Solidarity Gathering for the Black GST & Stolenwealth Games Campaign

Where: Trades Hall
When: Wed Feb 8th , 6.30pm*

Black GST proponents Robbie Thorpe, Gary Foley & Targan will be speaking about campaign updates, as the date for the Stolenwealth Games rapidly approaches (40 days to go).

Come and help plan our Stolenwealth Games as we turn the international spotlight on Australia’s shameful treatment of the oldest known culture on the planet. When will we march? Where will we camp? Which way will the sacred flame travel? What PR stunts do we have in mind? Come and share your creative juices with the crew as we plan our weekly gigs, a killer Art Expo, develop stencils and plan Press Conferences.

Regular meetings for people actively involved in the campaign - or wanting to get involved - 6-8pm Fridays in the Evatt Room, Trades Hall, Carlton

“Wake up Australia – South Africa is now watching us!”

more info: http://www.blackgst.com/

Lecture and film screening with Srdja Popovic, Centre for Nonviolent Strategies and Action (Belgrade). In 1998, Srdja Popovic helped form the Serbian student protest group Otpor!, whose "people power" campaign to unseat Slobodan Milosovic met with success on October 2000 when hundreds of thousands of protestors converged upon and took over the Serbian Parliament, effectively ending Misolevic's rule.

Where: Trades Hall, 1 Lygon Street Carlton VIC
When: Thursday 2 March, 7pm

Presented by Pt'chang and the Nonviolence Training Project. Entry by donation.

More info: www.nonviolence.org.au

The Collingwood Action Group (CAG) has called a rally against the State Government's approval of the Banco development for Smith St, Collingwood in Melbourne. An Australian-record 1500 people took the time to write out objections to the Banco developers' plans for three massive towers with 161 apartments, a 3-level car park and 24-hour supermarket.

The Labor Planning Mininister Rob Hulls has decided to approve the development with only minor changes. No wonder CAG has called the rally and will be meeting Trades Hall's Building Industry Group on Thursday to seek support. Yarra Council has voted to slam the Ministers' decision and is investigating what local laws can be introduced to support locals, plus if their lawyers can appeal this decision.

Rally 1:00pm on Saturday 4th March
Banco site 154 Smith Street, Collingwood

Please text/phone/email and talk to your friends and get them along...

Speakers include: Union Solidarity Convenor Dave Kerin, SP Councillor Stephen Jolly, Greens Vic State election candidate and ex-Yarra Mayor Greg Barber, Save Our Suburbs President Ian Quick, and CAG spokesperson Louise Grace. MC will be Rod Quantock.

"On the Picketline" is having their 20th anniversary on 17th February,

Door prize, live music, raffles prizes, speeches, food, drinks at bar prices and good company.

Past people who have been involved in the show will be especially welcome to tell a few stories.

Where: Trades Hall Bar, Cnr Victoria and Lygon Streets, Carlton South
When: 17 February, 430pm till late
Cost: $10/$20 Solidarity

More info: Anthony Main on 0417368215

You can tune into 'On the Picketline' every Sunday 10.00-10.30am on 3CR 855AM.

Filming of "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price"
www.WalMartMovie.com
Newest film from director and producer Robert Greenwald, of Brave New Films.

Where: Trades Hall Bar, Crn Lygon & Victoria Parade, Carlton.
When: Friday 3rd March 2006, at 7:00 pm
Cost: $10/$5 concession – tickets for sale on night
More info: 9419 8377 | www.3CR.org.au

Squatters & Unwaged Workers Airwaves show
Fridays 5.30 - 6.30 pm on 3CR - 855 AM band.
www.geocities.com/squattersairwaves/

Next Sunday, 26 February, we're holding IR Community Information Stalls at two Community Festivals in the west and need your help to distribute publicity for the solidarity picnic and IR laws in general.

Bayside Festival - Cherry Lake, Altona. 9.30 am - 4.30pm
Stall No. 54, behind Altona Civic Offices, Civic Parade, (access from Civic Parade near Pier Street corner), Altona. The stall is near the Culture Hub Stage.

Moonee Valley Community Festival - Queens Park, between Mt. Alexander and Pascoe Vale Roads, Moonee Valley. The stall will be located at the swimming pool end of the park - the communities section.

If you can help on the day for an hour or two please reply with your preferred festival and times.
Contact 0417 456 001. Both community festivals are big.

More Info: Western Suburbs Community and Unions Coalition | westerncommunityunions@gmail.com

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
REINALDO VILLALBA

PUBLIC MEETING
SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY, 6:30 PM
AT COMRADES BAR (ETU BUILDING)
514 Swanston Street (near cnr Queensberry St)
CARLTON SOUTH.

Colombia has been in conflict for more than 40 years. The State and paramilitary
forces have committed at least 55883 crimes against humanity, 14476 of which have
occurred in the past 17 years.

More info: Denise Cauchi 9387 5573 | denisecauchi@yahoo.com.au
Marisol 9481 2273, 0401 558373 | lasnet@latinlasnet.org

Melbourne Solidarity Meeting - We will not be divided
Beyond discrimination, hysteria and violence

Thursday, 9 February 7pm
Brunswick Town Hall
Cnr Sydney Rd and Dawson St

Organisations including the Socialist Party and ETU in Victoria have jointly organised a monster mass meeting for Thursday February 9th to offer put a working class alternative to the divide and rule racism of Howard and the far right.

Speakers include:

• Dean Mighell, Seretary ETU
• Andrea Sharam, Moreland Cllr
• Martin Kingham, Sectretary CFMEU
• Omar Merhi, Coburg resident (ETU steward & brother of apprentice electrician recently charged with alleged terrorist offences)
• Hanifa Deen, Author and social commentator
• Phil Cleary, former Federal MP
• Sherene Hassan, Islamic Council of Victoria
• MC: Stephen Jolly, Yarra Cllr (Socialist Party)

COMMUNITY MEETING

The United Casual Workers Alliance invites all workers, particularly casual and low-paid workers, labour movement representatives and interested members of the public to attend a meeting:

7:00pm, Monday 13 February
Fradgley Hall
Park Avenue
Burleigh Heads

The formation committee of UCWA has received an overwhelming response to the recent Channel Nine news broadcast and interview regarding the plight of casual workers on the Gold Coast. At the meeting, UCWA organiser Ms Amelia Taylor will speak on the conditions experienced by casual workers and the aims of the alliance.

The charter of the UCWA will be read at the meeting and the floor will then be opened to all casual workers to speak about their own experiences in the workplace.

More info: 0417062844 | ucwa@mail.com