Attitudes towards Child Abuse
Survey
1 in 4 girls, and 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused in Australia, and the effects of abuse can last a lifetime.
NAPCAN are seeking Australian men to complete a survey on their attitudes towards child abuse and neglect - this is the largest attitudinal survey in Australia ever undertaken on this topic. We're all responsible for helping change the culture and systems to help stop abuse. The future of our country depends upon healthy, happy and productive young people.
Please take 10 minutes to complete a survey on this very important social policy issue. The results of this survey will be used by prominent Australia researchers, non-government organisations and Government departments to develop far reaching prevention strategies.
Take the survey now
Impact of violence on young Australians
Are you aged between 12 and 24 years and have experienced physical violence, directly or indirectly, or know someone who has? Do you have a view on youth violence in your neighbourhood, town or city? If so, please take 5 minutes to complete the Impact of Violence on Young Australians Survey.
The Australian Parliament is holding an inquiry into the impact of violence on young Australians, and would really like to hear your views. What they mean by violence is the sort of violence that's physical and is more likely to happen out on the street or in a public place.
For more information about the inquiry please visit http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/fchy/youthviolence/index.htm or call 02 6277 4566.
Take the survey now
Human Rights First: Sanctions Against Sudan
The US government has recently announced its new policy on Sudan. Whilst there are some useful strategies included in the report, some serious pressure needs to be put on the Sudanese government to ensure that the policy is effective. One of the goals of this new policy is to achieve "a definitive end to conflict, gross human rights abuses, and genocide in Darfur."
Four years ago the UN put an embargo on the sale of arms to Sudan, yet weapons and ammunition continue to reach Darfur, where they are used against civilians. The failure to enforce this embargo undermines the authority of the UN Security Council. This embargo needs to be taken seriously, as it is a powerful tool to increase pressure on Khartoum and the countries supporting the Sudanese government.
Human Rights First has been working to raise awareness of the failure to stop the flow of arms into the region for more than a year, but more progress is still required.
Find out how you can help
Amnesty International: Respect Refugees' Rights
'Boat People' make up less than 4% of those arriving in Australia seeking asylum, but you always hear about them in the news. The vast majority of boat arrivals are genuine refugees seeking safety, which is their right under international law.
The Government in actually considering paying Indonesia to intercept the boats before we have a chance to hear their claims. Indonesia has not signed the UN Convention on Refugees.
Australia currently takes less than a tenth of one percent of the world's refugees. Asylum seekers are not, as the Prime Minister wrongly stated, "illegal immigrants". Ensuring the right to seek asylum is the entire reason the Refugee Convention was created in the first place, in the aftermath of Jewish persecution and genocide during World War II.
We need to let Kevin Rudd know that Australia needs to meet its legal obligations and that no matter how politically inconvenient this may be, the victims of war, abuse and conflict have the right to seek safety.
Take action
ERISJ Social Justice Intensive
'Exemplary Social Justice Action: What Works and Why - 3 Case Studies'
If social justice and human rights are among the leading challenges before humanity, there is nothing more important than the skills to get us there. This Intensive is being delivered by Clem Riley, Linda Briskman and John Waddingham - three highly effective social justice campaigners.
Saturday 24 October, 10am-5pm
More info
Critical Mass Bike Ride for a Safe Climate
As part of the 350.org international day of action, we are taking back the streets to show that pedal power can help save our planet! In the lead up to the COP15 global climate negotiations in Copenhagen, we need to send a strong message to global leaders.
Riders meet at PICA at 11am. Riders muster there and then take to the streets to Forrest Chase, where we will all spell out 350.org. Afterwards, we will ride to Fremantle (the train is also an option for tired commuters), to bring the message to the streets of Fremantle, and again spell out a giant 350!!
From Teargas to Arrest
On Tuesday October 27, Friends of Palestine WA member, Sarah Haynes, will share her experiences of campaigning alongside Palestinians, Israelis and other international volunteers in the ongoing struggle to defend Palestinian communities from the ever-expanding reach of the Zionist colonial project.
After a brief historical overview, Sarah will speak amongst other things about her participation in a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid wall in the West Bank village of Bil'in; her involvement in a home-rebuilding program with the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions; and her arrest in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheik Jarrah for the grave 'crime' of attempting to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian family's home.
When: Tuesday 27 October, 6pm for a 6.30pm start
Where: UWA Social Sciences Lecture Theatre
Entry by donation (all proceeds go to the ICAHD)
Van death security firm wins new contract
A private company has won a new five-year contract to transport prisoners in Victoria, despite being implicated in the death of a man in custody early last year. A coroner found the private security company, G4S, contributed to the death of 46-year-old Ian Ward, who died of heat stroke during a 360 kilometre journey in Western Australia early last year.
Company spokesman Tim Hall says the incident involved the misconduct of two escort officers, and does not mean the company is unfit to transport prisoners in another state.
"The fact that two escort officers travelling in the desert in Western Australia wilfully disobeyed an instruction every two hours had tragic consequences," he said.
"But to try to construe from this that the company, which employed them is unfit to transport prisoners in Victoria 4,000 kilometres away just defies commonsense."
Corrections Victoria has released a statement saying the new prison transport vehicles are state-of-the-art and have been purpose-built to meet the highest safety standards. The department says the contract outlines strict operational criteria and will be rigorously scrutinised in line with standard process.
It says G4S won the prison transport contact in a competitive tender process.
'Not fit for humans'
Earlier this week the West Australian Government officially responded to the coroner's findings in the case of Mr Ward.
But the Government decided not to terminate the contract of G4S. The Government says it supports all of the coroner's recommendations - some of which have already been acted on.
The response came three months after the coroner handed down his findings, and 20 months since the tragedy occurred.
Read here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/04/2704263.htm
Celebrate with The Wilderness Society @ Clancy's Fish Pub
Join the Wilderness Society at Clancy's Fish Pub, for a quiz and beverage, in celebration of WA's special wilderness areas and Clancy's 21st birthday!
Organise your own table, or join a campaigner from The Wilderness Society and make up a table. Great chance to hear about what's happening day to day, from the people directly involved, and enjoy a fun evening at the same time.
Where: Clancy's Fish Pub, Canning Bridge, 903 Canning Hwy, Applecross
When: Tuesday 20 October, quiz from 5.00pm - 6.30pm
Cost: $10 (incl. first beverage - beer or wine only)
RSVP: Book your tickets, by calling 9420 7255 or emailing wa@wilderness.org.au
Check out the venue here - http://clancysfishpub.com.au/
For more information, please contact:
Greenpeace Update: Stop the Tar Sands
On September 15, 25 activists entered the Albanian mining operation in the tar sands of northern Alberta, Canada and staged a 31 hour occupation - successfully shutting down the entire operation.
They were there becuase developing the tar sands - one of the largest remaining deposits of unconventional oil in the world - is pushing us towards runaway climate change. Areas of wilderness the size of a small country are chewed up and replaced by a landscape of toxic lakes, open pit mines, refineries and pipe lines. The tar sands are what unrestrained fossil fuel use and unchecked greenhouse gas emissions look like.
Read more
YouthDecide @ TEDucation - check out photos from the event
Young UNIFEM WA
The WA Branch of Young UNIFEM (The United Nations Development Fund for Women) holds regular events, fundraisers and information sessions with the goal of promoting gender equality and the advancement of women. Membership is open to committed young men and women who believe that it is the fundamental right of every woman to live a life free from discrimination and violence, and that gender equality is essential to achieving development and to building just societies. Young UNIFEM WA meets regularly and is seeking volunteers to help us raise money and organise events to promote this important cause. Membership for university students is just $15.00 annually. Come along to one of our events and help us to change the world!
www.unifem.org.au
perth@unifem.org.au
Cadbury Dairy Milk to go Fairtrade
Cadbury Australia and Fairtrade Labelling Australia & New Zealand have announced that Cadbury Dairy Milk, will achieve Fairtrade Certification by Easter 2010. This groundbreaking move means cocoa farmers and communities can look forward to a better and brighter future as Fairtrade cocoa sales increase in Ghana and new Fairtrade opportunities open up for cocoa growers in other parts of the world.
This move will more than triple the amount of Fairtrade product sold throughout Australia and is part of Cadbury’s ongoing global commitment to Fairtrade. Consumers in Britain and Ireland can already buy Cadbury Dairy Milk Fairtrade chocolate, and New Zealand and Canada have announced similar plans.
Fairtrade is a unique, independent system providing farmers with the security of fair minimum prices for their produce and additional investment for social, environmental and economic development in their communities. Fairtrade Executive Director Steve Knapp said Cadbury’s commitment to using Fairtrade certified cocoa was a landmark step from a local, market-leading chocolate manufacturer.
“Cadbury’s commitment to Fairtrade is life-changing news for cocoa farmers who will be able to sell more of their cocoa as Fairtrade, helping to improve living standards and create a better future for their families and communities,” Mr Knapp said.
“Fairtrade Certification enables Australians who buy Cadbury Dairy Milk to make a real difference for cocoa farmers with every purchase. This announcement sets a new standard for the mainstream chocolate industry in Australia and will open up new Fairtrade opportunities for cocoa farmers in our corner of the world,” he said.
Managing Director for Cadbury Australia & New Zealand Mark Callaghan said, "It’s Cadbury Dairy Milk with the same taste, same cost, but extra ethics,”.
Cadbury intends for Fairtrade Certified Cadbury Dairy Milk products to be available, on shelf, for Easter 2010.
Wilderness Society Update: Kimberley whale survey shows highest numbers near proposed James PRice Point LNG hub
The whale survey conducted on 29/30 August with the assistance of the Wilderness Society and Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures recorded a staggering 162 Humpback whales in 102 separate pods between Gourdon Bay in the south the the Lacepede Islands in the north, with the highest concentration recorded in the vicinity of the proposed industrial site at James Price Point. Sightings included mothers with newborn calves in this important feeding, breeding and calving area.
These amazing and unique creatures are internationally significant and yet less than 1% of the Kimberley's waters are protected in marine sanctuaries. The Wilderness Society and other groups are calling on the State and Commonwealth Governments to immediately place a moratorium on oil and gas development on the Kimberley coast, and instead establish large marine sanctuary zones, with the consent of the Traditional Owners, to protect the globally significant marine biodiversity in this region, including Humpback whales in the vicinity of James Price Point.
Human Rights Watch Update: Stopping Rape as a Weapon of War in Congo
The 15-year-old girl, looking even younger than her years, lay on a mattress in a shelter in eastern Congo, her sleeping newborn son beside her. “I was just coming back from the river to fetch water,” Regine told Juliane Kippenberg, senior children’s rights researcher for Human Rights Watch. “Two soldiers came up to me and told me that if I refuse to sleep with them, they will kill me. They beat me and ripped my clothes. One of the soldiers raped me.”
Regine’s parents brought her to the local army commander. “I recognized the two soldiers, and I know that one of them is called Edouard,” she told Kippenberg. The commander said Regine was lying.
Sadly, Regine, whose name has been changed in this article to protect her identity, is one of thousands of women and girls who were raped during the Congo’s brutal conflict. The United Nations estimates that 200,000 women and girls have been the victims of sexual violence since 1998. In 2008 alone, nearly 16,000 rapes were reported in Congo. In the east of the country, a battleground for government troops, militias, and foreign armies, sexual violence is practiced systematically by many fighters. Since January 2009 attacks on civilians have increased, with both government soldiers and militia fighters committing horrendous sexual crimes.
When Kippenberg started investigating sexual violence in Congo for Human Rights Watch nearly a decade ago, there was little awareness about the problem. She wrote the report The War Within the War in 2002, helping put the issue on the international agenda. A second report in 2005 highlighted the need for national prosecutions and called for a new law to broaden the definition of sexual violence and strengthen penalties.
For the past five years, Human Rights Watch’s researchers in Goma have helped raise awareness of sexual violence in Congo and internationally by documenting rape, working with women’s rights activists to organize advocacy efforts, lobbying judicial officials on cases, and urging journalists to cover the issue. We pressed governments and organizations to improve support for victims and start addressing sexual violence on the political level.
Human Rights Watch became concerned, however, that despite growing awareness of the massive scale of sexual violence in Congo, rape was not decreasing. Very few soldiers had been prosecuted for rape, nor had any higher-level commanders. In early 2009, Kippenberg and her colleagues took on a new investigation. She focused on the 14th brigade of the Congolese Army, whose record illustrates some of the broader problems contributing to sexual violence: internal divisions, chaotic chain of command, impunity, and poor living conditions for soldiers. Kippenberg interviewed not only the victims but also soldiers. She and her colleagues also spoke to military justice officials, who said army commanders frequently block their investigations.
Finally, after years of campaigning, we started to see some movement. In July, just before our most recent report on sexual violence was published, President Joseph Kabila agreed to meet with Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch’s executive director, Kenneth Roth, and the senior researcher on Congo, Anneke Van Woudenberg, met with President Kabila in a tent on the shores of Lake Kivu. “We made the greatest progress on an anti-rape strategy,” Roth says.
Human Rights Watch then held a press conference in Goma where we loudly criticized the brutal abuses by all belligerents to the conflict, including the widespread rape by government soldiers.
In a decisive step soon after the meeting with Kabila and our press conference, the military announced a zero-tolerance policy for sexual violence and other abuses. Since July, several rape trials have been opened, one leading to the conviction of two high-level officers. Another officer has recently been arrested, accused of raping a 28-year-old woman and persuading three other soldiers to rape her too. Four other high-level officers are under investigation for related charges.
In August, Human Rights Watch briefed US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s specialist on women’s issues and our Goma office helped to organize a meeting between Secretary Clinton and women’s rights activists during her visit to Congo. Following these meetings, Secretary Clinton expressed serious concern at the lack of sexual violence prosecutions and pledged US$17 million in aid for victims of sexual violence.
After so many years of working on this issue, Kippenberg is encouraged by the new developments but also cautious. She wants to make sure that prosecutions continue and that the military actually changes its policies. She knows it will take continuing advocacy to keep the Congolese government and donor governments focused on ending sexual violence. “For justice to prevail,” Kippenberg says, “senior military officials must continue to be investigated and prosecuted for sexual crimes.”
Regine still faces tough choices. Her family has told her she may come home—but without her baby. If the army finally begins to take rape prosecutions seriously, other girls might not have to live through such horror.
Help Stop Child Labour - Buy Fairtrade
In the buildup to the 1998 World Cup in France, attention was brought to the fact that children were largely involved in the stitching of footballs. They were favoured over adults not only because they were cheaper and less likely to cause disputes, but also because their smaller hands and better eyesight made them more suited to the task. However, simply banning children from working just caused worse problems, as their income is necessary in order for many of them to afford food. The solution? Fairtrade soccer balls.
In 2006, Mitre (a sports brand in the UK) were filmed by an HBO show using children to stitch their soccer balls - they were even seen stitching the words "Child Labour Free". Mitre, whilst not denying that they had been caught out using child labour, threatened to sue HBO for singling them out! Read the full story
Certified Fairtrade products come with the guarantee that all workers in the production line have received a fair wage and decent working conditions. Etiko, an Australian company providing Fairtrade sports equipment and clothing, was formed in 2004 to combat the problem of finding ethically produced goods in Australia. They supply the Oxfam and Friends of the Earth shops with sweatshop free products, and they are trying to get schools and universities to source their sports equipment from Fairtrade providers.
The premium charged on Fairtrade products (usually around 25%) also ensures that the workers all receive free medical care - for example, pregnant women have their hospital expenses paid for. The premium also allows the stitchers access to micro credit schemes; these schemes help to strengthen the local community and reduces reliance on foreign demand for the products.
The elimination of the use of middle men in the importation of these products into Australia means that these products cost roughly the same as other similar (but not ethically produced) products on the market. So next time you're looking for sports gear (soccer, rugby, netball, volleyball or AFL balls), sneakers, t-shirts or even business shirts, why not consider buying them from a sweatshop-free provider? Etiko Brochure
You can find out more about Etiko at their website - www.etiko.com.au
DICWC Media Alert - Institutional Racism Kills
On Wednesday 16 September, a day of action will be held as the community maintains its call for justice and action following the death of Aboriginal elder, Mr Ward, on Australia Day in 2008. Following the presentation of a petition containing thousands of signatures to Hon Giz Watson MLC for tabling in Parliament (12.30pm, Parliament House), the day will culminate in a major public forum 'Institutional Racism Kills'.
The forum will examine why - 25 years after the death of sixteen year old John Pat in Roebourne Jail in 1983, and 18 years after the findings of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody - Mr Ward was so badly let down by the justice system in WA, and condemned to die in custody.
Read more
UNIFEM Australia Spring Walk
Over 1 billion people now live on less than one dollar per day with the majority of these being women. Additionally, the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) predict that the number of undernourished people in the world will climb to 1.02 billion, the majority of which are women and children. With the impacts of global climate change, these numbers may rise in the future.
UNIFEM Austalia's Spring Campaign seeks to raise awareness of this vital issue through a national campaign which will raise funds for a project in Liberia which promotes food security for women.
When: Sundary 20 September, 10am (registration from 9.45am)
Where: Registration at Arthur Fairall Playground adjacent to Western Power Parkland, May Drive, Kings Park
Cost: $10 per person, gold coin donation for children, all of which goes to the food project in Liberia. Cost includes morning tea after the walk.
Please come along and enjoy a fun, friendly walk with the UNIFEM WA community.
Deaths In Custody Watch Committee Petition Handover
The Deaths in Custody Watch Committee (WA) requests that you join them on 16 September, 12.30pm on the front steps of Parliament House as DIWC's Chairperson, Marc Newhouse, presents petitions to the government and calls upon government for changes to the system.
DIWC (WA) has special T-shirts for the day. They are black and on the front is printed the following:
"What Eddie Mabo
was to native title,
let Mr Ward be to
the justice system."
If you attend the presentation of the petitions and DIWC requests to government, please consider buying one of these T-shirts. The organisers are hoping that hundreds will be there on the day. DIWC needs to continue funding its campaigns and $25 for a T-shirt will assist. Contact Gerry Georgatos on either 0422 638 324 or 9360 6288 or via email guildmanager@guild.murdoch.edu.au to score a T-shirt and help with the campaign. If everyone is wearing one on the day, this shall be fantastic.
NO MORE DEATHS IN CUSTODY
www.deathsincustody.org.au
NDSSJ Anti-Poverty Week
Poverty and severe hardship affect more than a million Australians. The aims of Anti-Poverty Week 2009 are to increase and strengthen students' understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world and within Australia, and to encourage discussion and action among staff and students to address these problems, particularly in the form of volunteering and service.
Annual sleep-out: Mon – Thurs, Bateman Courtyard (Uni of Notre Dame, Fremantle). Wednesday is the big night so if you can only make it on one night, make it this one. Bring a sleeping bag, warm clothes, stuff for the shower (or not, if you want the slightly more authentic experience), clothes for the next day (again, or not). Please RSVP as soon as possible.
Ugandan Beads Sundowner: NDSSJ is hosting a fundraiser to sell beaded jewellery on behalf of a women's group living in Kabale, Uganda, with whom NDSSJ is partnered. Each and every bead is handmade from recycled paper by women in the group, and so each item is entirely unique. 100% of the funds raised will be returned to the group in Uganda, where the proceeds are used to develop much needed projects for the community, as determined by the community.
When: Wednesday 9 September, 6.30-9.30pm
Where: Bar Orient, High St, Fremantle
Cost: $10 on entry buys you one beaded necklace, cheap drinks and a fun-filled evening
To get involved with any of the above events please email ndssj@nd.edu.au
Cuban Five Rally
The ACFS has organised a rally to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the unjust incarceration of the Cuban Five this Saturday 12 September from 12 noon at the Stirling Gardens in Perth.
The Cuban Five have been unable to see their wives and are currently in conditions that breach international law. They must be freed. International solidarity plays an important role in this campaign. This Saturday is an opportunity to rally behind the Cuban Five for freedom.
Bring your bannesr and placards. Show your colours for freedom.
Meet 11.30am at the Stirling Gardens for a 12 noon start. There will be a march on the footpath through the mall, William St, and down St Georges Tce back to Stirling Gardens.
They will also be screening 'Che' by Benicio del Toro on Thursday 1 October from 6pm at Cinema Paradiso in Northbridge. Tickets are $15.
For more info, please visit the ACFS blogsite: http://acfs-perth.blogspot.com/
South Fremantle Sustainability Experience - Part 2
If you're into sustainability and veggie-growing and soil and community gardens and other nice wholesome activities like that, then you're invited to join HotRock and Youth Tree in helping South Fremantle Senior High School progress their School Sustainability Education Program.
Get your hands dirty at the school to achieve the following:
- Build the next stage of the school’s organic vegetable garden
- Build a waist-high fence around the existing vegetable garden (using offcuts from a timber mill)
- Make the existing raised zincalume beds safer by capping the edges
- Learn from experts on the sustainability, community gardens and permaculture.
This will be a great opportunity for you to contribute to your community and the pursuit of empowering environmental education. You’ll also learn how to construct cheap raised beds and how to make good organic soil.
When: 10am to 3pm
Where: South Fremantle SHS, Lefroy Rd, South Fremantle
Bring: gloves, shovel, wheelbarrow, drill (but only if you have them available... don't stress if you don't)
FREE LUNCH will be provided on the day, so they need numbers to allow for catering.
Register here
South African Zulu Choir
Join the Oaktree Foundation this Saturday (12 September) at Methodist Ladies College, where you will embark on a musical journey of perseverance, hope and inspiration. Proceeds go to sustainable education projects in South Africa. The choir have been wowing audiences across the East Coast! Standing ovations, tears and dancing have entertained and inspired.
Tickets can be bought online at www.collaboration4change.com/tour and http://www.webticketing.com.au/DisplayEvent.aspx?eventid=21
Tickets are $25 adult and $20 concession. 7pm, for a 7.30 start.
Preview Screening of 'Stone Bros'
Writer/director Richard J. Frankland, lead actor Luke Carroll and producer Ross Hutchens will attend a special preview screening of the new Australian comedy Stone Bros. at Cinema Paradiso in Northbridge. Both Frankland and Carroll will take part in a Q&A Talking Pictures session following the screening.
Stone Bros. is Australia’s first Aboriginal comedy. The film follows two young men who embark on a hilarious coming of age journey and also explores the story of Australia and the cultural abyss that exists between Aboriginal Australians. Shot in WA, many will recognise the well-known sights and surrounds as the duo travel from Perth to Kalgoorlie on a raucous adventure through outback Australia.
Sick of city life, Eddie (Carroll) decides it is time to reconnect with his black-fella roots, and sets off on a road trip with his cousin Charlie (Leon Burchill) to return a sacred stone to his hometown, Kalgoorlie. Along the way, Eddie and Charlie encounter an Italian sex god, a soul-searching cop, a failed drag singer and a demon dog possessed by Charlie’s jilted girlfriend.
"I hope the movie gives us license to laugh at each other without malice, but just with that generosity of spirit. I mean, imagine a country where we all laughed together,” - Richard J. Frankland
Tickets for the Talking Pictures screening on 13 September at 6:30pm are on sale now from Cinema Paradiso and online
$15.50 full / $11.00 concession, priv card / $10.00 seniors, pensioners
Watch the trailer online at www.stonebrosmovie.com.au
The Revolution Will Not be Televised is a riveting documentary by two Irish film makers, Kim Bartley and Donnacha O'Briain, who happened to be filming a documentary about Chavez in the Presidential Palace when the coup took place. The documentary will be followed by a discussion on a ‘tale of two coups’, examining why the coup in Venezuela failed, when its forerunner in Chile succeeded.
When: 3pm
Where: Maritime Union of Australia, 2-4 Kwong Alley North Fremantle
Presented by Direct Action.
For more information phone 0409 762 081 or email perth@directaction.org.au
Wilderness Society Action
4,000 messages to deliver: Can you help? Help the Wilderness Society to deliver the message of thousands – “No Industrialisation of the Kimberley”. Two giant banners, 4,000 messages and supporters wearing red…
They're looking for 40 people to help deliver the messages of thousands – each person will hand over a cardboard cut-out of a turtle, whale or person with the messages of 100 people from around the world.
When: Wednesday 16 Sept, 12.30 - 1.30pm
Where: Shell, Chevron and BP offices, 250 St Georges Tce, Perth
To let them know you're coming, email - wa@wilderness.org.au or call 9420 7255
Check out the event on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=133274651846
HRAFF Movie Screening - Sunday 20 September. The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (HRAFF) Perth presents: The 10 Conditions of Love followed by a Q&A with Director, Jeff Daniels.
When: Sunday 20th September, 6.00pm
Where: Cinema Paradiso
Cost: $20
Get your tickets: on campus from Basha Stasak (email basha@hraff.org.au) OR online http://hraffperth10conditionsoflove.eventbrite.com/
THE 10 CONDITIONS OF LOVE is a story of a woman, a man, a family, a people and a homeland. It is the story of Rebiya Kadeer. It is also the story of the other Tibet, the Muslim Tibet - the country its people call East Turkestan, but which the Chinese call Xinjiang Province - the other stain on China's moral character. It is a story of 20-million people; of the global politics of energy; of politicking over the War on Terror; and of the pain of a deeply loving family torn violently apart.
Exiled in the US, Rebiya Kadeer is fighting for the human rights of her people, the Uyghur (pron. wee-ger), China's oppressed Muslim minority. But Rebiya Kadeer's campaign condemns her sons to on-going solitary confinement in a Chinese prison. Having done six years' solitary confinement herself, she understands the appalling consequences for them of her actions - but she will not relent. Twice nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, once the richest businessperson in China, Rebiya Kadeer is a remarkable woman who pays daily a terrible price for patriotism. And it will never be over.
HRAFF Perth are thrilled to host Director Jeff Daniels for a Q&A following the screening.
More Information: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/10/movies/10festival.html?_r=3&hp
Race to Save the World
Do you like The Amazing Race? World Vision is bringing Race to Save the World to Perth on Tuesday 29 September.
Form a team of two and get active to change the world. Completing 8 tasks (on foot, bike and/or public transport) will take you to shops, schools, city councils and other locations across Perth. The tasks won't be revealed until the day, but they will be related to issues such as: People Trafficking and Slavery, Maternal & Child Health, and Climate Change & Poverty.
Each team needs to bring their own camera and will receive a Fair Trade t-shirt with entry that you should wear on the day.
To register call 6454 7809 or email jeremybrennan@worldvision.com.au. Registration costs $20 per person.
Wilderness Society Update: Kimberley Oil Spill Disaster
by Josh Coates
The Wilderness Society is shocked and concerned by the massive ongoing environmental crisis currently occurring off the Kimberley coast. Current reports indicate that West Atlas rig, 250 km off the Kimberley coast, will continue to spew oil and toxic gas into the environment for up to 8 weeks.
It has been reported that the slick - measuring about 30 yards wide and 15 km long - is about 250 km northwest of the Kimberley region. It was sprayed Sunday with a chemical dispersant by an Australian Maritime Safety Authority plane.
Associated Press , Aug 23
The chemicals in oil dispersants, however, can often be almost as environmentally damaging as the slick they disperse and act only to sink the toxic material. For eample, in coastal areas seagrass is known to be more adversely affected by the dispersants than the oil itself.
Despite comments from Federal Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson and WA Premier Barnett playing down the impact of this spill it is clear that a disaster of this scale will have serious and ongoing impacts on a range of marine life, likely to include whales, dolphins, turtles and (depending on winds and currents) significant coral reefs.
There are also clear ramifications for proposed fossil fuel developments in the Browse Basin and propsals to pipe gas onto the Kimberley coast for processing. The gas extraction, subsea pipes and greatly increased shipping traffic associated with processing fossil fuels on the Kimberley coast would open the area up to the risk of further major environmental disasters as well as having a range of ongoing environmental impacts.
Visit the Wilderness Society website
YOUth Decide @ TEDucation
Watch stuff (inspiring, interesting and incredible videos)
Discuss stuff (conversations based around ideas brought up in the videos)
Eat stuff (everyone brings some food to share)
Learn stuff (by meeting like-minded Perthians and connecting with amazing ideas)
And VOTE!!! (as part of a nation-wide vote on Australia's approach to mitigating climate change)
Follow this link to RSVP now
TEDucation is teaming up with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition to host a Youth Decide '09 voting event.
Youth Decide '09 is a national youth vote on climate change, coordinated by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. Imagine hundreds of thousands of Australian 15-29 year olds all attending voting events across the country to cast a vote, referendum style, on the approach they want to see Australia take on mitigating climate change. It is our best chance to send the government a strong message that Australian youth want a say in their future - before it's too late. This December, at the UN climate talks in Copenhagen, Australia has the opportunity to lead the way in a global action plan to tackle climate change. A united youth voice will help compel the Australian government to lead the way in securing a strong global agreement.
The focal Youth Decide voting event for WA will be held within this TEDucation night on Tuesday 15 September. We need you!!!
Where: The theatre at Scitech Discovery Centre, City West
When: Tuesday, September 15, 6pm
Bring: Food to share, a pen and notepad, anyone else who you think would be interested
What is TED?
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Sicne then its scope has become ever broader. The annual conference now brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes). Talks have been given by Jane Goodall, Bill Gates, Richard Dawkins, and many more, each very inspiring and eye-opening.
Watching a TED talk is sure to leave you feeling inspired, more interested in things you didn't think you were interested in, and more aware of big world issues and what people are doing to make a difference. Please see the following website for more information about TED and the talks. http:..www.ted.com/
What is TEDucation?
We will be screeing a selection of recently released TED talks, followed by discussion time.
TEDucation is an independently organised series of monthly events aiming to bring together enthusiastic Perth youth and young professionals who are interested in learning about and discussing the bigger issues. Their philosophy is: Inspiration --> Ideas --> Action.
The goal of these events is:
- to inspire and influence people in their career decisions
- to provide a fantastic social networking opportunity
- to promote volunteer opportunities in Perth
Please see the followign facebook event page for more information about the Youth Decide @ TEDucation evening: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=127684946975
Wilderness Society Update: Great Western Woodlands
As part of the State Government's election promise to develop a 'Great Western Woodlands Biodiversity Conservation Strategy', the Minister for Environment (Hon. Donna Faragher JP MLC) has created a Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG). The SRG is part of the Government's consultation process, which aims to ensure that all 'conservation, scientific, indigenous and local government activities are fully taken into account' when looking at protecting the natural and cultural values of GWW.
Read more
NAIDOC Petition
Over the years there have been many calls for a public holiday to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people during NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) week. There is currently a petition to the National NAIDOC Committee calling for them to take a leading role in lobbying the government for such a public holiday.
If you believe that we should have a public holiday for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NAIDOC week, please sign the petition and add your thoughts.
Sign the petition
Make Poverty History Update
Get ready to STAND UP AGAINST POVERTY in October. Last year, over 200,000 Australians joined 117 million people worldwide to stand up against poverty. This made governments sit up and take notice. Some governments immediately responded by increasing their poverty reduction focus.
This year you can help make an even bigger impact in the fight against poverty and in so doing break the Guinness World Record set in 2008.
Stand Up Against Poverty is the largest solidarity movement against poverty that the world has ever seen. As 2015 looms ever closer - marking the end date of the Millennium Development Goals - we must do all in our power to help fulfil those goals.
On the weekend of October 16-18 join the global movement to end poverty by attending a Stand Up event nearest you, or by hosting your own event in your school, workplace or community.
The Stand Up website is currently being constructed and will have loads of info about how to participate. In the meantime, visit the teaser page to see what it's all about.
It's time to Stand Up and Take Action!
Cross Collective Play-offs & Mixer
The Guild is hosting a competition between the clubs and societies on campus with the winning team being crowned sporting champions for 2009 - SWB needs a team!! The team needs at least 4 members, but we can enter as many teams as we want. To join the SWB team just let me know your name and confirm that you will definitely be there. The competition is taking place during common free time (12.30-1.30pm) on Bush Court. Teams need to be registered by 17 August, so if you want to take part, please email your details to the SWB co-ordinator by midday (Monday 17 August). The prize for the winning team is $200 for the collective.
The Guild is hosting a mixer later the same day in the tavern. There will be free food, cheap drinks and a DJ. The event is free for all collective members but tickets must be ordered in advance. The mixer will be held in the function room at the tav, and you'll need to exchange your ticket for a stamp on the hand when you arrive in order to get the free food and cheap drinks. For more info, visit http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111084269638&ref=ts
South Freo Sustainability Experience
You're invited to a rather awesome hands-on sustainability experience put together by sustainability-gurus-but-not-hippies Tim Darby and Shani Graham of The Painted Fish Eco B&B in South Fremantle. It's the perfect learning experience for anyone interested in starting a veggie garden, living more sustainably and meeting like minded people. Check out the program below and register ASAP if you're interested because there are limited spots.
WHEN: Saturday 22 August
WHERE: 21 Hulbert Street, South Fremantle
PROGRAM:
10am - 12pm: Sustainable House Tour of The Painted Fish and Number 21 Hulbert Street
Learn about passive solar design, water harvesting, and making your own power. Lots of ideas for your own place.
12pm - 1pm: Shared Lunch
Bring something to share and your own crockery. Hot water and home made lemon cordial supplied
1pm - 3pm: Gardening Workshop and Hands-on Session
Join us to help expand the Hulbert Street Guerilla Garden
Learn how to :
- make a raised bed from old bits of tin
- create a no-dig garden
- make great compost
3pm - 5pm: Cuppas, drinks, chat and fun with the residents of Hulbert Street
Venezuelan Revolutionary Student Leader's Speaking Tour
This Australian speaking tour by the Venuezuelan revolutionary student, Henryk Rangel, is an opportunity to hear about how the people of Venezuela are building a society based on cooperation, community control and social ownership of the country's major resources. Henryk is currently a student in Political and Administrative studies at the Central University of Venezuela.
In 2005, together with a group of young people he founded the Venezuelan Ecocitizen's Movement (ECOVEN), and eco-socialist collective, of which Henryk is currenlty the national coordinator. In 2008, Henryk was part of the National Promoters Group for the establishment of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela Youth. The PSUV, led by Chavez and other key leaders of the Bolivian movement, numbers almost 6 million members.
Henryk will be in Perth for one day only:
LB3.010 - Loneragan Building
Murdoch University
12.30pm
Arts Room Lecture Room 4 (Room G60)
UWA
6pm
ACFS Update: Cuban Five Case Review Denied
June is marked in our calendars as a shameful month in the justice system of the United States, casting a shadow over the Obama administration that maintains justice as a hostage.
Over ten years ago, five Cuban men monitoring terrorist organisations inside the US were convicted, without access to a fair and impartial trial, of conspiracy to commit espionage when they delivered the intelligence to the FBI. Unjustly imprisoned for peacefully protecting their county against terrorist attacks organised on US soil, they applied to the Supreme Court to have their cases reviewed.
Ignoring the statement of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention that declared the detentions arbitrary and illegal, the US Supreme Court announced on June 15 that it will not review the case.
The same justice system that denies the possibility of reviewing the case of the five Cuban patriots has granted a year postponement to the defence of the international self-confessed terrorist, Luis Posada Carriles, to better prepare his case. This is the same system that with total impunity has allowed dozens of criminal organisations based in Miami to operate freely.
With this decision the Court scoffs not only at the requests from the defence lawyers, but also at the International demand of 10 Nobel Prize winners, hundreds of Jurists, Members of Parliaments and organisations from all over the world that joined 12 Amicus Briefs asking the court to review the case.
June 15 2009 marked the beginning of a new International resistance that from this day forward will be felt all over the world until freedom is achieved for Gerardo, Ramon, Rene, Antonio and Fernando.
The ACFS WA Branch demands more than ever that President Obama puts an end to this colossal injustice and grant the immediate freedom to the Cuban Five.
For further information about this situation, please contact Branch President Vinnie Molina on 0419 812 872 or Branch Secretary Elizabeth Hulm on 0421 113 343 or email acfsperth@gmail.com
NAIDOC Week 2009
Opening Ceremony: Sunday 5 July, 11.30am - 4.15pm, Wellington Square, East Perth. Music, dancing, competitions and the launch of Noongar Radio 100.9FM.
Flag-Raising Ceremony: Monday 6 July, 12 – 12.15pm, City of Joondalup Administration Building, Boas Ave, Joondalup
NAIDOC Fun Day: Tuesday 7 July, 12pm – 4pm, City of Joondalup Leisure Centres - Craigie, Whitfords Ave, Craigie.
Language class, arts and crafts, bush tucker, tools & weapons, music, sports activities (Bookings required: 9400-4912)
Library Story Time: Wednesday 8 July, 1.30pm at Whitford Library and 3.30pm at Joondalup Library.
With Brenton Clinch and Lorna Little (Bookings required: 9400-4912)
Common Ground: Saturday 11 July, 11am, Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City.
Dance / music / story-telling.
For more information, please contact Fiona Symonds. Fiona Symonds' work phone number is 9400-4921 or email fiona.symonds@joondalup.wa.gov.au
Download the Program of Events
Blueprint for a Better World
Nine years ago, the world made a promise. A promise which, by 2015, will lift millions of people out of poverty. Here is your chance to be part of that promise. Caritas, in conjunction with AusAID, brings you 'The Millenium Development Goals and you', an interactive exhibition on tackling poverty in the world. The exhibition aims to strengthen support for the work of the Australian Government in their commitment to aid and overcoming global poverty, and increase awareness of the importance and unique contribution of Australian Non-government Organisations.
Designed to highlight the Millennium Development Goals and the promise of Governments throughout the world to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2015, this exhibition gives a practical face to the eight goals, through video, photographs, visual installation as well as contributions from Caritas partner communities make up the installation.
Each of the eight MDG’s are presented as a blueprint for positive social change in our world emphasising how Caritas Australia and its community partners are engaged in the challenge of tackling poverty for the world’s poorest. This exhibition provides tangible options for individuals and communities to take action.
The exhibition focuses on case studies of development programs around the world and staff and volunteers from Caritas Australia will be on hand to personally guide you through the exhibition.
Where: Prindiville Hall, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle
When: 2 - 20 July, 10.00am – 4.00pm weekdays/weekends
Cost: Free
For more information go to: www.blueprintforabetterworld.org or contact Alana Scuglia at Caritas
on 1800 024 490 or email her at: alanas@caritas.org.au
Quiz Night
United Nations Association Australia (WA) invites you to join them for a quiz night, with all proceeds going to UNAA(WA) to assist with its initiatives. Get together a team of 8 and head down for a night of fun!
Where: Belmont Sports & Recreation Club
When: Tuesday 7 July, 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start
Cost: $15 ($10 concession)
Full bar facilities available with tea and coffee. BYO food platter and nibblies.
To book your table or find out more contact the UNAA(WA) events convenor on 0421 316 717 or email unaawa@tpg.com.au
NAIDOC Perth Ball
NAIDOC Perth Ball is the most anticipated night on Perth’s social calendar. This year will feature highlights from the Coolbaroo Club League, ballroom dancing, fine dining and wonderful entertainment through out the evening.
This social event is an opportunity for NAIDOC Perth to share with the whole
community our Elders and our history.
Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 99 Adelaide Terrace
When: Friday 10 July, 6.30pm to 12.30am
Cost: $90
Dress: Formal
TICKET PURCHASE
Gail on 9482 0000 / 0428 118 753 or email gjones@waaids.com or
Reg 0400 628 233 or email reg.yarran@commerce.wa.gov.au
Global Health Short Courses
Interhealth is a part of WAMSS (Western Australian Medical Students’ Society), and is composed of volunteer medical students from UWA in various years of their medical degree. WAMSS is starting a new initiative this year, the Global Health Short Course (GHSC). GHSC is an 8 week course beginning Monday 27 July; each week, a public lecture will be held at UWA. The course is supported by the UWA Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science and is open to all members of the public.
The topics for each week are as follows:
Week 1: “The way things are” (statistics and global health)
Week 2: “Making poverty history” (the causes and cures of global inequality)
Week 3: “Getting shot is bad for your health + No place to call home” (Conflict and health + The health of displaced persons)
Week 4: “Access to essential medicines” (Patent law and how this affects patients)
Week 5: “It’s getting hot in here + When disaster strikes” (Climate change and health + Emergency humanitarian relief)
Week 6: “Closing the gap” (Aboriginal health)
Week 7: “Mums and Bubs” (Women’s and children’s health)
Week 8: “AIDS” (The AIDS epidemic)
The lectures will be provided by a guest lecturer with a significant amount of experience in their respective field. At every lecture, there will be handouts for each attendee, specifying key points, further reading, and how they can get involved in a particular topic.
Where: Tattersall Lecture Theatre, UWA
When: Starting Monday 27 July, 5pm
Cost: Free
Further information is available at interhealth.org.au/ghsc.
Show your Support for Mr Ward's Family
WA State Coroner, Mr Alistair Hope, will be handing down the Inquest findings into the death in custody of Mr Ward at the Central Law Courts (Court 81) in Perth on Friday 12 June at 2.15pm.
Show your support to the family of Mr Ward and the Warburton Community at a public gathering outside the Central Law Courts, 30 St Georges Tce, Perth
Friday 12 June at 1pm
Bring placards, banners and your voices
World Refugee Day
The department of Immigration and Citizenship is celebrating the contributions of refugees during Refugee Week and the theme for 2009 is "Freedom from Fear". There will be a variety of information stalls, performances and displays from different cultures and the opportunity to participate in a number of activities including an art workshop where people can explore what "Freedom from Fear" means to them.
The highlight of the day will be "Stories from the Suitcase" written and produced by Yvette Wall from Frog Prince Productions. This short production reflects the experiences of people who, as refugees, have made Australia their home.
There will be woodworking activities for children, a sausage sizzle, and a variety of items available for purchase.
Where: Fremantle Town Hall
When: Saturday 20 June, 10am - 5pm
Cost: Free
For more information, email Jacquie on jacqui.satie@immi.gov.au
Be More - Workshop @ ERISJ
We live in a world of contrasts and conflicts. We also live in an era of unprecedented compassion. Many people want to do more than just donate money: they wish to be connected with the world and want to be part of the solution. The 'Be More' Challenge can provide you with the opportunity to harness this energy to tackle the structural nature of global poverty and secondly to promote the important role of living a life of faith and doing justice.
This workshop will be presented by Janeen Murphy; Janeen is the Global Education Advisor for Caritas Australia. She has worked in this position for 8 years, including working with Caritas partners in Uganda, Timor-Leste, Cambodia and India. Janeen runs education programs in schools and higher education institutions providing pathways to engage with justice issues.
Where: Edmund Rice Institute for Social Justice, Fremantle
When: Saturday 20 June, 10am - 5pm
Find out more
FROM SAND TO CELLULOID - WARWICK THORNTON SHORTS RETROSPECTIVE
To celebrate Warwick Thornton's Camera d'Or win at Cannes, Luna Leederville will be presenting a special Warwick Thornton retrospective. A powerful representative voice for Indigenous themes, Thornton's insightful camera reveals stories resilient with spirit. To celebrate this special filmmaker's highly praised directorial debut, Samson and Delilah, Luna Leederville will be hosting this award winning and revealing retrospective of Thornton's short films.
Buy a ticket to see Samson and Delilah at 9pm on Monday 15 June and receive a FREE screening session of Warwick Thornton's award winning retrospective shorts at 7.30pm that includes, in chronological order, Payback (1996), Mimi (2002), Green Bush (2005) and Nana (2007).
Tickets are $11 adult / $9.50 concession
More info
Peter Benenson Memorial Dinner
The West Australian Branch of Amnesty International would like to invite you to attend a panel discussion for this year's Peter Benenson Memorial Event. The topic of the panel discussion will be: A Human Rights Act for Australia?
Where: Perth Concert Hall, Wardell Room, 5 St Georges Terrace
When: Monday 8 June, the panel discussion starts at 7.30pm sharp
Entry: $10 waged / $5 unwaged
Coffee, Tea & biscuits will be served afterwards.
Please RSVP to amnestylegalgroupwa@gmail.com
Youth Tree TEDucation Night
You're invited to the second ever Youth Tree TEDucation Video Night to be held at SCITECH. Watch stuff (inspiring interesting and incredible videos), discuss stuff (conversations based around ideas brought up in the videos), eat stuff (everyone brings some food to share), learn stuff (by meeting like-minded Perthians and connecting with amazing ideas).
The purpose of these TEDucation video nights is to share with lots of people the amazing, diverse, inspiring and fascinating ideas that the speeches on TED.com bring to the world, and to bring people together in the real world at the same time. It was envisioned for all those who wished university was more of a melting pot of new ideas, inspiration and interdisciplinary cross-pollination. The topics of each video vary hugely; from replanting rainforests to education, from deep-sea exploration to music, from poverty statistics to solar-power. Every video will teach you something and/or inspire your face off. So instead of watching videos that explain in detail the extent to which the world is doomed, which can be quite depressing, we're sharing some of the most incredible and inspiring solutions to the world's problems.
Where: SCITECH DISCOVERY CENTRE, City West (go through the main City West entrance and up to the second floor)
When: Monday 8 June, 6.00pm
Bring: 1. Food to share (preferably pre-compost, edible foodstuffs)...
2. A USB stick so you can get your own copy of the videos we watch (and many others too)
3. Anyone else who you think would be interested in watching riveting talks from people sharing the world's most incredible ideas.
Where are we in the World?
Professional development for primary teachers or education students. Students have a natural curiosity about things around them in their local environment as well as the world and as teachers we can capitalise on this. Their interest in maps and map reading can be stimulated and built on so that reading and understanding maps becomes part of their currency of communication. Participants will gain a greater understanding of how maps and globes can be used to develop students’ perceptions of their world, experience practical mapping and globe activities that can be used in the classroom, explore where mapping fits into the Curriculum Framework, and receive a copy of the book 'Where are we in the World?'
Where: One World Centre, 5 King William St, Bayswater
When: Thursday 11 June, 4.00 – 6.00pm
Cost: $30 for OWC members and students, $40 for non-members
Registration is essential. Please contact the One World Centre on 9371 9133 or education@oneworldcentre.org.au for more info or to register.
FANGraiser
FANG (Freo Anti-Nuclear Group) are hosting a film night at Fremantle's Film and Television Institute. The movie showing will be “Uranium – is it a country?”, filmed by a group of young, German filmmakers on a visit to Australia in 2008. They came to Australia to discover where the uranium that is used for Power around Europe comes from. The film focuses on the reality of BHP Billiton's Olympic Dam (Roxby) uranium mine in South Australia. This is the world's largest uranium deposit. The filmmakers reveal the truth about the local pollution, the unsustainable use of water, and the reality of radioactive mine tailings.
Where: Film & Television Institute, Fremantle
When: Wednesday 17 June, 6.30pm
Cost: entry by donation
Deaths in Custody Watch Committee Rally
Don't let Mr Ward's death be in vain, join the public rally for justice and human rights. Protest Mr Ward's death. Demand that people will be safe in custody. Demand the State government takes immediate action to reduce indigenous imprisonment rates in WA. Demand the State government does something real and substantial NOW to tackle racism in the WA justice system. No More Deaths in Custody!!
Where: Forrest Place, Perth
When: Saturday 20 June, 12.00 – 2.00pm
For more information, contact the DICWC: 9444 1930 or dicwc@iinet.net.au
- Of the 339 Recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody delivered in 1991, the majority remains unimplemented
- Funding for Aboriginal legal aid services have been cut
- Indigenous people accounted for 22% of prisoners in Australian prisons in 2005 despite being only 2.4% of Australia's population
- In 2009 Indigenous people account for 43% of prisoners in West Australian prisons
- Indigenous Australians accounted for 30% of all deaths in custody in 2006
The Deaths in Custody Watch Committee (WA) Inc. are running a multi faceted campaign in response to the death of an Aboriginal Elder whilst in custody. The Ward Campaign for Justice seeks to redress the silence and apathy of the community towards the cruel and inhumane death of Mr Ward.
The aims of the campaign are:
- for the State government of WA to take immediate steps to prevent further deaths in custody
- a review of the Bail terms to avoid unnecessary detention
- a review of the privatisation of custodial services
- ensure accountability and duty of care to detainees by:
a) ensuring health checks are carried out by medical practitioners
b) immediate vehicle upgrades and regular checks, and
c) replacement of road transport of people detained in rural and remote areas with air transport or video conferencing
- compensation for the family of Mr Ward.
Show your support, join the campaign to bring about real change to how people are treated when they are under the care of the custodial and correctional services in WA. To get involved or to simply stay in touch with developments, visit the website - www.deathsincustody.org.au
Take Action:
- join the campaign
- make a donation
- become a member
- write or email your local MP voicing your disgust
- print the rally flyer and post it at your work
- e-mail the flyer to your friends
- come to a campaign meeting every Wed night
- come to the public rally on June 20!
Campaigning for Change Workshop
What does it take to win change for social, economic and environmental justice? How can campaigns for change effectively utilise people power? How can campaigns be planned to create achievable steps along the way to winnable goals? Find out in this two day workshop presented by the Change Agency.
The workshop includes: the elements of campaign strategy and planning frameworks; theories of how social change happens, and the role of people power; practical strategy and mobilising tools and techniques to practice and apply to real campaign situations, including critical path analysis, stakeholder analysis, tactics analysis for strategic consistency and political impact, and practice sessions on tactics such as interacting with powerholders, speaking to the media, door knocking, and phone canvassing.
The Campaigning for Change workshop is open to a broad range of activists, and will include opportunities to network and learn with each other. This workshop will benefit community workers, union organisers, grassroots activists, professional campaigners, and many others.
Where: Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre
When: Wednesday 24 - Thursday 25 June, 9.30am – 5.00pm
Cost: $80-$220 depending on your means. Resource kit, lunch and refreshments included
Register with the Conservation Council on 9429 7266 or conswa@conservationwa.asn.au
Seeking Asylum in Australia: What happens to rejected asylum seekers?
Public lecture by Phil Glendenning, Director of the Edmund Rice Centre in Sydney. Phil is co-author of 'Deported to Danger' and 'Deported to Danger II', research reports which documented the fate of asylum seekers rejected by the Australian government and deported back to countries deemed to be 'safe'. These reports formed the basis of the documentary 'A Well Founded Fear' shown on SBS in November 2008, and graphically showed the tragic results of some of these deportation decisions.
But what has happened since then, and has the new federal Labor government's policy and approach to asylum seekers changed anything? What is wrong with Australia's assessment and screening process of asylum seekers and how should Australia approach the issue of providing safe haven to people fleeing terrible situations in their homelands? What role can ordinary citizens play in influencing the national 'attitude' to asylum seekers and refugees?
Phil Glendenning will address these and other questions in a thought-provoking and timely presentation marking the 2009 UN International Day in Support of Survivors of Torture.
Where: Curtin University, Bank West Lecture Theatre
When: Thursday 25 June, 7pm. Come early to see the display of AseTTS' services and SBS documentary 'A Well Founded Fear' from 5pm – 7pm.
Cost: gold coin donation
Community Climate Change Dialogue
The Conservation Council of WA, in partnership with Murdoch University's ISTP, is hosting a major community-based event to engage Western Australians in a discussion on climate change issues and challenges. The Dialogue will have a strong focus on facilitating and building community-based participation in solving the climate change crisis. This FREE event is your chance to have your say on climate change and is not to be missed.
As a participant you will hear from experts on the latest climate science, policy settings, issues and consequences across the themes of climate safe sustainable communities, sustainable energy policy, citizen-led climate science and citizen centred climate actions. You will have the opportunity to put forward your questions and engage in deliberations across these themes. Politicians from all major parties have been invited to hear the outcomes of these deliberations at the final dialogue plenary.
This event will take place in the period leading up to the crucial international climate negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009 and as the State Government is in the process of developing Western Australia’s long awaited climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy.
Speakers include:
•Dr Bryson Bates, Theme Leader ,CSIRO’s Climate Adaptation Flagship & Chief Research Scientist Div. Marine & Atmospheric Research
•Dr Linda Chambers, Senior Scientist, Centre for Australian Weather & Climate Research (Bureau of Meteorology) Climate Change Group
•Dr Paul Wilkes, Vice President, Sustainable Energy Now
•Mr Peter Robertson, State Coordinator, The Wilderness Society
•Mr Piers Verstegen, Director, Conservation Council of WA
•Dr Nic Dunlop, Citizen Science Program Coordinator, Conservation Council of WA
•Dr Brad Pettitt , Dean, Institute of Sustainability and Technology Policy (ISTP) Murdoch University
•Ms Nicole Hodgson, Lecturer Sustainable Development, ISTP Murdoch University
Where: Murdoch University
When: Sunday 28 June, 8.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: Free if you register before 12 June. Lunch will be available if preordered and prepaid ($15)
Further information: Conference Convenor: Carolyn Hofmeester, Registrations: Ariane Cances
Phone: (08) 9420 7266 Email: conswa@conservationwa.asn.au
National Climate Emergency Rally
SWB is supporting the National Climate Emergency Rally on Saturday 13 June. Join the rally in support of:
100% RENEWABLES BY 2020
NEW GREEN JOBS - a fair transition for workers and communities
SCRAP THE CPRS - Rudd's Emissions Trading Scheme won't work
PROTECT AUSTRALIA'S FORESTS - destroying forests releases carbon
NO URANIUM - nuclear is no solution
Saturday 13 June @ 12.30pm
Forrest Place, Perth
Junkadelic will be performing at the event. Hedge Bandits Junkadelic are one of Perth's most creative acts, combining self-made 'junk' percussions, horms, vocals and anything else they can find to make music from.
You can play a part in the event by:
- helping to spread the word with posters, leaflets, emailing your friends, etc.
- offering practical help if you can (eg. banner painting)
- putting a link to safeclimate.org.au on your blog
- changing your status on facebook to "Coming to the climate rally June 13 www.safeclimate.org.au"
- donating to the Safe Climate appeal
- coming along to the rally and bringing your friends and family!
Flyer
Stickers available from the safeclimate website or from the Social Justice Centre on Bush Court
For more information, visit www.safeclimate.org.au or www.climaterally.org
United We Could Save the Forest
The Australian Orangutan Project (AOP) will hold its first ever protest this Saturday, 30 May, in Perth city. AOP supporters will conduct a peaceful rally to protest a proposal for the clearing and destruction of high conservation value rainforest that has recently been put forward by Asia Pulp & Paper/Sinar Mas Group. This globally important ecosystem provides a safe haven for many species which are threatened by extinction including the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan, tiger and elephant.
The peaceful protest will start at noon at the corner of Barrack St and Murray St Mall and will run until mid afternoon.
AOP supporters will invite people to sign a petition against the proposal. Almost 3000 people have already signed the petition which started on Friday 22 May.
More than 100 orangutans have been released to date via the Bukit Tigapuluh Sumatran Orangutan Reintroduction Project - the only reintroduction site for this critically endangered species. Scientists spent decades discovering how to successfully reintroduce critically endangered orangutans from captivity into the wild and it could take Asia Pulp & Paper/Sinar Mas Group just months to destroy an important part of their new habitat.
Between 1985 and 2007, Sumatra island lost 12 million hectares of natural forest, a 48 percent loss in 22 years. By 2007, the island had only 30% natural forest cover (around 13 million hectares). The Indonesian Minsteries of Forestry, Environment, Public Works and Interior, as well as the governors of all 10 Sumatran provinces, last year announced their collective commitment to protecting the areas of the island with "high conservation values". The natural forest slated for destruction by Asia Pulp & Paper/Sinar Mas Group - Bukit Tigapuluh - is a prime example of the high conservation value areas that the governors promised to protect.
If you have any enquiries, please contact AOP Project Coordinator, Kylie Bullo, at projects@orangutan.org.au
A Climate for Change
A Climate for Change is a news and social networking website (like Facebook & MySpace), except with a climate twist to it. It's a fun, active community providing a place for you to share and network with other like minded souls.
- Create your own profile and share anything and everything about climate change: your beliefs, goals, ideas and actions.
- News & Opinions - the latest climate change news from around the web including news and opinion from some of the world's leading community organisations.
- Blog - if you read a great article, hear an interview, see an interesting documentary (good or bad), and have an opinion about it, this is the place for you to share it.
There are also discussion forums, groups you can join, an events calendar, you can upload photos and videos, and learn how to become a climate activist.
To celebrate the launch of A Climate for Change, there are some great green prizes to be won. First prize is valued at over $250 and includes a solar charger for your MP3 player/phone. Prizes donated by Going Solar.
Sign up
Become a climate change e-monitor
2009 is an important year for the world to avoid catastrophic climate change. World leaders must agree to reduce carbon emissions and help poor countries adapt to the impacts of climate change. A global deal must be reached by December. A series of UN meetings will take place before a global agreement will be made. We need Australia to take a leading role in these meetings to make a positive impact for climate change.
Make Poverty History are searching for e-monitors who will keep a close eye on the Australian government's role in the negotiations and communicate directly with negotiators during the key UN meetings.
What e-monitors will do
You will receive regular email updates from Make Poverty History during each round of climate negotiations. These updates will come from climate change experts at the negotiations and will provide you with the latest inside information. At key times during the UN meetings you will be asked to send off urgent emails to the Australian government negotiators. This will let them know that we are keeping a close eye on what's happening and encourage them to play a leading role.
Find out more
Kimberley whale survey trip 2009 - the opportunity of a lifetime!
The Kimberley coast is one of the most intact in the world; scientists are only just beginning to document the outstanding natural values of the region. Beautiful and extensive fringing coral reefs, vast seagrass beds, mangrove forests and spectacular sponge gardens support an incredible array of marine life in one of the highest tidal range coasts in the world. Everything from dugong, sawfish and turtles to Australia's unique dolphin - the snubfin dolphin - all rely on this incredible healthy ecosystem.
The Wilderness Society is very concerned about proposals for polluting coastal industry that would irreversible impact on this world-class marine environment. This year, the Wilderness Society would like to organise a whale survey trip along the Kimberley coast in a luxury cruise ship. This trip is for Wilderness Society members and friends. The trip would likely be held in September and would depart from Broome.
More info
Update:
IRC
In villages across Sierra Leone and Rwanda, the IRC's Child Survival Program has reduced the number of children losing their lives to common diseases by up to 48%. The IRC has recently been awarded $750,000 from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), to bring lifesaving treatment to the children in Southern Sudan.
Humanitarian organisations have been expelled from Darfur, North and East Sudan by the Sudanese government, but the IRC's work in Southern Sudan continues. Below is an update from the IRC's Senior Health Director, Emmanuel D'Harcourt:
"After 20 years of civil war, people here are struggling to rebuild their lives. There are no paved roads to speak of, and health care is woefully inadequate. Health clinics are few and far between, and government health agencies lack the resources to build more. To reach sick children who desperately need our help, the IRC developed a "community-based" treatment model.
Today, my colleages and I train local health workers who are community members themselves. We provide medical supplies and support to these villagers who volunteer to serve their community. Our locally trained health workers have the ability to identify and treat common diseases and as community members, they share a bond with families that might not occur at a faraway health clinic".
One of the volunteers the IRC has trained is Santino Malong, who cares for children in the village of Mathiang in the state of Northern Bahr el Ghazal:
"Our nearest health centre is a long way away in Malualbal. That's too far to go for treatment. Instead, mothers bring their children to me both night and day. I was chosen by the local community to do this, so they trust me and they know that I attended a training by the IRC. The last child I treated was a baby girl with malaria. I gave her medicine and I checked up on her afterwards. She is well. I am happy to be able to save lives and to serve in my community".
The IRC has launched the Child Survival Challenge through which they are attempting to raise $250,000, enabling them to dedicate $1 million to helping children in Southern Sudan.
Every dollar counts:
A bed net to protect sleeping infants against malaria costs just $7
A child with malaria can be treated with a combination of drugs costing as little as $1
$1 is all it takes to provide zinc supplements and oral rehydration salts to a child suffering from severe diarrhea dehydration
A full course of treatment for pneumonia is least expensive of all - just 50c
For more information, or to donate, visit the IRC's website: www.theirc.org
Volunteers needed for radio station - 100.9 FM
Noongar Media Enterprises Radio are seeking volunteers to help with their radio shows, as presenters, producers and behind the scenes workers.
Do you have a passion for radio, music and talkback? Do you have an idea for a specialist radio program? Would you like to get experience working in the media?
Applications close Monday 8 June.
Application form
BUMP Launch Party
The Anti-Nuclear Alliance of WA (ANAWA) are an active community group who educate the public about the nuclear fuel chain and create events to let the public know that they exist in order to build a growing movement to not only stop uranium mining, but also to promote the renewable energy sector, set in context with climate change and peak oil and the economic recession. They are strongly focused on the uranium mining issue, and work alongside other groups promoting policies for a liveable future. They campaign for nuclear disarmament and various peace initiatives, for renewable energy, for protection of our fragile environment, and for less consumerist lifestyles, all of which contribute towards creating more harmonious communities.
ANAWA have created a new campaign - Ban Uranium Mining Permanently (BUMP) - and they invite you to their launch on World Environment Day, Friday 5 June, at The Palms, Rokeby Rd, Subiaco (6-8pm).
More info
Palm Oil Action Group - letter writing
The Palm Oil Action Group invites you to a peaceful letter writing Action at Fremantle (near the famous Fremantle markets).
On the day their stall will be set up with petitions and letters for the public to sign along with information pamphlets on palm oil. If you want to find out more about palm oil then please come along and tell your friends, the more people spreading the word about palm oil the better.
Where: Fremantle (the laneway in between the Sail & Anchor Pub & Fremantle Markets) - just look for the orangutan and balloons!
When: Sunday 7 June 2009
Time: 10am - 3pm
Australians unknowingly consume an average of 10kg of palm oil each year, and it has been estimated that 10% of all supermarket products contain it as a (usually hidden) ingredient. As the world's hunger for palm oil grows, mega monoculture plantations are fast replacign the last wilderness areas of Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea, threatening species such as orangutans, Sumatran tigers, rhinos and Asian elephants with extinction. The latest estimates show that unless we act now orangutans in the wild may be extinct within 10 years.
We have already seen positive moves in Europe to phase out palm oil so come along and find out a little more about what is going on - consumer pressure through consumer awareness is the major factor that leads to change. Be part of the solution!
National Sorry Day 2009
Taking the next steps... Come along and join in this important event which commemorates the history of forcible removal of Aboriginal children and its effects on Aboriginal families and communities. It is also time for us all to commit to working together to ensure proper reconciliation in this country.
When: 12-2pm, Tuesday 26 May 2009
Where: Wellington Square, East Perth
What: Great music, interesting speakers and a free sausage sizzle
The Bringing Them Home Report was presented to Federal parliament on 26th May 1997, documenting the findings from the national enquiry into the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their familites and communities under government policy. 54 recommendations were made and tabled 12 years ago. The Bringing Them Home Committee WA believe that less than ten have ever been implemented.
It is important to acknowledge the struggles many are still overcoming as a result of past policies which separated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families from each other. And it's important as a community and a nation to take the next steps to healing, reconciliation and justice.
More info
Hilton Harvest Festival
Delicious food, live music and entertainment, kids' activities, stalls, talks, displays and triumphs of sustainable organic urban living...
This event is a fundraiser for the Hilton Harvest Community Garden Project.
Sunday 24 May 2009
9am - 1pm
Fremantle PCYC, Paget St, Hilton
More info
International Rescue Committee - Saving the lives of children
Dr Emmanuel d'Harcourt is the Senior Health Director at the International Rescue Committee. He directs the Child Survival Program, which was launched 9 years ago with the goal of reducing the number of avoidable deaths among children in war-ravaged countries like Sierra Leone, Rwanda and Sudan. Here is an update on the program written by Dr. d'Harcourt:
"It's heartbreaking when countless children succumb to preventable diseases like malaris, pneumonia, and diarrhea. It's an injustice we are working day and night to correct, and with your help we're succeeding - and saving children's lives.
You may remember hearing from me last year when the IRC launched a successful campaign to expand the Child Survival Program in Sierra Leone.
Today I want to report on our stunning progress. In the Sierra Leonean villages where we work, the death rate among children has been reduced by as much as 48%. We have given lifesaving treatment to more than 100,000 children, and the program is being extended nationally.
That's thousands and thosands of young children who are now living healthy lives thanks to the IRC's lifesaving work.
With your support, the IRC has developed a unique and extremely effective method of delivering medicine and health care directly to children and their parents. My colleagues and I train local health workers who are community members themselves. We provide medical supplies and support to these villagers who volunteer to serve their community.
Once trained, community-based IRC health workers have the ability to identify common diseases and provide treatment.
While the success is encouraging, we have a long road ahead. Our challenge now is to expand the field-tested and extremely successful child Survival Program to reach as many villages as possible in war-torn countries across Africa. It is our global responsibility to prevent the needless deaths of as many children as possible.
Visit the IRC wesite to learn more about the life-saving work they do.
The Oaktree Foundation is seeking a new CEO
Applications are now open for the position of Oaktree's Chief Executive Officer.
They are looking for a dynamic young leader to take Oaktree into its next exciting phase of development. Applications close 8 June 2009.
Positions for other key roles, such as Head of Shared Services, Head of People and Organisational Devleopment, and Head of Projects are also currently available - more details
Paid Parental Leave
The Treasurer has announced that this year's budget will include a paid parental scheme of 18 weeks. This is a huge step forward and means that Australia will no longer be one of only two developed countries without any form of paid parental leave.
Human Rights Act for Australia Panel Discussion
The WA Branch of Amnesty International Australia would like to invite you to attend a panel discussion for this year's Peter Benenson Memorial Event. The topic of the panel discussion will be: "A Human Rights Act for Australia?"
The panel discussion will start at 7.30pm sharp on Monday 8 June.
It will take place at the Perth Concert Hall in the Wardell Room, 5 St Georges Terrace.
Donation: $10 waged / $5 unwaged.
Coffee, tea and biscuits will be served afterwards
Please RSVP to amnestylegalgroupwa@gmail.com
Wilderness Society: WA Forest Alert
The WA Conservation Commission has just released a 'mid-term audit' of implementation of the current Forest Management Plan 2004-13 (FMP). There is a three-month public comment period and public submissions will be vital to ensure the final report contains strong recommendations about the future protection and management of WA's forests. Read more
Ian Ward Demonstration
On April 3, a public rally was held calling for justice for Mr Ward, following his death in the back of a police vehicle. Mr Ward was a respected Aboriginal elder who was arrested for drink driving. On January 27, he was transported 380km to Kalgoorlie in the back of a van. It was a 42 degree day and the air conditioning was not working in the vehicle. Mr Ward was given just one 600ml bottle of water and a pie for the entire journey. The officers transporting Mr Ward did not check on him during the journey, until they heard a thump. This thump was Mr Ward collapsing. He later died in Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital.
More images
Reconciliation Australia - Close the Gap Statement
SUPPORT FOR UN DECLARATION AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARDS CLOSING THE GAP
Reconciliation Australia Co-Chair Mark Leibler has welcomed today’s statement of support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples issued by the Australian Government.
Mr Leibler, a Melbourne-based senior lawyer, said the language in the statement demonstrated the Government’s recognition that Australia will not achieve better outcomes for its Indigenous citizens without building mutually respectful and trusting relationships.
“The Declaration provides a framework for countries with different histories and circumstances to reduce levels of disadvantage and discrimination,” said Mr Leibler. “It includes valuable guiding principles that, where followed, will undoubtedly help Indigenous and other Australians work together more respectfully and far more effectively than we have in the past.”
Mr Leibler paid tribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who had worked for many years alongside Indigenous peoples from across the globe to develop and promote the Declaration. “My fellow Co-Chair at Reconciliation Australia, Professor Mick Dodson, is one of those people. He was involved in the crafting of the text and I know that today, as an official representative of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, he is absolutely elated.
“There are critics of the role of human rights frameworks who claim they have no practical value in overturning disadvantage. But the reality is that the rights set out in the Declaration have meaningful application in closing the gap in Australia. Every one of them is directly or indirectly associated with getting improved outcomes for people in health, education, employment and every other area of disadvantage.”
Mr Leibler said the principles set out in the Declaration were based on evidence of approaches that have worked in promoting better results around the world. “They prioritise the dignity and aspirations of Indigenous people, and give them a leading role in working together with others to close the gaps.”
Reconciliation Australia’s simple fact sheet on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples can be found at www.reconciliation.org.au
Kulturejam - Highway to Human Rights Fundraiser
Come and enjoy a great night of live music and support a worthwhile cause at the same time! All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Deaths in Custody Watch Committee WA Inc Campaign for Justice and Human Rights for Wongai Elder Mr Ward.
Live music from:
The Bartlett Brothers, Gang of Three, Old Flames Band, Candice Lorrae and Warangka Band!
All the artists performing on the night have graciously donated their time to supporting this campaign and fundraising event.
Friday 1 May @ Charles Hotel, North Perth
$20, doors open at 7pm
Enquiries: 9444 1930 or dicwa@iinet.net.au or info@kulturejam.com
Rally for the Kimberley
The Kimberley is under serious threat from the proposed industrial gas site on the pristine coastline, north of Broome. If you live in Perth, the Wilderness Society needs your support this Saturday. It is community action that will stop this outrageous plan, and with your help we can make Woodside, and the joint venture partners, rethink this proposal.
When: Saturday 2nd May @ 11am sharp
Where: Perth foreshore, Riverside Drive (near the Belltower and Ferris Wheel)
What: Be part of a human chain, which will spell out a giant message - 'No Kimberley Gas Hub'. An aerial photo will be taken from the ferris wheel, and used for media publicity of this campaign.
There's no cost involved, however, please wear a red t-shirt if you can, and bring something to lie on. You can let the Wilderness Society know you're coming by joining their event on Facebook, or emailing wa@wilderness.org.au
Visit the Facebook page
Fremantle By-Election Candidate Forum
Presented by the Fremantle Network, the Fremantle Society, the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, Oxfam and Notre Dame University.
7.30pm Tuesday 5 May at the Notre Dame Drill Hall, Mouat St, Fremantle
ABC's political reporter Peter Kennedy will lead a live version of Q&A with the candidates in the Fremantle by-election on Tuesday 5 May. Peter Tagliaferri and Adele Carles have confirmed their attendance and other candidates have been invited.
There will be an opportunity for people to ask questions of the candidates from the floor, or to submit a question in advance by emailing freodebate@yahoo.com.au
Fair Trade Chocolate Fountain
The SWB Action Group is bringing a chocolate fountain onto campus!
Why? To raise awareness of child trafficking in the chocolate industry, at the same time as showing/reminding you just how yummy Fair Trade chocolate is!! We will be selling skewers of fruit and/marshmallows to dip into the chocolate fountain.
When? Thursday 7 May from 11am
Rob Riley Memorial Lecture
Celebration or Commiseration: Post Apology Blues presented by Jackie Huggins AM, Deputy Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Studies Unit at the University of Queensland and former Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia.
Friday 8 May 2009, 6pm
Haydyn Williams Lecture Theatre
Building 405
Curtin University of Technology
Kent Street, Bentley
Refreshments will follow the lecture.
Please RSVP on 08 9266 2563 or email events@curtin.edu.au by Monday 4 May.
Fair Trade Fiesta
The Fair Trade Collective WA and City Farm invite you to make and beat a drum for fair trade. Come along and buy a fair trade present for Mother's Day or just enjoy the market stalls, entertainment, food, and kid's activities.
Saturday 9 May at City Farm, City Farm Place, East Perth
10am - 3pm
More info at www.fairtradeaustralia.com.au
Big Bang!! Beat Poverty, Beat Climate Change, Beat Financial Crisis, Beat a Drum, A Big Fair Trade Solution to Poverty
09 May 09 - A Big Day for the Planet
Survey respondents needed
TA PhD programme of study conducted in the Murdoch School of Psychology is investigating Gender Differences in Motivation and Exercise and is inviting any student 20 years of age and over, both males AND females, to participate in this brief online survey. Simply click on the link below, or copy and paste into your browser to go straight to the survey. All data is collected anonymously, and by doing the survey you can enter in a draw to win a prize!
You can have the chance to win one of several Coles/Myer vouchers valued up to $250 by taking part in this online research survey now!
They are looking for as many students as possible, no matter what shape, size or level of fitness, to do this study. Your participation would be greatly appreciated. Please help us Discover!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=66AtDtGs_2fkYKPrcKdfmH9A_3d_3d
Participant entry closing date: 28 April 2009
Preliminary research results will be available on the School of Psychology website from August 2009
Prize draw winners announced August 2009.
For any queries, contact Susanne Bellesario - S.Bellesario@murdoch.edu.au
Volunteer with the United Nations
The United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) has a number of volunteer-based projects that students might like to work on. These are usually across 4 areas: environment, human rights, events (such as the UN International Day for Indigenous Peoples), and office support. Some are short-term (ie. tree planting on a specific site or helping with fundraising events) whilst others may require involvement over a few months.
They also have an internship program for office-based work and are currently looking for the help of business students to support their volunteers.
In addition, there is also the UN Youth Association, which runs its own conference and events. This might be of interest to a younger student group.
If you are interested you can contact the UNAA (WA) on 9221 9455.
Deaths in Custody Protest
On April 3, a public rally is being held calling for justice for Mr Ward, following his death in the back of a police vehicle. Mr Ward was a respected Aboriginal elder who was arrested for drink driving. On January 27, he was transported 380km to Kalgoorlie in the back of a van. It was a 42 degree day and the air conditioning was not working in the vehicle. Mr Ward was given just one 600ml bottle of water and a pie for the entire journey. The officers transporting Mr Ward did not check on him during the journey, until they heard a thump. This thump was Mr Ward collapsing. He later died in Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital. The inquest into Mr Ward's death has been postponed until May, but the family deserve to have the matter investigated now.
A list of demands will be presented to the Attorney General and Minister for Corrective Services. Join the call for:
- an end to deaths in custody
- the GSL Security guards to be stood down
- those responsible for Mr Ward's death the be charged
- compensation for the family of Mr Ward
- the use of air-conditioning or video conferencing instead of long journeys
- health checks for detainees by medical practitioners prior to transportation
- immediate upgrades to and regular checks of detainee transport vehicles
- a review of bail terms to avoid unnecessary detention
- an end to the privatisation of custodial services.
Friday 3 April, 12pm
Stirling Gardens
For more info, contact Marc Newhouse on 0415 074 602.
The Vagina Monologues
Until the Violence Stops
The Vagina Monologues is an international play that has become a phenomenon! It is a series of monologues performed by local Perth women at both Curtin University and UWA. The play helps to raise money for organisations who raise awareness and work to stop violence against women and girls.
Every monologue somehow relates to the vagina, be it through sex, love, rape, menstruation, mutilation, masturbation, birth, orgasm, the variety of names for the vagina, or simply as a physical aspect of the body. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality.
Come along and see an awesome performance and support a worthwhile cause.
Monday 20 April
Doors open 7.30pm
Elizabeth Jolly Lecture Theatre
Curtin University
Friday 24 April
Doors open 7.30pm
Social Science Lecture Theatre
University of Western Australia
Tickets are $10 each - on sale now, so get them quick. To reserve tickets or pick them up, please call Rhiahnon on 0404 163 288 or email rhiahnonkennedy@gmail.com.
The Rescue
For over two decades, war has been waged between the Ugandan government and the Lord's Resistance Army, a rebel group led by Joseph Kony. In 2006 the Juba Peace Talks began and when a ceasefire was agreed to, peace appeared within reach. The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Kony, who is the first individual to be charged with crimes against humanity by the ICC. Kony refused to sign the final peace agreement and insisted that the arrest warrant must be dropped, however, Kony failed to attend the signing of the peace agreement and so his crimes continue.
Kony has used a strategy of abducting children from their homes and forcing them to become child soldiers in his army. This practice led to the nightly commutes that many families undertook for many years, walking through the night to the nearest town and returning home in the morning. The ICC has obtained evidence that Kony has resumed abducting children for his army.
At the beginning of this year, the Ugandan government and surrounding countries launched an unsuccessful military operation intended to defeat the LRA and capture the rebel leader. Thousands of civilians have been attacked in retaliation - more than 1000 have been killed and over 100,000 have been displaced. The civil war that was contained within Uganda's borders has now spread to encompass the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding countries.
Come to the Rescue
On April 25, the international community will unite to deliver the innocent from Kony's reign and ensure that he is brought to justice. Thousands of participants will gather in 100 cities across the globe to 'abduct' themselves and raise the banner of the child soldiers taken by Joseph Kony.
The 'abductees' will leave their homes and walk to an event location while carrying their supplies on their backs. At the event, participants will be invited to write letters, create art/photo projects and seek out media attention in an effort to petition the US, European, Canadian, Mexican, New Zealand and Australian governments to develop a strategy an support existing efforts to rescue Kony's child soldiers.
This event is being organised by Invisible Children. To find out more, or to register as an abductee, visit the website - http://therescue.invisiblechildren.com/en
Saturday 25 April, 3pm
Location TBC
Greenpeace: Anti-whaling Update
Current negotiations involving Australia and Japan will decide the fate of thousands of whales in Antarctic and Pacific waters. The closed door negotiations between 6 nations are aiming to find a solution to the problem of Japanese whaling. Japan refuses to end its "scientific" whaling program, although a compromise is being seeked. The next few months could prove critical to the future of the whales. Read more...
Students
Without Borders is helping to raise funds to send a Murdoch student to
a Canadian treatment centre to save her life from Anorexia Nervosa.
There are no centres of this type in Australia, and the
treatment
will help to address the underlying issues which led to the development
of this disorder.
Fundraising events are being organised and collection tins
Aid Convoy reaches Gaza!
This article was written by Sonja Karkar of Australians for Palestine (australiansforpalestine.com):
The news of the broken siege is the stuff of legends and for the people of Gaza, that legend will sustain them for the moment as the eyes of the world turn towards Gaza again, however briefly.
After much negotiation, the 200+ convoy of aid-filled trucks and ambulances were allowed through the Rafah crossing to be greeted with absolute jubilation from the Palestinians on the other side. This was a moment worth savouring, not only for the Palestinians whose contact with the outside world has been banned by Israel, but also for the 300 volunteers who had travelled so far and so long to provide a desperately-needed lifeline.
This is what the world needs to hear so that they can do something to keep that lifeline open.
Nobody knows really how close it was to the aid convoy being denied entry to Gaza, but those who had made the month-long journey were given little reason to hope yesterday after they’d spent a night in isolated compounds in the desert just out from Egypt’s town El-Arish under strict surveillance from some 1000 Egyptian soldiers and police. Not only that, but masked men attacked the convoy with bottles and stones and vandalised some of the trucks taking the aid intended for the Palestinians. Despite all the surrounding security forces, no one came to the aid of the volunteers.
Electricity had been cut to the compounds as well, so all was in darkness. After that,no one could sleep and so the volunteers took turns guarding the trucks so this did not happen again.
The experience left everyone shaken. In fact, one man had an asthma attack after being struck in the head and it was Kamahl and another man who then had to carry the ailing man 150 metres to an ambulance which had been forbidden from coming closer. The prospects of entering Gaza did not look good, but then orders came for the vehicles to be unloaded one by one and the aid re-loaded on to “official” vehicles for transportation through Rafah. The empty vehicles had to be driven to the Egyptian-Israel border for processing by Israeli security, but only after Palestinian drivers took over the driving of the vehicles.
While all of the trucks and ambulances were finally let through, the story is not a happy one for Kamahl and the two other drivers of the Viva Palestina mascot – the British fire truck. Kamahl told us this morning that they and the boat were refused entry into Gaza. Already, they are on the long drive back to Libya, understandably upset that they could not be part of the joyous celebrations in Gaza. It was for all of them the point which had kept them going over the most gruelling stretches of this epic trip, else why would they have done it. All they ever wanted was to give some hope to the Palestinians and to extend a helping hand of friendship and solidarity. It was not to be for Kamahl and those with whom he had shared the journey, but at least the aid was in Gaza and the Palestinians know that there are indeed some who have not forgotten them.
JET Scholarships
Are you a parent struggling to make ends meet whilst you study? Has your entitlement to JET come to an end? SWB volunteers held barbecues on Bush Court throughout 2007 & 2008 to raise money for scholarships.
We are now offering the first 2 x $250 scholarships to help you through the beginning of semester. To be eligible, you must meet the JET requirements, but have reached the end of your entitlement.
Applications close March 20 2009.
Please email the SWB co-ordinator - studentswithoutborders@rocketmail.com - with a letter outlining your eligibility.
Relay for Life
The Cancer Council of WA is holding its annual Relay for Life on the weekend of March 28-29. Teams of 10-15 will compete in the 24 hour relay, held a Perry Lakes. If you would like to form an SWB team, let me know. Each team member must raise at least $100 before the event.
To register, contact the SWB co-ordinator on studentswithoutborders@rocketmail.com. Please note that if you register, you MUST turn up.
United Nations UDHR Prize
No doubt you have seen one of the 2000 yellow and black fliers around campus, attempting to create an awareness of/engagement with social justice issues through a Human Rights Prize. You may also remember a larger display at the South Street and Rockingham libraries. There are currently two small displays in the South Street Library near the first Year Coordinator’s office.
But did you know that you could win the $1000 prize??
All you need to do is submit a piece of work that best captures the spirit of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. This could be an animation, a photo, a short video, an essay or even a piece of performance art. You can work individually or in groups for this prize, but you have to get it in by February 27 2009.
For more info, contact Martin on m.gwyn@murdoch.edu.au
Protect Chester Forest
Chester Forest Rescue Camp has been in formal operation for over 5 months. Two sites have been established to support the forest defense. The public face of the Chester Forest protest is on the side of Brockman highway (20kms out of Karridale) with a warm communal tent, open camping area, a tree platform and the Rescue camp’s kitchen. The ‘sharp end’ site has the ‘lock on’ 24/7 presence of the protesters who are blocking the forest entry point. This site is primed for action in anticipation of any action by the Forest Products Commission (FPC).
Camp spokesperson Simon Peterffy reports a strong, positive community reaction from locals, interstate and international visitors as well as passing traffic. “There have been hundreds of visitors and protesters to Chester, some staying from day one, others dropping in for a day visit”, says Simon. “This is a serious campaign, in true forest rescue tradition. We are here to save this pristine wilderness”.
Supporters are both welcome and vital to the Chester Forest Rescue Camp. Essential supplies of human energy, food staples and building supplies are needed to sustain the protest effort.
Drop-off points for equipment at this time are the Brockman Highway camp and in Margaret River. For Margaret River donations, contact Gerry on 0439 994 932. For ideas on what may be useful goods for donation, contact recent visitor to the camp, Maxine Drake on 0409 016 104 or Simon Peterffy.
“This forest belongs to everyone and everyone can help to save it, in whatever capacity they are able. People in Perth can send goods down through travellers, locals or the protest networks. It’s a practical way to show support for what we are doing”, says Simon Peterffy.
Simon can be contacted on 0422 535 328
Seed Watering and Maintenance
Where: Wildlife Corridor
When: 18 Feb, 8.30am
A helping hand is needed to get our native seedlings through this spell of hot weather. Volunteers are needed to water the seedlings planted in the campus wildlife corridor over the past two winters. Maintenance of tree guards and minor weed removal may also be conducted if enough helpers are on site, to give the plants the best chance of survival. Tools will be provided.
Bring your bucket or watering can, drinking water and gardening gloves (if available), wear closed-toe shoes (or steel cap boots if you have them) and dress appropriately for the weather.
Meet at the bottom of car park 8 by 8.30am.
Contact Neil Goldsborough if you need further information - neilgau@yahoo.com.au
Occupation 101
'Occupation 101' is a thought-provoking and powerful documentary on the current and historical causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The film covers a wide range of topics, including the wave of Jewish immigration from Europe in the 1880s, the 1920 tensions, the 1948 war, the 1968 war, the first intifada of 1987, the Oslo Peace Process, settlement expansion, the role of the United States' government, the second intifada of 2000, the separation barrier and the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. It also contains heart wrenching testimonials from from victims of this tragedy.
Thursday 26 February at 6pm
Alexander Lecture Theatre, UWA
For more info contact info@fopwa.org or vp@uwamsa.org
Globalise Me: An Introduction to Global Education
Professional Development for teachers.
Exlore the themes of global education in a fun, interactive workshop with activities and strategies that you can use in your classroom. Also, examine what being a global educator means for your classroom setup, teachign style and use of resources.
When: Tuesday 17 March, 4pm - 6pm
Where: One World Centre, 5 King William St, Bayswater
Who: Teachers of primary and secondary school students
Cost: $20 for OWC members & students, $30 for non-members
More info
Cuba, Venezuela and socialism in the 21st century: an eyewitness report
Public Community Action - Help Stop the Logging of Tiwi Islands Forests
TheTiwi
Islands Darwin
and
include two main islands, Melville and Bathurst
When: Thursday 19 February - 9.30am
Where: Parmelia Hilton Hotel,14
Mill Street , Perth
Already 30 000 hectares of forests and woodlands on theIslands
have been cleared and have been replaced by single species plantations
that
will be woodchipped and exported.
Worse still, another 70 000 hectares of these beautiful tropical forests are proposed to be cleared as part of a proposed, but not approved, Stage 2 of this ill considered project.
The Wilderness Society campaigned for Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, to impose tough new conditions for a range of serious breaches of environmental conditions related to its controversial clearing of 26 000 hectares of forests and woodlands on the Tiwi islands, north ofDarwin
We
now need to make sure shareholders are reminded that
Stage 2 of this project must not proceed!
for
more details about the
A Cry from the Wild
Leif Cox (Australian Orangutan Project President) and Hardi Baktiantoro (Centre for Orangutan Protection Campaigner) want to spread the caring. Come along and gain a rare insight from these dedicated men.
Tuesday 17 February, 7.30pm
Murdoch University Kim Beazley Lecture Theatre
Tickets $20, Students & Children under 15 $10
Hardi Baktiantoro is Indonesia's most experienced activist for Orangutan conservation. Since 2007 Hardi has been a vigorous campaigner for COP, the only fully Indonesian group dedicated to the conservation of Orangutans.
Leif Cox is the founder of AOP and has been president since its foundation. He is Perth Zoo's Curator of Exotic Mammals, Board Member of the Great Ape Survival Project (GRASP) Australia and has been working with Orangutans for 22 years.
Both Hardi and Leif will be touring Australia in February 2009 campaigning with energy and enthusiasm about the problems in Kalimantan and the crisis with the Orangutans in that region and how the AOP are involved.
As highlighted in the recent tv documentary "The Burning Season" (Hardi appeared in this) in less than 10 years over 70% of Indonesia's rainforest has been decimated. Brought on by our insatiable appetite for wood, minerals and palm oil the deforestation is having desperate consequences for the ecosystem. And it is having an equally deadly impact on the forest's inhabitants, particularly the Orangutans.
Extinction is close for the Orangutans with in excess of 1000 being slaughtered every year.
Enquiries or ticket sales to Bill Waterer:
08 9457 0291 or wa@orangutan.org.au
Action for Gaza
Despite the current ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, the people of Palestine are still suffering and need the International community to speak up for them. Friends of Palestine WA are organising several actions for January.
Weekly Vigils
Gatherings are being organised for Friday evenings from 5.30pm at Wesley Church in Perth CBD. You cmight like to bring candles in mourning for the people murdered in Gaza, silently hold placards, or choose to speak on a megaphone to let passersby know the reasons for the vigil.
Public Meeting
Israel’s assault on Gaza and the struggle for a free Palestine
Saturday 24 January, 3pm
Maritime Union Hall, 2-4 Kwong Alley, North Fremantle
Speakers:
Alex Whisson (Friends of Palestine WA)
Pat Branson (Assistant Secretary Australian Services Union & participant, APHEDA delegation to Palestine)
Nick Everett (Revolutionary Socialist Party & member, Friends of Palestine WA)
Since Israel launched Operation Cast Lead, on December 27, at least 1300 Palestinians have died in Gaza, a third of them children. Israel's air strikes come on the back of Israel's illegal and brutal two year siege of Gaza, which has denied the people of Gaza adequate fuel, food, electricity and medical supplies. While Israel has now declared it unilateral cease-fire, it's yet to give any commitment to withdraw its troops from occupied Gaza and remains opposed to lifting the siege. Avital Leibovich, an Israeli military spokesperson, told Al Jazeera on January 18: "The operation is not over. This is only a holding of fire."
To date the Australian government has blamed Hamas for the conflict and refuses to condemn Israel’s war crimes. The Australian government’s response stands in sharp contrast to that of the socialist government of Venezuela, led by Hugo Chavez, which has expelled the Israeli ambassador and committed to organising an airlift of humanitarian aid.
This forum will look at the history behind Palestine’s struggle for national liberation and the international response to the current crisis.
For more information, phone Nick on 0409 762 081 or email perth@directaction.org.au
Rally for the People of Gaza
LIFT THE SIEGE! STOP THE SLAUGHTER! ISRAEL OUT OF GAZA! AID FOR GAZA NOW!
Noon, Saturday 31 January - Forrest Place, Perth CBD
This action will go ahead despite the recently announced ceasefire.
For more info contact 0407 850 962
www.fopwa.org
Project Safecom News Bulletin
In this Bulletin:
It's easy to argue that 2008 did not end well. Of course we had a near-crash of worldwide financial markets, but the response by governments left a miriad of possibilities untouched as they propped up what is essential an unsustainable and failing system... read more
OXFAM - Gaza Update
As the crisis in Gaza and Israel intensifies, it is the innocent men, women and children who suffer the most. Even before the current fighting broke out, four out of five Gaza residents were dependent on food aid, and now they have little or no access to clean water, food or power. Oxfam's programs in Gaza have been affected by Israel's bombings and the aid workers are now sheltering until it is safe for them to continue their work.
Oxfam works with Palestinians to ensure that they have clean water supplies and can produce enough food for their families. In Israel, they work with organisations that highlight the link between increased Israeli poverty and the cost of the conflict with the Palestinians.
Oxfam is pressing for peace in the region and is calling on the International community to take action.
Read more
Israeli citizens call for sanctions against Israel
Despite the media in Israel shielding their viewers from the full horror of the crimes being committed in Gaza, a group of 540 Israeli's have called on the international community to take a stand against Israel to ensure the end to the brutal occupation of Gaza. Below is the article written and signed by the group (available at http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/658-a-call-from-within-signed-by-israeli-citizens):
A Call from Within - signed by Israeli citizens
Written by 540 Israeli citizens
In support of the Palestinian Human Rights Community Call for International Action
As if the occupation was not enough, the brutal ongoing repression of the Palestinian population, the construction of settlements and the siege of Gaza - now comes the bombardment of the civilian population: men, women, old folks and children. Hundreds of dead, hundreds of injured, overwhelmed hospitals, and the central medicine depot of Gaza bombed. The ship Dignity of the Free Gaza movement which brought emergency medical supplies and a number of physicians was also attacked. Israel has returned to openly committing war crimes, worse than what we have seen in a long time.
Israeli media do not expose their viewers to the horrors and to the voices of severe criticism of these crimes. The story told is uniform. Israeli dissidents are denounced as traitors. Public opinion including that of the Zionist left supports the Israeli policy uncritically and without reservation.
Israel 's destructive criminal policy will not cease without a massive intervention by the international community. However, except for some rather weak official condemnation, the international community is reluctant to intervene. The United States openly supports the Israeli violence and Europe , although voicing some condemnation, is unwilling to seriously consider withdrawing the “gift” it handed Israel by upgrading its relations with the European Union.
In the past the world knew how to fight criminal policies. The boycott on South Africa was effective, but Israel is handled with kid gloves: its trade relations are flourishing, academic and cultural cooperation continue and intensify with diplomatic support.
This international backing must stop. That is the only way to stop the insatiable Israeli violence.
We are calling on the world to stop Israeli violence and not allow the continuation of the brutal occupation. We call on the world to condemn and not become an accomplice in Israel ’s crimes.
In light of the above, we call on the world to implement the call by Palestinian human rights organizations which urges:
• The UN Security Council to call an emergency session and adopt concrete measures, including the imposition of sanctions, in order to ensure Israel ’s fulfilment of its obligations under international humanitarian law.
• The High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation under common Article 1 to ensure respect for the provisions of the Conventions, taking appropriate measures to compel Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular placing pivotal importance on the respect and protection of civilians from the effects of the hostilities.
• The High Contracting Parties to fulfil their legal obligation under Article 146 of the Fourth Geneva Convention to prosecute those responsible for grave breaches of the Convention.
• EU institutions and member states to make effective use of the European Union Guidelines on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law (2005/C 327/04) to ensure Israel complies with international humanitarian law under paragraph 16 (b), (c) and (d) of these guidelines, including the adoption of immediate restrictive measures and sanctions, as well as cessation of all upgrade dialogue with Israel.
(To see the list of signatories, visit http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/658-a-call-from-within-signed-by-israeli-citizens)
SWB Rockingham Launched
SWB has opened a new office at the Rockingham campus. This will provide greater opportunities for students studying at the Rockingham campus, as well as community members, to get involved with the projects and campaigns that SWB offers. The office will intially be manned one day per week, but will be accessible at all times to students who want to find out more.
To find out more about getting involved in campaigns and programs in Rockingham, or to find out about helping in the Rockingham office, please contact the SWB co-ordinator on 9360 6288 or studentswithoutborders@rocketmail.com
Youth Tree
Youth Tree is a creative collaboration to grow and strengthen relationships between young people, and non-profit organisations that involve and empower young people. It is aimed at propelling people into volunteering of just about any kind through their participation in two incredible days.
Day 1 – Wednesday, January 14th, 10am-6pm, Moores Building, Fremantle. On Day 1, representatives from a broad range of non-profit organisations and a large cohort of 80 or more young people interested in volunteering will gather to share their inspiration and ideas.
Day 2 – Tuesday, January 20th, 9am til late, Murray Street Mall, Perth. Day 2 will promote volunteering by directly engaging the public in a creative and personal way.
These two days represent only the beginning of the Youth Tree initiative that will hopefully snowball into an ongoing process that builds a closer, friendlier more effective network of volunteers in WA. Youth Tree is a platform for getting young people into action by giving them the contacts, confidence, knowledge and inspiration to act on any issue they feel strongly about. If you want to know more about Youth Tree, want share an idea, or want to get involved, contact Tim on 0401 405 503 or shlagel@hotmail.com
More Info
Gaza Massacre
On Saturday 27 December 2008, the Israeli government launched Operation Cast Lead, a ‘military’ operation which appears designed to destroy the few remnants of social infrastructure that remain functional in the Gaza Strip. More than 200 men, women and children were killed in just 15 minutes on Saturday, and the overall death toll in Gaza now stands at more than 350 with over 1000 people injured. 75 of the dead are children.
The international media continues to assert that Israel is responding to Hamas rocket attacks and has the right to defend its territory, however, it has been reported that military planning began 6 months ago and authorisation was given by Prime Minister Olmert on November 19, well before the alleged breach of the ceasefire by Hamas.
The State of Israel was created after the Second World War to provide a home for the millions of displaced Jews. Prior to this the land was owned by the Palestinians. Israel has seized more and more land from them over the last 60 years and Palestinians are now restricted to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. These areas are cut off from one another and travel is controlled by Israel.
Palestinians do not have a share of the same international human rights as most of their neighbours nor have they been allowed to live in line with the rest of our global community. They now live in the world's largest squatter camp, a compound fortified from the outside by Israel. 80% of their land has been subsumed or seized by Israel. Both States have the right to exist, but they must find a way to co-exist.
Each and every person, each and every State, should have the right to natural justice, the right to liberty, peace and security. For sixty years the Palestinian people have had their rights denied while the mainstream international media has distorted their rights and arguments with an almost fanatical prejudice. Fair and equitable mutually agreed territories with agreed international borders seem the only path to any real solution.
A rally was held in Perth on Sunday 4 January attracting about 500 people wanting to express their anger and sorrow at Israel's continuing assault on the citizens of Gaza. Demonstrators marched through the CBD before heading to Florence Hummerston Reserve to hear from speakers such as Dr Reem al-Freij, a Palestinian scientist and the founder of the Friends of Palestine in WA.
On Tuesday 6 January a picket will be held at the electorate office of Foreign Minister Stephen Smith. A letter will be delivered to the Minister, or one of his representatives, outlining a set of demands to be placed on his government. This FOPWA initiative comes in the wake of a series of statements by the Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Stephen Smith's departmental stand-ins that laid the blame for the war squarely at the feet of the Hamas government.
Stephen Smith's office is located at 953 Beaufort St Inglewood. At 8.00 am the FOPWA will attempt to deliver a letter and a petition signed by over 300 people detailing a set of demands to be placed on Foreign Minister Smith and his government. The demands will be placing on him and his government are as follows:-
We call on the Australian government to:
- condemn the Israeli slaughter of civilians and resistance fighters in Gaza by any and all means necessary; via Australia’s seat at the United Nations, the mass media, and various diplomatic channels
- demand the lifting of the siege of Gaza which has caused such utter devastation to the 1.5 million people living there
- sever all cultural, economic, diplomatic, political, and military ties with Israel immediately in response to the massacre taking place in Gaza and the ongoing siege and occupation of the people of Palestine
- organise immediately a massive airlift of vital medical aid, food aid and other necessary supplies to ameliorate the terrible suffering of the people of Gaza.
Another rally is being organised for Saturday 10 January:
RALLY & MARCH FOR THE PEOPLE OF GAZA
LIFT THE SIEGE, STOP THE MASSACRE, HUMANITARIAN AID NOW
SATURDAY 12.00PM JANUARY 10
THE ESPLANADE PARK, FREMANTLE
Read the letter to Stephen Smith
Read the Friends of Palestine WA's Statement on Gaza
Read about the January 4 rally
Below are links to websites that can provide you with truthful and useful information about the situation in Gaza:
http://electronicintifada.net/new.shtml
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/
http://www.zcommunications.org/znet
http://www.haaretz.com/
http://fromgaza.blogspot.com/
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/diaries.shtml
You can watch a live feed from Al Jazeera (in English) here:
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article21629.htm
For more information about the January 10 rally or to get involved with FOPWA, please visit the Australian Friends of Palestine website - www.friendsofpalestine.org.au - or email friendsofpalestinewa@gmail.com
If you would like to start an on-campus campaign about the situation in Gaza, please contact the SWB co-ordinator on 9360 6288 or studentswithoutborders@rocketmail.com
1 in 4 girls, and 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused in Australia, and the effects of abuse can last a lifetime.
NAPCAN are seeking Australian men to complete a survey on their attitudes towards child abuse and neglect - this is the largest attitudinal survey in Australia ever undertaken on this topic. We're all responsible for helping change the culture and systems to help stop abuse. The future of our country depends upon healthy, happy and productive young people.
Please take 10 minutes to complete a survey on this very important social policy issue. The results of this survey will be used by prominent Australia researchers, non-government organisations and Government departments to develop far reaching prevention strategies.
Take the survey now
Impact of violence on young Australians
Are you aged between 12 and 24 years and have experienced physical violence, directly or indirectly, or know someone who has? Do you have a view on youth violence in your neighbourhood, town or city? If so, please take 5 minutes to complete the Impact of Violence on Young Australians Survey.
The Australian Parliament is holding an inquiry into the impact of violence on young Australians, and would really like to hear your views. What they mean by violence is the sort of violence that's physical and is more likely to happen out on the street or in a public place.
For more information about the inquiry please visit http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/fchy/youthviolence/index.htm or call 02 6277 4566.
Take the survey now
Human Rights First: Sanctions Against Sudan
The US government has recently announced its new policy on Sudan. Whilst there are some useful strategies included in the report, some serious pressure needs to be put on the Sudanese government to ensure that the policy is effective. One of the goals of this new policy is to achieve "a definitive end to conflict, gross human rights abuses, and genocide in Darfur."
Four years ago the UN put an embargo on the sale of arms to Sudan, yet weapons and ammunition continue to reach Darfur, where they are used against civilians. The failure to enforce this embargo undermines the authority of the UN Security Council. This embargo needs to be taken seriously, as it is a powerful tool to increase pressure on Khartoum and the countries supporting the Sudanese government.
Human Rights First has been working to raise awareness of the failure to stop the flow of arms into the region for more than a year, but more progress is still required.
Find out how you can help
Amnesty International: Respect Refugees' Rights
'Boat People' make up less than 4% of those arriving in Australia seeking asylum, but you always hear about them in the news. The vast majority of boat arrivals are genuine refugees seeking safety, which is their right under international law.
The Government in actually considering paying Indonesia to intercept the boats before we have a chance to hear their claims. Indonesia has not signed the UN Convention on Refugees.
Australia currently takes less than a tenth of one percent of the world's refugees. Asylum seekers are not, as the Prime Minister wrongly stated, "illegal immigrants". Ensuring the right to seek asylum is the entire reason the Refugee Convention was created in the first place, in the aftermath of Jewish persecution and genocide during World War II.
We need to let Kevin Rudd know that Australia needs to meet its legal obligations and that no matter how politically inconvenient this may be, the victims of war, abuse and conflict have the right to seek safety.
Take action
ERISJ Social Justice Intensive
'Exemplary Social Justice Action: What Works and Why - 3 Case Studies'
If social justice and human rights are among the leading challenges before humanity, there is nothing more important than the skills to get us there. This Intensive is being delivered by Clem Riley, Linda Briskman and John Waddingham - three highly effective social justice campaigners.
Saturday 24 October, 10am-5pm
More info
Critical Mass Bike Ride for a Safe Climate
As part of the 350.org international day of action, we are taking back the streets to show that pedal power can help save our planet! In the lead up to the COP15 global climate negotiations in Copenhagen, we need to send a strong message to global leaders.
Riders meet at PICA at 11am. Riders muster there and then take to the streets to Forrest Chase, where we will all spell out 350.org. Afterwards, we will ride to Fremantle (the train is also an option for tired commuters), to bring the message to the streets of Fremantle, and again spell out a giant 350!!
From Teargas to Arrest
On Tuesday October 27, Friends of Palestine WA member, Sarah Haynes, will share her experiences of campaigning alongside Palestinians, Israelis and other international volunteers in the ongoing struggle to defend Palestinian communities from the ever-expanding reach of the Zionist colonial project.
After a brief historical overview, Sarah will speak amongst other things about her participation in a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid wall in the West Bank village of Bil'in; her involvement in a home-rebuilding program with the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions; and her arrest in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheik Jarrah for the grave 'crime' of attempting to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian family's home.
When: Tuesday 27 October, 6pm for a 6.30pm start
Where: UWA Social Sciences Lecture Theatre
Entry by donation (all proceeds go to the ICAHD)
Van death security firm wins new contract
A private company has won a new five-year contract to transport prisoners in Victoria, despite being implicated in the death of a man in custody early last year. A coroner found the private security company, G4S, contributed to the death of 46-year-old Ian Ward, who died of heat stroke during a 360 kilometre journey in Western Australia early last year.
Company spokesman Tim Hall says the incident involved the misconduct of two escort officers, and does not mean the company is unfit to transport prisoners in another state.
"The fact that two escort officers travelling in the desert in Western Australia wilfully disobeyed an instruction every two hours had tragic consequences," he said.
"But to try to construe from this that the company, which employed them is unfit to transport prisoners in Victoria 4,000 kilometres away just defies commonsense."
Corrections Victoria has released a statement saying the new prison transport vehicles are state-of-the-art and have been purpose-built to meet the highest safety standards. The department says the contract outlines strict operational criteria and will be rigorously scrutinised in line with standard process.
It says G4S won the prison transport contact in a competitive tender process.
'Not fit for humans'
Earlier this week the West Australian Government officially responded to the coroner's findings in the case of Mr Ward.
But the Government decided not to terminate the contract of G4S. The Government says it supports all of the coroner's recommendations - some of which have already been acted on.
The response came three months after the coroner handed down his findings, and 20 months since the tragedy occurred.
Read here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/04/2704263.htm
Celebrate with The Wilderness Society @ Clancy's Fish Pub
Join the Wilderness Society at Clancy's Fish Pub, for a quiz and beverage, in celebration of WA's special wilderness areas and Clancy's 21st birthday!
Organise your own table, or join a campaigner from The Wilderness Society and make up a table. Great chance to hear about what's happening day to day, from the people directly involved, and enjoy a fun evening at the same time.
Where: Clancy's Fish Pub, Canning Bridge, 903 Canning Hwy, Applecross
When: Tuesday 20 October, quiz from 5.00pm - 6.30pm
Cost: $10 (incl. first beverage - beer or wine only)
RSVP: Book your tickets, by calling 9420 7255 or emailing wa@wilderness.org.au
Check out the venue here - http://clancysfishpub.com.au/
For more information, please contact:
Greenpeace Update: Stop the Tar Sands
On September 15, 25 activists entered the Albanian mining operation in the tar sands of northern Alberta, Canada and staged a 31 hour occupation - successfully shutting down the entire operation.
They were there becuase developing the tar sands - one of the largest remaining deposits of unconventional oil in the world - is pushing us towards runaway climate change. Areas of wilderness the size of a small country are chewed up and replaced by a landscape of toxic lakes, open pit mines, refineries and pipe lines. The tar sands are what unrestrained fossil fuel use and unchecked greenhouse gas emissions look like.
Read more
YouthDecide @ TEDucation - check out photos from the event
Young UNIFEM WA
The WA Branch of Young UNIFEM (The United Nations Development Fund for Women) holds regular events, fundraisers and information sessions with the goal of promoting gender equality and the advancement of women. Membership is open to committed young men and women who believe that it is the fundamental right of every woman to live a life free from discrimination and violence, and that gender equality is essential to achieving development and to building just societies. Young UNIFEM WA meets regularly and is seeking volunteers to help us raise money and organise events to promote this important cause. Membership for university students is just $15.00 annually. Come along to one of our events and help us to change the world!
www.unifem.org.au
perth@unifem.org.au
Cadbury Dairy Milk to go Fairtrade
Cadbury Australia and Fairtrade Labelling Australia & New Zealand have announced that Cadbury Dairy Milk, will achieve Fairtrade Certification by Easter 2010. This groundbreaking move means cocoa farmers and communities can look forward to a better and brighter future as Fairtrade cocoa sales increase in Ghana and new Fairtrade opportunities open up for cocoa growers in other parts of the world.
This move will more than triple the amount of Fairtrade product sold throughout Australia and is part of Cadbury’s ongoing global commitment to Fairtrade. Consumers in Britain and Ireland can already buy Cadbury Dairy Milk Fairtrade chocolate, and New Zealand and Canada have announced similar plans.
Fairtrade is a unique, independent system providing farmers with the security of fair minimum prices for their produce and additional investment for social, environmental and economic development in their communities. Fairtrade Executive Director Steve Knapp said Cadbury’s commitment to using Fairtrade certified cocoa was a landmark step from a local, market-leading chocolate manufacturer.
“Cadbury’s commitment to Fairtrade is life-changing news for cocoa farmers who will be able to sell more of their cocoa as Fairtrade, helping to improve living standards and create a better future for their families and communities,” Mr Knapp said.
“Fairtrade Certification enables Australians who buy Cadbury Dairy Milk to make a real difference for cocoa farmers with every purchase. This announcement sets a new standard for the mainstream chocolate industry in Australia and will open up new Fairtrade opportunities for cocoa farmers in our corner of the world,” he said.
Managing Director for Cadbury Australia & New Zealand Mark Callaghan said, "It’s Cadbury Dairy Milk with the same taste, same cost, but extra ethics,”.
Cadbury intends for Fairtrade Certified Cadbury Dairy Milk products to be available, on shelf, for Easter 2010.
Wilderness Society Update: Kimberley whale survey shows highest numbers near proposed James PRice Point LNG hub
The whale survey conducted on 29/30 August with the assistance of the Wilderness Society and Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures recorded a staggering 162 Humpback whales in 102 separate pods between Gourdon Bay in the south the the Lacepede Islands in the north, with the highest concentration recorded in the vicinity of the proposed industrial site at James Price Point. Sightings included mothers with newborn calves in this important feeding, breeding and calving area.
These amazing and unique creatures are internationally significant and yet less than 1% of the Kimberley's waters are protected in marine sanctuaries. The Wilderness Society and other groups are calling on the State and Commonwealth Governments to immediately place a moratorium on oil and gas development on the Kimberley coast, and instead establish large marine sanctuary zones, with the consent of the Traditional Owners, to protect the globally significant marine biodiversity in this region, including Humpback whales in the vicinity of James Price Point.
Human Rights Watch Update: Stopping Rape as a Weapon of War in Congo
The 15-year-old girl, looking even younger than her years, lay on a mattress in a shelter in eastern Congo, her sleeping newborn son beside her. “I was just coming back from the river to fetch water,” Regine told Juliane Kippenberg, senior children’s rights researcher for Human Rights Watch. “Two soldiers came up to me and told me that if I refuse to sleep with them, they will kill me. They beat me and ripped my clothes. One of the soldiers raped me.”
Regine’s parents brought her to the local army commander. “I recognized the two soldiers, and I know that one of them is called Edouard,” she told Kippenberg. The commander said Regine was lying.
Sadly, Regine, whose name has been changed in this article to protect her identity, is one of thousands of women and girls who were raped during the Congo’s brutal conflict. The United Nations estimates that 200,000 women and girls have been the victims of sexual violence since 1998. In 2008 alone, nearly 16,000 rapes were reported in Congo. In the east of the country, a battleground for government troops, militias, and foreign armies, sexual violence is practiced systematically by many fighters. Since January 2009 attacks on civilians have increased, with both government soldiers and militia fighters committing horrendous sexual crimes.
When Kippenberg started investigating sexual violence in Congo for Human Rights Watch nearly a decade ago, there was little awareness about the problem. She wrote the report The War Within the War in 2002, helping put the issue on the international agenda. A second report in 2005 highlighted the need for national prosecutions and called for a new law to broaden the definition of sexual violence and strengthen penalties.
For the past five years, Human Rights Watch’s researchers in Goma have helped raise awareness of sexual violence in Congo and internationally by documenting rape, working with women’s rights activists to organize advocacy efforts, lobbying judicial officials on cases, and urging journalists to cover the issue. We pressed governments and organizations to improve support for victims and start addressing sexual violence on the political level.
Human Rights Watch became concerned, however, that despite growing awareness of the massive scale of sexual violence in Congo, rape was not decreasing. Very few soldiers had been prosecuted for rape, nor had any higher-level commanders. In early 2009, Kippenberg and her colleagues took on a new investigation. She focused on the 14th brigade of the Congolese Army, whose record illustrates some of the broader problems contributing to sexual violence: internal divisions, chaotic chain of command, impunity, and poor living conditions for soldiers. Kippenberg interviewed not only the victims but also soldiers. She and her colleagues also spoke to military justice officials, who said army commanders frequently block their investigations.
Finally, after years of campaigning, we started to see some movement. In July, just before our most recent report on sexual violence was published, President Joseph Kabila agreed to meet with Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch’s executive director, Kenneth Roth, and the senior researcher on Congo, Anneke Van Woudenberg, met with President Kabila in a tent on the shores of Lake Kivu. “We made the greatest progress on an anti-rape strategy,” Roth says.
Human Rights Watch then held a press conference in Goma where we loudly criticized the brutal abuses by all belligerents to the conflict, including the widespread rape by government soldiers.
In a decisive step soon after the meeting with Kabila and our press conference, the military announced a zero-tolerance policy for sexual violence and other abuses. Since July, several rape trials have been opened, one leading to the conviction of two high-level officers. Another officer has recently been arrested, accused of raping a 28-year-old woman and persuading three other soldiers to rape her too. Four other high-level officers are under investigation for related charges.
In August, Human Rights Watch briefed US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s specialist on women’s issues and our Goma office helped to organize a meeting between Secretary Clinton and women’s rights activists during her visit to Congo. Following these meetings, Secretary Clinton expressed serious concern at the lack of sexual violence prosecutions and pledged US$17 million in aid for victims of sexual violence.
After so many years of working on this issue, Kippenberg is encouraged by the new developments but also cautious. She wants to make sure that prosecutions continue and that the military actually changes its policies. She knows it will take continuing advocacy to keep the Congolese government and donor governments focused on ending sexual violence. “For justice to prevail,” Kippenberg says, “senior military officials must continue to be investigated and prosecuted for sexual crimes.”
Regine still faces tough choices. Her family has told her she may come home—but without her baby. If the army finally begins to take rape prosecutions seriously, other girls might not have to live through such horror.
Help Stop Child Labour - Buy Fairtrade
In the buildup to the 1998 World Cup in France, attention was brought to the fact that children were largely involved in the stitching of footballs. They were favoured over adults not only because they were cheaper and less likely to cause disputes, but also because their smaller hands and better eyesight made them more suited to the task. However, simply banning children from working just caused worse problems, as their income is necessary in order for many of them to afford food. The solution? Fairtrade soccer balls.
In 2006, Mitre (a sports brand in the UK) were filmed by an HBO show using children to stitch their soccer balls - they were even seen stitching the words "Child Labour Free". Mitre, whilst not denying that they had been caught out using child labour, threatened to sue HBO for singling them out! Read the full story
Certified Fairtrade products come with the guarantee that all workers in the production line have received a fair wage and decent working conditions. Etiko, an Australian company providing Fairtrade sports equipment and clothing, was formed in 2004 to combat the problem of finding ethically produced goods in Australia. They supply the Oxfam and Friends of the Earth shops with sweatshop free products, and they are trying to get schools and universities to source their sports equipment from Fairtrade providers.
The premium charged on Fairtrade products (usually around 25%) also ensures that the workers all receive free medical care - for example, pregnant women have their hospital expenses paid for. The premium also allows the stitchers access to micro credit schemes; these schemes help to strengthen the local community and reduces reliance on foreign demand for the products.
The elimination of the use of middle men in the importation of these products into Australia means that these products cost roughly the same as other similar (but not ethically produced) products on the market. So next time you're looking for sports gear (soccer, rugby, netball, volleyball or AFL balls), sneakers, t-shirts or even business shirts, why not consider buying them from a sweatshop-free provider? Etiko Brochure
You can find out more about Etiko at their website - www.etiko.com.au
DICWC Media Alert - Institutional Racism Kills
On Wednesday 16 September, a day of action will be held as the community maintains its call for justice and action following the death of Aboriginal elder, Mr Ward, on Australia Day in 2008. Following the presentation of a petition containing thousands of signatures to Hon Giz Watson MLC for tabling in Parliament (12.30pm, Parliament House), the day will culminate in a major public forum 'Institutional Racism Kills'.
The forum will examine why - 25 years after the death of sixteen year old John Pat in Roebourne Jail in 1983, and 18 years after the findings of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody - Mr Ward was so badly let down by the justice system in WA, and condemned to die in custody.
Read more
UNIFEM Australia Spring Walk
Over 1 billion people now live on less than one dollar per day with the majority of these being women. Additionally, the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) predict that the number of undernourished people in the world will climb to 1.02 billion, the majority of which are women and children. With the impacts of global climate change, these numbers may rise in the future.
UNIFEM Austalia's Spring Campaign seeks to raise awareness of this vital issue through a national campaign which will raise funds for a project in Liberia which promotes food security for women.
When: Sundary 20 September, 10am (registration from 9.45am)
Where: Registration at Arthur Fairall Playground adjacent to Western Power Parkland, May Drive, Kings Park
Cost: $10 per person, gold coin donation for children, all of which goes to the food project in Liberia. Cost includes morning tea after the walk.
Please come along and enjoy a fun, friendly walk with the UNIFEM WA community.
Deaths In Custody Watch Committee Petition Handover
The Deaths in Custody Watch Committee (WA) requests that you join them on 16 September, 12.30pm on the front steps of Parliament House as DIWC's Chairperson, Marc Newhouse, presents petitions to the government and calls upon government for changes to the system.
DIWC (WA) has special T-shirts for the day. They are black and on the front is printed the following:
"What Eddie Mabo
was to native title,
let Mr Ward be to
the justice system."
If you attend the presentation of the petitions and DIWC requests to government, please consider buying one of these T-shirts. The organisers are hoping that hundreds will be there on the day. DIWC needs to continue funding its campaigns and $25 for a T-shirt will assist. Contact Gerry Georgatos on either 0422 638 324 or 9360 6288 or via email guildmanager@guild.murdoch.edu.au to score a T-shirt and help with the campaign. If everyone is wearing one on the day, this shall be fantastic.
NO MORE DEATHS IN CUSTODY
www.deathsincustody.org.au
NDSSJ Anti-Poverty Week
Poverty and severe hardship affect more than a million Australians. The aims of Anti-Poverty Week 2009 are to increase and strengthen students' understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world and within Australia, and to encourage discussion and action among staff and students to address these problems, particularly in the form of volunteering and service.
Annual sleep-out: Mon – Thurs, Bateman Courtyard (Uni of Notre Dame, Fremantle). Wednesday is the big night so if you can only make it on one night, make it this one. Bring a sleeping bag, warm clothes, stuff for the shower (or not, if you want the slightly more authentic experience), clothes for the next day (again, or not). Please RSVP as soon as possible.
Ugandan Beads Sundowner: NDSSJ is hosting a fundraiser to sell beaded jewellery on behalf of a women's group living in Kabale, Uganda, with whom NDSSJ is partnered. Each and every bead is handmade from recycled paper by women in the group, and so each item is entirely unique. 100% of the funds raised will be returned to the group in Uganda, where the proceeds are used to develop much needed projects for the community, as determined by the community.
When: Wednesday 9 September, 6.30-9.30pm
Where: Bar Orient, High St, Fremantle
Cost: $10 on entry buys you one beaded necklace, cheap drinks and a fun-filled evening
To get involved with any of the above events please email ndssj@nd.edu.au
Cuban Five Rally
The ACFS has organised a rally to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the unjust incarceration of the Cuban Five this Saturday 12 September from 12 noon at the Stirling Gardens in Perth.
The Cuban Five have been unable to see their wives and are currently in conditions that breach international law. They must be freed. International solidarity plays an important role in this campaign. This Saturday is an opportunity to rally behind the Cuban Five for freedom.
Bring your bannesr and placards. Show your colours for freedom.
Meet 11.30am at the Stirling Gardens for a 12 noon start. There will be a march on the footpath through the mall, William St, and down St Georges Tce back to Stirling Gardens.
They will also be screening 'Che' by Benicio del Toro on Thursday 1 October from 6pm at Cinema Paradiso in Northbridge. Tickets are $15.
For more info, please visit the ACFS blogsite: http://acfs-perth.blogspot.com/
South Fremantle Sustainability Experience - Part 2
If you're into sustainability and veggie-growing and soil and community gardens and other nice wholesome activities like that, then you're invited to join HotRock and Youth Tree in helping South Fremantle Senior High School progress their School Sustainability Education Program.
Get your hands dirty at the school to achieve the following:
- Build the next stage of the school’s organic vegetable garden
- Build a waist-high fence around the existing vegetable garden (using offcuts from a timber mill)
- Make the existing raised zincalume beds safer by capping the edges
- Learn from experts on the sustainability, community gardens and permaculture.
This will be a great opportunity for you to contribute to your community and the pursuit of empowering environmental education. You’ll also learn how to construct cheap raised beds and how to make good organic soil.
When: 10am to 3pm
Where: South Fremantle SHS, Lefroy Rd, South Fremantle
Bring: gloves, shovel, wheelbarrow, drill (but only if you have them available... don't stress if you don't)
FREE LUNCH will be provided on the day, so they need numbers to allow for catering.
Register here
South African Zulu Choir
Join the Oaktree Foundation this Saturday (12 September) at Methodist Ladies College, where you will embark on a musical journey of perseverance, hope and inspiration. Proceeds go to sustainable education projects in South Africa. The choir have been wowing audiences across the East Coast! Standing ovations, tears and dancing have entertained and inspired.
Tickets can be bought online at www.collaboration4change.com/tour and http://www.webticketing.com.au/DisplayEvent.aspx?eventid=21
Tickets are $25 adult and $20 concession. 7pm, for a 7.30 start.
Preview Screening of 'Stone Bros'
Writer/director Richard J. Frankland, lead actor Luke Carroll and producer Ross Hutchens will attend a special preview screening of the new Australian comedy Stone Bros. at Cinema Paradiso in Northbridge. Both Frankland and Carroll will take part in a Q&A Talking Pictures session following the screening.
Stone Bros. is Australia’s first Aboriginal comedy. The film follows two young men who embark on a hilarious coming of age journey and also explores the story of Australia and the cultural abyss that exists between Aboriginal Australians. Shot in WA, many will recognise the well-known sights and surrounds as the duo travel from Perth to Kalgoorlie on a raucous adventure through outback Australia.
Sick of city life, Eddie (Carroll) decides it is time to reconnect with his black-fella roots, and sets off on a road trip with his cousin Charlie (Leon Burchill) to return a sacred stone to his hometown, Kalgoorlie. Along the way, Eddie and Charlie encounter an Italian sex god, a soul-searching cop, a failed drag singer and a demon dog possessed by Charlie’s jilted girlfriend.
"I hope the movie gives us license to laugh at each other without malice, but just with that generosity of spirit. I mean, imagine a country where we all laughed together,” - Richard J. Frankland
Tickets for the Talking Pictures screening on 13 September at 6:30pm are on sale now from Cinema Paradiso and online
$15.50 full / $11.00 concession, priv card / $10.00 seniors, pensioners
Watch the trailer online at www.stonebrosmovie.com.au
'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Venezuela April 11 2002'
On September 11 1973, Chilean President Salvador Allende was overthrown in a bloody coup with the support of the US government. On April 11 2002,in one of the shortest Presidential overthrows in Latin American history, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was removed from power by a coalition of military officials and business leaders. They too had the support of Washington. But the attempted coup d'etat failed and Chavez returned to office two days later.The Revolution Will Not be Televised is a riveting documentary by two Irish film makers, Kim Bartley and Donnacha O'Briain, who happened to be filming a documentary about Chavez in the Presidential Palace when the coup took place. The documentary will be followed by a discussion on a ‘tale of two coups’, examining why the coup in Venezuela failed, when its forerunner in Chile succeeded.
When: 3pm
Where: Maritime Union of Australia, 2-4 Kwong Alley North Fremantle
Presented by Direct Action.
For more information phone 0409 762 081 or email perth@directaction.org.au
Wilderness Society Action
4,000 messages to deliver: Can you help? Help the Wilderness Society to deliver the message of thousands – “No Industrialisation of the Kimberley”. Two giant banners, 4,000 messages and supporters wearing red…
They're looking for 40 people to help deliver the messages of thousands – each person will hand over a cardboard cut-out of a turtle, whale or person with the messages of 100 people from around the world.
When: Wednesday 16 Sept, 12.30 - 1.30pm
Where: Shell, Chevron and BP offices, 250 St Georges Tce, Perth
To let them know you're coming, email - wa@wilderness.org.au or call 9420 7255
Check out the event on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=133274651846
HRAFF Movie Screening - Sunday 20 September. The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (HRAFF) Perth presents: The 10 Conditions of Love followed by a Q&A with Director, Jeff Daniels.
When: Sunday 20th September, 6.00pm
Where: Cinema Paradiso
Cost: $20
Get your tickets: on campus from Basha Stasak (email basha@hraff.org.au) OR online http://hraffperth10conditionsoflove.eventbrite.com/
THE 10 CONDITIONS OF LOVE is a story of a woman, a man, a family, a people and a homeland. It is the story of Rebiya Kadeer. It is also the story of the other Tibet, the Muslim Tibet - the country its people call East Turkestan, but which the Chinese call Xinjiang Province - the other stain on China's moral character. It is a story of 20-million people; of the global politics of energy; of politicking over the War on Terror; and of the pain of a deeply loving family torn violently apart.
Exiled in the US, Rebiya Kadeer is fighting for the human rights of her people, the Uyghur (pron. wee-ger), China's oppressed Muslim minority. But Rebiya Kadeer's campaign condemns her sons to on-going solitary confinement in a Chinese prison. Having done six years' solitary confinement herself, she understands the appalling consequences for them of her actions - but she will not relent. Twice nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, once the richest businessperson in China, Rebiya Kadeer is a remarkable woman who pays daily a terrible price for patriotism. And it will never be over.
HRAFF Perth are thrilled to host Director Jeff Daniels for a Q&A following the screening.
More Information: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/10/movies/10festival.html?_r=3&hp
Race to Save the World
Do you like The Amazing Race? World Vision is bringing Race to Save the World to Perth on Tuesday 29 September.
Form a team of two and get active to change the world. Completing 8 tasks (on foot, bike and/or public transport) will take you to shops, schools, city councils and other locations across Perth. The tasks won't be revealed until the day, but they will be related to issues such as: People Trafficking and Slavery, Maternal & Child Health, and Climate Change & Poverty.
Each team needs to bring their own camera and will receive a Fair Trade t-shirt with entry that you should wear on the day.
To register call 6454 7809 or email jeremybrennan@worldvision.com.au. Registration costs $20 per person.
Wilderness Society Update: Kimberley Oil Spill Disaster
by Josh Coates
The Wilderness Society is shocked and concerned by the massive ongoing environmental crisis currently occurring off the Kimberley coast. Current reports indicate that West Atlas rig, 250 km off the Kimberley coast, will continue to spew oil and toxic gas into the environment for up to 8 weeks.
It has been reported that the slick - measuring about 30 yards wide and 15 km long - is about 250 km northwest of the Kimberley region. It was sprayed Sunday with a chemical dispersant by an Australian Maritime Safety Authority plane.
Associated Press , Aug 23
The chemicals in oil dispersants, however, can often be almost as environmentally damaging as the slick they disperse and act only to sink the toxic material. For eample, in coastal areas seagrass is known to be more adversely affected by the dispersants than the oil itself.
Despite comments from Federal Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson and WA Premier Barnett playing down the impact of this spill it is clear that a disaster of this scale will have serious and ongoing impacts on a range of marine life, likely to include whales, dolphins, turtles and (depending on winds and currents) significant coral reefs.
There are also clear ramifications for proposed fossil fuel developments in the Browse Basin and propsals to pipe gas onto the Kimberley coast for processing. The gas extraction, subsea pipes and greatly increased shipping traffic associated with processing fossil fuels on the Kimberley coast would open the area up to the risk of further major environmental disasters as well as having a range of ongoing environmental impacts.
Visit the Wilderness Society website
YOUth Decide @ TEDucation
Watch stuff (inspiring, interesting and incredible videos)
Discuss stuff (conversations based around ideas brought up in the videos)
Eat stuff (everyone brings some food to share)
Learn stuff (by meeting like-minded Perthians and connecting with amazing ideas)
And VOTE!!! (as part of a nation-wide vote on Australia's approach to mitigating climate change)
Follow this link to RSVP now
TEDucation is teaming up with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition to host a Youth Decide '09 voting event.
Youth Decide '09 is a national youth vote on climate change, coordinated by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. Imagine hundreds of thousands of Australian 15-29 year olds all attending voting events across the country to cast a vote, referendum style, on the approach they want to see Australia take on mitigating climate change. It is our best chance to send the government a strong message that Australian youth want a say in their future - before it's too late. This December, at the UN climate talks in Copenhagen, Australia has the opportunity to lead the way in a global action plan to tackle climate change. A united youth voice will help compel the Australian government to lead the way in securing a strong global agreement.
The focal Youth Decide voting event for WA will be held within this TEDucation night on Tuesday 15 September. We need you!!!
Where: The theatre at Scitech Discovery Centre, City West
When: Tuesday, September 15, 6pm
Bring: Food to share, a pen and notepad, anyone else who you think would be interested
What is TED?
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Sicne then its scope has become ever broader. The annual conference now brings together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes). Talks have been given by Jane Goodall, Bill Gates, Richard Dawkins, and many more, each very inspiring and eye-opening.
Watching a TED talk is sure to leave you feeling inspired, more interested in things you didn't think you were interested in, and more aware of big world issues and what people are doing to make a difference. Please see the following website for more information about TED and the talks. http:..www.ted.com/
What is TEDucation?
We will be screeing a selection of recently released TED talks, followed by discussion time.
TEDucation is an independently organised series of monthly events aiming to bring together enthusiastic Perth youth and young professionals who are interested in learning about and discussing the bigger issues. Their philosophy is: Inspiration --> Ideas --> Action.
The goal of these events is:
- to inspire and influence people in their career decisions
- to provide a fantastic social networking opportunity
- to promote volunteer opportunities in Perth
Please see the followign facebook event page for more information about the Youth Decide @ TEDucation evening: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=127684946975
Wilderness Society Update: Great Western Woodlands
As part of the State Government's election promise to develop a 'Great Western Woodlands Biodiversity Conservation Strategy', the Minister for Environment (Hon. Donna Faragher JP MLC) has created a Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG). The SRG is part of the Government's consultation process, which aims to ensure that all 'conservation, scientific, indigenous and local government activities are fully taken into account' when looking at protecting the natural and cultural values of GWW.
Read more
NAIDOC Petition
Over the years there have been many calls for a public holiday to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people during NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) week. There is currently a petition to the National NAIDOC Committee calling for them to take a leading role in lobbying the government for such a public holiday.
If you believe that we should have a public holiday for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NAIDOC week, please sign the petition and add your thoughts.
Sign the petition
Make Poverty History Update
Get ready to STAND UP AGAINST POVERTY in October. Last year, over 200,000 Australians joined 117 million people worldwide to stand up against poverty. This made governments sit up and take notice. Some governments immediately responded by increasing their poverty reduction focus.
This year you can help make an even bigger impact in the fight against poverty and in so doing break the Guinness World Record set in 2008.
Stand Up Against Poverty is the largest solidarity movement against poverty that the world has ever seen. As 2015 looms ever closer - marking the end date of the Millennium Development Goals - we must do all in our power to help fulfil those goals.
On the weekend of October 16-18 join the global movement to end poverty by attending a Stand Up event nearest you, or by hosting your own event in your school, workplace or community.
The Stand Up website is currently being constructed and will have loads of info about how to participate. In the meantime, visit the teaser page to see what it's all about.
It's time to Stand Up and Take Action!
Cross Collective Play-offs & Mixer
The Guild is hosting a competition between the clubs and societies on campus with the winning team being crowned sporting champions for 2009 - SWB needs a team!! The team needs at least 4 members, but we can enter as many teams as we want. To join the SWB team just let me know your name and confirm that you will definitely be there. The competition is taking place during common free time (12.30-1.30pm) on Bush Court. Teams need to be registered by 17 August, so if you want to take part, please email your details to the SWB co-ordinator by midday (Monday 17 August). The prize for the winning team is $200 for the collective.
The Guild is hosting a mixer later the same day in the tavern. There will be free food, cheap drinks and a DJ. The event is free for all collective members but tickets must be ordered in advance. The mixer will be held in the function room at the tav, and you'll need to exchange your ticket for a stamp on the hand when you arrive in order to get the free food and cheap drinks. For more info, visit http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111084269638&ref=ts
South Freo Sustainability Experience
You're invited to a rather awesome hands-on sustainability experience put together by sustainability-gurus-but-not-hippies Tim Darby and Shani Graham of The Painted Fish Eco B&B in South Fremantle. It's the perfect learning experience for anyone interested in starting a veggie garden, living more sustainably and meeting like minded people. Check out the program below and register ASAP if you're interested because there are limited spots.
WHEN: Saturday 22 August
WHERE: 21 Hulbert Street, South Fremantle
PROGRAM:
10am - 12pm: Sustainable House Tour of The Painted Fish and Number 21 Hulbert Street
Learn about passive solar design, water harvesting, and making your own power. Lots of ideas for your own place.
12pm - 1pm: Shared Lunch
Bring something to share and your own crockery. Hot water and home made lemon cordial supplied
1pm - 3pm: Gardening Workshop and Hands-on Session
Join us to help expand the Hulbert Street Guerilla Garden
Learn how to :
- make a raised bed from old bits of tin
- create a no-dig garden
- make great compost
3pm - 5pm: Cuppas, drinks, chat and fun with the residents of Hulbert Street
And
help prepare for the 2009 Hulbert Street Sustainability Fiesta -
Growing Community
-
Clothes suitable for getting "filthed-up".
-
Food to share for lunch and your own crockery.
-
Problems or questions you've got from your own gardening and sustainability initiatives.
Venezuelan Revolutionary Student Leader's Speaking Tour
This Australian speaking tour by the Venuezuelan revolutionary student, Henryk Rangel, is an opportunity to hear about how the people of Venezuela are building a society based on cooperation, community control and social ownership of the country's major resources. Henryk is currently a student in Political and Administrative studies at the Central University of Venezuela.
In 2005, together with a group of young people he founded the Venezuelan Ecocitizen's Movement (ECOVEN), and eco-socialist collective, of which Henryk is currenlty the national coordinator. In 2008, Henryk was part of the National Promoters Group for the establishment of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela Youth. The PSUV, led by Chavez and other key leaders of the Bolivian movement, numbers almost 6 million members.
Henryk will be in Perth for one day only:
LB3.010 - Loneragan Building
Murdoch University
12.30pm
Arts Room Lecture Room 4 (Room G60)
UWA
6pm
ACFS Update: Cuban Five Case Review Denied
June is marked in our calendars as a shameful month in the justice system of the United States, casting a shadow over the Obama administration that maintains justice as a hostage.
Over ten years ago, five Cuban men monitoring terrorist organisations inside the US were convicted, without access to a fair and impartial trial, of conspiracy to commit espionage when they delivered the intelligence to the FBI. Unjustly imprisoned for peacefully protecting their county against terrorist attacks organised on US soil, they applied to the Supreme Court to have their cases reviewed.
Ignoring the statement of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention that declared the detentions arbitrary and illegal, the US Supreme Court announced on June 15 that it will not review the case.
The same justice system that denies the possibility of reviewing the case of the five Cuban patriots has granted a year postponement to the defence of the international self-confessed terrorist, Luis Posada Carriles, to better prepare his case. This is the same system that with total impunity has allowed dozens of criminal organisations based in Miami to operate freely.
With this decision the Court scoffs not only at the requests from the defence lawyers, but also at the International demand of 10 Nobel Prize winners, hundreds of Jurists, Members of Parliaments and organisations from all over the world that joined 12 Amicus Briefs asking the court to review the case.
June 15 2009 marked the beginning of a new International resistance that from this day forward will be felt all over the world until freedom is achieved for Gerardo, Ramon, Rene, Antonio and Fernando.
The ACFS WA Branch demands more than ever that President Obama puts an end to this colossal injustice and grant the immediate freedom to the Cuban Five.
For further information about this situation, please contact Branch President Vinnie Molina on 0419 812 872 or Branch Secretary Elizabeth Hulm on 0421 113 343 or email acfsperth@gmail.com
NAIDOC Week 2009
Opening Ceremony: Sunday 5 July, 11.30am - 4.15pm, Wellington Square, East Perth. Music, dancing, competitions and the launch of Noongar Radio 100.9FM.
Flag-Raising Ceremony: Monday 6 July, 12 – 12.15pm, City of Joondalup Administration Building, Boas Ave, Joondalup
NAIDOC Fun Day: Tuesday 7 July, 12pm – 4pm, City of Joondalup Leisure Centres - Craigie, Whitfords Ave, Craigie.
Language class, arts and crafts, bush tucker, tools & weapons, music, sports activities (Bookings required: 9400-4912)
Library Story Time: Wednesday 8 July, 1.30pm at Whitford Library and 3.30pm at Joondalup Library.
With Brenton Clinch and Lorna Little (Bookings required: 9400-4912)
Common Ground: Saturday 11 July, 11am, Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City.
Dance / music / story-telling.
For more information, please contact Fiona Symonds. Fiona Symonds' work phone number is 9400-4921 or email fiona.symonds@joondalup.wa.gov.au
Download the Program of Events
Blueprint for a Better World
Nine years ago, the world made a promise. A promise which, by 2015, will lift millions of people out of poverty. Here is your chance to be part of that promise. Caritas, in conjunction with AusAID, brings you 'The Millenium Development Goals and you', an interactive exhibition on tackling poverty in the world. The exhibition aims to strengthen support for the work of the Australian Government in their commitment to aid and overcoming global poverty, and increase awareness of the importance and unique contribution of Australian Non-government Organisations.
Designed to highlight the Millennium Development Goals and the promise of Governments throughout the world to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2015, this exhibition gives a practical face to the eight goals, through video, photographs, visual installation as well as contributions from Caritas partner communities make up the installation.
Each of the eight MDG’s are presented as a blueprint for positive social change in our world emphasising how Caritas Australia and its community partners are engaged in the challenge of tackling poverty for the world’s poorest. This exhibition provides tangible options for individuals and communities to take action.
The exhibition focuses on case studies of development programs around the world and staff and volunteers from Caritas Australia will be on hand to personally guide you through the exhibition.
Where: Prindiville Hall, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle
When: 2 - 20 July, 10.00am – 4.00pm weekdays/weekends
Cost: Free
For more information go to: www.blueprintforabetterworld.org or contact Alana Scuglia at Caritas
on 1800 024 490 or email her at: alanas@caritas.org.au
Quiz Night
United Nations Association Australia (WA) invites you to join them for a quiz night, with all proceeds going to UNAA(WA) to assist with its initiatives. Get together a team of 8 and head down for a night of fun!
Where: Belmont Sports & Recreation Club
When: Tuesday 7 July, 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start
Cost: $15 ($10 concession)
Full bar facilities available with tea and coffee. BYO food platter and nibblies.
To book your table or find out more contact the UNAA(WA) events convenor on 0421 316 717 or email unaawa@tpg.com.au
NAIDOC Perth Ball
NAIDOC Perth Ball is the most anticipated night on Perth’s social calendar. This year will feature highlights from the Coolbaroo Club League, ballroom dancing, fine dining and wonderful entertainment through out the evening.
This social event is an opportunity for NAIDOC Perth to share with the whole
community our Elders and our history.
Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 99 Adelaide Terrace
When: Friday 10 July, 6.30pm to 12.30am
Cost: $90
Dress: Formal
TICKET PURCHASE
Gail on 9482 0000 / 0428 118 753 or email gjones@waaids.com or
Reg 0400 628 233 or email reg.yarran@commerce.wa.gov.au
Global Health Short Courses
Interhealth is a part of WAMSS (Western Australian Medical Students’ Society), and is composed of volunteer medical students from UWA in various years of their medical degree. WAMSS is starting a new initiative this year, the Global Health Short Course (GHSC). GHSC is an 8 week course beginning Monday 27 July; each week, a public lecture will be held at UWA. The course is supported by the UWA Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science and is open to all members of the public.
The topics for each week are as follows:
Week 1: “The way things are” (statistics and global health)
Week 2: “Making poverty history” (the causes and cures of global inequality)
Week 3: “Getting shot is bad for your health + No place to call home” (Conflict and health + The health of displaced persons)
Week 4: “Access to essential medicines” (Patent law and how this affects patients)
Week 5: “It’s getting hot in here + When disaster strikes” (Climate change and health + Emergency humanitarian relief)
Week 6: “Closing the gap” (Aboriginal health)
Week 7: “Mums and Bubs” (Women’s and children’s health)
Week 8: “AIDS” (The AIDS epidemic)
The lectures will be provided by a guest lecturer with a significant amount of experience in their respective field. At every lecture, there will be handouts for each attendee, specifying key points, further reading, and how they can get involved in a particular topic.
Where: Tattersall Lecture Theatre, UWA
When: Starting Monday 27 July, 5pm
Cost: Free
Further information is available at interhealth.org.au/ghsc.
Show your Support for Mr Ward's Family
WA State Coroner, Mr Alistair Hope, will be handing down the Inquest findings into the death in custody of Mr Ward at the Central Law Courts (Court 81) in Perth on Friday 12 June at 2.15pm.
Show your support to the family of Mr Ward and the Warburton Community at a public gathering outside the Central Law Courts, 30 St Georges Tce, Perth
Friday 12 June at 1pm
Bring placards, banners and your voices
World Refugee Day
The department of Immigration and Citizenship is celebrating the contributions of refugees during Refugee Week and the theme for 2009 is "Freedom from Fear". There will be a variety of information stalls, performances and displays from different cultures and the opportunity to participate in a number of activities including an art workshop where people can explore what "Freedom from Fear" means to them.
The highlight of the day will be "Stories from the Suitcase" written and produced by Yvette Wall from Frog Prince Productions. This short production reflects the experiences of people who, as refugees, have made Australia their home.
There will be woodworking activities for children, a sausage sizzle, and a variety of items available for purchase.
Where: Fremantle Town Hall
When: Saturday 20 June, 10am - 5pm
Cost: Free
For more information, email Jacquie on jacqui.satie@immi.gov.au
Be More - Workshop @ ERISJ
We live in a world of contrasts and conflicts. We also live in an era of unprecedented compassion. Many people want to do more than just donate money: they wish to be connected with the world and want to be part of the solution. The 'Be More' Challenge can provide you with the opportunity to harness this energy to tackle the structural nature of global poverty and secondly to promote the important role of living a life of faith and doing justice.
This workshop will be presented by Janeen Murphy; Janeen is the Global Education Advisor for Caritas Australia. She has worked in this position for 8 years, including working with Caritas partners in Uganda, Timor-Leste, Cambodia and India. Janeen runs education programs in schools and higher education institutions providing pathways to engage with justice issues.
Where: Edmund Rice Institute for Social Justice, Fremantle
When: Saturday 20 June, 10am - 5pm
Find out more
FROM SAND TO CELLULOID - WARWICK THORNTON SHORTS RETROSPECTIVE
To celebrate Warwick Thornton's Camera d'Or win at Cannes, Luna Leederville will be presenting a special Warwick Thornton retrospective. A powerful representative voice for Indigenous themes, Thornton's insightful camera reveals stories resilient with spirit. To celebrate this special filmmaker's highly praised directorial debut, Samson and Delilah, Luna Leederville will be hosting this award winning and revealing retrospective of Thornton's short films.
Buy a ticket to see Samson and Delilah at 9pm on Monday 15 June and receive a FREE screening session of Warwick Thornton's award winning retrospective shorts at 7.30pm that includes, in chronological order, Payback (1996), Mimi (2002), Green Bush (2005) and Nana (2007).
Tickets are $11 adult / $9.50 concession
More info
Peter Benenson Memorial Dinner
The West Australian Branch of Amnesty International would like to invite you to attend a panel discussion for this year's Peter Benenson Memorial Event. The topic of the panel discussion will be: A Human Rights Act for Australia?
Where: Perth Concert Hall, Wardell Room, 5 St Georges Terrace
When: Monday 8 June, the panel discussion starts at 7.30pm sharp
Entry: $10 waged / $5 unwaged
Coffee, Tea & biscuits will be served afterwards.
Please RSVP to amnestylegalgroupwa@gmail.com
Youth Tree TEDucation Night
You're invited to the second ever Youth Tree TEDucation Video Night to be held at SCITECH. Watch stuff (inspiring interesting and incredible videos), discuss stuff (conversations based around ideas brought up in the videos), eat stuff (everyone brings some food to share), learn stuff (by meeting like-minded Perthians and connecting with amazing ideas).
The purpose of these TEDucation video nights is to share with lots of people the amazing, diverse, inspiring and fascinating ideas that the speeches on TED.com bring to the world, and to bring people together in the real world at the same time. It was envisioned for all those who wished university was more of a melting pot of new ideas, inspiration and interdisciplinary cross-pollination. The topics of each video vary hugely; from replanting rainforests to education, from deep-sea exploration to music, from poverty statistics to solar-power. Every video will teach you something and/or inspire your face off. So instead of watching videos that explain in detail the extent to which the world is doomed, which can be quite depressing, we're sharing some of the most incredible and inspiring solutions to the world's problems.
Where: SCITECH DISCOVERY CENTRE, City West (go through the main City West entrance and up to the second floor)
When: Monday 8 June, 6.00pm
Bring: 1. Food to share (preferably pre-compost, edible foodstuffs)...
2. A USB stick so you can get your own copy of the videos we watch (and many others too)
3. Anyone else who you think would be interested in watching riveting talks from people sharing the world's most incredible ideas.
Where are we in the World?
Professional development for primary teachers or education students. Students have a natural curiosity about things around them in their local environment as well as the world and as teachers we can capitalise on this. Their interest in maps and map reading can be stimulated and built on so that reading and understanding maps becomes part of their currency of communication. Participants will gain a greater understanding of how maps and globes can be used to develop students’ perceptions of their world, experience practical mapping and globe activities that can be used in the classroom, explore where mapping fits into the Curriculum Framework, and receive a copy of the book 'Where are we in the World?'
Where: One World Centre, 5 King William St, Bayswater
When: Thursday 11 June, 4.00 – 6.00pm
Cost: $30 for OWC members and students, $40 for non-members
Registration is essential. Please contact the One World Centre on 9371 9133 or education@oneworldcentre.org.au for more info or to register.
FANGraiser
FANG (Freo Anti-Nuclear Group) are hosting a film night at Fremantle's Film and Television Institute. The movie showing will be “Uranium – is it a country?”, filmed by a group of young, German filmmakers on a visit to Australia in 2008. They came to Australia to discover where the uranium that is used for Power around Europe comes from. The film focuses on the reality of BHP Billiton's Olympic Dam (Roxby) uranium mine in South Australia. This is the world's largest uranium deposit. The filmmakers reveal the truth about the local pollution, the unsustainable use of water, and the reality of radioactive mine tailings.
Where: Film & Television Institute, Fremantle
When: Wednesday 17 June, 6.30pm
Cost: entry by donation
Deaths in Custody Watch Committee Rally
Don't let Mr Ward's death be in vain, join the public rally for justice and human rights. Protest Mr Ward's death. Demand that people will be safe in custody. Demand the State government takes immediate action to reduce indigenous imprisonment rates in WA. Demand the State government does something real and substantial NOW to tackle racism in the WA justice system. No More Deaths in Custody!!
Where: Forrest Place, Perth
When: Saturday 20 June, 12.00 – 2.00pm
For more information, contact the DICWC: 9444 1930 or dicwc@iinet.net.au
- Of the 339 Recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody delivered in 1991, the majority remains unimplemented
- Funding for Aboriginal legal aid services have been cut
- Indigenous people accounted for 22% of prisoners in Australian prisons in 2005 despite being only 2.4% of Australia's population
- In 2009 Indigenous people account for 43% of prisoners in West Australian prisons
- Indigenous Australians accounted for 30% of all deaths in custody in 2006
The Deaths in Custody Watch Committee (WA) Inc. are running a multi faceted campaign in response to the death of an Aboriginal Elder whilst in custody. The Ward Campaign for Justice seeks to redress the silence and apathy of the community towards the cruel and inhumane death of Mr Ward.
The aims of the campaign are:
- for the State government of WA to take immediate steps to prevent further deaths in custody
- a review of the Bail terms to avoid unnecessary detention
- a review of the privatisation of custodial services
- ensure accountability and duty of care to detainees by:
a) ensuring health checks are carried out by medical practitioners
b) immediate vehicle upgrades and regular checks, and
c) replacement of road transport of people detained in rural and remote areas with air transport or video conferencing
- compensation for the family of Mr Ward.
Show your support, join the campaign to bring about real change to how people are treated when they are under the care of the custodial and correctional services in WA. To get involved or to simply stay in touch with developments, visit the website - www.deathsincustody.org.au
Take Action:
- join the campaign
- make a donation
- become a member
- write or email your local MP voicing your disgust
- print the rally flyer and post it at your work
- e-mail the flyer to your friends
- come to a campaign meeting every Wed night
- come to the public rally on June 20!
Campaigning for Change Workshop
What does it take to win change for social, economic and environmental justice? How can campaigns for change effectively utilise people power? How can campaigns be planned to create achievable steps along the way to winnable goals? Find out in this two day workshop presented by the Change Agency.
The workshop includes: the elements of campaign strategy and planning frameworks; theories of how social change happens, and the role of people power; practical strategy and mobilising tools and techniques to practice and apply to real campaign situations, including critical path analysis, stakeholder analysis, tactics analysis for strategic consistency and political impact, and practice sessions on tactics such as interacting with powerholders, speaking to the media, door knocking, and phone canvassing.
The Campaigning for Change workshop is open to a broad range of activists, and will include opportunities to network and learn with each other. This workshop will benefit community workers, union organisers, grassroots activists, professional campaigners, and many others.
Where: Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre
When: Wednesday 24 - Thursday 25 June, 9.30am – 5.00pm
Cost: $80-$220 depending on your means. Resource kit, lunch and refreshments included
Register with the Conservation Council on 9429 7266 or conswa@conservationwa.asn.au
Seeking Asylum in Australia: What happens to rejected asylum seekers?
Public lecture by Phil Glendenning, Director of the Edmund Rice Centre in Sydney. Phil is co-author of 'Deported to Danger' and 'Deported to Danger II', research reports which documented the fate of asylum seekers rejected by the Australian government and deported back to countries deemed to be 'safe'. These reports formed the basis of the documentary 'A Well Founded Fear' shown on SBS in November 2008, and graphically showed the tragic results of some of these deportation decisions.
But what has happened since then, and has the new federal Labor government's policy and approach to asylum seekers changed anything? What is wrong with Australia's assessment and screening process of asylum seekers and how should Australia approach the issue of providing safe haven to people fleeing terrible situations in their homelands? What role can ordinary citizens play in influencing the national 'attitude' to asylum seekers and refugees?
Phil Glendenning will address these and other questions in a thought-provoking and timely presentation marking the 2009 UN International Day in Support of Survivors of Torture.
Where: Curtin University, Bank West Lecture Theatre
When: Thursday 25 June, 7pm. Come early to see the display of AseTTS' services and SBS documentary 'A Well Founded Fear' from 5pm – 7pm.
Cost: gold coin donation
Community Climate Change Dialogue
The Conservation Council of WA, in partnership with Murdoch University's ISTP, is hosting a major community-based event to engage Western Australians in a discussion on climate change issues and challenges. The Dialogue will have a strong focus on facilitating and building community-based participation in solving the climate change crisis. This FREE event is your chance to have your say on climate change and is not to be missed.
As a participant you will hear from experts on the latest climate science, policy settings, issues and consequences across the themes of climate safe sustainable communities, sustainable energy policy, citizen-led climate science and citizen centred climate actions. You will have the opportunity to put forward your questions and engage in deliberations across these themes. Politicians from all major parties have been invited to hear the outcomes of these deliberations at the final dialogue plenary.
This event will take place in the period leading up to the crucial international climate negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009 and as the State Government is in the process of developing Western Australia’s long awaited climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy.
Speakers include:
•Dr Bryson Bates, Theme Leader ,CSIRO’s Climate Adaptation Flagship & Chief Research Scientist Div. Marine & Atmospheric Research
•Dr Linda Chambers, Senior Scientist, Centre for Australian Weather & Climate Research (Bureau of Meteorology) Climate Change Group
•Dr Paul Wilkes, Vice President, Sustainable Energy Now
•Mr Peter Robertson, State Coordinator, The Wilderness Society
•Mr Piers Verstegen, Director, Conservation Council of WA
•Dr Nic Dunlop, Citizen Science Program Coordinator, Conservation Council of WA
•Dr Brad Pettitt , Dean, Institute of Sustainability and Technology Policy (ISTP) Murdoch University
•Ms Nicole Hodgson, Lecturer Sustainable Development, ISTP Murdoch University
Where: Murdoch University
When: Sunday 28 June, 8.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: Free if you register before 12 June. Lunch will be available if preordered and prepaid ($15)
Further information: Conference Convenor: Carolyn Hofmeester, Registrations: Ariane Cances
Phone: (08) 9420 7266 Email: conswa@conservationwa.asn.au
National Climate Emergency Rally
SWB is supporting the National Climate Emergency Rally on Saturday 13 June. Join the rally in support of:
100% RENEWABLES BY 2020
NEW GREEN JOBS - a fair transition for workers and communities
SCRAP THE CPRS - Rudd's Emissions Trading Scheme won't work
PROTECT AUSTRALIA'S FORESTS - destroying forests releases carbon
NO URANIUM - nuclear is no solution
Saturday 13 June @ 12.30pm
Forrest Place, Perth
Junkadelic will be performing at the event. Hedge Bandits Junkadelic are one of Perth's most creative acts, combining self-made 'junk' percussions, horms, vocals and anything else they can find to make music from.
You can play a part in the event by:
- helping to spread the word with posters, leaflets, emailing your friends, etc.
- offering practical help if you can (eg. banner painting)
- putting a link to safeclimate.org.au on your blog
- changing your status on facebook to "Coming to the climate rally June 13 www.safeclimate.org.au"
- donating to the Safe Climate appeal
- coming along to the rally and bringing your friends and family!
Flyer
Stickers available from the safeclimate website or from the Social Justice Centre on Bush Court
For more information, visit www.safeclimate.org.au or www.climaterally.org
United We Could Save the Forest
The Australian Orangutan Project (AOP) will hold its first ever protest this Saturday, 30 May, in Perth city. AOP supporters will conduct a peaceful rally to protest a proposal for the clearing and destruction of high conservation value rainforest that has recently been put forward by Asia Pulp & Paper/Sinar Mas Group. This globally important ecosystem provides a safe haven for many species which are threatened by extinction including the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan, tiger and elephant.
The peaceful protest will start at noon at the corner of Barrack St and Murray St Mall and will run until mid afternoon.
AOP supporters will invite people to sign a petition against the proposal. Almost 3000 people have already signed the petition which started on Friday 22 May.
More than 100 orangutans have been released to date via the Bukit Tigapuluh Sumatran Orangutan Reintroduction Project - the only reintroduction site for this critically endangered species. Scientists spent decades discovering how to successfully reintroduce critically endangered orangutans from captivity into the wild and it could take Asia Pulp & Paper/Sinar Mas Group just months to destroy an important part of their new habitat.
Between 1985 and 2007, Sumatra island lost 12 million hectares of natural forest, a 48 percent loss in 22 years. By 2007, the island had only 30% natural forest cover (around 13 million hectares). The Indonesian Minsteries of Forestry, Environment, Public Works and Interior, as well as the governors of all 10 Sumatran provinces, last year announced their collective commitment to protecting the areas of the island with "high conservation values". The natural forest slated for destruction by Asia Pulp & Paper/Sinar Mas Group - Bukit Tigapuluh - is a prime example of the high conservation value areas that the governors promised to protect.
If you have any enquiries, please contact AOP Project Coordinator, Kylie Bullo, at projects@orangutan.org.au
A Climate for Change
A Climate for Change is a news and social networking website (like Facebook & MySpace), except with a climate twist to it. It's a fun, active community providing a place for you to share and network with other like minded souls.
- Create your own profile and share anything and everything about climate change: your beliefs, goals, ideas and actions.
- News & Opinions - the latest climate change news from around the web including news and opinion from some of the world's leading community organisations.
- Blog - if you read a great article, hear an interview, see an interesting documentary (good or bad), and have an opinion about it, this is the place for you to share it.
There are also discussion forums, groups you can join, an events calendar, you can upload photos and videos, and learn how to become a climate activist.
To celebrate the launch of A Climate for Change, there are some great green prizes to be won. First prize is valued at over $250 and includes a solar charger for your MP3 player/phone. Prizes donated by Going Solar.
Sign up
2009 is an important year for the world to avoid catastrophic climate change. World leaders must agree to reduce carbon emissions and help poor countries adapt to the impacts of climate change. A global deal must be reached by December. A series of UN meetings will take place before a global agreement will be made. We need Australia to take a leading role in these meetings to make a positive impact for climate change.
Make Poverty History are searching for e-monitors who will keep a close eye on the Australian government's role in the negotiations and communicate directly with negotiators during the key UN meetings.
What e-monitors will do
You will receive regular email updates from Make Poverty History during each round of climate negotiations. These updates will come from climate change experts at the negotiations and will provide you with the latest inside information. At key times during the UN meetings you will be asked to send off urgent emails to the Australian government negotiators. This will let them know that we are keeping a close eye on what's happening and encourage them to play a leading role.
Find out more
Kimberley whale survey trip 2009 - the opportunity of a lifetime!
The Kimberley coast is one of the most intact in the world; scientists are only just beginning to document the outstanding natural values of the region. Beautiful and extensive fringing coral reefs, vast seagrass beds, mangrove forests and spectacular sponge gardens support an incredible array of marine life in one of the highest tidal range coasts in the world. Everything from dugong, sawfish and turtles to Australia's unique dolphin - the snubfin dolphin - all rely on this incredible healthy ecosystem.
The Wilderness Society is very concerned about proposals for polluting coastal industry that would irreversible impact on this world-class marine environment. This year, the Wilderness Society would like to organise a whale survey trip along the Kimberley coast in a luxury cruise ship. This trip is for Wilderness Society members and friends. The trip would likely be held in September and would depart from Broome.
More info
Update:
IRCIn villages across Sierra Leone and Rwanda, the IRC's Child Survival Program has reduced the number of children losing their lives to common diseases by up to 48%. The IRC has recently been awarded $750,000 from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), to bring lifesaving treatment to the children in Southern Sudan.
Humanitarian organisations have been expelled from Darfur, North and East Sudan by the Sudanese government, but the IRC's work in Southern Sudan continues. Below is an update from the IRC's Senior Health Director, Emmanuel D'Harcourt:
"After 20 years of civil war, people here are struggling to rebuild their lives. There are no paved roads to speak of, and health care is woefully inadequate. Health clinics are few and far between, and government health agencies lack the resources to build more. To reach sick children who desperately need our help, the IRC developed a "community-based" treatment model.
Today, my colleages and I train local health workers who are community members themselves. We provide medical supplies and support to these villagers who volunteer to serve their community. Our locally trained health workers have the ability to identify and treat common diseases and as community members, they share a bond with families that might not occur at a faraway health clinic".
One of the volunteers the IRC has trained is Santino Malong, who cares for children in the village of Mathiang in the state of Northern Bahr el Ghazal:
"Our nearest health centre is a long way away in Malualbal. That's too far to go for treatment. Instead, mothers bring their children to me both night and day. I was chosen by the local community to do this, so they trust me and they know that I attended a training by the IRC. The last child I treated was a baby girl with malaria. I gave her medicine and I checked up on her afterwards. She is well. I am happy to be able to save lives and to serve in my community".
The IRC has launched the Child Survival Challenge through which they are attempting to raise $250,000, enabling them to dedicate $1 million to helping children in Southern Sudan.
Every dollar counts:
A bed net to protect sleeping infants against malaria costs just $7
A child with malaria can be treated with a combination of drugs costing as little as $1
$1 is all it takes to provide zinc supplements and oral rehydration salts to a child suffering from severe diarrhea dehydration
A full course of treatment for pneumonia is least expensive of all - just 50c
For more information, or to donate, visit the IRC's website: www.theirc.org
Volunteers needed for radio station - 100.9 FM
Noongar Media Enterprises Radio are seeking volunteers to help with their radio shows, as presenters, producers and behind the scenes workers.
Do you have a passion for radio, music and talkback? Do you have an idea for a specialist radio program? Would you like to get experience working in the media?
Applications close Monday 8 June.
Application form
BUMP Launch Party
The Anti-Nuclear Alliance of WA (ANAWA) are an active community group who educate the public about the nuclear fuel chain and create events to let the public know that they exist in order to build a growing movement to not only stop uranium mining, but also to promote the renewable energy sector, set in context with climate change and peak oil and the economic recession. They are strongly focused on the uranium mining issue, and work alongside other groups promoting policies for a liveable future. They campaign for nuclear disarmament and various peace initiatives, for renewable energy, for protection of our fragile environment, and for less consumerist lifestyles, all of which contribute towards creating more harmonious communities.
ANAWA have created a new campaign - Ban Uranium Mining Permanently (BUMP) - and they invite you to their launch on World Environment Day, Friday 5 June, at The Palms, Rokeby Rd, Subiaco (6-8pm).
More info
Palm Oil Action Group - letter writing
The Palm Oil Action Group invites you to a peaceful letter writing Action at Fremantle (near the famous Fremantle markets).
On the day their stall will be set up with petitions and letters for the public to sign along with information pamphlets on palm oil. If you want to find out more about palm oil then please come along and tell your friends, the more people spreading the word about palm oil the better.
Where: Fremantle (the laneway in between the Sail & Anchor Pub & Fremantle Markets) - just look for the orangutan and balloons!
When: Sunday 7 June 2009
Time: 10am - 3pm
Australians unknowingly consume an average of 10kg of palm oil each year, and it has been estimated that 10% of all supermarket products contain it as a (usually hidden) ingredient. As the world's hunger for palm oil grows, mega monoculture plantations are fast replacign the last wilderness areas of Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea, threatening species such as orangutans, Sumatran tigers, rhinos and Asian elephants with extinction. The latest estimates show that unless we act now orangutans in the wild may be extinct within 10 years.
We have already seen positive moves in Europe to phase out palm oil so come along and find out a little more about what is going on - consumer pressure through consumer awareness is the major factor that leads to change. Be part of the solution!
National Sorry Day 2009
Taking the next steps... Come along and join in this important event which commemorates the history of forcible removal of Aboriginal children and its effects on Aboriginal families and communities. It is also time for us all to commit to working together to ensure proper reconciliation in this country.
When: 12-2pm, Tuesday 26 May 2009
Where: Wellington Square, East Perth
What: Great music, interesting speakers and a free sausage sizzle
The Bringing Them Home Report was presented to Federal parliament on 26th May 1997, documenting the findings from the national enquiry into the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their familites and communities under government policy. 54 recommendations were made and tabled 12 years ago. The Bringing Them Home Committee WA believe that less than ten have ever been implemented.
It is important to acknowledge the struggles many are still overcoming as a result of past policies which separated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families from each other. And it's important as a community and a nation to take the next steps to healing, reconciliation and justice.
More info
Hilton Harvest Festival
Delicious food, live music and entertainment, kids' activities, stalls, talks, displays and triumphs of sustainable organic urban living...
This event is a fundraiser for the Hilton Harvest Community Garden Project.
Sunday 24 May 2009
9am - 1pm
Fremantle PCYC, Paget St, Hilton
More info
International Rescue Committee - Saving the lives of children
Dr Emmanuel d'Harcourt is the Senior Health Director at the International Rescue Committee. He directs the Child Survival Program, which was launched 9 years ago with the goal of reducing the number of avoidable deaths among children in war-ravaged countries like Sierra Leone, Rwanda and Sudan. Here is an update on the program written by Dr. d'Harcourt:
"It's heartbreaking when countless children succumb to preventable diseases like malaris, pneumonia, and diarrhea. It's an injustice we are working day and night to correct, and with your help we're succeeding - and saving children's lives.
You may remember hearing from me last year when the IRC launched a successful campaign to expand the Child Survival Program in Sierra Leone.
Today I want to report on our stunning progress. In the Sierra Leonean villages where we work, the death rate among children has been reduced by as much as 48%. We have given lifesaving treatment to more than 100,000 children, and the program is being extended nationally.
That's thousands and thosands of young children who are now living healthy lives thanks to the IRC's lifesaving work.
With your support, the IRC has developed a unique and extremely effective method of delivering medicine and health care directly to children and their parents. My colleagues and I train local health workers who are community members themselves. We provide medical supplies and support to these villagers who volunteer to serve their community.
Once trained, community-based IRC health workers have the ability to identify common diseases and provide treatment.
While the success is encouraging, we have a long road ahead. Our challenge now is to expand the field-tested and extremely successful child Survival Program to reach as many villages as possible in war-torn countries across Africa. It is our global responsibility to prevent the needless deaths of as many children as possible.
Visit the IRC wesite to learn more about the life-saving work they do.
The Oaktree Foundation is seeking a new CEO
Applications are now open for the position of Oaktree's Chief Executive Officer.
They are looking for a dynamic young leader to take Oaktree into its next exciting phase of development. Applications close 8 June 2009.
Positions for other key roles, such as Head of Shared Services, Head of People and Organisational Devleopment, and Head of Projects are also currently available - more details
Paid Parental Leave
The Treasurer has announced that this year's budget will include a paid parental scheme of 18 weeks. This is a huge step forward and means that Australia will no longer be one of only two developed countries without any form of paid parental leave.
Human Rights Act for Australia Panel Discussion
The WA Branch of Amnesty International Australia would like to invite you to attend a panel discussion for this year's Peter Benenson Memorial Event. The topic of the panel discussion will be: "A Human Rights Act for Australia?"
The panel discussion will start at 7.30pm sharp on Monday 8 June.
It will take place at the Perth Concert Hall in the Wardell Room, 5 St Georges Terrace.
Donation: $10 waged / $5 unwaged.
Coffee, tea and biscuits will be served afterwards
Please RSVP to amnestylegalgroupwa@gmail.com
Wilderness Society: WA Forest Alert
The WA Conservation Commission has just released a 'mid-term audit' of implementation of the current Forest Management Plan 2004-13 (FMP). There is a three-month public comment period and public submissions will be vital to ensure the final report contains strong recommendations about the future protection and management of WA's forests. Read more
Ian Ward Demonstration
On April 3, a public rally was held calling for justice for Mr Ward, following his death in the back of a police vehicle. Mr Ward was a respected Aboriginal elder who was arrested for drink driving. On January 27, he was transported 380km to Kalgoorlie in the back of a van. It was a 42 degree day and the air conditioning was not working in the vehicle. Mr Ward was given just one 600ml bottle of water and a pie for the entire journey. The officers transporting Mr Ward did not check on him during the journey, until they heard a thump. This thump was Mr Ward collapsing. He later died in Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital.
More images
Reconciliation Australia - Close the Gap Statement
SUPPORT FOR UN DECLARATION AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARDS CLOSING THE GAP
Reconciliation Australia Co-Chair Mark Leibler has welcomed today’s statement of support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples issued by the Australian Government.
Mr Leibler, a Melbourne-based senior lawyer, said the language in the statement demonstrated the Government’s recognition that Australia will not achieve better outcomes for its Indigenous citizens without building mutually respectful and trusting relationships.
“The Declaration provides a framework for countries with different histories and circumstances to reduce levels of disadvantage and discrimination,” said Mr Leibler. “It includes valuable guiding principles that, where followed, will undoubtedly help Indigenous and other Australians work together more respectfully and far more effectively than we have in the past.”
Mr Leibler paid tribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who had worked for many years alongside Indigenous peoples from across the globe to develop and promote the Declaration. “My fellow Co-Chair at Reconciliation Australia, Professor Mick Dodson, is one of those people. He was involved in the crafting of the text and I know that today, as an official representative of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, he is absolutely elated.
“There are critics of the role of human rights frameworks who claim they have no practical value in overturning disadvantage. But the reality is that the rights set out in the Declaration have meaningful application in closing the gap in Australia. Every one of them is directly or indirectly associated with getting improved outcomes for people in health, education, employment and every other area of disadvantage.”
Mr Leibler said the principles set out in the Declaration were based on evidence of approaches that have worked in promoting better results around the world. “They prioritise the dignity and aspirations of Indigenous people, and give them a leading role in working together with others to close the gaps.”
Reconciliation Australia’s simple fact sheet on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples can be found at www.reconciliation.org.au
Kulturejam - Highway to Human Rights Fundraiser
Come and enjoy a great night of live music and support a worthwhile cause at the same time! All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Deaths in Custody Watch Committee WA Inc Campaign for Justice and Human Rights for Wongai Elder Mr Ward.
Live music from:
The Bartlett Brothers, Gang of Three, Old Flames Band, Candice Lorrae and Warangka Band!
All the artists performing on the night have graciously donated their time to supporting this campaign and fundraising event.
Friday 1 May @ Charles Hotel, North Perth
$20, doors open at 7pm
Enquiries: 9444 1930 or dicwa@iinet.net.au or info@kulturejam.com
Rally for the Kimberley
The Kimberley is under serious threat from the proposed industrial gas site on the pristine coastline, north of Broome. If you live in Perth, the Wilderness Society needs your support this Saturday. It is community action that will stop this outrageous plan, and with your help we can make Woodside, and the joint venture partners, rethink this proposal.
When: Saturday 2nd May @ 11am sharp
Where: Perth foreshore, Riverside Drive (near the Belltower and Ferris Wheel)
What: Be part of a human chain, which will spell out a giant message - 'No Kimberley Gas Hub'. An aerial photo will be taken from the ferris wheel, and used for media publicity of this campaign.
There's no cost involved, however, please wear a red t-shirt if you can, and bring something to lie on. You can let the Wilderness Society know you're coming by joining their event on Facebook, or emailing wa@wilderness.org.au
Visit the Facebook page
Fremantle By-Election Candidate Forum
Presented by the Fremantle Network, the Fremantle Society, the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, Oxfam and Notre Dame University.
7.30pm Tuesday 5 May at the Notre Dame Drill Hall, Mouat St, Fremantle
ABC's political reporter Peter Kennedy will lead a live version of Q&A with the candidates in the Fremantle by-election on Tuesday 5 May. Peter Tagliaferri and Adele Carles have confirmed their attendance and other candidates have been invited.
There will be an opportunity for people to ask questions of the candidates from the floor, or to submit a question in advance by emailing freodebate@yahoo.com.au
Fair Trade Chocolate Fountain
The SWB Action Group is bringing a chocolate fountain onto campus!
Why? To raise awareness of child trafficking in the chocolate industry, at the same time as showing/reminding you just how yummy Fair Trade chocolate is!! We will be selling skewers of fruit and/marshmallows to dip into the chocolate fountain.
When? Thursday 7 May from 11am
Rob Riley Memorial Lecture
Celebration or Commiseration: Post Apology Blues presented by Jackie Huggins AM, Deputy Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Studies Unit at the University of Queensland and former Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia.
Friday 8 May 2009, 6pm
Haydyn Williams Lecture Theatre
Building 405
Curtin University of Technology
Kent Street, Bentley
Refreshments will follow the lecture.
Please RSVP on 08 9266 2563 or email events@curtin.edu.au by Monday 4 May.
Fair Trade Fiesta
The Fair Trade Collective WA and City Farm invite you to make and beat a drum for fair trade. Come along and buy a fair trade present for Mother's Day or just enjoy the market stalls, entertainment, food, and kid's activities.
Saturday 9 May at City Farm, City Farm Place, East Perth
10am - 3pm
More info at www.fairtradeaustralia.com.au
Big Bang!! Beat Poverty, Beat Climate Change, Beat Financial Crisis, Beat a Drum, A Big Fair Trade Solution to Poverty
09 May 09 - A Big Day for the Planet
Survey respondents needed
TA PhD programme of study conducted in the Murdoch School of Psychology is investigating Gender Differences in Motivation and Exercise and is inviting any student 20 years of age and over, both males AND females, to participate in this brief online survey. Simply click on the link below, or copy and paste into your browser to go straight to the survey. All data is collected anonymously, and by doing the survey you can enter in a draw to win a prize!
You can have the chance to win one of several Coles/Myer vouchers valued up to $250 by taking part in this online research survey now!
They are looking for as many students as possible, no matter what shape, size or level of fitness, to do this study. Your participation would be greatly appreciated. Please help us Discover!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=66AtDtGs_2fkYKPrcKdfmH9A_3d_3d
Participant entry closing date: 28 April 2009
Preliminary research results will be available on the School of Psychology website from August 2009
Prize draw winners announced August 2009.
For any queries, contact Susanne Bellesario - S.Bellesario@murdoch.edu.au
Volunteer with the United Nations
The United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) has a number of volunteer-based projects that students might like to work on. These are usually across 4 areas: environment, human rights, events (such as the UN International Day for Indigenous Peoples), and office support. Some are short-term (ie. tree planting on a specific site or helping with fundraising events) whilst others may require involvement over a few months.
They also have an internship program for office-based work and are currently looking for the help of business students to support their volunteers.
In addition, there is also the UN Youth Association, which runs its own conference and events. This might be of interest to a younger student group.
If you are interested you can contact the UNAA (WA) on 9221 9455.
Deaths in Custody Protest
On April 3, a public rally is being held calling for justice for Mr Ward, following his death in the back of a police vehicle. Mr Ward was a respected Aboriginal elder who was arrested for drink driving. On January 27, he was transported 380km to Kalgoorlie in the back of a van. It was a 42 degree day and the air conditioning was not working in the vehicle. Mr Ward was given just one 600ml bottle of water and a pie for the entire journey. The officers transporting Mr Ward did not check on him during the journey, until they heard a thump. This thump was Mr Ward collapsing. He later died in Kalgoorlie Regional Hospital. The inquest into Mr Ward's death has been postponed until May, but the family deserve to have the matter investigated now.
A list of demands will be presented to the Attorney General and Minister for Corrective Services. Join the call for:
- an end to deaths in custody
- the GSL Security guards to be stood down
- those responsible for Mr Ward's death the be charged
- compensation for the family of Mr Ward
- the use of air-conditioning or video conferencing instead of long journeys
- health checks for detainees by medical practitioners prior to transportation
- immediate upgrades to and regular checks of detainee transport vehicles
- a review of bail terms to avoid unnecessary detention
- an end to the privatisation of custodial services.
Friday 3 April, 12pm
Stirling Gardens
For more info, contact Marc Newhouse on 0415 074 602.
The Vagina Monologues
Until the Violence Stops
The Vagina Monologues is an international play that has become a phenomenon! It is a series of monologues performed by local Perth women at both Curtin University and UWA. The play helps to raise money for organisations who raise awareness and work to stop violence against women and girls.
Every monologue somehow relates to the vagina, be it through sex, love, rape, menstruation, mutilation, masturbation, birth, orgasm, the variety of names for the vagina, or simply as a physical aspect of the body. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality.
Come along and see an awesome performance and support a worthwhile cause.
Monday 20 April
Doors open 7.30pm
Elizabeth Jolly Lecture Theatre
Curtin University
Friday 24 April
Doors open 7.30pm
Social Science Lecture Theatre
University of Western Australia
Tickets are $10 each - on sale now, so get them quick. To reserve tickets or pick them up, please call Rhiahnon on 0404 163 288 or email rhiahnonkennedy@gmail.com.
The Rescue
For over two decades, war has been waged between the Ugandan government and the Lord's Resistance Army, a rebel group led by Joseph Kony. In 2006 the Juba Peace Talks began and when a ceasefire was agreed to, peace appeared within reach. The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Kony, who is the first individual to be charged with crimes against humanity by the ICC. Kony refused to sign the final peace agreement and insisted that the arrest warrant must be dropped, however, Kony failed to attend the signing of the peace agreement and so his crimes continue.
Kony has used a strategy of abducting children from their homes and forcing them to become child soldiers in his army. This practice led to the nightly commutes that many families undertook for many years, walking through the night to the nearest town and returning home in the morning. The ICC has obtained evidence that Kony has resumed abducting children for his army.
At the beginning of this year, the Ugandan government and surrounding countries launched an unsuccessful military operation intended to defeat the LRA and capture the rebel leader. Thousands of civilians have been attacked in retaliation - more than 1000 have been killed and over 100,000 have been displaced. The civil war that was contained within Uganda's borders has now spread to encompass the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding countries.
Come to the Rescue
On April 25, the international community will unite to deliver the innocent from Kony's reign and ensure that he is brought to justice. Thousands of participants will gather in 100 cities across the globe to 'abduct' themselves and raise the banner of the child soldiers taken by Joseph Kony.
The 'abductees' will leave their homes and walk to an event location while carrying their supplies on their backs. At the event, participants will be invited to write letters, create art/photo projects and seek out media attention in an effort to petition the US, European, Canadian, Mexican, New Zealand and Australian governments to develop a strategy an support existing efforts to rescue Kony's child soldiers.
This event is being organised by Invisible Children. To find out more, or to register as an abductee, visit the website - http://therescue.invisiblechildren.com/en
Saturday 25 April, 3pm
Location TBC
Greenpeace: Anti-whaling Update
Current negotiations involving Australia and Japan will decide the fate of thousands of whales in Antarctic and Pacific waters. The closed door negotiations between 6 nations are aiming to find a solution to the problem of Japanese whaling. Japan refuses to end its "scientific" whaling program, although a compromise is being seeked. The next few months could prove critical to the future of the whales. Read more...
Students
Without Borders is helping to raise funds to send a Murdoch student to
a Canadian treatment centre to save her life from Anorexia Nervosa.
There are no centres of this type in Australia, and the
treatment
will help to address the underlying issues which led to the development
of this disorder.Fundraising events are being organised and collection tins
Aid Convoy reaches Gaza!
This article was written by Sonja Karkar of Australians for Palestine (australiansforpalestine.com):
The news of the broken siege is the stuff of legends and for the people of Gaza, that legend will sustain them for the moment as the eyes of the world turn towards Gaza again, however briefly.
After much negotiation, the 200+ convoy of aid-filled trucks and ambulances were allowed through the Rafah crossing to be greeted with absolute jubilation from the Palestinians on the other side. This was a moment worth savouring, not only for the Palestinians whose contact with the outside world has been banned by Israel, but also for the 300 volunteers who had travelled so far and so long to provide a desperately-needed lifeline.
This is what the world needs to hear so that they can do something to keep that lifeline open.
Nobody knows really how close it was to the aid convoy being denied entry to Gaza, but those who had made the month-long journey were given little reason to hope yesterday after they’d spent a night in isolated compounds in the desert just out from Egypt’s town El-Arish under strict surveillance from some 1000 Egyptian soldiers and police. Not only that, but masked men attacked the convoy with bottles and stones and vandalised some of the trucks taking the aid intended for the Palestinians. Despite all the surrounding security forces, no one came to the aid of the volunteers.
Electricity had been cut to the compounds as well, so all was in darkness. After that,no one could sleep and so the volunteers took turns guarding the trucks so this did not happen again.
The experience left everyone shaken. In fact, one man had an asthma attack after being struck in the head and it was Kamahl and another man who then had to carry the ailing man 150 metres to an ambulance which had been forbidden from coming closer. The prospects of entering Gaza did not look good, but then orders came for the vehicles to be unloaded one by one and the aid re-loaded on to “official” vehicles for transportation through Rafah. The empty vehicles had to be driven to the Egyptian-Israel border for processing by Israeli security, but only after Palestinian drivers took over the driving of the vehicles.
While all of the trucks and ambulances were finally let through, the story is not a happy one for Kamahl and the two other drivers of the Viva Palestina mascot – the British fire truck. Kamahl told us this morning that they and the boat were refused entry into Gaza. Already, they are on the long drive back to Libya, understandably upset that they could not be part of the joyous celebrations in Gaza. It was for all of them the point which had kept them going over the most gruelling stretches of this epic trip, else why would they have done it. All they ever wanted was to give some hope to the Palestinians and to extend a helping hand of friendship and solidarity. It was not to be for Kamahl and those with whom he had shared the journey, but at least the aid was in Gaza and the Palestinians know that there are indeed some who have not forgotten them.
JET Scholarships
Are you a parent struggling to make ends meet whilst you study? Has your entitlement to JET come to an end? SWB volunteers held barbecues on Bush Court throughout 2007 & 2008 to raise money for scholarships.
We are now offering the first 2 x $250 scholarships to help you through the beginning of semester. To be eligible, you must meet the JET requirements, but have reached the end of your entitlement.
Applications close March 20 2009.
Please email the SWB co-ordinator - studentswithoutborders@rocketmail.com - with a letter outlining your eligibility.
Relay for Life
The Cancer Council of WA is holding its annual Relay for Life on the weekend of March 28-29. Teams of 10-15 will compete in the 24 hour relay, held a Perry Lakes. If you would like to form an SWB team, let me know. Each team member must raise at least $100 before the event.
To register, contact the SWB co-ordinator on studentswithoutborders@rocketmail.com. Please note that if you register, you MUST turn up.
United Nations UDHR Prize
No doubt you have seen one of the 2000 yellow and black fliers around campus, attempting to create an awareness of/engagement with social justice issues through a Human Rights Prize. You may also remember a larger display at the South Street and Rockingham libraries. There are currently two small displays in the South Street Library near the first Year Coordinator’s office.
But did you know that you could win the $1000 prize??
All you need to do is submit a piece of work that best captures the spirit of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. This could be an animation, a photo, a short video, an essay or even a piece of performance art. You can work individually or in groups for this prize, but you have to get it in by February 27 2009.
For more info, contact Martin on m.gwyn@murdoch.edu.au
Protect Chester Forest
Chester Forest Rescue Camp has been in formal operation for over 5 months. Two sites have been established to support the forest defense. The public face of the Chester Forest protest is on the side of Brockman highway (20kms out of Karridale) with a warm communal tent, open camping area, a tree platform and the Rescue camp’s kitchen. The ‘sharp end’ site has the ‘lock on’ 24/7 presence of the protesters who are blocking the forest entry point. This site is primed for action in anticipation of any action by the Forest Products Commission (FPC).
Camp spokesperson Simon Peterffy reports a strong, positive community reaction from locals, interstate and international visitors as well as passing traffic. “There have been hundreds of visitors and protesters to Chester, some staying from day one, others dropping in for a day visit”, says Simon. “This is a serious campaign, in true forest rescue tradition. We are here to save this pristine wilderness”.
Supporters are both welcome and vital to the Chester Forest Rescue Camp. Essential supplies of human energy, food staples and building supplies are needed to sustain the protest effort.
Drop-off points for equipment at this time are the Brockman Highway camp and in Margaret River. For Margaret River donations, contact Gerry on 0439 994 932. For ideas on what may be useful goods for donation, contact recent visitor to the camp, Maxine Drake on 0409 016 104 or Simon Peterffy.
“This forest belongs to everyone and everyone can help to save it, in whatever capacity they are able. People in Perth can send goods down through travellers, locals or the protest networks. It’s a practical way to show support for what we are doing”, says Simon Peterffy.
Simon can be contacted on 0422 535 328
Seed Watering and Maintenance
Where: Wildlife Corridor
When: 18 Feb, 8.30am
A helping hand is needed to get our native seedlings through this spell of hot weather. Volunteers are needed to water the seedlings planted in the campus wildlife corridor over the past two winters. Maintenance of tree guards and minor weed removal may also be conducted if enough helpers are on site, to give the plants the best chance of survival. Tools will be provided.
Bring your bucket or watering can, drinking water and gardening gloves (if available), wear closed-toe shoes (or steel cap boots if you have them) and dress appropriately for the weather.
Meet at the bottom of car park 8 by 8.30am.
Contact Neil Goldsborough if you need further information - neilgau@yahoo.com.au
Occupation 101
'Occupation 101' is a thought-provoking and powerful documentary on the current and historical causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The film covers a wide range of topics, including the wave of Jewish immigration from Europe in the 1880s, the 1920 tensions, the 1948 war, the 1968 war, the first intifada of 1987, the Oslo Peace Process, settlement expansion, the role of the United States' government, the second intifada of 2000, the separation barrier and the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. It also contains heart wrenching testimonials from from victims of this tragedy.
Thursday 26 February at 6pm
Alexander Lecture Theatre, UWA
For more info contact info@fopwa.org or vp@uwamsa.org
Globalise Me: An Introduction to Global Education
Professional Development for teachers.
Exlore the themes of global education in a fun, interactive workshop with activities and strategies that you can use in your classroom. Also, examine what being a global educator means for your classroom setup, teachign style and use of resources.
When: Tuesday 17 March, 4pm - 6pm
Where: One World Centre, 5 King William St, Bayswater
Who: Teachers of primary and secondary school students
Cost: $20 for OWC members & students, $30 for non-members
More info
Cuba, Venezuela and socialism in the 21st century: an eyewitness report
2009 marks the
fiftieth anniversary of the overthrow of Cuba's US-backed Batista
dictatorship by the July 26th movement, led by Fidel Castro.
Over the last half century, socialist Cuba has achieved
social, political, economic and environmental achievements unequalled
by any other Third World country, and some unmatched by many First
World countries. In recent years, Venezuela has emerged as an
ally of socialist Cuba. Following the Venezuelen government
of Hugo Chavez taking control of the state oil company - PDVSA - in
January 2003, Venezuela has established missions to meet the needs of
working people in relation to health care, education, housing and many
other necessities. Communal councils have been established as
a first step towards a system of popular power.
Marce Cameron, national organiser of the Revolutionary Socialist Party, will provide a first hand account of the unfolding revolutions in Cuba and Venezuela following a visit to both countries.
Saturday February 21, 3pm at Citiplace Community Centre
Upper Level Walkway, Perth city station, cnr Barrack & William Sts, Perth
For more information, phone 0409 762 081 or email perth@directaction.org.au
Marce Cameron, national organiser of the Revolutionary Socialist Party, will provide a first hand account of the unfolding revolutions in Cuba and Venezuela following a visit to both countries.
Saturday February 21, 3pm at Citiplace Community Centre
Upper Level Walkway, Perth city station, cnr Barrack & William Sts, Perth
For more information, phone 0409 762 081 or email perth@directaction.org.au
Public Community Action - Help Stop the Logging of Tiwi Islands Forests
The
When: Thursday 19 February - 9.30am
Where: Parmelia Hilton Hotel,
Already 30 000 hectares of forests and woodlands on the
Worse still, another 70 000 hectares of these beautiful tropical forests are proposed to be cleared as part of a proposed, but not approved, Stage 2 of this ill considered project.
The Wilderness Society campaigned for Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, to impose tough new conditions for a range of serious breaches of environmental conditions related to its controversial clearing of 26 000 hectares of forests and woodlands on the Tiwi islands, north of
We
now need to make sure shareholders are reminded that
Stage 2 of this project must not proceed!
Visit
http://www.wilderness.org.au/articles/help-protect-the-tiwi-islands-from-land-clearing
for
more details about the Tiwi Islands
A Cry from the Wild
Leif Cox (Australian Orangutan Project President) and Hardi Baktiantoro (Centre for Orangutan Protection Campaigner) want to spread the caring. Come along and gain a rare insight from these dedicated men.
Tuesday 17 February, 7.30pm
Murdoch University Kim Beazley Lecture Theatre
Tickets $20, Students & Children under 15 $10
Hardi Baktiantoro is Indonesia's most experienced activist for Orangutan conservation. Since 2007 Hardi has been a vigorous campaigner for COP, the only fully Indonesian group dedicated to the conservation of Orangutans.
Leif Cox is the founder of AOP and has been president since its foundation. He is Perth Zoo's Curator of Exotic Mammals, Board Member of the Great Ape Survival Project (GRASP) Australia and has been working with Orangutans for 22 years.
Both Hardi and Leif will be touring Australia in February 2009 campaigning with energy and enthusiasm about the problems in Kalimantan and the crisis with the Orangutans in that region and how the AOP are involved.
As highlighted in the recent tv documentary "The Burning Season" (Hardi appeared in this) in less than 10 years over 70% of Indonesia's rainforest has been decimated. Brought on by our insatiable appetite for wood, minerals and palm oil the deforestation is having desperate consequences for the ecosystem. And it is having an equally deadly impact on the forest's inhabitants, particularly the Orangutans.
Extinction is close for the Orangutans with in excess of 1000 being slaughtered every year.
Enquiries or ticket sales to Bill Waterer:
08 9457 0291 or wa@orangutan.org.au
Action for Gaza
Despite the current ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, the people of Palestine are still suffering and need the International community to speak up for them. Friends of Palestine WA are organising several actions for January.
Weekly Vigils
Gatherings are being organised for Friday evenings from 5.30pm at Wesley Church in Perth CBD. You cmight like to bring candles in mourning for the people murdered in Gaza, silently hold placards, or choose to speak on a megaphone to let passersby know the reasons for the vigil.
Public Meeting
Israel’s assault on Gaza and the struggle for a free Palestine
Saturday 24 January, 3pm
Maritime Union Hall, 2-4 Kwong Alley, North Fremantle
Speakers:
Alex Whisson (Friends of Palestine WA)
Pat Branson (Assistant Secretary Australian Services Union & participant, APHEDA delegation to Palestine)
Nick Everett (Revolutionary Socialist Party & member, Friends of Palestine WA)
Since Israel launched Operation Cast Lead, on December 27, at least 1300 Palestinians have died in Gaza, a third of them children. Israel's air strikes come on the back of Israel's illegal and brutal two year siege of Gaza, which has denied the people of Gaza adequate fuel, food, electricity and medical supplies. While Israel has now declared it unilateral cease-fire, it's yet to give any commitment to withdraw its troops from occupied Gaza and remains opposed to lifting the siege. Avital Leibovich, an Israeli military spokesperson, told Al Jazeera on January 18: "The operation is not over. This is only a holding of fire."
To date the Australian government has blamed Hamas for the conflict and refuses to condemn Israel’s war crimes. The Australian government’s response stands in sharp contrast to that of the socialist government of Venezuela, led by Hugo Chavez, which has expelled the Israeli ambassador and committed to organising an airlift of humanitarian aid.
This forum will look at the history behind Palestine’s struggle for national liberation and the international response to the current crisis.
For more information, phone Nick on 0409 762 081 or email perth@directaction.org.au
Rally for the People of Gaza
LIFT THE SIEGE! STOP THE SLAUGHTER! ISRAEL OUT OF GAZA! AID FOR GAZA NOW!
Noon, Saturday 31 January - Forrest Place, Perth CBD
This action will go ahead despite the recently announced ceasefire.
For more info contact 0407 850 962
www.fopwa.org
Project Safecom News Bulletin
In this Bulletin:
- Grieving for Gaza
- Marking a new start
- Memberships: Get your free book
- Kevin Rudd's climate troubles
- Christmas Island's House of Horrors
- Global becomes local financial crisis
- The real migration crisis
It's easy to argue that 2008 did not end well. Of course we had a near-crash of worldwide financial markets, but the response by governments left a miriad of possibilities untouched as they propped up what is essential an unsustainable and failing system... read more
OXFAM - Gaza Update
As the crisis in Gaza and Israel intensifies, it is the innocent men, women and children who suffer the most. Even before the current fighting broke out, four out of five Gaza residents were dependent on food aid, and now they have little or no access to clean water, food or power. Oxfam's programs in Gaza have been affected by Israel's bombings and the aid workers are now sheltering until it is safe for them to continue their work.
Oxfam works with Palestinians to ensure that they have clean water supplies and can produce enough food for their families. In Israel, they work with organisations that highlight the link between increased Israeli poverty and the cost of the conflict with the Palestinians.
Oxfam is pressing for peace in the region and is calling on the International community to take action.
Read more
Israeli citizens call for sanctions against Israel
Despite the media in Israel shielding their viewers from the full horror of the crimes being committed in Gaza, a group of 540 Israeli's have called on the international community to take a stand against Israel to ensure the end to the brutal occupation of Gaza. Below is the article written and signed by the group (available at http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/658-a-call-from-within-signed-by-israeli-citizens):
A Call from Within - signed by Israeli citizens
Written by 540 Israeli citizens
In support of the Palestinian Human Rights Community Call for International Action
As if the occupation was not enough, the brutal ongoing repression of the Palestinian population, the construction of settlements and the siege of Gaza - now comes the bombardment of the civilian population: men, women, old folks and children. Hundreds of dead, hundreds of injured, overwhelmed hospitals, and the central medicine depot of Gaza bombed. The ship Dignity of the Free Gaza movement which brought emergency medical supplies and a number of physicians was also attacked. Israel has returned to openly committing war crimes, worse than what we have seen in a long time.
Israeli media do not expose their viewers to the horrors and to the voices of severe criticism of these crimes. The story told is uniform. Israeli dissidents are denounced as traitors. Public opinion including that of the Zionist left supports the Israeli policy uncritically and without reservation.
Israel 's destructive criminal policy will not cease without a massive intervention by the international community. However, except for some rather weak official condemnation, the international community is reluctant to intervene. The United States openly supports the Israeli violence and Europe , although voicing some condemnation, is unwilling to seriously consider withdrawing the “gift” it handed Israel by upgrading its relations with the European Union.
In the past the world knew how to fight criminal policies. The boycott on South Africa was effective, but Israel is handled with kid gloves: its trade relations are flourishing, academic and cultural cooperation continue and intensify with diplomatic support.
This international backing must stop. That is the only way to stop the insatiable Israeli violence.
We are calling on the world to stop Israeli violence and not allow the continuation of the brutal occupation. We call on the world to condemn and not become an accomplice in Israel ’s crimes.
In light of the above, we call on the world to implement the call by Palestinian human rights organizations which urges:
• The UN Security Council to call an emergency session and adopt concrete measures, including the imposition of sanctions, in order to ensure Israel ’s fulfilment of its obligations under international humanitarian law.
• The High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions to fulfil their obligation under common Article 1 to ensure respect for the provisions of the Conventions, taking appropriate measures to compel Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular placing pivotal importance on the respect and protection of civilians from the effects of the hostilities.
• The High Contracting Parties to fulfil their legal obligation under Article 146 of the Fourth Geneva Convention to prosecute those responsible for grave breaches of the Convention.
• EU institutions and member states to make effective use of the European Union Guidelines on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law (2005/C 327/04) to ensure Israel complies with international humanitarian law under paragraph 16 (b), (c) and (d) of these guidelines, including the adoption of immediate restrictive measures and sanctions, as well as cessation of all upgrade dialogue with Israel.
(To see the list of signatories, visit http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/658-a-call-from-within-signed-by-israeli-citizens)
SWB Rockingham Launched
SWB has opened a new office at the Rockingham campus. This will provide greater opportunities for students studying at the Rockingham campus, as well as community members, to get involved with the projects and campaigns that SWB offers. The office will intially be manned one day per week, but will be accessible at all times to students who want to find out more.
To find out more about getting involved in campaigns and programs in Rockingham, or to find out about helping in the Rockingham office, please contact the SWB co-ordinator on 9360 6288 or studentswithoutborders@rocketmail.com
Youth Tree
Youth Tree is a creative collaboration to grow and strengthen relationships between young people, and non-profit organisations that involve and empower young people. It is aimed at propelling people into volunteering of just about any kind through their participation in two incredible days.
Day 1 – Wednesday, January 14th, 10am-6pm, Moores Building, Fremantle. On Day 1, representatives from a broad range of non-profit organisations and a large cohort of 80 or more young people interested in volunteering will gather to share their inspiration and ideas.
Day 2 – Tuesday, January 20th, 9am til late, Murray Street Mall, Perth. Day 2 will promote volunteering by directly engaging the public in a creative and personal way.
These two days represent only the beginning of the Youth Tree initiative that will hopefully snowball into an ongoing process that builds a closer, friendlier more effective network of volunteers in WA. Youth Tree is a platform for getting young people into action by giving them the contacts, confidence, knowledge and inspiration to act on any issue they feel strongly about. If you want to know more about Youth Tree, want share an idea, or want to get involved, contact Tim on 0401 405 503 or shlagel@hotmail.com
More Info
Gaza Massacre
On Saturday 27 December 2008, the Israeli government launched Operation Cast Lead, a ‘military’ operation which appears designed to destroy the few remnants of social infrastructure that remain functional in the Gaza Strip. More than 200 men, women and children were killed in just 15 minutes on Saturday, and the overall death toll in Gaza now stands at more than 350 with over 1000 people injured. 75 of the dead are children.
The international media continues to assert that Israel is responding to Hamas rocket attacks and has the right to defend its territory, however, it has been reported that military planning began 6 months ago and authorisation was given by Prime Minister Olmert on November 19, well before the alleged breach of the ceasefire by Hamas.
The State of Israel was created after the Second World War to provide a home for the millions of displaced Jews. Prior to this the land was owned by the Palestinians. Israel has seized more and more land from them over the last 60 years and Palestinians are now restricted to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. These areas are cut off from one another and travel is controlled by Israel.
Palestinians do not have a share of the same international human rights as most of their neighbours nor have they been allowed to live in line with the rest of our global community. They now live in the world's largest squatter camp, a compound fortified from the outside by Israel. 80% of their land has been subsumed or seized by Israel. Both States have the right to exist, but they must find a way to co-exist.
Each and every person, each and every State, should have the right to natural justice, the right to liberty, peace and security. For sixty years the Palestinian people have had their rights denied while the mainstream international media has distorted their rights and arguments with an almost fanatical prejudice. Fair and equitable mutually agreed territories with agreed international borders seem the only path to any real solution.
A rally was held in Perth on Sunday 4 January attracting about 500 people wanting to express their anger and sorrow at Israel's continuing assault on the citizens of Gaza. Demonstrators marched through the CBD before heading to Florence Hummerston Reserve to hear from speakers such as Dr Reem al-Freij, a Palestinian scientist and the founder of the Friends of Palestine in WA.
On Tuesday 6 January a picket will be held at the electorate office of Foreign Minister Stephen Smith. A letter will be delivered to the Minister, or one of his representatives, outlining a set of demands to be placed on his government. This FOPWA initiative comes in the wake of a series of statements by the Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Stephen Smith's departmental stand-ins that laid the blame for the war squarely at the feet of the Hamas government.
Stephen Smith's office is located at 953 Beaufort St Inglewood. At 8.00 am the FOPWA will attempt to deliver a letter and a petition signed by over 300 people detailing a set of demands to be placed on Foreign Minister Smith and his government. The demands will be placing on him and his government are as follows:-
We call on the Australian government to:
- condemn the Israeli slaughter of civilians and resistance fighters in Gaza by any and all means necessary; via Australia’s seat at the United Nations, the mass media, and various diplomatic channels
- demand the lifting of the siege of Gaza which has caused such utter devastation to the 1.5 million people living there
- sever all cultural, economic, diplomatic, political, and military ties with Israel immediately in response to the massacre taking place in Gaza and the ongoing siege and occupation of the people of Palestine
- organise immediately a massive airlift of vital medical aid, food aid and other necessary supplies to ameliorate the terrible suffering of the people of Gaza.
Another rally is being organised for Saturday 10 January:
RALLY & MARCH FOR THE PEOPLE OF GAZA
LIFT THE SIEGE, STOP THE MASSACRE, HUMANITARIAN AID NOW
SATURDAY 12.00PM JANUARY 10
THE ESPLANADE PARK, FREMANTLE
Read the letter to Stephen Smith
Read the Friends of Palestine WA's Statement on Gaza
Read about the January 4 rally
Below are links to websites that can provide you with truthful and useful information about the situation in Gaza:
http://electronicintifada.net/new.shtml
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/
http://www.zcommunications.org/znet
http://www.haaretz.com/
http://fromgaza.blogspot.com/
http://electronicintifada.net/
You can watch a live feed from Al Jazeera (in English) here:
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article21629.htm
For more information about the January 10 rally or to get involved with FOPWA, please visit the Australian Friends of Palestine website - www.friendsofpalestine.org.au - or email friendsofpalestinewa@gmail.com
If you would like to start an on-campus campaign about the situation in Gaza, please contact the SWB co-ordinator on 9360 6288 or studentswithoutborders@rocketmail.com