I Will Not Fall -
Stop Violence Against WomenDomestic violence can affect anyone, but women are particularly vulnerable. It is hard to find accurate figures for the rate of domestic violence in Australia as many instances go unreported, but Amnesty International report that about two thirds of women in Australia will experience some form of physical or sexual violence in their lives.
The SWB Action Group is organising an event to promote awareness of domestic violence and to raise funds for Zonta House Women's Refuge. The event will feature live music by Perth artists Nat Ripepi, Djiva, zxspecky, One Tiger Down, Hayley Beth and Damien Thornber & The Orphans. All of the artists are performing for free in support of this cause.
As well as great music there will be a raffle with fantastic prizes, and artwork created by ladies from the local refuges will be on display. Tickets are just $15 and can be bought in advance from the SWB office (9360 6307) or by contacting iwillnotfall11@gmail.com All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Zonta House Women's Refuge.
Date: Saturday 6th December
Time: 7pm - midnight
Venue: Ginger's Garage, William Street, Northbridge
Cost: $15
This is an 18+ event and ID will be required for entry. Tickets are limited so don't miss out!
We would like to thank our sponsors Murdoch University, the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre and the School of Law, Murdoch University for their support.
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Oaktree Summer Internships
Oaktree is Australia's first entirely youth run Aid and Development Program. Oaktree aims to inspire, educate and train a new generation of volunteers.
The Summer Internship Program is designed to provide passionate young people with the opportunity to take an an internship with the Western Australian branch of the Oaktree Foundation. Interns will develop and apply their skills and knowledge, while gaining practical experience working in an aid and development organisation.
The program has separate streams for high school students, school leavers, university and tafe students.
Since many young people have numerous commitments during the summer break, such as part-time work and holidays, the Summer Internship Program is designed to be flexible, allowing you to maintain your commitments while developing your abilities as a world changer.
Applications close 12 December.
Find out more
Amnesty International: Update
United Nations: Breakthrough in access to justice for all rights
Amnesty International has welcomed the adoption of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, by the UN General Assembly's Third Committee in New York.
The Optional Protocol introduced by Portugal and adopted today by consensus was co-sponsored by 52 states from all regions of the world. It will next be presented for final adoption by the General Assembly in plenary session on 10 December, the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. "That historic moment will help rectify the imbalance between civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights, which has particularly denied marginalized groups and those living in poverty the ability to demand an effective remedy when their rights are violated,” said Amnesty International.
"The Optional Protocol is an important tool for implementing the declaration made 15 years ago at the Vienna World Conference on Human Rights that 'all human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent and interrelated. The international community must treat human rights globally in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing, and with the same emphasis'."
More info
16 Days of Activism Calendar 2008
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence is a global campaign to raise awareness about violence against women, and its impact on a women’s physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being. Human rights cannot be universal without human rights for women. This year the Women’s
Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services (WA) and Amnesty International (WA) invited all community members to address the human rights challenges women experience around the globe in the 60th Anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
View the Calendar
Artillery
A youth arts festival brought to you by Amnesty International WA.
Arts Bootcamp 1pm-5pm (free event for U18)
Artillery Showdown 7pm-late (18+)
Sunday 7 December @ The Bakery
More info
Celebrate an event that changed the world
Declaration Dinner with Geoffrey Robertson Q.C. and Mary Kostakidis
Presented by Amnesty International Australia & The United Nations Association of Australia (WA)
Sixty years ago on 10 December 1948, United Nations member states adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Reflecting global values of equality and justice, the declaration established common human rights principles for everyone, everywhere.
Join them in commemorating the anniversary at a celebratory dinner at which renowned human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson QC will be the guest speaker.
Hosted by Mary Kostakidis.
7 pm (for a 7.30 pm start)
8 December 2008
Perth Town Hall, cnr Hay and Barrack St
$175 per person
$1,700 per table of 10
includes dinner and drinks
Dress: semi-formal
Tickets from BOCS ticketing
http://www.bocsticketing.com.au/events/declaration_dinner.shtml
or (08) 9484 1133
Just Music
The Edmund Rice Institute for Social Justice, Fremantle is hosting 'Just Music' in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The event will feature performances by:
ARCHIE
ROACH & RUBY HUNTER
KAVISHA MAZZELLA
BERNARD CARNEY
THE YABU BAND
WORKING VOICES CHOIR
When:
Friday 12 December, 6pm - 10pmKAVISHA MAZZELLA
BERNARD CARNEY
THE YABU BAND
WORKING VOICES CHOIR
Where: Fremantle Arts Centre, Samson Courtyard
Tickets: www.heatseeker.com.au, Mills Records and Fremantle Arts Centre
$30 / Conc. $20 / Family $70 / Under 6yrs free
For more info: www.erisj.org.au or www.myspace.com/justmusicfreo
Poster
UNDERSTANDING THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS
For thirty years we were told there is no alternative. We were told that embracing free trade, deregulation and privatisation was the best and only way to run society.
When the Cold War ended, the winners patted each other on the back and assured the world the system worked, that the boom days would never end and eventually a piece of the pie would "trickle down" to everyone. Earlier this year the smoke ran out and the mirrors shattered. The Wall Street party was over and ordinary people were left to clean up the mess.
The International Monetary Fund predicts all of the world's advanced economies will shrink over the course of the next twelve months, something that has not happened since 1945. Economists have said a long and severe downturn, even a depression, is possible.
The bottom line is that the system does not work.
The millionaire bankers and speculators who made the crisis go from bad to disastrous were rewarded with tax-payer funded bail-outs while ordinary people across the developed world face the loss of their job and home. In the Third World, the daily struggle for survival will get harder than ever.
How can we make sense of the unfolding crisis?
Will Australia be spared the worst of it, as 'our' leaders keep telling us?
What can we do to make sure it never happens again?
On December 15 at 7pm at the Irish Club, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco, concerned citizens will hold a forum on the crisis and the uncertain future.
Our speakers will include Rob Lambert, Professor of Industrial Relations at UWA, and Tonja Boyd, a postgraduate researcher in Environmental Science, historians, trade unionists and journalists.
The problems we face cannot be solved by the minds that created them.
If you are sick and tired of being a frustrated spectator and want to be part of the solution – please come, bring your ideas, your questions, your family and your friends.
SWB and Gerry Georgatos have won more awards!
The winners of the 2008 WA Government Community Services Industry Awards were announced last night (24 November).
The Murdoch University Guild's Students Without Borders won Category 1: 2008 WA WORKING CREATIVELY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE (Small Organisation with a Program or Service Budget of less than $50,000 per annum)
We were finalists for Category 4, 2008 WA STRENGTHENING VOLUNTEERING - the Murdoch Guild's SWB 8Ball Computer Recycling Program was a finalist. We were very happy to gain recognition as a finalist for this valuable program.
And Category 9 was 2008 WA OUTSTANDING COMMITMENT BY AN INDIVIDUAL which was won by Gerry Georgatos!
SWB would like to congratulate all of the other finalists and winners - there are some amazing people doing fantastic work in WA!
Reel Change Screenings
This year, for the first time as part of the Human Rights and Arts Film Festival (HRAFF), Make Poverty History presents REEL CHANGE, a series of short films and animations with a focus on the human impact of Climate Change. REEL CHANGE features a short film by young Carteret Islanders’ who poetically capture the views and reflections of their people as they prepare to relocate to the mainland due to sea level rise. Others shorts include A Castle in the Sand, a satirical allegory critiquing the notion that technological solutions will always save us from the impacts of climate change. REELCHANGE offers an opportunity to “see the bigger picture” and witness the real impacts of climate change.
Date: Saturday 29 November
Time: Action Hub from 2.15pm - screening starts at 3.00pm
Where: Film and Television Institute, 92 Adelaide Terrace, Fremantle
Mission-Centric Leadership and Management in Not-for-Profit Organisations
The Edmund Rice Institute for Social Justice invites you to a one-day intensive to gain an understanding of how the not-for-profit sector can achieve its core objectives. This will require a mission-centric view of strategic planning and management. The approach will be contrasted with commerce-centric models traditionally used in planning and management.
The day will feature a mix of presentations, group exercises and discussions. Participants will take away models relevant to strategic planning, resource allocation and government control.
When? Saturday 22 November 2008, 9.00 am – 2.30pm
Where?
Presenter: Professor David Gilchrist, Adjunct Professor of Not-for-Profit Leadership and Management in the School of Business, University of Notre Dame Australia, and Assistant Auditor General for Western Australia.
Registration & Payment: http://erisj.org.au/new/registration
Cost:
Unwaged/Student - $25;
Unwaged Retiree - $35;
Waged Adult (self-funded) - $50;
Non-Government Organisations: $100;
Government & Corporate - $150
More info
Murdoch Guild of Students - supporting the initiative that is now Students Without Borders
Murdoch University Guild of Students, Australia's award winning Student Association, is highly regarded as the political leader of Student Associations...
2007 Australasian Campus Universities Managers' Association Award for BEST COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM
2007 Australasian Campus Universities Managers' Association Honourable Mention for Student Development Program
2008 Australasian Campus Universities Managers' Association and Tertiary Access Group Awards for BEST WEBSITE
FINALISTS (final 3 for each category!) FOR THE 2008 WEST AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SERVICE INDUSTRY AWARDS in the following 3 categories (winners to be announced Nov. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom):
Category 1: Best Make Difference Program in WA for a small organisation - Students Without Borders
Category 3: Best Volunteer Program in WA for a small organisation - Students Without Borders
Category 9: WA Outstanding Individual of the Year - Gerry Georgatos, Guild General Manager & SWB Coordinator
Guilds and Student Associations throughout Australia note Murdoch Guild of Students as the most active student activist and political organisation in the country and this has continued even while in Voluntary Student Unionism. Murdoch Student Guild still manages a suite of commercial services on campus, such as the Tavern, Sport and Recreation, Cafes, Shops, the development of Sport, etc., but has remained true to its student representation, student rights issues and involves itself in the general human condition and the plight of our planet.
At the recent 2008 Tertiary Access Group National Conference (Telstra Dome, Melbourne) Murdoch Student Guild was noted by many as a Guild built on its social justice campaigns and ethos.
The Murdoch Student Guild has survived Voluntary Student Unionism, the devastating legislation by the former Federal Government. It hangs in there amid a difficult financial climate imposed by VSU and by regular bouts of needless hostility with its vice chancellery. Due to VSU Student Associations across Australia have lost 2,600 staff during the last two years, 40% of their staff. Murdoch Student Guild continues, to the line, hanging in there, with its 35 permanent staff and 18 elected students.
Murdoch Student Guild is famous for the longest student 'sit-in' in Australian university history; 30 days when it took over the university senate over the issue of the university increasing student fees. It has been recorded and documented in HANSARD. In December last year, its Guild President, Clare Middlemas, at the commencement of her tenure, saved student space when she led her Guild through a 14 day sit-in of the student space to save it from the vice chancellery. As a result of the student sit-in the Guild and the University built a student common room, a student meeting room that converts to a student crisis centre.
"We came in to improve the student lot. We were elected on campaigns that wanted us involved with our educational future and involved with the social ills that plague all of us." Clare Middlemas, Guild President.
"There comes a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part; you can't even passively take part, and you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you've got to make it stop. And you've got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you're free, the machine will be prevented from working at all!" Mario Savio, student activist, UC Berkeley, 1964
Amnesty International: Update
China has announced that it will extend the freedoms it gave to foreign journalists as part of the Beijing Olympics. These freedoms include journalists having easier access to most parts of China, although Tibet is not included in this, and the right to interview Chinese citizens without prior government approval. Greater freedoms mean foreign media can report fully and accurately on what's actually happening inside China.
Read more
Stand Up Against Poverty: Update
202,186 Australians joined with millions of people around the world on 17 October to take collection action as part of a global mobilisation. Unprecedented public support for Stand Up events sent a clear message to Governments that they expect further action to meet their commitments to the Millennium Development Goals and people living in poverty.
Read more
Wilderness Society: Update
The Great Western Woodlands (GWW) is located east of the Rabbit Proof Fence, through to the Nullabor Plain, and is the largest and most intact temperate woodland and shrubland left on Earth. It is home to an amazing 30% of Australia's Eucalypt species and more than 20% of all Australia's flora species. Hundreds of species of native birds, mammals and reptiles are found in the area, and it is possible that near extinct native species like the numbat, bilby, and scarlet-chested parrot still survive in this intact landscape.
Read more
White Ribbon Day Picnic
Tuesday November 25, 12-2pm
Constitutional Centre Gardens, West Perth, cnr Havelock St & Parliament Place
White Ribbon Day, held on November 25th, the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women, is traditionally a day for men to take a stand against violence towards women.
The Department for Communities invites you to the White Ribbon Day Picnic to stand alongside men to voice your support of this campaign.
Program includes:
- Tim Gossage, Master of Ceremonies
- Hon Dr Elizabeth Constable MLA, Minister for Women's Interests
- Karl O'Callaghan, Commissioner of Police
- Jim Sharp, Vice President of Amnesty International
- Angela Hartwig, Women's Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services (WA),
- Samuel Pilot-Kickett
Lunch is provided, you must RSVP so that they can cater accordingly.
RSVP by clicking on the following link:
http://www.communities-wa.com/survey/TakeSurvey.aspx?PageNumber=1&SurveyID=74KI8l6
Please RSVP by Tuesday 18 November
WHITE RIBBON DAY 2008: NOT VIOLENT. NOT SILENT.
Ethiopian School Fundraiser Morning Tea
Hope for children and Perth Woman Magazine invite you and your friends to a morning tea to help raise money for the School of Hope Ethiopia.
You will enjoy a morning tea provided by multi Gold Plate Award winning restaurant, Le Paris Breste, and experience a traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. Entertainment and guest speeches from Jackie Gilmour, Janna Di-Lallo and Diane Roberts.
When: Friday 21st November
Where: Mounts Bay Sailing Club, Australia II Drive, Pelican Point, Crawley
Time: 10am
Cost: $40 per person
RSVP: 14 November
Seating is limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be booked by calling Hope for Children on 0400 741 271 or Janna Di-Lallo on 0433 981 591, or email bookings to jannadilallo@hotmail.com
Walk Against Warming
Australia's community day of action against climate change is brought to you by the Conservation Council of WA.
The Walk Against Warming in 2008 comes at a crucial point when governments around the world are deciding how they will respond to the climate change crisis. In Australia, the walk falls right when the Federal Cabinet are deciding on Australia's emissions target for 2020 and just before the crucial international climate talks in Poland. The community's voice has never been more important to demand strong, urgent action from our government and justice for developing nations affected by global warming.
In WA we need to show the new state government that the community is serious about climate change and want to see immediate action taken.
Date: Saturday 15th November
Venue: Cottesloe Beach (meeting just south of the Teahouse)
Time: 10am - 1pm
More info
Feelin' the heat: the hot hot comedy debate
Oxfam are hosting a grown-up's night of hot humour and tepid climate advice. See Perth’s top comedians and special guests get hot and bothered over climate change.
When: Thursday 27 November. Doors open 7pm. Debate starts 8pm
Where: The Comedy Lounge, Charles Hotel, 506 Charles St, North Perth
Cost: Tickets $15, available at venue or contact Caron Passmore at Oxfam (email: caronp@oxfam.org.au or Ph 9262 8205)
Wardarnji Aboriginal Cultural Festival
Wardarnji 2008 will give you a glimpse of Aboriginal culture as you watch the traditional Middar (dance) of Australia's first people, taste bush tucker and hear the stories passed down, generation to generation, through story telling and music. The day will feature arts and crafts, stalls and displays, pyrotechnic sculptures, bushfires, dancers, PALS Reconciliation Awards and a twilight coroborree.
Fremantle Esplanade Reserve
Saturday 15 November
3.00 - 8.30pm
For more info please contact Dave Chesson, Indigenous Development Officer, at davidch@fremantle.wa.gov.au
Good Grocery Guide
A new pocket guide and web site which takes the guesswork out of ethical shopping has been created for Perth's conscious consumers. Called the Good Grocery Guide, it includes an alphabetical list of products which meet ethical criteria, including Fairtrade, organic, GE-free, cruelty free or products made in Western Australia by local companies. It also contains a comprehensive directory of ethical outlets in Perth, such as organic grocery stores, bulk food shops, local produce and organic meat specialists.
Check it out here
Gulu Walk 2008
What is Gulu Walk? The original GuluWalk started in July 2005 with just two people trying to better understand the ordeal of the children of northern Uganda, a country ravaged by more than two decades of war. Since then, GuluWalk has grown into an impassioned worldwide movement for peace. In 2007 alone, on the third annual GuluWalk Day, over 30,000 people in 100 cities in 16 countries took to the streets to urge the world to support peace in northern Uganda. To date, GuluWalkers have raised over $1-million to provide education and rehabilitation to Uganda's youth.
The walk will begin at 3pm (gather at 2.30pm) at Beaufort Park in Bedford, go along Beaufort St through Bedford, Inglewood, Mt Lawley, Northbridge and then back up to Mt lawley again. The walk will conclude at the ASeTTS building near the corner of Beaufort St and Brisbane St. Everyone is asked to wear orange to create a visual impact.
More info
Please register to walk at guluwalkperth@gmail.com
Future of the Kimberley Region
The Wilderness Society WA will be holding a public meeting on the future of the Kimberley region. The event will feature presentations from:
Richard Costin, Whale Researcher and Filmmaker, who will be presenting some spectacular footage and discussing the results of recent Humpback whale survey research.
Josh Coates, Kimberley Campaigner, The Wilderness Society Tim Nichol, Mining expert and Environmentalist, Conservation Council of WA.
Filmmaker John Totte, Blue Office Productions, will be showcasing never before seen footage of the Humpback whales and the Kimberley taken on a recent research trip.
When: Wednesday 5th November 7:30pm
Where: Cottesloe Surf Lifesaving Club, 87 Marine Parade, Cottesloe
RSVP essential: wa@wilderness.org.au or 9420 7255
SWB Joins the War on Hunger
The UN's World Food Program (WFP) is the largest humanitarian organisation in the world, providing food to more than 90 million people every year. It costs the WFP less than $1 a day to feed a child, yet almost 16,000 children die each day due to hunger-related causes. Hunger is more than just an inadequate food supply; it's about war, politics and social inequities. Ultimately, hunger is a problem that can be solved.
SWB has signed up to Universities Fighting World Hunger (UFWH). There are 3 main items on the current agenda - to raise awareness of the issue of hunger both locally and globally, fundraising, and creating initiatives (whether through academic research, community outreach or strengthening social policy) to help combat the problems.
You can find out more by visiting the UFWH website - www.universitiesfightingworldhunger.org
or the World Food Program website - www.wfp.org/english
If you would like to get involved with fundraising or awareness raising for this cause, please contact Vicky - swb@guild.murdoch.edu.au
Fair Go Trading Meeting
Kathe Purvis has just returned from Thailand, where she has been training as a Fairtrade Labelling Organization (FLO) certifier. Kathe (who is also a NASSA organic certifier) will talk about her experience in Thailand. She is from Bridgetown WA and will be in Perth for this event – come along and discuss all things fair trade! She will also talk about her experience in the Solomon Islands where there is a need for clean drinking wells in village communities. In this respect, the Fair Trade Collective has shown interest in supporting fundraising efforts toward drinking wells. It will be an opportunity to find out more about what is required.
Where: Fair Go Trading, 7pm, 197 Brisbane St. Perth.
When: Wed 29 Oct, 7pm
Supper: A light supper will be provided.
Cost: Entrance by Donation (funds to go to fundraising).
RSVP: Please RSVP to robert@fairgotrading.com.au for catering purposes.
Development Models as Imported ‘Wisdom’: Finding Space for African Thought.
The Edmund Rice Institute for Social Justice, Fremantle presents a one-day Intensive, to explore and reflect upon the journey towards workable development paradigms for African renaissance.
·
· Paradigm Experimentations: Lessons from Humanism, and Ujamaa-Socialism
· Poverty Reduction Strategies: Development Paradigm or Paradigm Decay?
· ‘
When? Saturday 25 October 2008, 10.00am – 4.30pm
Registration & Payment: http://erisj.org.au/new/registration
Please register and pay online if you have internet access. If not, please post a cheque and your details to the address above.
Cost:
Unwaged/Student - $25
Unwaged Retiree - $35
Waged Adult (self-funded) - $50
Non-Government Organisations: $100
Government & Corporate - $150
Team Leader Positions with the Ningaloo Turtle Program
The Ningaloo Turtle Program is looking for volunteer team leaders for the 08-09 turtle season at Ningaloo Reef at Exmouth. There are three positions for 11 weeks from November 23 - February 8 2009. Interns need to have a full manual drivers licence and will be required to drive a mini-bus. They must also have a senior first aid certificate to be able to run the remote camps. Accommodation and food expenses are covered whilst volunteering and a small travel stipend will be provided.
Find out more at www.ningalooturtles.org.au
Applications need to include a cover letter, CV and a statement addressing the selection criteria. Interviews will be conducted over the phone. Interested applicants sould send through an email (before they apply) expressing their interest in the position to ningalooturtles@dec.wa.gov.au
More info & selection criteria
Stand Up and Take Action
Stand Up and Take Action is a worldwide call to make a stand against poverty and support the Millennium Development Goals. In 2000 leaders of 189 countries signed off on the Millennium Development Goals, a set of 8 goals with measurable outcomes, designed to halve world poverty in 15 years.
Realising the world governments were falling behind in this task in 2007 the UN enlisted the help of local organisations to make these promises known and keep their governments on track through Stand Up and Speak Out. This year's events are focused on what each person can contribute to achieving these goals.
The Art of Living Foundation, an international humanitarian organisation, is teaming up with Oxfam, the Oaktree Foundation, Caritas, Australian Youth Ambassadors, Edmund Rice Centre and others, to provide possibilities on how individuals can ‘Take Action’ right here in Perth.
In keeping with the global focus proceedings will be punctuated by free world music and dance performances.
Last year over 43 million people stood up to set a new Guinness World Record. This year the citizens of Perth will help break that record.
Time: 5.30 - 7.00pm
Day: Friday 17 October 2008
Venue: Forrest Place, Perth
For more information please visit www.artofliving.org.au or email samantha@artofliving.org.au
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ERISJ Summer Events
The Edmund Rice Institute for Social Justice has released its Summer 08 Highlights - check out the events coming up here
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Keep WA GM Free Rally
If you are concerned about the threat to introduce GM crops (cotton and canola) into WA come and join us for the 'Keep WA GM Free Rally' on Thursday 30 October. Join farmers, environmentalists and consumers as they make their way to Parliament to send a clear message to the new government that their plan to grow GM crops here is WA is not acceptable.
Currently there is a GM moratorium which bans the commercial growing of GM crops. The new government has declared that it wants to grow GM cotton and establish GM canola trials of up to 1000 hectares. We are opposed to these crops as they enter the food chain untested and contamination is inevitable. Help us to maintain WA as a GM free state.
The rally will start at the corner of Esplanade and Barrack Street, Perth, and will end at Parliament House at 12.30pm where speakers will take the stage.
For more info visit www.nogmo.asn.au
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Cuban Five Tour
The Cuban delegation for the "Solidarity Tour - Ten years of Injustice" have been granted visas. The sister of Antonio Guerrero, one of the Cuban 5 heroes, will commence a two week tour of Sydney, Perth and Melbourne from the 14th October.
Many Australians are waiting to share Maria Eugenia Guerrero's personal story of the plight of her brother – Antonio Guerrero – and the other Cuban Five heroes. Five young Cuban men fighting terrorism now unjustly held since 1998 in US prisons . Maria Eugenia Guerrero will be in Perth from 20 - 23 October.
Leonard Weinglass, attorney for the Cuban Five says "This case takes every definition of a political trial, and it is a case that involves not just a political issue but also the relationship between the US and Cuba."
Maria Eugenia Guerrero, the sister of Antonio Guerrero –is arriving in Australia on October 14 for a two week tour. She will address Australian audiences about her brother – Antonio Guerrero – and the plight of the Cubans now known internationally as the Cuban Five.
The case of the internationally known "Cuban Five" anti-terrorist fighters regularly features in US headlines and has sparked a growing worldwide solidarity campaign. There is great indignation in Cuba, which has lost 3,000 lives to mostly US-based terror groups, that five young Cuban men fighting terrorism are unjustly held in US prisons on politically motivated charges serving jail terms which total four life sentences and 75 years for a number of charges including espionage and other political charges.
Solidarity groups around the world are stunned that the Bush Administration, which is supposedly committed to the global struggle against terrorism keeps these five Cuban citizens in jail.
A recent demand from the millions of Cuban Five supporters around the world is for their wives to be given permission to visit their husbands in US penitentiaries where they are held. A right denied to some of them for the past 10 years.
The original trial of the Five was held against the politically charged backdrop of Miami where anti-Castro groups have considerable influence. The Eleventh Court of Appeals in Atlanta subsequently upheld an appeal against the convictions and ordered a new trial but in June this year fell back into line with the original guilty verdicts. Further appeals and re-sentencing hearings are pending.
There are 4 opportunities for you to hear from and talk to Maria Eugenia Guerrero on the plight of the Cuban Five:
Tuesday 21 October
Curtin University
12.30-1.30pm
Room 205 Building 405 (Health Services)
More info
Tuesday 21 October
ACFS monthly meeting at the Christian Centre for Social Action, 879 Albany Hwy, East Vic Park
6.30pm for a 7.00pm start
Please bring a plate/drink to share
Free entry
Wednesday 22 October
Murdoch University
12.30-1.30pm
Kim Beazley Lecture Theatre
South Street Campus
Wednesday 22 October
Public meeting at the Maritime Union of Australia
2-4 Kwong Alley (Cnr Queen Victoria St), North Fremantle
6.00pm for a 6.30pm start
Coffee/tea and biscuits
Entrance by donation
For more info write to cubanfivetour@gmail.com
As you may know the relationship between the US and Cuba is quite bitter due to the refusal of the biggest "democracy" in the world to accept there peoples around the globe willing to decide their own destiny. The ACFS has organised a lunch time rally out side the US consulate in Perth to demand the end of the inhumane US blockade on Cuba.
Date: Wed 29 October 2008
Time: 12:30-1:30 pm
Place: US consulate, 16 St Georges Tce, Perth (opposite Perth Concert Hall)
Every one is welcome!
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SWB has won ACUMA's 2008 National Aw
ard
for Best Website!The Australasian Campuses Universities Managers' Association and the Tertiary Access Group, with 39 universities, have announced SWB as the winners of the 2008 National Award for Best Website. The website was considered best based on content, purpose, layout, cost benefit, circulation, unique visits and reach.
In 2007, SWB won the ACUMA National Award for Best Community Outreach Program and the 8Ball Program was ACUMA's 2007 National Award Runner Up for Best Student Development Program and also received ACUMA’s 2007 Honourable Mention
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Emotional Fitness Seminar
Feel
Great with a New Kind of Fitness Regime for the Mind
We all know how important
it is to keep physically fit and healthy, but have we
ever thought
about our emotional fitness? Emotional Fitness is as important, if not
more
important than physical fitness. It teaches us how to take
control of our
lives, how to clear the clutter, reduce the stress, reject the negative
thinking and start living again.
Who
should attend:
- Teachers and students interested in
developing their Emotional Fitness.
Benefits
of attending:
- Learn
how to develop clarity of thinking
- Learn
how to reduce stress
- Learn
how to overcome negative emotions
- Be empowered to make a positive change
Please register your interest with Vicky - swb@guild.murdoch.edu.au
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Oxfam: Update
In 2000, 189 governments made the historic commitment to halve extreme poverty by 2015. We are halfway to that deadline, but 50,000 people still die every day because of poverty.
Prime Minister Rudd and 90 other world leaders are addressing the United Nations this week on the progress of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs). We must demand our leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals.
Be the generation to end poverty:
- watch the 'In My Name' video here
- visit Oxfam's website
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Kambarang (Spring) Party
The Bringing Them Home Committee invites you join the celebration of a new beginning after the Apology.
Where: Belmont Sports & Recreation Centre
When: Saturday 11th October from 7pm - $10 entry
Enquire with Jimbo 0408 917 133 & Alan on 0428 250 155
More info
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Reclaim
the Night - Females Unite!Reclaim the Night represents a claim for women's basic right to live in freedom from the fear of violence. We protest for women to have the right to walk freely at night, free from the threat of rape and sexual violence.
When: Friday 31 October 2008
Where: Meet at the Cultural Centre at 7pm
March starts at 7.30pm sharp
Rally starts at 8pm in Stirling Gardens (near the kangaroo sculptures)
The rally will include speeches, entertainment, stalls and much more.
The march and rally are for women and children only. This policy has not been made with the intention of excluding men, but rather to ensure the inclusion of all women. We support and encourage men to be active about this issue on other occasions but ask them women's right to march by themselves.
If you need an Auslan Interpreter, please confirm by 15 October so that one can be booked for the rally. The event and workshops are wheelchair accessible.
A month of lead in workshops and events for Reclaim the Night have also been planned:
Intergenerational women's story sharing - Wed 1 Oct, 6.30-8pm at Lotteries House, West Perth.
Film night at Cinema Paradiso - Caramel - Fri 10 Oct, time to be confirmed. Call or email to book.
Banner and zine making - Sun 12 Oct, 12.30-5pm at Earthwise Community Centre, Subiaco.
For more information or to book your place at a workshop or event, please contact Lianda on 0411 066 595 or email rtnperth08@gmail.com.
Flyer
_________________________________________________
Law Students for a Just Community Conference 2008
Conference at a glance
Date: Friday, October 3rd – Sunday, October 5th 2008
Venue: Camp Simons, Araluen, in Roleystone, with opening and closing events at the University of Western Australia
Conference activities: Keynote presentation, plenary sessions, workshop and discussion sessions, panel session, student activism panel, open floor networking, cocktail party.
All-inclusive cost: $150
Law Students for a Just Community Inc. (LSJC) is a non-profit association entirely run by law students. It is part of a national network of law students from around Australia. We share a common passion for knowledge and justice and meet annually for conferences around the nation.
The theme for this year's conference is "Pathways to Justice" and speakers include The Hon. Wayne Martin, Greg McIntyre SC, and Malcolm McCusker QC.
Registration is now open! Go to www.lsjc.asn.au
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NAIDOC Celebrations
NAIDOC
invites you to join their celebrations. Come along for a
sausage
sizzle or try emu, kangaroo and crocodile tasters. Entertainment by
Loza. Wednesday 8 October @ 11am, Midland TAFE Campus
Other events will also take place at the Balga, Bentley, Armadale, Carlisle and Thornlie TAFE Campuses.
For more info contact ital_visions@hotmail.com
_________________________________________________
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence
The Women's Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services (WA) and Amnesty International (WA) invite community members to participate in the 2008 Calendar of Events for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence by holding an event, no matter how big or small. Violence against women persists in all regions of the world as a pervasive violation of human rights and a major impediment to achievin gender equality. The 16 Days commences on 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and finishes on 10 December (the UN Day for Human Rights).
More info and registration form
_________________________________________________
Quenda Surveys
The start date for the Quenda Surveys is 13th Oct. If you would like to participate in this event to send an email confirming your interest to Neil - neilgau@yahoo.com.au. So grab a calendar, mark down when you are able to participate and send it though.
The survey will consist of the following, an evening observation survey that will commence at 6.00pm and last until about 7.30pm. Meeting location at Bush Court 15 minutes before hand, starting on Monday 13th Oct and ongoing that week until Friday 17th Oct.
The second is the trapping survey, this depends largely on the amount of traps that can be secured, we are hoping for two teams, with 3 additional volunteers for each team. The start time is early, about 6.00am. Trapping will commence on the weekend 18th and will continue though that week and until the study break week. It may start earlier due to logistic problems and when volunteers are available. So would you like to be involved, then send though your details.
Follow up details will be send out once we have worked out any logistic problems. If you want to be involved send though your details, don't be over zealous, but do volunteer as much as you can. Preference will be given to those that can make it on several occasions.
Neil - neilgau@yahoo.com.au
______________________________________________________________________
Canvas for Change
Oxfam
Australia invites you to create an artwork that tells the climate
change story for vulnerable communities in developing countries. The
canvas could represent the climate change impacts faced by these
communities, tell the story of them adapting to climate change or look
at opportunities and possibilities for the future.Submitted works will be exhibited in an Oxfam Australia web gallery and there will be an online competition to choose canvases to be used on postcards and posters. For post-secondary students one of their canvases will be chosen to represent Australia as part of an exhibition at the international gathering of countries on climate change.
The deadline for Oxfam to receive your canvas is October 20 2008.
More info
Visit the Oxfam website
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SWB
welcomes Rosalie Scolari to
the team
Rosalie
Scolari has just begun as the Campaigns Coordinator for
Students Without Borders... Last year Rosalie introduced herself to
Gerry Georgatos, the head of Students Without Borders and asked him for
assistance in disseminating the plight of increasing child destitution
in northern Uganda where she had returned from.
Rosalie, now a Murdoch student, along with Curtin students Jasmine Yapp and Kirstine Masters, screened a guerilla made documentary, the Invisible Children, throughout Perth which was all about the plight of the children in Uganda throughout and following the two decade-long war. Rosalie built this campaign up to a large event at the Perth Convention Centre.
It is not often that large numbers attend seminars about the plight of others in far flung regions. It was a risk to book out a theatre of the Perth Convention Centre. Rosalie ensured there were speakers from Uganda, and Gerry ensured his friend Amy Berson, who had worked in Uganda with an NGO, spoke to the audience. There was African drum music and a screening of the film 'Invisible Children'. Rosalie, Kirsten and Jasmine were rewarded with success because more than 800, mostly university students, attended, proving that people do care and do want to make a difference.
As a result of this evening more people have got themselves involved with the Uganda plight, and Students Without Borders has worked to ensure resources and materials have been sent to northern Uganda.
Rosalie is now our Campaigns Coordinator, and as an Education student at Murdoch is able to credit her involvement with a project piece for a unit of study. Rosalie will spend this semester ensuring that both students and the wider community can get involved with the many, many campaigns that Students Without Borders generates. Every Thursday Rosalie will also be running a stall at Murdoch' s Bush Court, near the Library, to let students, staff and passers by know how to get involved. Rosalie is contactable on swbcampaignscoordinator@guild.murdoch.edu.au.
The heart of the Students Without Borders program, an initiative first begun by the Murdoch Guild of Students, is now Vicky, Gerry and Rosalie.
"Rosie Scolari is a champion. Rosie coordinated the successful Invisible Children program last year, highlighted by 800 plus students at the Convention Centre, so we know SWB will benefit this year." Gerry Georgatos
Interested in starting your own campaign? Click here
________________________________________________________________________
Prisoners of Conscience released in Burma
Amnesty International have announced that at least 7 prisoners of conscience have been released in Burma. One of the longest serving prisoners, 78 year old U Win Tin, has been released after 19 years. But there are still over 2000 political prisoners behind bars. "The release of these seven political prisoners is most welcome. But this is not - and cannot be seen as - an end in itself, only the beginning," - Benjamin Zawacki.
Read more on the Amnesty International website
______________________________________________________________________
Greenpeace - Climate Update
A UK Crown Court has acquitted six Greenpeace UK volunteers accused of criminal damage to a coal-fired power plant. The ruling issues a warning to governments and energy companies, and is an inspiration for those already standing up against the causes of climate change.
Read more on the Greenpeace website
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International Day of Peace - Sept 21
The United Nations' International Day of Peace - marked every year on September 21 - is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace. Established by UN resolution in 1982, "Peace Day" has grown to include millions of people around the world who participate in all kinds of events, large and small.
There are currently no events taking place in Perth, but there are several online events, or you could hold your own peace day event.
To learn more, visit the website
______________________________________________________________________
Greenpeace - Nuclear Update
Documents seen by Greenpeace show that French company Areva is failing to implement vital safety procedures in the troubled construction of its prototype European Pressurized Water Reactor (EPR) in Olkiluoto, Finland. As well as being 2-3 years behind schedule, 70 per cent over budget, and experiencing 1,500 construction defects along with a damaging fire, the reactor's safety cannot be guaranteed.
Read the full story
______________________________________________________
Christmas Island - looks and feels like a prison
Amnesty International sent their National Director, Claire Mallinson, and their Refugee Coordinator, Graham Thorne, to visit the new detention centre on Christmas Island.Read the report
______________________________________________________
Hard Rain exhibition in Kings Park
'Hard Rain' is a major international touring exhibition that includes a challenging series of photographic images by Mark Edwards. An outdoor 50m banner, 'Hard Rain' is inspired by and presented to the lyrics of Bob Dylan's song 'A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall'. The exhibit is a powerful commentary on climate change, people's impact on the environment and global poverty. Confronting visual images challenge audiences to participate in the debate on these relevant issues.
Where: The Botanic Gardens, Kings Park
When: Throughout September, 9am to 4pm daily
Entry: Gold coin donation gratefully accepted to assist the conservation of Kings Park
______________________________________________________
Sasa! A Film about Women, Violence and HIV/AIDS
Sasais a Kiswahili word, meaning now. Now is the time to begin thinking differently about preventing violence against women and HIV/AIDS. This 30-minute documentary film tells two women’s personal stories of violence and HIV/AIDS.
Josephine lives in Kampala, Uganda. She was married when she was only 18-years-old, because her parents could no longer afford to send her to school or to support her. Her husband was very violent and was not monogamous. Fearing possible exposure to HIV from her husband, Josephine attempted several times to leave him, only to be forced back to him each time he demanded the return of the dowry he had paid to her parents. When Josephine discovered that her husband had infected her with HIV, she kept her diagnosis a secret from him, fearing more violence. After he died, his family took custody of Josephine’s children.
Domestic violence greatly increases women’s risk of HIV infection. Conversely, HIV infection increases women’s risk of experiencing domestic violence. In order to effectively prevent HIV infection, we must also recognize and work to prevent the violence that many women experience in their intimate relationships. Violence against women is fueling the epidemic – it is both cause and consequence of HIV infection.
Mama Joyce and Josephine’s stories highlight the need for awareness, the importance of support and the urgency of action. Through their experiences, both women have been moved to become activists in their communities. They work to support women experiencing violence and those living with HIV/AIDS. They work on issues of prevention and are catalysts for change in their communities. This film is an inspiring look at two women’s lives and a call to action for everyone to begin working to prevent violence against women and HIV infection.
http://www.raisingvoices.org/women/Sasa_film.php
Join the Amnesty International WA Women’s Group for a screening of SASA! Discuss efforts to prevent violence against women and HIV/AIDS and how you can become involved in 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence.
Amnesty International, Suite 70, Plaistowe Mews, City West Centre, West Perth
Tuesday 16 September 6 pm
waaia@amnesty.org.au
Ph: 9476 4800
This is a free event
______________________________________________________________________
'A Hero's Journey'
The Edmund Rice Institute for Social Justice are hosting a film night on Wednesday 10th September. 'A Hero’s Journey' is an exploration of the nature and power of forgiveness.
Entry is free, but donations to cover refreshments gratefully accepted.
The Edmund Rice Institute for Social Justice is located at 24 High St, Fremantle.
Doors open at 6pm, film starts at 6.30pm.
______________________________________________________________________
Applications Open for Youth Ambassadors
Young People We Care (YPWC) is currently recruiting new Youth Action Ambassadors for its 2008/2009 programme year. Interested individuals from any part of the world who meet the stated requirements in the application form are encouraged to apply. YPWC is a youth-led and youth-focused organisation operated by young people (aged 15-30) and adult allies working on youth and development issues worldwide.
Learn more.
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The Progressive Law Students’ Association invites you to a
David Ritter, Senior Oceans Campaigner Greenpeace UK
David Ritter is a Perth lawyer who has been based in London since mid 2007 where he runs the Oceans Campaign for Greenpeace UK. David’ s talk will be of interest to students from a range of disciplines who like the idea of working in the public interest.
If you are concerned about the state of our oceans and if you’d like to know why
Greenpeace UK believes JOHN WEST to be one of the WORST brands at ensuring the fish they sell are caught using sustainable methods, his talk is not to be missed.
9 September 2008 @ 1pm
UWA Law Lecture Theatre (above Moot Court in Law Courtyard)
______________________________________________________
Lighthouse Laboratories
Want to help a CHILDHOOD CANCER RESEARCH lab and earn $15 - $30 /hr?
Call Graeme on 0432 904 914
Own transport essential
Lighthouse Laboratories website
______________________________________________________
Sustainability at Murdoch Expo
Thursday 11th September, 10am - 3pm on Bush Court
Murdoch University will come alive as a hive of activity, bursting with hope for the future, with something for everyone at this exciting festival showcasing sustainability initiatives, research and courses on campus, as well as initiatives in the community.
There will be stalls, films, displays, games, competitions, green products to buy, and healthy food to eat. It will be a wonderful day for all to enjoy open to staff, students, visitors and the general public.
Held during Murdoch's annual Sustainability Week festival, this all-day expo will showcase different aspects of sustainability both at University and in the broader community, focusing on:
- Renewable energy and carbon management;
- Biodiversity and Carnabys cockatoos; and
- Waste and recycling.
You will also be able to browse the many stalls from other organisations, recycle your old mobile phone, suss out a worm farm and check out an electric bike.
For more info contact the Guild Sustainability Rep, Joe Magee: 9360 6698 or sustainability@guild.murdoch.edu.au
______________________________________________________
Cross Dress for Red Cross
Cross Dress for Red Cross is a fun light-hearted way to support the work of the world's largest independent humanitarian movement.
Throw aside your normal daily attire on Friday 5th September swapping it for that of the opposite gender. You could be Marilyn Munroe, Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, one of the Blues Brothers or you could make up your own unique character for the day - the options are endless!
You can then encourage your family, friends and coworkers to sponsor you to swap gender attire with the money you raise supporting over 20 vital community services that Red Cross provides to vulnerable Western Australians.
So Cross Dress for Red Cross - it's a great way to have fun and do something different to make a difference.
Visit the Red Cross website.
______________________________________________________________________
MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY Climate Change Forum
While climate change affects us all, poor communities in developing countries (who
contributed the least to the problem) are feeling the worst impacts. According to the UN, 150,000 people are killed each year as a result of climate change. Hear what‘s happening in Africa, how people are adapting and what Australia should do from Charmaine Consul – Program Coordinator from Mozambique for Oxfam Australia. Charmaine has spent 15 years working in Mozambique on development issues.
Thursday 11th September
11.30 - 12.30 Education and Humanities Common Room (EH 2.21)
RSVP: paddyc@oxfam.org.au by 7th September
11.30 - 12.30 Education and Humanities Common Room (EH 2.21)
RSVP: paddyc@oxfam.org.au by 7th September
MAKEPOVERTYHISTORTY
Take Action on Climate Change
Take action on climate change and poverty by enjoying a carbonneutral barbecue and adding some colour to a giant climate change canvas of the world. The more people that help the greater the impact school groups welcome.
Thursday
11th September
Murdoch University, Bush Court from 12.30 - 1.30
RSVP: paddyc@oxfam.org.au by 7th September
Murdoch University, Bush Court from 12.30 - 1.30
RSVP: paddyc@oxfam.org.au by 7th September
______________________________________________________________________
Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness Week
Mon 1st – Sun 7th September
Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week was established to draw
attention to the hidden problems of eating disorders and the widespread nature
of body image concerns.
The week aims to draw attention to some key facts:
* Body image is the number one concern of Young Australians
* Australians spend about $1 million a day on weight loss attempts
* One in five Australian girls experience disordered eating
* 15% of Australian females experience an eating disorder in their lifetime
* Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder
* Boys and men are affected too!
* Help is available and recovery is possible.
The Eating Disorders Sector in Western Australia is providing three key events to
recognise and acknowledge Body Image and Eating Disorder Awareness week in 2008. This is only the second year that Western Australia has recognised this week. The Bridges Association Reference Group which includes Women's Health Works, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Centre for Clinical Intervention, Hollywood Hospital, Carers WA, ARAFMI, Peel Eating Disorders SubProgram, Department of Education, Black Dog Project and Australia Association are hosting the events.
Launch Breakfast
Mon 1st September 7.30-9.00am
VENUE: Fraser’s Restaurant, Kings Park, Perth
Keynote address, services expo and a delicious Fraser’s breakfast.
Ticket Price: $30.00
RSVP: Melanie Hannah biedaw2008@hotmail.com
Unravelling Her—A Play
Performance dates:
Sat 30th August 8pm
Sun 31st August 7pm
Mon 1st September 7pm
VENUE: Spare Parts Puppet Theatre
South Terrace, Fremantle
Tickets: $25 adult—$20 concession
On sale 4th August through theatre 93355044 or via Bridges website www.bridges.net.au
Bridges Inspiration Evening
Wed 3rd September – 6.30-8.00pm
Inspirational Stories of Hope and Recovery
VENUE: MacDonald’s Lecture Theatre, PMH, Roberts Road Subiaco
Entry by donation $5 or more to Bridges Association
RSVP: sharyn.marshall@health.wa.gov.au
______________________________________________________
HOT SHOTS
Equity, Access & Diversity (EAD) is introducing ‘Hot Shots’ to the Murdoch community from the second semester 2008 onwards. Hot Shots is an informal and open discussion forum on contemporary topics that relate to cultural and social diversity around us. Events that create a lot of uncertainties and diverse reactions in our social lives are hot favourites to take a shot at.
Students and staff at Murdoch University are encouraged to go online at www.murdoch.edu.au/goto/hotshots and let the University know of their take on current hot topics. Each campus library will have displays of Hot Shots leaflets with hot topics to ponder on. You are invited to visit www.murdoch.edu.au/goto/hotshots to access Hot Shots topics online.
Equity, Access & Diversity explores the Murdoch community’s views on society, culture and diversity in the spirit of “an open, critical, equitable and participatory” environment, one which the University embodies. The idea is to create a stream of dialogue on current/contemporary issues being reported in the media... issues that are controversial and fall within the broad topic/definition of culture/diversity/discrimination/social policies/political decisions...
A topic will be selected each month. It will be a ‘visible’ yet contentious news item in the media. Responses will be uploaded online at www.murdoch.edu.au/goto/hotshots.
1. Hot Shots can be accessed by people even from outside the Murdoch community. It’s really open to the whole world.
2. Hot Shots will have questions that are brief, catchy and provocative.
3. Hot Shots newsitems will be ones in the media that students can immediately relate to.
______________________________________________________________________
Halal Home Cooked Meals Available
Mature Muslim Lady provides:
• Halal home cooked meals on a monthly basis
• Ready to freeze meals for one
• Ready to grill homemade beef patties
• Ready to grill marinated lamb chops
• New meals can be added (subject to demand)
• Collect from home or delivery can be arranged
• Shopping Service
• Contact: myfabfood@gmail.com.au
_______________________________________________________
Social Justice and Spirituality Retreat
The Edmund Rice Institute for Social Justice are holding their annual Retreat from Wednesday 10 - Sunday 14 September. This non-residential retreat will be held at the Institute in Fremantle. It includes opportunities for reflection, community and live music, and a catered-in meal together at the close of the Retreat on the Sunday.
Full details
Visit the ERISJ website
_________________________________________________________________________
Poverty
Reduction -
Professional Development for Teachers
In the lead up to
Anti-Poverty week in October,
this workshop will explore the causes and consequences of
poverty across the globe and will look at ways to reduce
poverty, including the Millennium Development Goals. This
will be done through interactive activities that could be used
in upper primary or lower secondary classrooms.
Date:
Thurs Sept 11 2008
Time:
4pm -
6pm
Venue:
One
World Centre, 5 King William St, Bayswater, WA
Cost:
$20
for students and OWC members, $30 for non-members
Contact:
Kylie Hosking education@oneworldcentre.org.au
Language
Classes for Semester 2
Starting in week 2, SWB is offering conversational language classes for beginners.
French Tuesday 1.30pm - 3.00pm
Korean Wednesday 1.30pm - 3.00pm
German Wednesday 3.30pm - 5.00pm
Arabic Saturday 10.00am - 11.am (level 1)
Arabic Saturday 11.15am - 12.30pm (level 2)
All classes will be held in the Meeting Room in the Guild Building and will cost you just $2 per class. If you would like to enrol in any of these classes, please contact Vicky - swb@guild.murdoch.edu.au
We are still searching for tutors for Spanish, Japanese, Russian, Italian, Thai, Farsi and Mandarin. If you are fluent in any of these languages and would be interested in teaching conversational classes to small groups of students, please contact Vicky for more information.
_______________________________________________________________________
Variety Comedy Night
YV presents Live Stand-Up comedy at the Charles Hotel. A great laugh and a great cause - lets raise enough money to fulfill a grant for some much needed equipment for kids in need!
Ring 0403 991 732 to buy tickets or if you want to get them at the door, make sure you mention YV so they get the proceeds and you get the free drink!
Over 18 event. ID Required. Dress Code applies - no sneakers.
_______________________________________________________________________
The Mitchell Plateau / Lawley River Region - Under threat
The Mitchell/Lawley River Region is approximately 350km north-east of Derby in the far north west of the Kimberley, WA. The Mitchell and Lawley rivers drain into the spectacular Admiralty Gulf. An area of high rainfall and unique geography, this region is of very high conservation significance.
Home of the Wunambal people, this region has, until recently, been protected from many of the impacts of industrial society due to its remoteness. This area combines a unique mix of tropical and sub tropical habitats. It is one of the least disturbed ecosystems left in the world, and is a last refuge for many species. But the region is now under threat from mining and its associated impacts.
In order to preserve the unique natural features of the Kimberley region, we need to prevent large scale industrial development in the area. There is no way that bauxite mining in this region can be undertaken without significantly and irreparably damaging this unspoilt region.
What can you do? Write to Norsk Hydro, who have signed a joint venture with UMC of Australia, and let them know that their plans to mine the Kimberley are not compatible with protecting the unique values of the region.
Read the Wilderness Society's full article
_____________________________________________________________________________
Call for Papers: Colloquium 2008: Philosophical Futures
A Day of ????-????? (Philo-Sophia): Friendship and Philosophical Discussion
The Murdoch Philosophy Association, in conjunction with the Murdoch School of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Faculty of Arts and Education, invites abstracts of 250 words for twenty-minute papers in any field of philosophy, or related disciplines.
In choosing Philosophical Futures as the theme of this year's Colloquium, we hope to encourage contributions that consider questions relating to the connections between philosophy and the future, for example, future directions for philosophy, links between philosophical pasts and futures, the role of philosophy in shaping the future, and the relevance of philosophy for future generations of theory and practice, life and reflection.
The Colloquium will be held at Murdoch University on Tuesday, December 2nd and is open to academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students. Papers will be refereed, and a certificate will be awarded for the best student paper.
Our goal is once again to provide a forum for the vital exchange of ideas in a supportive, collegial atmosphere, as well as to foster ties between philosophy departments, staff and students. It is our hope that this year we can continue to build upon the achievements of previous Colloquia by engaging in an ongoing philosophical conversation within the wider philosophy community.
We look forward to receiving your abstract before 15 October, 2008.
Keynote speaker: Prof. Genevieve Lloyd
The Colloquium is kindly sponsored by:
Philosophy Program, Murdoch University
The Krishna Somers Foundation for Diaspora Studies
Department of Philosophy, UWA
Centre for Applied Philosophy and Ethics, Curtin University of Technology
Research Ethics Office, Murdoch University
School of Social Sciences & Humanities, Faculty of Arts & Education, Murdoch University
Contact:
Dr Lubica Ucnik
Philosophy Program, School of Social Sciences and Humanities
Murdoch University, Western Australia 6150
L.Ucnik@murdoch.edu.au
_________________________________________________________________________
The Visitor
In a world of six billion people, it takes only one to change your life. The Visitor is a poignant and often funny film dealing with the issue of immigration.
Walter Vale is sleepwalking through his life. He works as an economics teacher, although has lost his passion for teaching and writing. When he is sent to Manhatten to attend a conference he is surprised to find a young couple has taken up residence in his apartment. Victims of a real estate scam, Tarek, a Syrian man, and Zainab, his Senegalese girlfriend, have nowhere else to go. Reluctantly, Walter allows them to stay with him.
Touched by his kindness, Tarek, a talented musician, insists on teaching Walter to play the African drum. The instrument's exuberant rhythms reawaken Walter's soul and as the friendship between the two men grows, the differences in culture, age and temperament fall away.
After being stopped by police in a subway, Tarek is arrested as an undocumented citizen and held for deportation. As his situation turns desperate, Walter feels compelled to help his new friend with a passion he thought he had lost long ago. When Tarek's beautiful mother unexpectedly arrives looking for her son, the professor's personal commitment develops into an unlikely romance. It is through these newfound connections with three virtual strangers that Walter is awakened to a new world and a new life.
The Visitor is released on Thursday 14th August and will be showing at Luna on SX, Cinema Paradiso and the Windsor Cinema.
Visit the website
_________________________________________________________
Sustainable Futures - Professional Development for Teachers
Starting in week 2, SWB is offering conversational language classes for beginners.
French Tuesday 1.30pm - 3.00pm
Korean Wednesday 1.30pm - 3.00pm
German Wednesday 3.30pm - 5.00pm
Arabic Saturday 10.00am - 11.am (level 1)
Arabic Saturday 11.15am - 12.30pm (level 2)
All classes will be held in the Meeting Room in the Guild Building and will cost you just $2 per class. If you would like to enrol in any of these classes, please contact Vicky - swb@guild.murdoch.edu.au
We are still searching for tutors for Spanish, Japanese, Russian, Italian, Thai, Farsi and Mandarin. If you are fluent in any of these languages and would be interested in teaching conversational classes to small groups of students, please contact Vicky for more information.
_______________________________________________________________________
Variety Comedy NightYV presents Live Stand-Up comedy at the Charles Hotel. A great laugh and a great cause - lets raise enough money to fulfill a grant for some much needed equipment for kids in need!
Ring 0403 991 732 to buy tickets or if you want to get them at the door, make sure you mention YV so they get the proceeds and you get the free drink!
Over 18 event. ID Required. Dress Code applies - no sneakers.
_______________________________________________________________________
The Mitchell Plateau / Lawley River Region - Under threat
The Mitchell/Lawley River Region is approximately 350km north-east of Derby in the far north west of the Kimberley, WA. The Mitchell and Lawley rivers drain into the spectacular Admiralty Gulf. An area of high rainfall and unique geography, this region is of very high conservation significance.
Home of the Wunambal people, this region has, until recently, been protected from many of the impacts of industrial society due to its remoteness. This area combines a unique mix of tropical and sub tropical habitats. It is one of the least disturbed ecosystems left in the world, and is a last refuge for many species. But the region is now under threat from mining and its associated impacts.
In order to preserve the unique natural features of the Kimberley region, we need to prevent large scale industrial development in the area. There is no way that bauxite mining in this region can be undertaken without significantly and irreparably damaging this unspoilt region.
What can you do? Write to Norsk Hydro, who have signed a joint venture with UMC of Australia, and let them know that their plans to mine the Kimberley are not compatible with protecting the unique values of the region.
Read the Wilderness Society's full article
_____________________________________________________________________________
Call for Papers: Colloquium 2008: Philosophical Futures
A Day of ????-????? (Philo-Sophia): Friendship and Philosophical Discussion
The Murdoch Philosophy Association, in conjunction with the Murdoch School of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Faculty of Arts and Education, invites abstracts of 250 words for twenty-minute papers in any field of philosophy, or related disciplines.
In choosing Philosophical Futures as the theme of this year's Colloquium, we hope to encourage contributions that consider questions relating to the connections between philosophy and the future, for example, future directions for philosophy, links between philosophical pasts and futures, the role of philosophy in shaping the future, and the relevance of philosophy for future generations of theory and practice, life and reflection.
The Colloquium will be held at Murdoch University on Tuesday, December 2nd and is open to academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students. Papers will be refereed, and a certificate will be awarded for the best student paper.
Our goal is once again to provide a forum for the vital exchange of ideas in a supportive, collegial atmosphere, as well as to foster ties between philosophy departments, staff and students. It is our hope that this year we can continue to build upon the achievements of previous Colloquia by engaging in an ongoing philosophical conversation within the wider philosophy community.
We look forward to receiving your abstract before 15 October, 2008.
Keynote speaker: Prof. Genevieve Lloyd
The Colloquium is kindly sponsored by:
Philosophy Program, Murdoch University
The Krishna Somers Foundation for Diaspora Studies
Department of Philosophy, UWA
Centre for Applied Philosophy and Ethics, Curtin University of Technology
Research Ethics Office, Murdoch University
School of Social Sciences & Humanities, Faculty of Arts & Education, Murdoch University
Contact:
Dr Lubica Ucnik
Philosophy Program, School of Social Sciences and Humanities
Murdoch University, Western Australia 6150
L.Ucnik@murdoch.edu.au
_________________________________________________________________________
The Visitor
In a world of six billion people, it takes only one to change your life. The Visitor is a poignant and often funny film dealing with the issue of immigration.
Walter Vale is sleepwalking through his life. He works as an economics teacher, although has lost his passion for teaching and writing. When he is sent to Manhatten to attend a conference he is surprised to find a young couple has taken up residence in his apartment. Victims of a real estate scam, Tarek, a Syrian man, and Zainab, his Senegalese girlfriend, have nowhere else to go. Reluctantly, Walter allows them to stay with him.
Touched by his kindness, Tarek, a talented musician, insists on teaching Walter to play the African drum. The instrument's exuberant rhythms reawaken Walter's soul and as the friendship between the two men grows, the differences in culture, age and temperament fall away.
After being stopped by police in a subway, Tarek is arrested as an undocumented citizen and held for deportation. As his situation turns desperate, Walter feels compelled to help his new friend with a passion he thought he had lost long ago. When Tarek's beautiful mother unexpectedly arrives looking for her son, the professor's personal commitment develops into an unlikely romance. It is through these newfound connections with three virtual strangers that Walter is awakened to a new world and a new life.
The Visitor is released on Thursday 14th August and will be showing at Luna on SX, Cinema Paradiso and the Windsor Cinema.
Visit the website
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Sustainable Futures - Professional Development for Teachers
The One World Centre
are running
a workshop exploring the meaning of sustainability and global issues
such as climate change, waste, water, biodiversity and consumption. It
will include interactive activities suitable for use in primary
classrooms and ideas for action that classes can take to create a
better future.
Date: Tues 26th August,
2008Time: 4pm - 6pm
Venue: One World
Centre, 5 King William St, Bayswater, WA
Cost: $20 for
students and OWC members, $30 for non-members
Contact: Kylie
Hosking education@oneworldcentre.org.au
More infoVisit the One World Centre Website
Amnesty International Information Night
The WA branch of Amnesty International will be conducting an information evening on Wednesday the 23 July at 6pm at the WA Action Centre. They are located at 70 Plaistowe Mews, City West – opposite Scitech.
They are inviting everyone to learn how Amnesty operates and how you can become involved in their exciting new campaigns.
Pizza will be provided so please RSVP for catering purposes - waaia@amnesty.org.au
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Fuelling food in WA - How will we eat when oil runs low?
The Sustainable Transport Coalition is sponsoring this conference to address the question of how we will manage the growing and transporting of food for millions in WA in an increasingly carbon constrained world.
The era of cheap oil is coming to an end as the world’s oil production peaks. Western Australia is particularly susceptible to increases in fuel costs and food prices. Years of low transport costs have encouraged the food industry to buy from more distant suppliers and produce foods in distant factories. The resources boom has pushed labour costs up, further encouraging food production and processing to move elsewhere. Now, more than 70% of our food is imported from the eastern states and overseas, while more than 70% of the food we produce is exported.
As oil prices rise, how much food can WA produce? Will it concentrate on local markets? Can we go on paying freight costs? Will new food processing factories open as the cost of transport makes imports too expensive? Should the government initiate a much stronger buy local campaign and make easier the transition to local production for local consumption?
The conference will be held at the University Club, UWA, on Friday 3 October 2008.
Program and registration form
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Visit Cuba for the 50th anniversary of the revolution!
Join the 26th Southern Cross Work/Study Tour and support Cuba in the most direct manner by working alongside Cubans for a few days picking fruit or pruning fruit trees and then visiting schools, hospitals, urban agriculture projects, etc.
You will experience at first hand the cultural, political and social conditions in socialist Cuba. This year we will deepen our knowledge of Cuba’s innovative and world-renowned approaches to the environment and climate change.
When? 25 December 08 - 27 January 09
More info
Visit the Cuba Brigade website
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Combating Climate Change
In April 2007 Professor Ross Garnaut was commissioned by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments to investigate the ways in which Australia can combat climate change. The first draft of his report was released on 4 July with the final report due for release in September. The aim of the review was to "examine the impacts of climate change on the Australian economy, and recommend medium to long-term policies and policy frameworks to improve the prospects for sustainable prosperity". Before the draft report was released, public forums and lectures were held around Australia and submissions could be submitted by individuals or organisations. Following the release of the draft review, another round of forums were held to give the community a chance to comment on the recommendations made in the paper.
Already questions have been raised over whether the Government is prepared to follow the recommendations laid down by Prof. Garnaut. The Government has announced that transport will be included as part of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), however, they are reducing the excise charged on petrol to compensate drivers. Whilst this is a much needed discount to drivers, many of whom are already struggling to cope with rising petrol, food and mortgage/rental costs, some environmental groups are claiming that this excise cut undermines the ETS and they would prefer to see the extra money being spent on improving public transport.
The Greens' Environment spokeswoman Christine Milne says, "Kevin Rudd has caved in to pressure from the coal industry and the aluminium industry and what we are going to see is no changed behaviour and a much larger task for people in five to 10 years time". The chief of the Climate Institute, John Connor, agrees, "There's a question about whether we're really just making some of these communities more vulnerable to the increases in global oil prices if they think there is going to be future protection for petrol prices. So we think it's not smart and it's not well targeted".
Murdoch University have today announced that they will be moving to 15% GreenPower in a bid to reduce the university's carbon footprint. Currently only 2 other universities are signed up for GreenPower, with Murdoch set to become the far biggest user. The GreenPower purchased by Murdoch University will come from windfarms in Albany and Emu Downs. From December, when the contract begins, Murdoch is expecting to prevent at least 3500 tonnes of CO2 (or 3.5million kgs) being released into the atmosphere each year – equivalent to the emissions generated by the electricity consumption of 500 households.
It's not just businesses and large organisations that can switch to GreenPower - you can reduce your CO2 emissions at home from as little as $1 per week. For about $5.50 a week you can purchase 100% GreenPower! You can also save energy in other ways - click here to request 2 free energy saving lightbulbs.
More about Australia's ETS
Murdoch University - First in Australia to sign up for 15% GreenPower
More about GreenPower
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Edmund Rice Institute for
Social Justice ImmersionsThe Edmund Rice Institute for Social Justice (ERISJ) has two exciting immersions coming up:
Broome August 10 - 23
Timor-Leste (East Timor) September 27 - October 18
Broome: This journey to the north-west coast of
More info
Timor-Leste: this immersion promises to be an incredible journey into the life of the Timorese people and the resilient culture which has endured so much in recent years. As
More info
To book for the Broome immersion please contact Khristo Newall on (08) 9432 2411 or via immersions@erisj.org.au
Visit the website
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Benefit Concert for Palestinian Refugees
Blac Blocs
Injured Ninja
The Harlow Experiments
Mamma Cass
DJ KL
Fundraising for medical supplies:
As part of its activities the Australian Friends of Palestine has been active in conducting charity work in refugee camps in the Middle East and in the Occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. More than $50,000 has been donated thus far and numerous trips have been made by medical staff who volunteer their time and expertise.
The Australian Friends of Palestine (www.friendsofpalestine.org.au) WA branch is hosting a fund-raising concert at the Hyde Park Hotel on July 18th. All proceeds from the concert will go towards purchasing medical supplies for the Haifa Hospital in Burj al Barajneh Refugee Camp in Beirut.
The camp was created in 1948 and is now home to 16,000 Palestinian refugees. 750,000 Palestinians were driven from their homes by Israeli aggression in 1948 and thousands more by the Israeli conquest of the West Bank and Gaza in 1967. Several million Palestinians live as refugees or under occupation today.
The medical supplies will be purchased in Adelaide by the national committee of the Australian Friends of Palestine before being transported to Beirut.
Your help and support for this concert will bring much needed relief to the patients in this refugee camp.
Friday 18 July
Hyde Park Hotel BACKROOM
From 8pm
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SWB Volunteer RegisterDo you want to become a volunteer? Not sure what you really want to do? We are holding an information session at 11am on Monday 28th July in the Social Justice Centre. Come along to find out what positions are currently available or coming soon, and sign up to the SWB Volunteer Register. We'll keep you updated about any opportunities that arise in the field that interests you.
If you can't make it to the info session, you can email Vicky on swb@guild.murdoch.edu.au for more details. Please let us know if there is a particular cause that you are interested in.
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Cockburn Volunteer Resource Centre
The Cockburn Volunteer Resource Centre (VRC) helps build the capacity of the local volunteering sector. The Centre works as a hub for local volunteers and volunteer agencies providing a link between people and their community.
Volunteers can easily find out about what positions are available and with which organisation, register on the City's confidential volunteer database, and access resources, training and information on volunteering.
Volunteering gives you the chance to:
- share your skills and talents
- develop new skills
- meet new people and make friends
- get to know your community
- work for a cause you believe in
- gain the experience, contacts and references that will help you find a paid job
- challenge yourself
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Murdoch Student Wins NAIDOC Award
Congratulations
to Bill Hayward, a Murdoch student, for winning NAIDOC's Tertiary
Scholar Award. He received this in recognition of his
achievements at Murdoch University. Not only is Bill the
Guild's
Indigenous rep looking after the rights and welfare of Indigenous
students, he is also about to graduate as Australia's first Indigenous
male chiropractor and only the second qualified Indigenous chiropractor
in the country. Award winners: (Bill is 3rd from right in back row)
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Wanted: short docos, narratives, animations, experimental videos, music videos on the human impact of climate change.
The best films will be shown at HRAFF 2008 (Human Rights Arts and Film Festival) in November and December. There are also prizes worth thousands of dollars to be won!!
This competition is being run by HRAFF and the MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY coalition.
Submissions due: 15th August 2008
The films must have been made after 1 January 2007 and must not last longer than 15 minutes.
For more info, terms and conditions, and submission forms visit www.hraff.org.au
________________________________________________________________________
G8 Summit
World leaders are currently attending the annual G8 summit which this year is being held in Hokkaido, Japan. The summit presents an opportunity for the international community to discuss pressing issues, such as the world economy, soaring food prices and climate change. G8 is the 'Group of 8' - the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK and the USA. The President of the European Commission, currently Jose Manuel Barroso of Portugal, is also invited to attend.
African development is another important topic that will be tackled at the summit. More than 40 organisations, including Human Rights First, are calling on the G8 to focus on the crisis in Sudan, and particularly on Darfur. Sudan has been in turmoil since the 1980s when civil war erupted after the North tried to seize control over the South of the country. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed between the North and South in 2005, however, this appears to be on the verge of breaking down again.
Despite the CPA, there is still conflict in Sudan, although the current conflict is based in Darfur in Western Sudan. Since 2003, an estimated 2 million people have been displaced and more than 300,000 killed. During 2008 alone, more than 190,000 people have been displaced following violent attacks ordered by the Sudanese government. It is essential that more peacekeeping troops are deployed and that a strong stance is taken against the provision of weapons to the government of Sudan. An arms embargo is in place to prevent the sale of weapons to Darfur, however, there has been no international objection when the embargo has been ignored and so trade continues. The G8 leaders need to ensure that the Sudanese government cannot gain access to the weapons that it uses to kill, maim, displace and rape its own civilians.
Read more about the Darfur crisis more more
Read more about Human Rights First
Read more about the G8 Summit
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Winter Appeal 2008 Movie Fundraiser
Screening of "Get Smart" to raise funds for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal 2008. 4pm, Ace Cinemas, 500 Hay St, Subiaco. Tickets $15 Adults, $12 Child/Concessions. To pre-book tickets please contact Drina Panic on drinapanic@hotmail.com or Melissa Chung - caramelo.koala@gmail.com
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NAIDOC Week
The NAIDOC Perth Opening and Awards Ceremony will be held on Sunday 6 July 2008 at Wellington Square, East Perth, between 12pm and 4pm.
This is a free event open to all people in Perth to join in the celebration of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Culture.
The event will be alcohol and drug free, with families encouraged to attend through the provision of children’s activities. It will also be a day of ‘healing’, with respect to the Sorry Day Apology that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd nationally made to Aboriginal Stolen Generations on 13 February 2008. Key Aboriginal agencies will be involved to provide referrals for counselling and healing.
Opening Ceremony:
- Main dance group – performance of a traditional Noongar Healing dance to encourage the Healing of our country and people.
- Didgeridoo players to signal the Welcome to Country.
- Noongar elders to perform Welcome to Country in Noongar language.
- Master of Ceremonies and NAIDOC Perth Chairperson to officially Open NAIDOC Week in Perth and acknowledge elders and dignitaries and welcome community members.
- Representative from WA State Government and City of Perth to respond to Welcome.
- Raising of the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian Flags.
- Performance by a Dance group.
- Presentation of NAIDOC Perth Award winners (pre-recorded).
- Entertainment including bands, singers and dance groups to play for the rest of the afternoon.
NAIDOC Week will run from 6th - 13th July with events held across Perth. View the program of events here.
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Christmas
in JulyCelebrate Christmas six months' early and fundraise for vital Red Cross community services! The annual Christmas in July fundraising event is on again in 2008 and you're invited to come along and spread good cheer by raising funds for Red Cross in WA!
Enjoy a sumptuous three course meal in a beautiful seaside location. Fine dining at its best. There's also lots of prizes to be won, including a lucky door prize!
Date: Friday 11 July 2008
Time: From 12.30pm
Venue: The Oyster Bar on the Beach
42 Port Beach Road, North Fremantle
Cost: $58.00
Dress: Smart Casual
Tickets: Can be purchased by contacting Marie Judges on 0417 995 965 or Jan Pettorino on 9446 7296.
For more information, please call Di Watts on 9445 1738.
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SALUTEBehind one of the most iconic images of the last century is the incredible true story of an unsung Aussie hero which has been brought to the big screen in SALUTE.
Ten days before the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, police and military shot student demonstrators in what became known as the Tlatelolco Massacre. This was the local context in which Australian 200m silver-medalist Peter Norman would take to the podium wearing a badge in support of the Human Rights movement. When the American anthem played, Gold and Bronze medallists John Carlos and Tommie Smith would famously deliver the Black Power salute. The image of the three athletes would become one of the most iconic in a year of global unrest, and would change the course of each man's life.
Highly topical and extremely revealing, SALUTE explores the circumstances that provoked the powerful gesture and also highlights the personal fallout for each of the three men. Written and directed by Norman's nephew Matt, the film will introduce Australia to one of its heroes who has flown under the radar for so many years.
As the Beijing Olympics approaches surrounded by protests over China's civil and human rights atrocities, this movie shows the role of the Olympic games in World politics in the past.
Starts July 17 at Cinema Paradiso
Visit the SALUTE website
Fundraising opportunities/group bookings
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Batman: The Dark Knight Charity
PremiereThe Innocence Project WA (IPWA) is a non profit organisation that is dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted people by reviewing claims of wrongful conviction, to raise awareness of miscarriages of justice in Western Australia and to preserve the freedom and rights of all innocent Western Australian men and women.
The Western Australian Innocence Project regularly holds various fundraising events to assist in the managing of the Innocence Project and to help further pending cases. The Innocence Project WA is also currently raising monies in order to have the participation of the academics and students of Universities to look into cases where substantiated claims of innocence have been made.
The events are a fun way to spend an evening or a day with all proceeds going to a great cause.
Date: Thursday 17th July 2008
Price: $20.00
each ($22.00 for credit card bookings) this includes movie ticket and
complimentary beer, sparkling wine or soft drink at Seven Seas upstairs
bar for before the show)
Preshow:
7.30pm @ Seven Seas Restaurant
677 Beaufort Street Mount Lawley
The
Show:
9.15pm @ Astor Cinema (a very short walk from Seven Seas)
659 Beaufort Street Mount Lawley
All monies raised goes to the IPWA.
To book tickets, visit the IPWA
website.
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National Tree Day
National Tree Day gives all Australians an opportunity to get involved with their local environment at a community level. The benefits of getting involved with National Tree Day extend well beyond the personal satisfaction of knowing that you're supporting a good cause. You'll be helping your local schools and community, promoting biodiversity, offsetting carbon emissions, beautifying natural spaces, and having a great time!
Volunteering is easy and everyone is welcome. Use Planet Ark's Find a Site search facility to locate your closest National Tree Day site, then simply show up on the day ready to get your hands dirty and plant some trees (note: Please RSVP to the Site Coordinator where indicated).
Remember to wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt and sun-block. Take plenty of water to drink. And wear sensible shoes and gardening gloves.
Visit the National Tree Day website
JET Campaign Update
The JET Action Group are continuing their battle to convince the Government that single parents deserve the opportunity to achieve a higher education. During June, the Sunday Times published an article featuring Peta Miller, a Murdoch student and one of the founders of the JET Campaign, focusing on the financial difficulties faced by students who are also bringing up children. The article has generated a huge response from readers, so hopefully the Government will take note and reintroduce JET Childcare Fee Assistance for the full duration of university studies.
Read Peta's response to the article here.
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Directions after Sorry
NTEU (National Tertiary Education Industry Union) WA Division held its first forum for 2008 in May to discuss ways forward on Indigenous issues following the Government's Apology earlier this year. Speakers included Ben Wyatt, MLA for Victoria Park, and Mary Terszak, a member of the Stolen Generation and author of the book "Orphaned by the Colour of My Skin".
Forum newsletter
_________________________________________________________________________
World Refugee Day 2008: Andrew Bartlett and A Nun's New Habit
- Project SafeCom's Annual event in Fremantle - a documentary movie and a lecture...
During his last month as a Senator in June 2008, Queensland based Democrats Senator Andrew Bartlett delivers a lecture about Australia, asylum seekers, refugees and the Migration Act, and we celebrate the tens of thousands of ordinary Australians, and amongst them in particular the catholic nuns, who became a massive wall of quiet protest during the years since Tampa in the Documentary A Nun's New Habit.
- DATE: Saturday 21 June 2008
- WHERE: FTI Cinema, 92 Adelaide Street, Fremantle WA
- TIME: 6:45pm for 7:00pm start
- COST: Entry "by generous donation"
Bookings are essential for this event.
More info
Make a booking
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
Students Without Borders is hosting a Morning Tea to help raise funds for the Cancer Council. Come and join us on Bush Court for tea, coffee and cake. The event starts at 10am and will finish whenever we run out of cake!!
If you would like to donate a cake, please contact Vicky E on 9360 6307 or swb@guild.murdoch.edu.au
Gold coin donation - all money will go directly to the Cancer Council. The Cancer Council of WA has set a target of $40,000. We have set ourselves a target of raising $500. If you would like to make a donation, please click here.
The Cancer Council Western Australia is the leading cancer charity in WA.
They are a non-government, community-supported organisation dedicated to reducing the impact of cancer on West Australians.
They aim to do this by funding a diverse range of cancer research, educating the community about cancer prevention and providing support for cancer patients, their families and loved ones.
Every Cup Counts in the Fight Against Cancer
$5 can enable them to provide a newly diagnosed cancer patient with important support and information resources to help them through their cancer journey. This ensures that cancer patients are fully informed about their disease, understand their treatment options and are aware of the local services available to them.
$10 can contribute to running The Cancer Council Helpline, a confidential telephone information and referral service. Calls are answered by trained health professionals, who provide information on cancer and cancer treatment, and will put callers in touch with support services in their local area.
$20 can help them train a Cancer Connect volunteer. These volunteers are cancer survivors who provide one-to-one support for people diagnosed with cancer. Many cancer patients feel that the support and encouragement they receive through this service are an important part of their overall care and recovery.
$50 can help them fund clinical trials, which test new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
$100 can go towards the cost of funding ground-breaking research into the causes of cancer and into new and improved treatments. Significant advances have been achieved through research; the cancer mortality rate in Australia has decreased by 17% over 10 years, and is at its lowest level since the 1970s.
_________________________________________________________
Child Labour, Trafficking and Slavery - An Insight
World Vision’s WA Youth Ambassador, Courtney Robertson, has recently returned from an eye-opening trip to India. Here she witnessed children as young as 4 working to support their families.
She also met some inspiring young people who are working to change the conditions that millions of children in India are forced to endure.
Come along and learn more about child labour and what World Vision is doing to improve the lives of some of the world’s poorest children.
Critical Voice Forum - Tuesday 13th May @ 11.30am in ECL4
www.stir.org.au
_________________________________________________________
Reclaim Power
Reclaim Power is the movie made about the first Camp for Climate Action in the UK in 2006. It tells the story of the camp, the action taken and gives you a taste of a climate convergence in the lead up to the Australian Camp in July this year.
Come to La Tropicana Cafe on High St in Fremantle where this event is absolutely free. There will also be a chance for discussions and questions about climate camp 2008.
For more info contact westasen@gmail.com or 0421 132 044
_______________________________________________________
Global Night Shift - Friday 16th
May
End Child Slavery Perth
Did you know that 8.4 million children are denied an education because they forced to work as slaves? You can join thousands of young Australians in the fight to End Child Slavery.
On Friday 16 May 2008, join the movement as Australia stands up to end child slavery. The Global Night Shift is one national event held simultaneously in seven cities, across Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Darwin, Canberra and Adelaide.
End Child Slavery Perth will be held on May 16 at 7pm at the Perth Concert Hall.
Entertainment will include fire entertainment troupe, FIRE 'N' MOTION, who will be on stage to provide a highly creative and mesmerising fire performance.Fast-paced, visually impressive and sure to please those of all ages. CHELSEA J GIBSON, respected Perth singer, will also feature at the event. AKWAABA African Drumming and Dancing group.
For more information, please contact Jamie Van Egmond, jamie.vane@gmail.com.
_________________________________________________________
World Food Crisis
Have you noticed food costing more when you shop? Here’s why - we've plunged into a world food crisis. Rocketing prices are squeezing billions of households, 100 million more are facing starvation and food riots are flaring from Egypt to Bangladesh. In Sierra Leone alone rice prices have doubled, leaving 90% of the country unable to provide food for their family.
Avaaz.org are launching an urgent campaign with African foreign minister and human rights campaigner Zainab Bangura. Click below to see Zainab's video message and add your name to the food crisis petition - the target is 200,000 signatures to deliver a massive global outcry to leaders at the UN, G8 and EU:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/world_food_crisis/tf.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK
________________________________________________________
Help the Homeless
During the month of May realestate.com.au has joined forces with Mission Australia to raise awareness about homelessness. In addition, for each person who clicks on www.housesforthehomeless.com.au, $1 will be given towards Mission Australia’s housing support services, up to a total of $100,000.
Help them to reach the target - click here now!
_______________________________________________________
Camp Stories - Thursday 8th May
Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson for Indigenous
Affairs and Human & Community Services and the WA Bringing Them Home
Committee invite you to:
A WA screening of 'Camp Stories' at FTI - 92 Adelaide St, Fremantle
on Thursday 8 May, 2008.
Camp Stories... from within Alice Springs town-camps, real stories
told by those who live them. A program of short films - Indigenous
Australian voices telling it like it is.
Screening to commence at 7pm, followed by questions and refreshments.
RSVP to bridget.halbert@aph.gov.au by Tuesday 6 May.
All welcome.
________________________________________________________
Volunteers Meeting - Tuesday 6th May
Come along for a light supper and an informal discussion about volunteering with the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre. This month they will discuss the key roles of volunteers, feedback session and a brief chat about training.
1/4 Chesterfield Road, Mirrabooka @ 6pm
Please RSVP to Fleur on 9345 5755 or fleur.noonan@mmrcwa.org.au
Current volunteering opportunities
________________________________________________________
Conservation Volunteers Australia
Are you interested in conservation projects? If you'd like to take part in activities such as coastline care, seed planting or wetland rehabilitation why not join Conservation Volunteers Australia?
More info
Visit the website
________________________________________________________________________
Mayday Fair - Sunday 4th May
Brought to you by WA Unions, the Mayday fair and march is a celebration of work and family.
Free music!
Free food!
Free fun!
Starts 12pm at Freo Esplanade. Featuring Hip Mo' Toast
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Fairtrade Fortnight - 3rd-17th May
_________________________________________________________
The Sanitation Situation: Professional Development for Teachers
Students Without Borders is hosting a Morning Tea to help raise funds for the Cancer Council. Come and join us on Bush Court for tea, coffee and cake. The event starts at 10am and will finish whenever we run out of cake!!
If you would like to donate a cake, please contact Vicky E on 9360 6307 or swb@guild.murdoch.edu.au
Gold coin donation - all money will go directly to the Cancer Council. The Cancer Council of WA has set a target of $40,000. We have set ourselves a target of raising $500. If you would like to make a donation, please click here.
The Cancer Council Western Australia is the leading cancer charity in WA.
They are a non-government, community-supported organisation dedicated to reducing the impact of cancer on West Australians.
They aim to do this by funding a diverse range of cancer research, educating the community about cancer prevention and providing support for cancer patients, their families and loved ones.
Every Cup Counts in the Fight Against Cancer
$5 can enable them to provide a newly diagnosed cancer patient with important support and information resources to help them through their cancer journey. This ensures that cancer patients are fully informed about their disease, understand their treatment options and are aware of the local services available to them.
$10 can contribute to running The Cancer Council Helpline, a confidential telephone information and referral service. Calls are answered by trained health professionals, who provide information on cancer and cancer treatment, and will put callers in touch with support services in their local area.
$20 can help them train a Cancer Connect volunteer. These volunteers are cancer survivors who provide one-to-one support for people diagnosed with cancer. Many cancer patients feel that the support and encouragement they receive through this service are an important part of their overall care and recovery.
$50 can help them fund clinical trials, which test new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
$100 can go towards the cost of funding ground-breaking research into the causes of cancer and into new and improved treatments. Significant advances have been achieved through research; the cancer mortality rate in Australia has decreased by 17% over 10 years, and is at its lowest level since the 1970s.
_________________________________________________________
Child Labour, Trafficking and Slavery - An Insight
World Vision’s WA Youth Ambassador, Courtney Robertson, has recently returned from an eye-opening trip to India. Here she witnessed children as young as 4 working to support their families.
She also met some inspiring young people who are working to change the conditions that millions of children in India are forced to endure.
Come along and learn more about child labour and what World Vision is doing to improve the lives of some of the world’s poorest children.
Critical Voice Forum - Tuesday 13th May @ 11.30am in ECL4
www.stir.org.au
_________________________________________________________
Reclaim Power
Reclaim Power is the movie made about the first Camp for Climate Action in the UK in 2006. It tells the story of the camp, the action taken and gives you a taste of a climate convergence in the lead up to the Australian Camp in July this year.
Come to La Tropicana Cafe on High St in Fremantle where this event is absolutely free. There will also be a chance for discussions and questions about climate camp 2008.
For more info contact westasen@gmail.com or 0421 132 044
_______________________________________________________
End Child Slavery Perth
Did you know that 8.4 million children are denied an education because they forced to work as slaves? You can join thousands of young Australians in the fight to End Child Slavery.
On Friday 16 May 2008, join the movement as Australia stands up to end child slavery. The Global Night Shift is one national event held simultaneously in seven cities, across Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Darwin, Canberra and Adelaide.
End Child Slavery Perth will be held on May 16 at 7pm at the Perth Concert Hall.
Entertainment will include fire entertainment troupe, FIRE 'N' MOTION, who will be on stage to provide a highly creative and mesmerising fire performance.Fast-paced, visually impressive and sure to please those of all ages. CHELSEA J GIBSON, respected Perth singer, will also feature at the event. AKWAABA African Drumming and Dancing group.
For more information, please contact Jamie Van Egmond, jamie.vane@gmail.com.
_________________________________________________________
World Food Crisis
Have you noticed food costing more when you shop? Here’s why - we've plunged into a world food crisis. Rocketing prices are squeezing billions of households, 100 million more are facing starvation and food riots are flaring from Egypt to Bangladesh. In Sierra Leone alone rice prices have doubled, leaving 90% of the country unable to provide food for their family.
Avaaz.org are launching an urgent campaign with African foreign minister and human rights campaigner Zainab Bangura. Click below to see Zainab's video message and add your name to the food crisis petition - the target is 200,000 signatures to deliver a massive global outcry to leaders at the UN, G8 and EU:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/world_food_crisis/tf.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK
________________________________________________________
Help the Homeless
During the month of May realestate.com.au has joined forces with Mission Australia to raise awareness about homelessness. In addition, for each person who clicks on www.housesforthehomeless.com.au, $1 will be given towards Mission Australia’s housing support services, up to a total of $100,000.
Help them to reach the target - click here now!
_______________________________________________________
Camp Stories - Thursday 8th May
Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson for Indigenous
Affairs and Human & Community Services and the WA Bringing Them Home
Committee invite you to:
A WA screening of 'Camp Stories' at FTI - 92 Adelaide St, Fremantle
on Thursday 8 May, 2008.
Camp Stories... from within Alice Springs town-camps, real stories
told by those who live them. A program of short films - Indigenous
Australian voices telling it like it is.
Screening to commence at 7pm, followed by questions and refreshments.
RSVP to bridget.halbert@aph.gov.au by Tuesday 6 May.
All welcome.
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Volunteers Meeting - Tuesday 6th May
Come along for a light supper and an informal discussion about volunteering with the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre. This month they will discuss the key roles of volunteers, feedback session and a brief chat about training.
1/4 Chesterfield Road, Mirrabooka @ 6pm
Please RSVP to Fleur on 9345 5755 or fleur.noonan@mmrcwa.org.au
Current volunteering opportunities
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Conservation Volunteers Australia
Are you interested in conservation projects? If you'd like to take part in activities such as coastline care, seed planting or wetland rehabilitation why not join Conservation Volunteers Australia?
More info
Visit the website
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Mayday Fair - Sunday 4th MayBrought to you by WA Unions, the Mayday fair and march is a celebration of work and family.
Free music!
Free food!
Free fun!
Starts 12pm at Freo Esplanade. Featuring Hip Mo' Toast
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Fairtrade Fortnight - 3rd-17th May
Fairtrade coffee is a practical, everyday way to help eradicate poverty. Most of the world’s coffee is produced by small scale farmers in developing countries. The additional price – or Fairtrade premium – they receive when we buy Fairtrade coffee can mean the difference between having three meals a day or just one, being able to send kids to school, or being able to access health and other social services.
The Fairtrade premium of 28 cents a kilo levied on the sale of all Fairtrade coffee funds development projects in these farming communities including building health centres; providing desks and books for schools; and helping farmers’ diversify their incomes through micro-credit schemes and training.
Oxfam are encouraging people to hold a "coffee break" at their work place or with friends during this week. When you register your event you will receive 6 sachets of Fairtrade Coffee, 6 Fairtrade teabags, a short DVD about Fairtrade coffee, posters and flyers for the event and the opportunity to buy Fairtrade T-shirts at half-price.
More info
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The Sanitation Situation: Professional Development for Teachers
Are you
looking for something new to
teach? Do you think your students might like to talk about
toilets?
At this workshop you will:
- Explore global sanitation issues – why toilets are so important, who doesn’t have them, what problems result from a lack of sanitation facilities and what efforts are being made to improve the world’s sanitation situation.
- Discuss the “toilet taboo” and why we might need to talk about issues of sanitation and hygiene.
- Examine where learning about sanitation issues fits into the curriculum framework.
- Participate in a range of fun activities that could also be used in the classroom.
- Be given free resources to assist in teaching about sanitation.
When: Tuesday May 27, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Where:
One World Centre,
Who: Teachers and student teachers of primary school students
Cost: $20 for OWC members and students, $30 for non-members (Contact the OWC to find out about becoming a member)
Contact: Kylie Hosking
More info
Indigenous
Content in University EducationLed by Gerry Georgatos,
Co-ordinator of Students Without Borders, students and academics
believe that to address many of the blights that the First Nation
peoples of this continent continue to endure there must be
compulsory substantial indigenous continent in all university
undergraduate programs.
Gerry, who also sits
on Murdoch's Academic Council and the University's Senate as a
postgraduate student member, tabled an April 16 proposal to Academic
Council for the compulsory inclusion of indigenous content. It was
carried and will begin in 2010. The content shall be delivered by
Indigenous lecturers and academics through the Foundation
units.
"In terms of its First Nation
population Australia has the worst record of all the OECD countries.
Well known facts include the disproportionate number of Indigenous
peoples incarcerated, who lack higher and tertiary education, who are
worse off in terms of health, housing and social inclusion. It is a
well
known fact that Indigenous
Australians on average live 17 years less
than non-Indigenous Australians. The
Prime Minister of Australia delivered an Apology to the Indigenous
peoples of Australia on February 13. This is considered as a 'first
step'. The 'next steps' must ensure they can actually improve the
condition of Indigenous peoples in this country and ensure their
complete social inclusion. We all have a responsibility to this end. It
is higher education that can best deliver every opportunity to ensure
this advance." - Gerry Georgatos
On April 16
Gerry moved
the following motions to Academic Council, which were both
carried:
Academic
Council recommends that substantial Indigenous content will be included
in all Foundation Units. Academic Council recommends that this should
be implemented no later than the commencement of the 2010 academic
year. Academic Council requests that a report on how this is being or
will be achieved shall be provided by the first Council meeting in 2009.
"All Australians must share in the knowledge that the First Nation peoples endured horrific apartheid, who for two centuries were denied the accumulation of infrastructure and education that all other Australians weren't, who were the victims of eugenics that attempted to eliminate the 'blackness' from some Indigenous peoples while regarding as 'hopeless' the Indigenous people who were considered too 'black'. We must admit this country's history of racism and stop the hostile denial of it. You cannot have formal equality if you do not address those denied advantage. You must have substantive equality, where you ensure the rights of those denied them in order to genuinely have formal equality. If all Australians are educated in the truth then we will have a greater capacity for social and equitable inclusion and a greater ability to engage with another.
"It is not a matter of whether Universities can cost this type of education, it is a matter of whether Australia can afford not to. It has been one of the most horrific crimes of this country for far too long. Murdoch University had been friendly to these aims for a number of years and had argued to achieve such content where practical but we have stepped it up in line with the Social Justice Centre's campaign for the 'truth' to be part of all our universities' undergraduate curriculi. We will now have it in place across the board for 2010. With possibly the University of South Australia moving in the same direction it will be an Australia first, and about time.
"We will continue to campaign
across the continent, to Universities, to State and Federal governments."
- Gerry Georgatos.
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Help organise the Hyper Festival Series 08
The Hyper Festival Series for 2008 is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever this year and the City of Swan is calling out for young people to join the Hyper Festival Team and help make it all happen.
More info
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Animal
abuse lauded as 'Art'In 2007, the Costa Rican 'artist' Guillermo Vargas Habacuc paid children to catch a dog from the street and then tied him to a rope in art gallery. He was kept here without food or water until he starved to death. For several days, the 'artist' and exhibition visitors watched the dog's agonising death whilst saying and doing nothing to end its suffering.
The judges of The prestigious Central American Biennial exhibition have praised his work and have declared it art rather than an inhumane act. Habacuc has been invited to repeat his cruel action at the Biennial of 2008 in Honduras. His explanation is that he wanted to draw attention to the suffering of street dogs in San Jose, where nobody cares about the dogs who die there everyday.
Please sign the petition calling for a boycott of Guillermo Vargas Habacuc at the Bienal Centroamericana Honduras 2008 here.
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Stop Fueling Climate ChangeThe Australian Coal Association has called on the government to give priority to 'clean coal' technologies. They are asking to be given money generated through the proposed Emissions Trading Scheme, which has been designed to reduce the country's carbon footprint. They already receive 28 times more tax payers’ money than renewable energy and make massive profits, but they still want more!
Greenpeace are calling on Rudd and Swan to make renewable energies a priority and to reduce the money given to the fossil fuel industry.
Sign the petition here
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Reconciliation Get Together
At 7pm on April 29th, thousands of Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, will be sitting down together to build a bridge of understanding. It's not the sort of conversation we'll have everyday, but some conversations simply must be said. Reconciliation will take a nation. RSVP now to spend an evening creating a brighter future, or sign up to host an event if there's none in your community. It is a night you will surely remember.
Right now we have an historic opportunity to turn the momentum generated by February's apology into real reconciliation. You can help make that reality by joining a simple conversation. Already almost 200 hosts, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, have put up their hands everywhere from Alice Springs to Annandale to host a 'Reconciliation GetTogether'. Would you like to attend one? Click below now for your place in the national conversation making cultural history:
http://www.getup.org.au/community/gettogethers/series.php?id=17&dc=389,374100
On the night, we'll also be celebrating the launch of our new song with Paul Kelly, Kev Carmody, Urthboy and Missy Higgins - a song that will ignite the airwaves with our message, and together we'll send it and that message to number one. But while a song alone can't change a nation, a grassroots movement for change can.
This year the ground has shifted on Indigenous issues and the nation has started to move. But without a grassroots movement driving it forward, reconciliation will stall, as we've seen do before. It all begins with a conversation. Join GetUp on April 29th to be a part of this national initiative.
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Freedom
Day - Sat April 19thSTOP THE TRAFFIK is a global movement working to combat the fastest growing global crime, people trafficking. Around the world men, women and children are being treated as commodities—something to be bought, sold, and enslaved.
It has been estimated that 1000 women are traffiked into Australia each year, and between 700,000 and 4 million people are traffiked worldwide annually for sexual exploitation, although the secrecy surrounding the industry makes it difficult to get an accurate figure. Most of these people only find out the terms of their work when they arrive and are then held against their will with threats of violence towards their families forcing them to keep quiet. When the Federal Police do intervene they are often deported without regard for the abuse that they have suffered.
Join the STOP THE TRAFFIK Rally in Perth on Saturday April 19th and add your voice to the calls to end this abuse of human rights.
Where: State Library, Perth
When: 11.00am, the walk for freedom starts at 11.30am
Come along to a screening of "The Jammed". This film, inspired by real events and court transcripts, follows the plight of Crystal, a young indonesian girl, who is about to be sent to a detention centre and deported. Her claims of multiple rape and being held captive in Australia are falling on deaf ears - there have already been 67 illegal prostitutes deported in the last few months.
A young Melbourne woman makes a promise to help a Chinese woman find her missing daughter, and she gets drawn into a world that she never knew existed. The sinister workings of human traffiking, illegal prostitution and governmental deportation are exposed as the story unravels. The movie will be screened at 6.30pm at The Salvation Army Perth Fortress Corps, 333 William Street in Northbridge. Gold coin donation, light refreshments provided.
Want to learn more about human traffiking? Visit STOP THE TRAFFIK
Want to learn more about The Jammed? Click here
Sign the global declaration calling for an end to people traffiking
STOP THE TRAFFIK. PEOPLE SHOULDN'T BE BOUGHT AND SOLD.
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CLOSETHEGAP Day - April 22nd
The Council of Australian Governments recently committed to CLOSETHEGAP in life expectancy in a generation and halve Indigenous child mortality rates in the next ten years - this could be a defining moment in Australia's history. More than 110,000 Australians have signed the Close the Gap petition showing the widespread support for the important changes needed. But now is the time to keep the momentum going to ensure that state and federal governments take action to meet this promise.
There is currently a 17-year gap between the life expectancy of indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. This gap can be closed, but it requires a long-term commitment to improve access to healthcare. There are many successful community run health programs already making a difference: the Townsville Mum's and Babies Program has increased child birth weights and cut the perinatal death rate by half.
The CLOSETHEGAP campaign is supported by 40 indigenous and non-indigenous organisations including Oxfam Australia, and is Australia's largest campaign to improve Aboriginal health.
Tuesday April 22nd is National CLOSETHEGAP Day so why not show your support by attend an event or hold your own?
Find out more
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Stand United Against Domestic Violence
Women’s Council for Domestic and
Family Violence Services invites all community members to attend the 18th Annual Silent Domestic
Violence Memorial MarchThis event remembers and honours all those who have lost their lives as result of domestic and family violence.
When: Thursday 24th April 2008 National Stop Domestic Violence Day
Where: Stirling Gardens (Cnr Barrack St and St Georges Tce)
Time: Rally with speakers commences 11.00am
A silent march through the streets of Perth starts at 12 noon
For further information contact 9420 7264 or info@womenscouncil.com.au
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Camp for Climate Action - book your place now!
Camp for Climate Action is a 5 day camp for people who are serious about taking action on climate change. This year it will take place in Newcastle from July 10-15. WASEN are hiring a bus so everyone can travel across the country together, book your seat soon or you might miss out!
Contact info@climatecamp.org.au or WestASEN@gmail.com or visit www.climatecamp.org.au for more info.
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Critical Voice - 1st April 2008
SWB introduces guest speakers from the Samaritans, Save the Children and WASEN to talk about the work that they do, the issues that they campaign on and the ways that you can make a difference.
4 pm in KBLT.
Critical Voice Calendar
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Fossil Fools Day - 1st April 2008
Climate Change is a huge problem and it needs to be tackled now. By keeping fossil fuels in the ground we can combat the problems of melting polar ice caps and wildlife extinction much more effectively than with schemes such as carbon offsetting.
On April 1st, 2008, join WASEN as they turn the tables on Governments and the bureaucrats who control the fossil fuel market, and show them who the real fools are.
Target a local fossil fool - See the clowns investing in coal - The carbon offset contortionist or the oily strong man? Join with thousands around the world in taking one step closer to dismantling the fossil fuel industry. Find a fossil fool in your community and pull a prank that packs a punch.
This is our time to demand companies stop FOOLISHLY polluting. And switch to CLEANER GREENER power. For more information visit
www.radicalhack.com/wasen
Students, workers and people of all ages will gather to speak, share and march.
APRIL 1ST Perth City 1PM - YOUR
PLANET NEEDS YOU.
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Night of the Enviro Seminars
If you're interested in conservation, don't miss the following seminars:
Importance of Fungi in Conservation
Quenda Conservation
Carnaby's Cockatoos on Campus
Followed by the short film Birds v. Bees.
Thursday 3rd April, 5.30-7.30pm in the Loneragan Building Lecture Theatre.
Gold coin donation, refreshments provided.
For more information contact Caroline Minton – C.Minton@murdoch.edu.au
or Neil Goldsborough – environment@guild.murdoch.edu.au.
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Walk Against Want
Oxfam's Walk Against Want will take place in Fremantle on Sunday 6th April 2008. If you’d like to lend a hand please come along to a meeting of the WALK committee on Monday March 3rd at 4pm.
Where: 11A Yalgoo Avenue, White Gum Valley
When: Monday 3rd March 4pm
Details of the walk will be available soon.
Volunteers are also needed to work in the Fremantle Oxfam shop on Sundays.
More details.
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Critical Voice Forum - 8th April
Nick Everett of the Australia Venezuela Solidarity Network will be speaking about the current political situation in Venezuela.
Hugo Chavez is the democratically-elected President of Venezuela but the US government and other high profile people have declared him a dictator and have called him a “negative force in the region”. His government is incredibly popular in Venezuela and millions of workers, peasants and the poor of Venezuela have mobilised to protect themselves against the US. The US government has attempted to overthrow the Chavez government! Venezuelans have the right to choose their own government and to determine their own future.
4pm in KBLT.
For more info visit http://www.venezuelasolidarity.org/
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National Walk for Values – Saturday 12 April
Australian of the Year Dr Fiona Wood will share reflections on community values in an inspirational speech at the National Walk for Values 2008. The National Walk for Values celebrates the universal human values of Truth, Love, Right Conduct, Peace and Non-Violence in Australian society.
The Perth Walk will feature a procession of colourful banners and music weaving through the streets of Perth to Forrest Chase where Dr Wood, will be joined by WA Young Australian of the Year, Darren Lomman, and NAIDOC Aboriginal of the Year and Community Services Award Winner, Jim Morrison, to elaborate on what values mean to community spirit. The Walk is free and welcomes everyone.
The walk starts at Alexander Library (James Street, Northbridge) and amongst music and colour will wind through the streets of Perth city to end at Forrest Chase. Please arrive by 11:30am for a 12 noon start. For insurance purposes, all participants must register for the Walk. Please click here to register.
More info
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Critical Voice Forum - Tuesday 15th April
Amnesty International will be introducing their China Campaign. There are high expectations that the Games will spark improvements in China's human rights record. When Beijing was chosen as the host city for the Games, both the Chinese authorities and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) spoke publicly of the “unique legacy” it would leave to China and to sport. This included progress in human rights.
Although there have been some positive changes since then, such as a reform of the death penalty system and greater reporting freedom for foreign journalists, these have been overshadowed by a deterioration in other areas. The Games are being used as a justification to extend the use of detention without trial in Beijing as part of the city’s "clean-up" ahead of August 2008. Meanwhile, human rights activists are increasingly subjected to harassment, house arrest and unfair trials.
Come along to find out what Amnesty International are doing to help combat the oppression of human rights in China.
4pm in KBLT.
More info about the campaign
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Critical Voice Forum – Tuesday 29th April
Mark Sheehan and Peter Murphy from the Global Warming Forest Group (GWFG) will be coming to Perth to raise awareness of the logging of native forests in WA.
Despite the Labor Government's 2001 election pledge to protect WA's Old Growth Forests, they have just announced that 61,410 hectares of native forest will be cleared in the next 3 years. Think of it this way – that area is more than 409 times the size of the Shire of Peppermint Grove!!! And that's just in the next 3 years.
GWFG exists for the primary objective of seeing an end to all logging and thinning in Western Australia's native forest. As more and more people are realising the seriousness of climate change on the planet, governments are going to have to stop turning a blind eye to the destruction industry is doing to the natural environment.
Did you know that there are areas just outside Perth being destroyed without anyone complaining?? Come along and find out how we can help to end this needless destruction.
4pm in KBLT.
More info
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Find the Missing Peace – Wednesday 30th April
Learn about the '3 Laws of Spiritual Success'. This event is hosted by Vedanta Australia, a Perth-based group who help Australians live a life of spiritual health and well being. Vedanta is a philosophy that teaches us how to live life dynamically, with clarity and perfect peace of mind. Gold coin donation.7.30pm at the Murdoch Worship Centre.
For more info visit http://www.vedanta.org.au
Riyadh sends 327 wheelchairs to
Iraqi children
With
the help of mining company Woodside Petroleum, a Perth wheelchair
manufacturer, the Murdoch University Student Guild and Students without
Borders, Perth-based Iraqi student Riyadh Al Hakimi successfully sent
327 wheelchairs to Iraqi children - who are injured as a result of the
war - many of them in Riyadh's hometown Najaf.
In the southern town of Najaf the number of amputees is disproportionately high and there are not enough wheelchairs in Iraq to provide them to everyone. It is a nightmare existence. A couple of years ago Riyadh organised for 100 children's wheelchairs to be sent to the Iraqi towns of Najaf and Samara.
Last year Riyadh approached Students Without Borders to see if we could assist in the transport of more than 200 children's wheelchairs to Iraq. Ultimately, over the period of a year to coordinate this transport, Riyadh managed 327 children's wheelchairs. The Gnangara (Perth) wheelchair manufacturer, Wheelchairs For Kids, was obviously so touched by the plight of these young children that they donated 327 brand new fold up children's wheelchairs. The staff volunteered their time on a Saturday to pack them and help load them into the transport.
Riyadh approached Woodside Petroleum who declared they would pay for any transport costs and provide as many other goods as possible for the container. Riyadh then approached government ministers till finally one Senator, Senator Chris Evans, assisted by approaching the Australian Defence Forces. Riyadh continued on with the ADF who agreed to fly the wheelchairs into Kuwait and from there escort them to the three towns Riyadh had nominated, Najaf, Samara and Ramadi. Riyadh would be part of the escort to these towns.
Riyadh explained that Najaf and Samara are predominately Shi'ite and that Ramadi is predominately Sunni. A couple of years ago when the Shi'ite Riyadh entered Ramadi with other Shi'ite volunteer workers one of them was beaten up and all felt the physical threat. Nevertheless, though it maybe argued that it is dangerous for him to enter Ramadi again, Riyadh believes that donating a little over 100 of the wheelchairs through the local hospital Ramadi is an important gesture of goodwill and pursuant of reconciliation.
With
the help of mining company Woodside Petroleum, a Perth wheelchair
manufacturer, the Murdoch University Student Guild and Students without
Borders, Perth-based Iraqi student Riyadh Al Hakimi successfully sent
327 wheelchairs to Iraqi children - who are injured as a result of the
war - many of them in Riyadh's hometown Najaf.In the southern town of Najaf the number of amputees is disproportionately high and there are not enough wheelchairs in Iraq to provide them to everyone. It is a nightmare existence. A couple of years ago Riyadh organised for 100 children's wheelchairs to be sent to the Iraqi towns of Najaf and Samara.
Last year Riyadh approached Students Without Borders to see if we could assist in the transport of more than 200 children's wheelchairs to Iraq. Ultimately, over the period of a year to coordinate this transport, Riyadh managed 327 children's wheelchairs. The Gnangara (Perth) wheelchair manufacturer, Wheelchairs For Kids, was obviously so touched by the plight of these young children that they donated 327 brand new fold up children's wheelchairs. The staff volunteered their time on a Saturday to pack them and help load them into the transport.
Riyadh approached Woodside Petroleum who declared they would pay for any transport costs and provide as many other goods as possible for the container. Riyadh then approached government ministers till finally one Senator, Senator Chris Evans, assisted by approaching the Australian Defence Forces. Riyadh continued on with the ADF who agreed to fly the wheelchairs into Kuwait and from there escort them to the three towns Riyadh had nominated, Najaf, Samara and Ramadi. Riyadh would be part of the escort to these towns.
Riyadh explained that Najaf and Samara are predominately Shi'ite and that Ramadi is predominately Sunni. A couple of years ago when the Shi'ite Riyadh entered Ramadi with other Shi'ite volunteer workers one of them was beaten up and all felt the physical threat. Nevertheless, though it maybe argued that it is dangerous for him to enter Ramadi again, Riyadh believes that donating a little over 100 of the wheelchairs through the local hospital Ramadi is an important gesture of goodwill and pursuant of reconciliation.
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Angela Davis speaks at Murdoch - Tues 18th March
Professor Angela Davis will be speaking at Murdoch on Tuesday 18th March as part of the 2008 Vice-Chancellor's Oration. She will talk about the ways racism infiltrates our institutions without us realising. She has always emphasized the importance of
building communities of struggle for economic, racial, and gender equality. She argues that racism is so entrenched within our institutions, that we no longer notice it happening.
Angela Davis is a former member of the Black Panther Party and she now campaigns for racial and gender equality. She is the founder of the anti-prison organisation Critical Resistance, and is currently working Professor of History of Consciousness at the University of California.
In 1970, her link to the kidnap and murder of a court Judge resulted in a wide scale manhunt and she was placed in jail for 18 months. After massive “Free Angela” protests around the world, which included the release of the song "Angela" by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and the Rolling Stones' "Sweet Black Angel", she was cleared of all charges.
The Vice Chancellor's Oration begins at 6pm in KBLT, Tuesday 18th March.
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Earth Hour 2008 is going global!
Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming.
This simple act has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world. As a result, at 8pm March 29, 2008 millions of people in some of the world’s major capital cities, including Copenhagen, Toronto, Chicago, Melbourne, Brisbane and Tel Aviv will unite and switch off for Earth Hour.
Take Action at 8pm, March 29th !
Sign up & get tips on how you can get more involved
Don't stay in the dark. Appreciate renewable energy technology while enjoying a barbeque, ambient live music and a telescopic tour of the night sky.
When: Saturday, 29th March
Where: Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre, Leach Hwy, Winthrop
Time: 7.00 - 9.00pm
Cost: FREE (Donations for star gazing)
RSVP: Lisa Ebbelaar, 08 9364 0695, lisa@melville.wa.gov.au
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Help Save the Kimberley
The Kimberley region is one of the world's last remaining wilderness areas. The North West Kimberley contains exceptional bio-diversity, a spectacular and fragile coastline, thousands of isolated islands, undistrubed abundant rivers and waterfalls, endangered and prolific native flora and fauna and the world's most significant rock art galleries, set against the backdrop of a pristine wilderness.
A number of multi-national companies are behind proposed large scale industrial development and are trying to buy the support of traditional owners and local community groups with money, improved health, education and job opportunities. What they are not telling is that if the natural gas from the Browse Basin is brought ashore to the proposed deep water port, the Kimberley environment will be ruined.
The WA State Government has established a Northern Development Taskforce comprising the heads of government departments to manage the planning processes and consultation in the selection and development of a suitable location for the processing of the Browse gas reserves. Its report is due in early April and it has stated that it welcomes community input .
Please help by giving your support to convince the corporate/mining/banking sectors and the Governments that the environmental heritage of the Kimberley is not for sale at any price. A move to have the North Kimberley declared a World Heritage Area has begun. Your support in the campaign to Save the Kimberley is important and urgently needed. If we don't act now, the Kimberley as we know and love it, will be gone forever.
Visit www.savethekimberley.com
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Oaktree Foundation - Positions
availableThe Oaktree Foundation is an entirely youth run aid and development organisation. If you are under 26 and share the belief that education is the key to making lasting change, why not apply to become an Ambassador or volunteer?
End Child Slavery - Apply to be an Ambassador Today, 8.4 million children
are denied
an education because they are forced to work as slaves. We are calling
out to young people from all across Australia to lead the movement of
End Child Slavery. We want all young leaders aged 15 to 25, who are
passionate about speaking out and making a difference to sign up and
become Ambassadors with the vision to end child slavery. |
Your chance to be an Oaktree volunteerOaktree is currently
accepting applications to the 2008 Generate
volunteer program, designed specifically to give you the chance to make
a meaningful contribution, without having to give up heaps of time, or
have specialist skills. We also have a small number of staff volunteer
roles available, which give you the chance to drive our campaigns and
work in the community. |
YouthSpeak Survey - Have your say YouthSpeak is a new
national survey of
Australian young people delivered by the United Nations Youth
Assication in partnership with the Oaktree Foundation, powered by
Vibewire.net. The project is funded by the Australian Government and
they want to hear what you have to say! |
Our Generation's Challenge - field trip to India and Bangladesh This is your chance to get hands
on experience in learning about aid
and development, as Oaktree partners for a third year with the UNDP on
Our Generation's Challenge. Having travelled to Rwanda and Malawi last
year, in 2008 we will be taking a delegation of young leaders from
around the world to India and Bangladesh. |
YES!+ (Youth Empowerment Seminar) Workshop
"At school we are taught Maths, English, Science, History... bur we are never taught how to handle negative thoughts and emotions, or how to deal with stress."
There are no instruction manuals for this body!
How easy is it to program a VCR? Then how easy is it to program this mind that created the VCR?
The YES!+ workshops enriches all areas of life, immediately impacting college studies and preparing for the challenges of the futures, in your work as well as in private life. When you fully develop your ability to learn, recognise your true potential and strengthen your ability to adapt to change, your life will become more successful and fulfilling.
This is what YES!+ offers you!
This program is unique, because it is not based on quick-fix solutions, theoretical concepts, or superficial success formulas - but rather on practical tools that can be immediately put to use for direct and tangible results .
The workshop is partly based on dynamic body exercises and innovative breathing techniques that release stresses instantly , thereby heightening mental clarity and awareness . It also incorporates basic principles of effective living, emphasising the essential human values for a more fulfilling and productive life. The workshop empowers you to take responsibility for your environment and the environment surrounding you .
The techniques and processes taught during the workshop are easy to learn and practice and make your experience as a student much more enriching and full. The tools and experiences that you will gain are also essential for any future work environment. Graduates of this program report improved focus and concentration, enhanced creativity and efficiency throughout the day.
Flyer
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Equal Work Equal Pay - GetUp Campaign
Men and women in
And even more worrying? We're not even heading in the right direction; the gap is getting bigger.
It's a pretty sobering statistic for a country that prides itself on being egalitarian - so GetUp has created a pay calculator to show just how the other half lives. Click here to find out what you'd earn as the opposite sex, then sign their petition demanding equal pay for women:
www.getup.org.au/campaign/HowTheOtherHalfEarns
The world celebrated International Women's Day last week and despite a century of struggle, whether it's in the classroom or the boardroom, women across
From paid maternity leave to high-quality affordable childcare - a people's movement has the power to convince politicians and corporations to actively remove the stubborn systemic inequalities that still exist, to ensure productive participation - for equal reward.
Click here, whether you're male or female, to try your hand at their pay calculator. The results may surprise you: Pay calculator
Human rights are just that - a right, not a privilege we should have to request. But more than that, this is about building a progressive and productive economy fit for the 21st century - one that delivers enhanced equality and prosperity. Appropriate federal laws that effectively enshrine equal pay will do both.
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How do we get serious on Climate Change?
Critical Voice Forum - Tuesday 4th March
James Duggie from WWF will be giving a presentation titled "How do we get serious on Climate Change?" in KBLT at 4pm. Following the presentation there will be an opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas on where we should go from here in order to reduce our negative impact on the environment.
Visit the WWF website
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US Labor against the War Convener speaking at Murdoch this week!
Kathy Black, a national convener of US Labor against the War, will be visiting Perth on a speaking tour in early March organised by Just Peace and the Murdoch Guild of Students.
Kathy will be speaking at Murdoch University on Wednesday 5th March , outside the Library in Bush Court at 12.30pm.
US Labor against the war is a group of unionists focused on increasing the participation of trade unions within the broader US anti-war movement. The group has over 150 affiliates across the US including state and city-wide labour councils and local union branches. In 2005 it successfully pushed for a policy demanding a rapid withdrawal of troops from Iraq at the convention of the AFL-CIO, the national peak union body in the US.
This will be an opportunity to hear first hand about how trade unions in the US are resisting George Bush's criminal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the cost for ordinary working people in the US in terms of massive cuts to healthcare and other government services.
Kathy Black has been an active unionist in Philadelphia for 20 years, and currently works for the national public sector and health care workers union AFSCME. She has been involved in many community campaigns over the years and is currently also active in the Coalition of Labor Union Women and the National Organisation of Women (NOW) Philadelphia.
Further information on US Labor against the war can be found on their website at www.uslaboragainstwar.org
For more information on the event phone Ray on 0438 653 996.
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Entries now open for the student challenge of a lifetime!
Calling all business and commerce students! If you love a challenge and want the opportunity to make a difference to a global aid organisation, share in a $65,000 prize pool and give your CV a massive boost, then jump online and head to www.figureditoutyet.com.au , because the national Chartered Accountants Student Challenge is about to kick off!
In an industry-first initiative, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia has collaborated with global not-for-profit (NFP) organisations – Oxfam, the Australian Conservation Foundation and Médecins Sans Frontières – to develop three real-life business challenges for students.
Young Australians from around the country will apply the skills they have gained at university to develop solutions for the real-life business problems. The first of the three challenges will be announced on Monday, 3 March 2008, with the final challenge concluding in July 2008.
No ordinary competition, by entering the Chartered Accountants Student Challenge not only can students get their hands on some awesome prizes that include travel, Apple Mac laptops and Apple iTouch music players, they can also influence climate change, help alleviate poverty or advocate for social justice.
Students in teams of up to four, will be given two weeks to prepare and submit their solutions in a range of formats with supporting documentation, and will compete for the opportunity to present their ideas to the leaders of the NFP organisation.
Following on from the success of the 'Number 1 in Numbers' Facebook group, the Student Challenge is the latest online initiative of the Institute of Chartered Accountants aimed at introducing students to Chartered Accounting at a critical time in their career decision process.
"The Chartered Accountants Student Challenge is a great opportunity for young business or finance students to collaborate ideas and develop their professional skills while competing for the opportunity of travelling to see the cause in action. This initiative is designed to expose students to the variety of work a Chartered Accounting career can provide. The challenge together with the Facebook online community also facilitates excellent networking opportunities early in their business career," said the Institute's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Elaine McFadzean.
Students can participate in one or all of the challenges, and responses will be judged on four main criteria – technical knowledge, innovation, presentation and participation.
Kicking off on 3 March, already a vast number of students have signed up for the national Chartered Accountants Student Challenge, so to make sure you don't miss out on this awesome opportunity head to www.figureditoutyet.com.au now.
Go on - challenge yourself to change the world, one number at a time!
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Clean Up Australia Day
The Art of Living will be working at Chipping Reserve and Templetonia Reserve on Clean Up Australia Day. Why not join them and help keep Australia beautiful?
When: March 2nd, 8:30-10:30am
Where: Chipping Reserve and Templetonia Reserve
Why: To give back to the environment
Wear a white shirt, bring a hat and sunscreen!
Meeting Point: Meet at Chipping Park reserve verge. Eastern end of formal path. Closest intersection being Belford Rd and Chipping Rd, in the suburb of City Beach. Parking available along Belford Rd.
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Save Fremantle Beaches Alliance Benefit Event
Save Our Sunsets Acoustic Concert
at Kidogo Arthouse
Bathers Beach
Monday , 3rd March
6pm
Tickets: $20
Tickets can be purchased from:
- La Tropicana Café (177 High St Freo)
- Tasty Express (310 South Tce, South Freo)
- by credit card from Kidogo Arthouse ph.9335 9636
Limited places so be quick!
BYO
Save Freo Beaches Alliance is committed to preserving the quality of the
limited public open beach space remaining in the Fremantle District.
Bathers Beach links the city to the sea, it is an important historic site
and a beach used by swimmers, picnickers, tourists, sunset watches and
artists to name a few.
Come and enjoy folk/roots acoustic music on this public holiday and savour
the views we couldn¹t bear to lose.
Acts include the Blue Celts, Craig Sinclair, David Hyams & the Miles to Go
Trio, The Windbreakers (Jim Fisher & John Reed), Brenda Chapman, Rose
Parker, Jenny Simpson, the Camelot Choir, Steve & Ros Barnes and some
surprise international guests. All proceeds to Save Fremantle Beaches
Alliance .
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Critical Voice Forum Tues 18th March
Australian Friends of Palestine (WA) and the Centre for Muslim States and Societies present:
PALESTINE: is peace possible?
an eyewitness report by:
KIM BULLIMORE
volunteer, International Women's Peace Service, West Bank, 200 7
KIM BULLIMORE
volunteer, International Women's Peace Service, West Bank, 200 7
In October 2007, Israel instituted widespread fuel and power cuts as part its ongoing and illegal collective punishment of 1.5 million Palestinians living in the Gaza. On January 20, Gaza's only power plant was forced to close down as reserve fuel ran out leaving more than 800,000 Gazans in darkness. The closure of the plant also affected the water supply and the disposal of sewage. More than 40% of Palestinians have been left without access to drinkable water.
After 85 days under complete siege and worsening humanitarian conditions, the Palestinian resistance took matters into their own hands, blowing up the wall that separated Rafah in Palestine and Egypt. Within hours, hundred of thousands of Palestinians had flooded into the Sinai in order to buy much needed supplies, including food, clothing and fuel.
The crisis that now engulfs Gaza is Israel's attempt to collectively punish the Palestinian population for electing Hamas in January 2006. In June 2007, Hamas overran Fatah forces in Gaza following months of fighting between the two factions and Israeli bombing of Gaza. Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, responded to the Gaza takeover by sacking the Hamas-led government.
Kim Bullimore, a volunteer with the International Women's Peace Service in Palestine and a writer on Palestinian issues, will examine the causes of the current conflict in Palestine and the prospects for finding a lasting peace. Kim's reports on the conflict can be found at www.livefromoccupiedpalestine
Tuesday March 18, 3.30pm
Loneragan Lecture Theatre
Loneragan Lecture Theatre
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Australian Orangutan Project's National Walk-a-thon
National
Annual Walk-a-thon
Sunday 30th
of March
Lake
Monger
Reserve
Registration:
9.15am
Walk Commences: 10am
Please
dress in orange or green on the day!
Great Prizes to be won
join us for a sausage sizzle and lots of fun
for the whole
family
******************************
A
ll
money raised will go directly to
The
Australian Orangutan Project
For
sponsorship and registration form and further information
Please contact Lesley Rosser
9457
0185 or 0409 049 518
In 2008
"Let's Make a Difference!"
Oaktree
Foundation Information SessionThe Oaktree Foundation,
It’s a chance to learn more about Oaktree, meet new people, find out how to get involved and make a difference. Refreshments and snacks provided.
Tuesday 26 th Feb
The Amenities Building Rm 2.073
Flyer & map
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The Social Justice Centre is open!
Thanks to everyone who came along to the official opening of the Social Justice Centre! The day was a huge success, with over 100 people listening to the performers and guest speakers.
The ceremony began with African
drumming group, Akwaaba, giving a fantastic performance. The
music was
amazing and they drew in interest from passing students who were there
for Orientation Day.
Next
up was Anton, playing the didgeridoo to lead into the speeches.
With Gerry acting as MC, the official
ceremony began with a traditional welcome from Neville Collard in
recognition of the fact that this is and will always be Aboriginal
land. Neville gave an inspiring speech about his life as a
boy and described how his father prevented him from being forcibly
removed from the family home.
Next up was Paddy Cullen from OXFAM
Australia, who spoke of his days at Murdoch and how this University is
regarded as a leading centre for activism. Paddy approached
Students Without Borders late last year with the idea of the Social
Justice Centre, hoping we could help to provide a location on campus
where students and Non-Government Organisations
(NGOs)
can come
together to create a culture of social and environmental activism.
Glen Stasiak, the Manager of the Kulbardi
Centre here at Murdoch, was the next speaker
.
He
began by addressing the crowd in the Nyungar language
. The Kulbardi
Centre promotes higher education for Indigenous students and provides
students with educational and cultural support as well as fostering
student interaction and group solidarity. He spoke about the
culture of the Nyungar people who are the traditional owners of the
land that Murdoch University is built on, and the importance of
cross-cultural relations. 
The National Director of Amnesty
International Australia, Claire Mallinson, made a special appearance at
the ceremony having just flown into Perth a day or two earlier.
Amnesty International works to assure that human rights for
all by raising awareness of the abuses of these rights around the
world. Amnesty International is a proud supporter of the
Social Justice Centre and is pleased that this will create a strong
relationship between Amnesty International and Murdoch University
students. They recognise the importance of students being aware of the
situations faced by many in this world, and the impact that students
can have when they get involved.We were delighted to have Geoffrey Bolton speak at the event. Geoffrey was involved in the foundation of Murdoch University and in 2006 he was recognised as Citizen of the Year for WA. Geoffrey talked about Murdoch being founded as a university that encouraged people access to higher education via alternative pathways and with an emphasis on social justice. He spoke of his pleasure at initiatives such as the Social Justice Centre and the fact that Students Without Borders impliments so many programs that prove that this spirit of activism and social justice are not diminishing. He praised Gerry Georgatos for his efforts and initiatives to implement change and to improve the university experience for Murdoch students.
Dennis Eggington, the CEO of the Aboriginal Legal Service also addressed the crowd. His speech was a response to Sorry Day, which was two days before. He talked about his and many other Indigenous Australians joy at the Government formally apologising for the wrongs of the past, and he called for Sorry Day to become a public holiday each year in remembrance of the Stolen Generation. He focused on the next step that is needed - to address the wrongs of the past to ensure that this situation does not occur again. He said he is friend and supporter of Students Without Borders and believes that the Social Justice Centre is an important step forwards. He would like to see social justice become an integral part of the education that students receive.
Gerry Georgatos finished the ceremony with a few words - "We can no longer get by with social justice programs complementing education; they have to become an accredited part of the University's higher education program". Gerry is hoping that the university will introduce a unit for students to take that will provide them with 3 or 4 points towards their degree, and believes that this unit should be taken by all students. Getting involved with programs that can make such a difference to the world that we live in plays an important part in student education and provides hands-on experience.
Students Without Borders and the Social Justice Centre are self-funded and have already achieved great things - imgaine what could be done if we received University or Government funding!
__________________________________________________________________________
Language Classes for Semester 1
We are running conversational language classes in Arabic, French, Korean, Russian & Spanish. Starting in week 2, these classes cost just $2 each!
| Arabic | Saturday | 10.00am - 11.00am |
| French | Monday | 11.00am - 12.30pm |
| Korean | Monday | 3.00pm - 4.30pm |
| Russian | Tuesday | 9.00am - 10.30am |
| Thursday | 1.30pm - 3.00pm | |
| Spanish | Thursday | 3.00pm - 4.30pm |
| Saturday | 11.00am - 12.30pm |
To enrol in any of these classes, please contact Vicky Edwards - swb@guild.murdoch.edu.au
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GAP 2009
Applications are now invited for Gap 2008 and 2009. With more than 35 years experience Gap Activity Projects continues to offer young Australians (17-25) the original year out; an opportunity to undertake voluntary work for up to a year in the Americas, Europe, Africa, or the Pacific, with GAP now offering projects in Brazil and Tanzania.
Volunteers experience the adventure of a life time and have the chance to help others while taking a well-earned break from study.
Volunteers receive food, accommodation, and in most cases, weekly pocket money, along with a pre-departure briefing and in country support. To find out more collect a brochure from the Students Without Borders office on Bush Court, or register to attend a GAP information night (details at www.gapactivityprojects.org.au).
NOTE: Applications close Friday 16th May.
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Sorry - the National ApologyThe Bringing Them Home Committee are hosting a morning of celebration as the Government finally says a rightful sorry to the Stolen Generations.
The Prime Minister's Speech will be broadcast live from Canberra and entertainment and cultural celebrations will follow the apology.
When: Wednesday 13 February
Time: 6:30am - midday
Where: Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre, The Esplanade Perth City.
Note: Because of the time difference from the east coast the Prime Minister's Speech is expected to be delivered at 7:00am Perth time . Don't miss out.
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JET Campaign Update
The Labor government has agreed to increase eligibility for the JET Child Care Fee Assistance for single-parents for an extra year. This means that single-parents can now receive assistance for two years of their study. This is a fantastic achievement for the JET Action Group, but the campaign will continue as a university degree takes at least three years to complete.
The JET Action Group are organising further meetings with the government to try to win back assistance for the entire duration of study. If these negotiations do not achieve the results needed, further demonstrations will be organised.
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Postgrad
Coffee MorningWelcome back to all of the returning post-grads, and welcome to any new post-grads that have gotten an early start to the year!
Have you been spending your break gallavanting around and can't wait to share your exciting tales with your fellow postgrads? Or perhaps you've been slaving away collecting data or writing up chapters in a dingy university office all summer and needing to live vicariously through the adventures of everyone else? No? Maybe you just like the idea of FREE COFFEE, YUMMY CAKES and delectable bikkies....!
Well, come along to MUPSA's first monthly coffee morning at 10.30AM WEDNESDAY 6th FEB at Club M . It'll be a great chance to catch up, share stories and perhaps meet some new postgrads.
Any queries please contact Bethanie Gouldthorp on 9360 7382 or B.Gouldthorp@murdoch.edu.au
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Surf Circle for Real Marine Parks
The Wilderness Society WA are holding an event on Saturday 23rd Feb at Scarborough Beach . The event kicks off at 10am when they will be forming a huge surf circle in the water - bring your board and help raise awareness of the need for real protection for marine parks. There will be a marine display, snacks and face painting.
More info about Surf Circle
Visit the Wilderness Society Website
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GAZA - URGENT ACTION NEEDED
AFOPA (Australian Friends of Palastine Association) are holding a rally on Saturday 2nd February to call for urgent action in response to the crisis engulfing the people of Gaza.
Alex Whisson of AFOPA explains: In the past couple of days, thousands of people have heroically breached the border crossing at Rafah in an effort to acquire much needed food and medical supplies. Though this action has afforded some temporary relief from their suffering, over a million people continue to be subjected to a deliberate and systematic campaign of persecution, besieged by the government of racist war criminal Ehud Olmert.
Even as the brutal siege worsens, Israel is still mounting devastating terror raids on residential areas. Nearly 200 Palestinians, including 40 children, have been killed in bombing raids and rocket attacks since the end of the sick farce of the Annapolis 'peace' summit.
To join your voice in protest at Israel's escalation of its terrorist campaign against the people of Gaza, please attend a protest and leafleting action this Saturday 2nd February called by the Australian Friends of Palestine Association:-
Wesley Church corner
Perth city, corner of William and Hay Street
Saturday February 2nd
11.00am
Brings banners, friends, sympathisers, and a loud voice
Initiated by the Australian Friends of Palestine Association (AFOPA)
More info
____________________________________________________________
Through Their Eyes On
behalf
of Youth With A Mission Perth, Lost In Traffik in partnership with the
City of Fremantle and the Moores Building would like to invite you,
your staff, friends and family to an art exhibition titled:
Through
Their Eyes
An exhibition on child trafficking in South Asia
Opening Night : 6pm – 9:30pm
(Formal Presentation at 7:30pm)
Friday February 1st
Moores Building contemporary art gallery
46 Henry street, Fremantle
(The exhibition will continue from the 2nd to the 10th of February)
"
NGOs estimate that
between 5,000-7,000 Nepali girls are trafficked every year to India." -
Ruchira Gupta (Project Officer at UNICEF in New York).
The focus of the exhibition is to educate and raise awareness of child trafficking in South Asia. This is not shouting about another cause, but rather sharing the stories of these God created lives so that we would be a people of conviction and action. For Child Trafficking to be eradicated globally is not a naïve perspective. It is our responsibility that no women, man or child should be sold.
All visual art and photography has been produced by a group of young, local and international volunteers following a trip that took them from the hills of Nepal to the streets of India in late 2007. All sales of art and/or private donations received will go directly into furthering the protection of children at risk in South Asia through the partnering of local ministries in Nepal and India.
More info
The focus of the exhibition is to educate and raise awareness of child trafficking in South Asia. This is not shouting about another cause, but rather sharing the stories of these God created lives so that we would be a people of conviction and action. For Child Trafficking to be eradicated globally is not a naïve perspective. It is our responsibility that no women, man or child should be sold.
All visual art and photography has been produced by a group of young, local and international volunteers following a trip that took them from the hills of Nepal to the streets of India in late 2007. All sales of art and/or private donations received will go directly into furthering the protection of children at risk in South Asia through the partnering of local ministries in Nepal and India.
More info
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Amnesty International Campaign & Info Session
Amnesty International will be having an information session about their
campaigns in 2008, as well as welcoming new members on Wednesday 6 February, 5:30pm at the Action Centre, Suite 70 Plaistowe Mews, City West Centre.
Please come down to see how you can get involved in their exciting campaigns
and learn more about AI WA!
If you would like to attend, please RSVP to elize.steynberg@amnesty.org.au .
All welcome!
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Critical Voice Forum
The first Critical Voice Forum of 2008 will be held on Tuesday 26th February at 3pm in the Kim Beazley Lecture Theatre. We have guest speakers from Oxfam Australia, the Australian Orangutan Project and The Edmund Rice Centre for Social Justice, who will be briefly introducing their organisations and the work they do.
The presentations will be followed by a screening of the documentary "Blowin' in the Wind" by David Bradbury and Peter Scott - it examines the secret treaty that allows the US military to train and test its weaponry on Australian soil. It looks at the impact of recycled uranium weapons and the far-reaching physical and moral effects on every Australian. It reveals babies born with major birth defects and looks at evidence elsewhere in the world. The documentary wonders whether Australians living downwind from the military testing ranges will be next. It argues that we were lied to by the British over the Woomera and Maralinga atomic tests. Can we trust another equally powerful partner in our 'war on terror'?
Critical Voice Forums will be held every Tuesday during teaching weeks. The first four weeks will feature short introductions from the NGOs involved with the Social Justice Centre. They will be talking about the work they do and the ways that you can become involved. Following these introductory sessions, speakers will be giving presentations of about an hour, followed by documentaries.
If there are any organisations that you would like to hear speak, please let me know at swb@guild.murdoch.edu.au .
___________________________________________________________
Opening of the Social Justice Centre
The Social Justice Centre will open at midday on Friday 15th February.
The Social Justice Centre provides information on the local NGOs working in the fields of social justice, human rights, community development, conservation and animal welfare.
Come down to the opening to meet representatives from the NGOs, and learn about the opportunities this venture will provide. SWB can now offer internships and volunteer placements with many NGOs. We also provide information about the campaigns and events that they are running, as well as information about SWB's own campaigns. There are 5 computers in the Social Justice Centre, that can be used to access the websites of these NGOs so that you can keep up to date with the work they are doing and help by signing online petitions and sending e-cards to politicians.
More info
Environmental Survey
The Department of Environment and Conservation are proposing to coordinate a community wide climate change initiative in early 2009 as part of their efforts to address climate change.
To help make this event relevant to as many in the community as possible, they are asking for community input. They have prepared a short online survey which only takes a few minutes to complete.
Take the survey now
To show their appreciation for your effort, they are offering 10 double movie passes to be drawn in mid March from those who complete the survey.
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Help Stop Whaling
Commercial whaling has been banned since 1982 by the International Whaling Commission, yet Japan continues to hunt whales, claiming it is for scientific research purposes. In 2006 they significantly increased their whaling program, even taking pregnant whales. We need to put pressure on Japan to stop their 'research' and let them know that whales still need to be protected to prevent them from becoming extinct.
www.whalesrevenge.com is trying to get a million people to sign a petition to stop whaling.
Visit Greenpeace for more info on whaling and what you can do.
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STAND UP FOR THE BURRUP
To kick off his new style of 'Community' Cabinet meetings, Kevin Rudd and ALL his Cabinet members will be meeting in WA – in order to give the community the opportunity to meet with them in person and ask questions directly about issues which are important to them.
1st Community
Cabinet Meeting in WA
Sunday 20 January 2008, 1.30 – 5pm
Canning Vale College, Dumbarton Road, Canning Vale
What
better
time to voice our anxiety about the Burrup
and
the farce of protection offered by its so-called National Heritage
listing. Sunday 20 January 2008, 1.30 – 5pm
Canning Vale College, Dumbarton Road, Canning Vale
Join with FARA (Friends of Australian Rock Art) in a 'Stand Up for the Burrup' action to cap all Stand Ups…right in front of the new Federal Government we so need to reach, and impress on them the urgent need for WORLD HERITAGE LISTING to protect this precious heritage site right on our doorstep.
Assembly time:
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