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Community Announcements 25 May 2011

Posted 25 May 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.

Wednesday 25 May
INGRID BETANCOURT SPEAKS
In 2002, when campaigning to become president of Colombia, the former Senator and leader of the Green Oxygen Party was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and held captive for six years in the Colombian jungle. Those six years – the terror and the hopelessness, the disintegration of self – are the subject of her recent memoir Even Silence Has an End. She speaks with Radio National’s Peter Mares about what sustained her, the heroism of those who rescued her and the controversy that has plagued her since. Storey Hall, RMIT, 7:30PM - 8:30PM. Ingrid Betancourt is in Australia as a guest of the Wheeler Centre and the Sydney Writers Festival. More info: http://wheelercentre.com. Tickets & Bookings $20 and $12 concession. Make a booking: http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=9735

Wednesday 25 May
CLIMATE CHANGE, WIND POWER & POLITICS IN VICTORIA NOW
Public meeting with speaker: Cam Walker (Friends of the Earth). Recent steps by the government have raised hurdles for wind farm developers, discouraging expansion of what is currently the most viable large-scale renewable energy option. Why? What can be done? 8pm. Uniting Church, Trentham St, Sandringham. Disability access via carpark. For more info email kenjbla@hotmail.com.

Wednesday 25 May
FEELING THE HEAT: DISCOVER THE WORLD OF CLIMATE CHANGE WITH THE AGE JOURNALIST JO CHANDLER
In Feeling the Heat, Jo Chandler sets out on a quest that takes her across the Antarctic ice, under the seas and through the tropical rainforests of far north Queensland. Her mission is to explore one of the defining mysteries of our age-climate change. She takes us into wild landscapes in the company of scientists trying to decode climate information that will be critical to the decisions we make for the future of the planet. This event is part of the New International Bookshop's Underground Talk series. Entry is $5/ $2 concession. 6:30pm - 7:30pm, New International Bookshop, Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton. More info: 9662 3744, nibs@nibs.org.au, or www.nibs.org.au.

Thursday 26 May
NATIONAL SORRY DAY 2011
The Australian Human Rights Commission's Bringing them home report into the Stolen Generations recommended that a National Sorry Day be held each year. See events - http://www.reconciliation.org.au/home/get-involved/events/events-calendar

Thursday 26 May
LUNCHBOX / SOAPBOX: GUY RUNDLE ON THE NEW TABLOID RACIALISM
In the last couple of years, tabloid attacks on Islam, aborigines, African immigrants and other groups has mutated: after 9/11 it was a triumphalist assertion of Western supremacy over other cultures. In the wake of Iraq, the 2008 crash, and China rising, the focus has become the ‘other’ – from the alleged essential violence of Islam, to immigrant barbarism, to the return of eugenic assessment of indigenous people. Where did this ‘new hate’ come from? And why has the ‘respectable Right’ been so silent about it? Lunchbox/Soapbox is a simple idea: an old-fashioned Speakers’ Corner in the middle of the city, in the middle of the day. Think of it as a 20-minute piece of polemic to give lunching CBD folk something to chew on. The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, 12:45PM - 1:15PM. This is a free event. No bookings are required.

Thursday 26 May
FILM PREMIERE: THIS PRISON WHERE I LIVE
This is a film about two comedians. Maung Thura, better known as Zarganar, is Burma’s greatest living comic. Relentlessly victimised by the Burmese military junta, he is now in prison. Michael Mittermeier, in stark contrast, is free to practise his art of humour and provocation as one of Germany’s leading stand up comedians. 5:30pm (for 6 pm start). Lecture Theatre 93, Level 3, RMIT Building 56, Queensberry St, Carlton. $10. Tickets can be purchased on the door or online at http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=9465 Organised by Burma Campaign Australia.

Friday 27 May
RALLY: SNAP ACTION AFTER THE EPA'S ANNOUNCEMENT RE HRL'S NEW COAL POWER STATION
Hey folks, assuming that the EPA make their announcement on Friday, then this is the day we'll respond. The actual time will be 12:45-1:45ish. Join us to congratulate or condemn the EPA on their historic decision to either: A) Reject new coal power for Victoria, or B) Approve another dirty coal-fired power station. We're obviously hoping it will be the former, but either way it's a decision that needs a strong community response to hold our belligerent state government to account. The plan is that we'll call the rally either 2 days after the decision if it's announced on a Mon, Tues or Wed, or hold over till the following Monday if the decision comes on Thurs or Fri. To make sure you hear about it, either sign on for campaign updates at www.stophrl.org, or SMS your name & email address to Shaun: 0402 337 077 http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144648232275578

Friday 27 May
MORE THAN CO2, A BROADER PARADIGM FOR MANAGING CLIMATE CHANGE AND VARIABILITY TO AVOID ECOSYSTEM COLLAPSE
Public meeting: Speaker: Clive McAlpine (associate professor, UQ). “In this seminar, I argue for a virtual halt to deforestation and accelerated investment in strategic reforestation, supported by a comprehensive global forest monitoring program. Without these actions, the degradation of the Earth's ecosystems will continue, exacerbated by, and exacerbating, changes in temperature, precipitation and extreme weather events.” 1pm. Monash University, Clayton Campus, Lecture Theatre M3, Building 13a.

Friday 27 May
MEET YOUR MEMBER Q&A: PRICING POLLUTION
We're giving the young people of Melbourne a chance to get up close and personal with their members, at BMW Edge in Federation Square. From 4pm-6pm, you'll have the chance to make sure that your Federal MPs aren't getting soft on climate action, and make your voice heard on the solutions you want. Current speaker list includes: Mark Dreyfus QC (Labor MHR for Isaacs, Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change), Adam Bandt (Greens MHR for Melbourne), Prof. David Karoly (lead author for the IPCC Working Group 2), Ellen Sandell (National Director, Australian Youth Climate Coalition). Plus, a video address by Minister for Climate Change Greg Combet - and hopefully Shadow Minister Greg Hunt too! This event is FREE - but grab your pass before they run out! You can grab a ticket at www.meetyourmember.eventbrite.com. To find out more about the AYCC and the current campaign, head to www.aycc.org.au/meetyourmember

Friday 27 May
MELBOURNE CANDLE DAY 2011 - RETHINKING THE WAY WE SEE REFUGEES
6:00pm - 9:00pm, State Library. In 1961 two Portuguese students were arrested for toasting their wine glasses to freedom. On the other side of the world British lawyer Peter Benenson read about this and founded Amnesty International. Fifty years later Amnesty continues to defend human rights worldwide. This year for Amnesty’s annual Candle Day, RMIT’s Amnesty group is hosting talks on the lawn of the State Library on a key human rights issue in Australia- refugees and mandatory detention. Following a variety of speakers from different organisations we then plan to make a giant human candle with glowsticks on the lawn of the State Library- to celebrate Amnesty’s 50 years of fighting for human rights and defence of refugees.

Friday 27 May
GAIL DINES- PORNLAND: HOW PORN HAS HIJACKED OUR SEXUALITY
Professor Gail Dines is a scholar, activist and social critic. She is also at the forefront of an international conversation about the effects of porn culture on contemporary society. Her book, Pornland: How Porn has Hijacked our Sexuality, takes an unflinching look at today’s porn industry: the stories woven into the images, the impact on our culture, the effects on us as men and women, the business machine that creates and markets porn, and the growing legitimacy of porn in mainstream media. She speaks with Monica Dux. New Council Chambers, Trades Hall,Carlton, 7:30PM - 8:30PM. Gail Dines is in Australia as a guest of the Wheeler Centre and the Sydney Writers' Festival. More info: http://wheelercentre.com. This is a free event. Booking recommended: http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=9722

Friday 27 May
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND MAPUCHE INDIGENOUS STRUGGLES IN CHILE
7pm, Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High St, Northcote. Supporting a grass roots community organisation in building their cultural centre and collective library project in Chile. With our guest from Chile Maria Paz Toro, a community activist. The project consists of maintaining a community library, providing a cultural space and continue helping the Peralillo people from southern Chile in re-building their houses after the tsunami and earthquake that occurred last year in Chile.
The entry for the night is $20 or $15 concession (this will include food), Solidarity $25 Please RSVP by Thursday May 26 calling 0425 539 149 or write to lasnet@latinlasnet.org. Organised by Latin American Solidarity Network (LASNET), www.latinamericansolidaritynetwork.org

Saturday 28 May
SECRET HISTORY OF QUEER MELBOURNE WALKING TOUR
Join us when historian Graham Willett takes us for a stroll from the State Library of Victoria to City Library, outlining Melbourne’s secret past. The walk concludes with coffee, biscuits and book sales at Journal Canteen (Rosa’s Kitchen). Duration: 1.5 hours + coffee. Meet at 2:00pm at the statue of St. George, State Library Forecourt, corner of Swanston and Latrobe streets. $10.00 per person. Bookings essential, numbers strictly limited: 9658 9600. Payment must be made by Thursday 26 May to confirm your place. This can be done at any of our libraries or by phone using your credit card. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=217082908321396

Saturday 28 May
SLUTWALK MELBOURNE
In solidarity with international cities, SlutWalk Melbourne stands against victim-blaming and slut-shaming. We are asking you to join us for SlutWalk, to make a unified statement about sexual assault and victims’ rights and to demand respect for all. Any gender-identification, any age. 1pm. State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, City. For more info visit www.slutwalkmelbourne.com

Saturday 28 May
GAY RIGHTS FLASHMOB (THE RAINBOW FREEZE)
The plan is to get as many people together as possible and create a massive flashmob. Pair up with a friend (wearing a coloured shirt-red, orange, yellow, green blue or purple), must be of the same sex, they must be holding hands to convey this is an event promoting gay rights. We will synch our watches to the southern cross station times and scatter our selves all around the station, on different platforms, etc, being fully prepared to begin at 3pm. From there we will freeze (whilst holding hands with someone who is the same sex as you) in any freeze frame, midst speech, phone call conversation, eating . . . and hold this freeze frame for 5 mins (maybe 3) exactly. 3pm. Southern Cross railway station, Spencer St, City.

Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 May
CONFERENCE: FEMINIST FUTURES
If you are interested in sharing your vision for a feminist future and discussing strategies for building a dynamic and powerful feminist movement in our community. 8.45am-5pm. North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne. For more info visit Feminist Futures: http://www.mfc.org.au/

Sunday 29 May
END MANDATORY DETENTION: PROTEST AT MARIBYRNONG DETENTION CENTRE
2:00pm - 5:00pm, Maribyrnong Detention Centre 53 Hampstead Road Maidstone. Refugee Action Collective (Victoria) demands an end to mandatory detention, the release of all refugees into the community and the end to all policies of offshore processing including the Malaysian "solution." We call on those who support refugees to come to the Maribyrnong Detention Centre to protest against mandatory detention and to show solidarity with those detained inside. For more info visit www.rac-vic.org or contact bsolah@gmail.com

Monday 30 May – Sunday 5 June
CLIMATE CHANGE AND JOBS: NATIONAL YES WEEK
This year is our best chance yet to pass a price on pollution to tackle climate change. But we've all heard the naysayers arguing that a price on pollution means the end of civilisation as we know it. We need to change the story by taking back the debate from fear mongering over the cost of action. That means it's up to us to change the story, starting in our own communities. We're focusing our efforts on the week before World Environment Day, and on June 5 there will be rallies held across Australia (Melbourne: Waterfront City (Docklands) - 11am). http://www.rightsatwork.com.au/Home/Campaigns/Climate-Change-and-Jobs.aspx. Visit http://www.facebook.com/sayyesaustralia for more details and updates.

Tuesday 31 May
WOMEN AND RESISTANCE IN PALESTINE AND AFGHANISTAN
Union of Australian Women's: Coffee with a Focus. Speaker: Jessica Morrison, who has just returned from a 6 week trip to these countries and will speak on women's involvement in resistance movements. 10.30 - 12.30, 4th floor, Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, RSVP uawv@vicnet.net.au or tel: 9650 7409. Cost $5

Wednesday 1 June
HOW DO WE FIGHT THE CORPORATIONS?
AAWL public meeting at 6pm, Evatt Room Trades Hall, Lygon St Carlton - All welcome. Global corporations plan their production, distribution and sale strategies. They also plan strategies to reduce wage and production costs and how to defeat union campaigns. How can workers coordinate internationally to defeat the corporations? Should we be concentrating on particular companies? Or particular industries? Or maybe particular disputes? What are the best strategies? Workshop discussion. Australia Asia Worker Links, 9663 7277, aawl@aawl.org.au, aawl.org.au

Wednesday 1 June
LESLIE CANNOLD TALKS FEMINISM, RELIGION AND THE BOOK OF RACHAEL
Two thousand years ago, while a young Jewish preacher from Nazareth was gathering followers among the people of Galilee, his sister swept floors and dreamed of learning to read. In Leslie Cannold's story, it is the women of Nazareth who take centre stage. Join Leslie and Chalk editor Sharne Vate as they discuss The Book of Rachael. "The church has spent millennia writing women out of history… Cannold returns them to their rightful place at the centre of one of our most powerful stories." (Sophie Cunningham) This event is part of the New International Bookshop's Underground Talk series. Entry is $5/ $2 concession. 6:30pm - 7:30pm, New International Bookshop, Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton. More info: 9662 3744, nibs@nibs.org.au, or www.nibs.org.au.

Thursday 2 June
SURVIVING CARE: ACHIEVING JUSTICE AND HEALING FOR THE FORGOTTEN AUSTRALIANS
You are invited to attend the official launch of this exciting new publication. Edited by Liz Branigan and Richard Hil, Surviving Care makes a significant contribution to a growing body of work that charts what happened to the former children who grew up in state care who are referred to as the ‘Forgotten Australians’. This new publication presents accounts and reflections by former care residents, advocates and academics about what governments and others have done to address the challenges this now ageing population faces. Surviving Care will be formally launched by Bernie Geary, Victorian Child Safety Commissioner. 5.30 - 7.00, RMIT Building 16, Storey Hall, level 7, Conference Room 2, 336 Swanston St, Melbourne. Wine and snacks provided, so please RSVP by Friday 27th May at the latest for catering purposes, to: liz.branigan@rmit.edu.au

Friday 3 June
THE ARAB REVOLUTIONS AND THEIR IMPACT FOR FUTURE WORLD RELATIONS
Australia’s leading experts on the Middle East will attempt the impossible. They will try to provide an explanation for the Arab Revolutions as well as look at how the events will influence future global relations at a one day conference being run by Deakin University and the University of Melbourne. 9.30am, Elisabeth Murdoch Theatre, University of Melbourne. Further information: http://www.deakin.edu.au/arts-ed/ccg/events/conferences/11-arab-context/index.php

Saturday 4 June
BUSHDANCE AGAINST WANT
Take steps against poverty and have fun at the same time at the Bushdance against Want. Join in on easy, called dances from many nations with Centenary Bushband - Jane Thompson, James Rigby and friends. A supper of home-made soup, bread and fruit will be served at 7pm, and donations to Oxfam are encouraged. For more information, contact Judith on 5470 5747.Dance runs from 6-10pm. Cost: Single: $10, family: $25. Campbells Creek Community Centre, Elizabeth Street, Campbells Creek.

Sunday 5 June
SAY YES TO CLIMATE ACTION
Across Australia on June 5, people will be standing up & saying yes to action on climate change & a price on pollution. We have one thing the opponents of a carbon price don’t: people power. But people power is like a muscle - if you don’t use it, you lose it. Can you join us on June 5 for a fun, family-friendly rally to say "yes" to a price on pollution and clean energy? 11 am, State Library, Melbourne. It's okay if you're not a 'rally' kind of person - in fact, it's better. Our movement needs people like you to come out and show your support and speak up for a clean energy future. We'll make sure June 5 is a fun, family-friendly day, with bands, great speakers and even face-painting for the kids! http://www.getup.org.au/melbourneclimateaction

Sunday 5 June
OXFAM AUSTRALIA BENEFIT CONCERT
Oxfam Australia Dandenong Ranges Group is thrilled to present a benefit concert featuring ARIA award-winning singer-songwriter Kavisha Mazella. Known for her golden voice and lyrics of death, love and social justice, Kavisha will perform with her Italian Womens choir. Also on the bill: Bronwyn Calcutt and her a capella choir Shaking the Tree, singing wild arrangements of gospel, gypsy, folk and funk. Up-and-coming Hills choir Vokallista is the support act. To make a booking, please call Judy Wolff on 9754 7090. For more information about this exciting event, go to http://dandenongrangesoxfam.blogspot.com/. 2.30 pm, Upwey Baptist Church, cnr Burwood Highway and Darling Avenue, Upwey.

Sunday 5 June
JAPAN EARTHQUAKE/TSUNAMI FUNDRAISER
The devastation caused by the recent Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami disaster still continues. With the toll climbing to 30,000 and more than 130 kids having lost both parents, The Tote, Collingwood will host a fundraiser from 4pm. Featuring: Baseball, Minimum Chips, No Zu, Gosteleradio and Tailor Made for Small Rooms. All money raised will be donated to the Red Cross Japan & Pacific Disaster Appeal. For more info visit: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=163540383706438

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