Community Announcements 8 May 2012

Posted 8 May 2012 by Ken Norling (Vic Division)

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday 9 May
FILM SCREENING: GASLAND
US film-maker Josh Fox discovered that in the race for 'cleaner' energy sources, the largest natural gas drilling boom in history is sweeping the globe. As the citizens of Gasland testify, the multi-million dollar business of fracking has contaminated the water supply, the corporate giants are covering up and the government has turned a blind eye. The film is a desperate plea for scrutiny of a powerful industry that has turned its eyes on unexplored territory: Australia. 12:30pm. RUSU student meeting room, level 3, Bldg 8, RMIT (opposite gym). Entry by donation. Film presented by RMIT Resistance Club. For info ph 9639 8622 or 0431 311 520.

Wednesday 9 May
JEAN TAYLOR VISITS NIBS!
Jean Taylor has been radical activist and writer since the 1970s, and active member of Victorian Women’s Liberation and Lesbian Feminist Archives. Her latest book is Stroppy Dykes, Radical Lesbian Feminist Activism in Victoria During the 1980s (Dyke Books Inc, 2012). It explores the work of the radical lesbian feminists, socialist feminists and radical feminists who organised conferences, published magazines, wrote books, established activist collectives, went on marches, were in solidarity with Aborigines and Islanders, demonstrated, formed bands, and more, throughout the 1980s. Jean will visit the Bookshop to talk about local radical history that she has comprehensively documented in Stroppy Dykes. 6.30 to 7.30 pm, the Bookshop's (newly improved!) Meeting-room, Lower Ground Floor, Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton South. Entry to the talk is by $2/5 donation to the Bookshop Co-operative, and drinks and snacks will be available by donation.

Thursday 10 May
TAFE 4 ALL - FIGHT THE CUTS!
Teachers, students, parents and members of the public are urged to join the rally at 12.30pm outside 1 Treasury Place to voice their support for the public TAFE system and signal their determination to fight for its survival. TAFE institute CEOs have already begun alerting staff to the need to make drastic job cuts following the announcement in the state budget yesterday that course funding will be slashed. The TAFE system is expected to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in funding, with the loss of hundreds of teachers' jobs. TAFE institutes will also lose the additional funding they receive over private providers to reflect their public service obligations. The money is allocated for study support, library facilities, counselling services and other support for students. More info: http://tafe4all.org.au/753133_10002.html.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday 13 May
MOTHER'S DAY CLASSIC 2012
Registrations are now open for the 2012 Mother's Day Classic fun run/walk for breast cancer research. Be sure to register as part of your union or Trades and Labour Council team in an event in your state! From modest beginnings in 1998, the Mother's Day Classic has grown into one of Australia's largest national charity events and has become an integral part of Mother's Day for thousands of Australians. There is still time to register for the 2012 Mother's Day Classic. If you are going to the Melbourne event, you can register to be a part of the ACTU team (https://register.eventarc.com/sponsor/groupteams/1251) and walk with your union colleagues. If you're unable to attend please consider registering for the ' I Can't Be There, But' event whereby you are part of the ACTU team from wherever you are in the country! Just choose our team name from the 'Teams' section of the online registration form and it's like you're there walking right beside us! ME Bank is the major sponsor of the Mother's Day Classic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday 19 May
THE BREAKFAST CLUB: THIS ISN'T A MOVEMENT, IT'S A MOMENT: WHEN PUBLIC SPACE, POLITICS AND ART COLLIDE
The Breakfast Club is a series of talks events, presented in partnership with the Next Wave Festival, and held at breakfast time: on weekdays at 8am, on weekends at 10am. The past two years have seen people take to the streets in more and more countries, seeking out change without knowing how to articulate it yet. As Spring warms up the city streets, a different and much harsher kind of authoritarian resistance has greeted New York’s occupiers. So what can we expect from public space in our cities? Where are the spaces that allow the fluid spontaneity and the cut and thrust of debate – city squares, football fields, theatres, libraries, media, the internet? When public space and politics collide, art that creates those cracks of light may be the best tool we have. 10:00AM - 12:00PM, The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street. More information: http://wheelercentre.com/calendar. This is a free event. Bookings are essential. http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=24227

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).

Saturday 19 May
THE LONG WALK 2012
Join Michael Long at the community celebration (2 – 6 pm) before The Long Walk to Dreamtime at the 'G. The annual commemoration of his historic walk to Canberrra is now a popular celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement featuring inspiring speeches, great bands, loads of kids activities, market stalls and much more. Entertainment includes: Benny Walker, Illana Atkinson, Yung Warriors, Sean Choolburra, live Marngrook Footy Show, Essendon activity centre, basketweaving and music workshops, Koorie Night Market, roving circus acts, and lots of information stalls. The community celebration precedes The Long Walk to Dreamtime at the 'G which sets off at approx. 6.30pm. The community celebration and The Long Walk are both free public events. The Onground walk is a ticketed event. More info: http://www.thelongwalk.com.au/News-Events/Upcoming-Events/The-Long-Walk-2012---Melbourne

Monday 21 May
THE BREAKFAST CLUB: 1.4 BILLION PEOPLE IN POVERTY. NOW THAT EVERYONE'S AN ARTIST, AND EVERYONE'S A JOURNALIST - WHO WILL TELL THEIR STORIES?
The Breakfast Club is a series of talks events, presented in partnership with the Next Wave Festival, and held at breakfast time: on weekdays at 8am, on weekends at 10am. We all know something about poverty – its hardship, misery and human toll. In a world where we are saturated with images of the poor and starving, how can we start to see poverty in a way that is meaningful, comprehensive and sensitive to the subject? Does art have a role to play here? With a video camera in every pocket we are increasingly savvy to the way we communicate difficult social issues. So who will rise to the challenge? 8:00AM - 10:00AM, The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street. More information: http://wheelercentre.com/calendar. This is a free event. Bookings are essential. http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=24232

Tuesday 22 May
THE BREAKFAST CLUB: CLIMATE CHANGE: #FIRSTWORLDPROBLEMS
The Breakfast Club is a series of talks events, presented in partnership with the Next Wave Festival, and held at breakfast time: on weekdays at 8am, on weekends at 10am. Look after people, or look after planet? Is climate change something that only those who can afford it can think about? Perhaps this extreme context is something we must learn to live within, and can it be seen as fertile ground for artists and creatives to consider our personal, social and civic humanity? With Tipping Point, Australia. 8:00AM - 10:00AM, The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street. More information: http://wheelercentre.com/calendar. This is a free event. Bookings are essential. http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=24234

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

Wednesday 23 May
THE BREAKFAST CLUB: REVOLUTION AT THE DINNER TABLE: FRESH FEMINISMS, OPEN FOR DISCUSSION
The Breakfast Club is a series of talks events, presented in partnership with the Next Wave Festival, and held at breakfast time: on weekdays at 8am, on weekends at 10am. The arts aren’t immune to their own kind of sexism. So let’s talk about it. What can current generations of feminists learn? What’s different and what sticks? How are our public and media figures affected by expectations of women’s role? And how can art contribute to political change? With LEVEL Artist Run Initiative. 8:00AM - 10:00AM, The Wheeler Centre, 176 Little Lonsdale Street. More information: http://wheelercentre.com/calendar. This is a free event. Bookings are essential. http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=24236

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

Wednesday 30 May
A PLACE OF OUR OWN - TACKLING THE HOUSING CRISIS
Australian Fabians event. 6.00 till 7.30 pm , Melbourne City Conference Centre, 333 Swanston St, Melbourne. In 2004 the Fabians held a forum titled 'A Place of Our Own: Housing Problems and What Can Be Done About Them' at which experts discussed the desperate need for affordable housing for all Australians. Speakers remarked that although the crisis was real and obvious it received little media attention. At least one thing has changed – we now have a vigorous public debate about the causes and solutions to the cost of housing. But has anything changed in the real world for those trying to get out of the rental market, or for those are homeless? Come along to our public forum to join the discussion with three experts on aspects of the housing policy explore the issues and the options for how we might finally tackle this critical social and economic issue. Sarah Toohey - Campaign Manager, Australians for Affordable Housing; Richard Wynne MP – Member for Richmond, Shadow Minister for Housing; Sarah Kahn - Manager Policy and Communications, Council to Homeless Persons. Cost $10 non-members, $5 members/concession. RSVP: http://www.fabian.org.au/985.asp?eventId=2558#rsvp