Community Announcments 26 July 2011
Community Announcements 26 July 2011
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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
ANTI-NUCLEAR & CLEAN ENERGY (ACE) COLLECTIVE INFORMATION SESSION AND SUPPER
Find out about current campaigns of Friends of the Earth's Anti-nuclear & Clean Energy (ACE) collective - stopping Martin Ferguson dumping nuclear waste on Muckaty Traditional Owners; supporting the Mirarr campaign to prevent the Ranger uranium mine expansion; organising around the BHP Billiton Annual General Meeting in November; supporting the Aboriginal-led Australian Nuclear Free Alliance; promoting the expansion of renewable energy; and more! Soup will be served at 6:30pm and speakers will begin at 7pm sharp. Speakers: Tully and Kate from ACE; Dave Sweeney (ACF); Kirsten Blair (Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation). Friends of the Earth office, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. More info: Tully 0410 388 187, Kate 0402 007 081, email ace@foe.org.au. Web: www.melbourne.foe.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
THOMAS FRIEDMAN IN CONVERSATION WITH MAXINE MCKEW
Melbourne Town Hall, 7:30PM - 8:30PM. On September 11, 2001, we were told the world had changed forever. Ten years on, one of America’s finest journalists comes to Australia to reflect on the nature of that change. In partnership with the Sydney Opera House and the US Studies Centre, three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and acclaimed author Thomas Friedman speaks at the Melbourne Town Hall. Join us for a wide-ranging conversation about America and the world, the new Middle East, and for a preview of his new book That Used to be Us: What Went Wrong with America? And How it Can Come Back. Tickets & Bookings $35 and $15 concession. Make a booking: http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=9785. More info: http://wheelercentre.com
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
Sunday 31 July
THE SECOND RENATE KAMENER ORATION: "THE ROLE OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IN PREVENTING GENOCIDE AND OTHER MASS ATROCITY CRIMES"
Gareth Evans, Chancellor of the ANU, Former Head of the International Crisis Group, Former Foreign Minister). 7.15 for 7.30pm, Leo Baeck Centre, 33 Harp Rd, East Kew. $15 admission. Proceeds will fund the Renate Kamener Scholarship for Indigenous students at the University of Melbourne. Additional donations welcomed. Reservations not essential but would be appreciated - please RSVP Tom- email lintom@bigpond.com or phone 9885 6260. Presented by Australian Jewish Democratic Society
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; 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.
Sunday 7 August
FREEDOM ROAD WITH THE MELBOURNE MILLENNIUM CHORUS
The Boite’s Melbourne Millennium Chorus has been wowing audiences for the past 14 years and is set to do it again with more than 380 voices, including 11 regional choirs, limbering up for Freedom Road, a concert at Melbourne Town Hall, 2pm. Freedom Road celebrates the music that was born out of a time of struggle, when injustices against humanity were commonplace. Special guests include Vika & Linda, country balladeer Archer, acoustic soul singer Geoffrey Williams, Gospel acapella group The Illuminators, Sweet Mona’s Choir and blues guitarist Skip Sail. Ballarat playwright, Barry Kay, will narrate. Tix $30-$60. Book online: www.boite.com.au; for phone orders or help, contact The Boite: 03 9417 3550
Tuesday 9 August
ANNIVERSARY OF HIROSHIMA & NAGASAKI BOMBINGS
Public meeting: Dr Hans Kristensen, a leading nuclear weapons expert with the Federation of American Scientists, will speak on the evening of Nagasaki Day. Event co-sponsored by MAPW, ICAN, the Nossal Institute and Japanese for Peace. Executive Lounge, Alan Gilbert Building, cnr Grattan & Barry Streets, Carlton.
Wednesday 10 August
ARENA DISCUSSION FORUM: RECASTING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN BEINGS AND NATURE
Ian Barns, Nonie Sharp, Arena Publications. 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/
Saturday 13 August
NGAANYATJARRA MEDIA BENEFIT
New Dub City headline a benefit @ Bar 303, Northcote for the Ngaanyatjarra music program, a pioneering Indigenous-owned media organisation supporting 14 remote communities in the Western Desert region of Western Australia. Featuring: MoneyKat, Sk Simeon, Apex and Pauly Fatlace and of course … New Dub City. All proceeds go to The Ngaanyatjarra music program … aiming to conduct training and workshops with Indigenous musicians.
Saturday 13 August
EQUAL MARRIAGE RIGHTS RALLY, SAY NO TO HOMOPHOBIA!
All LGBTI & straight people who support marriage equality are invited to come to Australia's largest illegal wedding ceremony and protest march. On the seventh anniversary of the marriage ban, demand equal rights now! 7 years of marriage inequality is 7 years too long! Come and tell the ALP to change the marriage act now! In the lead up to the ALP national conference later this year it's vital that all LGBTI and straight supporters come out in our thousands at this rally and illegal wedding! 1pm. State Library, cnr Swanston & Latrobe Sts, City. For more info visit http://www.equallove.info/.
Saturday 13 August
COMIC EMISSIONS: YCAN COMEDY GALA 2011
A night of humour to raise funds for seriously great community climate campaigning. Featuring a line-up of some of Melbourne's finest and most intelligent comedians: Catherine Deveny, Mathew Kenneally, Ben Pobjie, Stella Young, Scott Abbot, Toby Halligan, Kate McLennan, Mohammed 'Mo' El-Leissy, Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall and James Bramwell. 7.30 pm, Fitzroy Town Hall, 201 Napier St, Fitzroy. $25/$18. Book tickets at http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=12126. To learn more about “Yarra Climate Action Now” visit: www.ycan.org.au
Thursday 18 August
FREEDOM ROAD WITH THE MELBOURNE MILLENNIUM CHORUS & BOITE SCHOOLS CHORUS
For the seventh year running, the Melbourne Millennium Chorus will be complemented by the Boite Schools Chorus which will perform the same songs at two concerts at the BMW Edge Theatre, Federation Square,18 August, 1pm & 7.30pm, and in Ballarat at Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, 28 August, 2pm. Directing all the choruses and around 1100 voices are Stella Savy and Dani Fry who have rocked Ballarat with their stunning voices and solid harmonies for the past fifteen years. Freedom Road celebrates the music that was born out of a time of struggle, when injustices against humanity were commonplace. BMW Edge Theatre, Federation Square, 1pm & 7.30pm Thursday August 18: Tix: $8 (children under 18); $18 (adults); discounts for school bookings, accompanying teachers free. Book online: www.boite.com.au; for phone orders or help, contact The Boite: 03 9417 3550.
Friday 19 August
FILM SCREENING: LOCKED OUT
The story of how small-town miners stood up and faced down a multi-billion dollar corporation. Meal available from 6:30pm, film 7pm. Downstairs, Trades Hall, 127 Myers St, Geelong. Entry by donation. For more info ph 5222 6900. Organised by Socialist Alliance.
