. For more info visit http://melbournefreeuniversity.org/.
Tuesday 24 April
THE LANGUAGE OF WAR: AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL LEUNIG AND PETER CUNDALL
Reflections on war in poetry, song and speech. Favourite gardener Peter Cundall will read from the poems on war, which he has recently released on CD. Peter will be joined by Michael Leunig who will reflect on the occasion; with readings by local poet and writer Alice Alice Melike Ülgezer and by Brunswick Secondary College student Aylin Uzenzoy, and musical excerpts from the performance "Unsung heroes or Australian History". Brunswick's "Home Brew" choir will sing during supper. Free (donations will be collected on the night). 7.15pm for 7.30pm-9.00pm then supper. Brunswick Secondary College auditorium, enter from Fallon Street Brunswick (cnr of Dawson Street). Bookings essential ASAP, with name and phone number please, to nancy.atkin@mapw.org.au, as places are limited.
Thursday 26 April
INDIGENOUS FOOTBALLERS & THE AFL
A Footy Almanac seminar: Tony Birch on Indigenous footballers & the AFL. Dr Tony Birch, writer and university lecturer, looks at the issues surrounding the participation of Indigenous Australians in football, and the way that Indigenous footballers are portrayed in the day-to-day reporting of the AFL. This discussion will analyse the various incidents of the last few weeks. 6-8pm at the Jika Jika Community Centre, corner of Union and Plant Streets, Northcote (very near Westgarth Station). Free - to confirm your interest please email j.t.h@bigpond.net.au
Thursday 26 April
APHEDA KINDERGARTEN FUNDRAISER
Please join us to hear unionists' stories from visiting our kindergarten project in Bourj al-Barajneh refugee camp, Lebanon. Speakers, live music, door prizes, food, drinks and lots more... Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) Bar, cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton (entry via Victoria Pde, 6.00-9.00pm. Entry: $10 - Tickets available at the door More information: Please call Mick Bull (AMWU Victorian Branch) on 0425 741 961. More info: www.apheda.org.au.
Thursday 26 April
FRIENDS OF THE EARTH: THE BIG ASK GIG
Friends of the Earth Melbourne is calling our community to support our vital work. We need your support and financial help to continue campaigning on the big issues in 2012 and beyond. FoE Melbourne does not receive corporate funding and this means we rely on the support of our members, donors and volunteers to fund our campaigns and keep our organisation running. Bands, speakers etc. For more info & bookings visit http://www.melbourne.foe.org.au/?q=node/1123.
Thursday 26 April
THE ANZAC CENTENARIES: THE CHALLENGE OF MAKING THOUGHTFUL HISTORIES
Amid the nationalism of the forthcoming World War I centenary, how are we to create thoughtful and even critical histories and commemoration? In this session, Alistair Thomson (Monash University; author of Anzac memories) will reflect on the changing ways Australians remember war, from national to family histories; Marina Larsson (Senior Policy Officer, Veterans Heritage, Department of Planning and Community Development; author of Shattered Anzacs) will consider how particular social groups will find a voice during the centenary; and Jean McAuslan (Manager Exhibitions and Collections, Shrine of Remembrance) will reflect on the Shrine’s engagement with communities in developing a touring exhibition that will emphasise Victorian contributions to World War I. 5:30pm - 7:00pm, Village Roadshow Theatrette, State Library, Entry 3, La Trobe St, Melbourne. Free, but bookings required – 8664 7099 or inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au.
Friday 27 April
INTERNATIONAL WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY
April 28 is the day when unions all around the world remember those who have died as a result of their work – and fight for the living. In 2012, this falls on a Saturday, and so the traditional event at the Trades Hall will take place on the morning of Friday April 27. In addition to the international theme, Australian unions are focussing on industrial deaths caused by exposure to toxic substances, most notably asbestos. Assemble at 10:30am at Remembrance Rock, Trades Hall, cnr Lygon and Victoria Sts. Industrial Deaths Support and Advocacy will be hosting morning tea following the event in the Trades Hall Meeting Room 1. For more info 9659 3511.
Saturday 28 April
FUNDRAISER: LIZARD RISING
The Lizard is rising up through our industrial wasteland to warn us about the potential apocalyptic endeavours of BHP in the sacred sands of northern SA. BHP plans to expand Olympic Dam mine to be the biggest uranium mine in the world. To raise some funds to mobilise the Desert Liberation Front into action at the gates of the mine on July 14, come enjoy an evening of performance and music including: Rapskallion; Combat Wombat; Porcelain Punch; Of Prey; Racless; Monkeymarc; Flying Rats; Dj Soph fiya; Dj Helmy; Sam Star; Dame Dusky; Last Measure; Damage Deluxe; Awsk; Mini the Mutant; special guest Uncle Kevin Buzzacott aka Buzwapa. 4pm until 11:30pm. Irene's Warehouse, 5 Pitt St, Brunswick.
Saturday 28 April
LAUNCH OF THE BAIADA POULTRY STRIKE: HOW CLASS STRUGGLE UNIONISM CAN WIN
5:00pm - 7:00pm, Socialist Alternative Centre, Trades Hall, Carlton. Last November more than 200 workers walked off the job at the Baiada Poultry processing plant in Laverton in Melbourne’s western suburbs. These workers, alongside community supporters, maintained a picket line for 12 days, eventually winning significant improvements to their pay, conditions, and union rights. Launch speakers: Allyson Hose, Socialist Alternative member, participant in the Baiada community picket, and author of the new pamphlet, and Gabriel Ayuen, NUW delegate at Baiada Poultry during the strike. For more information call Liz Walsh 0405 736 265 or www.sa.org.au
Saturday 28 April
BERSIH 3.0 MELBOURNE SOLIDARITY GATHERING
Join us in Melbourne as we gather in solidarity with Malaysians worldwide in sending a strong message to the Malaysian government; because the authority of the government can only come from the will of the people as expressed in genuine, free and fair elections. The three demands of Bersih 3.0 are: (1) The Election Commission (EC) must resign; (2) The electoral process must be cleaned up before the next general election; and (3) International observers should be allowed to monitor the polls. 2pm. Federation Square.
Monday 30 April
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Presented by the Environment Defenders Office & Friends of Steele Creek. With Elizabeth McKinnon, lawyer, EDO. This presentation will explore: the movement of the concept of environmental justice, the possible use of the concept to frame environmental law making in Australia, and how the concept could be used in communications with decision-makers to achieve better outcomes for communities. 7pm, Kellaway Avenue Neighbourhood Centre, 5 Kellaway Ave, Moonee Ponds. For further information ring Friends of Steele Creek 9379 1185 or go to www.friendsofsteelecreek.org.au
Monday 30 April
MAKE IT REAL: NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME 2012
We want to see the biggest rally of people with disabilities this country has ever seen so that the National Disability Insurance Scheme becomes a reality. 12 noon. Federation Square, cnr Flinders & Swanston Sts, City. For more info email http://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/rally/.
Monday 30 April
THE LADY: A FILM ABOUT AUNG SAN SUU KYI
The International Women’s Development Agency is tying the support from a film night fundraiser to a specific partner initiative – the Palaung Women's Organisation's Crisis and Resource Centre, which supports women facing trafficking and violence on the Thai Burma border. Read about the Crisis and Resource Centre and PWO at http://www.iwda.org.au/. The title of the film, The Lady, is the name by which Aung San Suu Kyi is known by the Burmese people who see her as a beacon of courage against the odds. Rating: MA 15+. Please join us at the Kino Cinema, Collins St, and show your support for PWO and the women who have faced trafficking and violence on the Thai Burma border. Buy tickets: http://guestlistapp.com/events/98058 Please note: Tickets can also be bought over the phone by calling the IWDA office on 03 9650 5574.
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
MAY DAY 2012
Assemble at 10 am at the Eight hour Monument, cnr Russell & Victoria streets opposite, across from the Victorian Trade Hall to kick off the days celebrations and protests. Bring your signs, flags, appropriate clothing & accessories for the weather, water and food for the day. (Be prepared to party) If your group is planning a May Day activity, feel free to drop us an email and we will put in on the events page on www.mayday2012.info.
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.
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
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
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
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 – 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.
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).
