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Supplementary Edition Spring 2011 Issue 15
We acknowledge that the Peace Trust operates on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people. We respect their spiritual relationship with the country and acknowledge that their cultural beliefs are important to the Kaurna people living today.
From the Chair
This supplementary edition of our spring newsletter is brought to you crammed with events, past and future. I am sure you would wish to follow up past events and support future ones; they are all worthy of your consideration.
May I commend to you “De-Myth-Defied” which busts the myths surrounding family violence using art. Also our introduction to Ann Pettifor, a British economist and campaigner for justice and ecological sustainability.
I know that we have been overloaded with images and words about the attacks in the USA, but I invite you to attend the book launch of Peace and War: 9/11 stories by Geoff Bromilow, photographer, and Kathryn Pentecost, author, which gives us an opportunity to see this sad event through a different lens. In the words of artist and author “We hope this book will provide a moment to ‘imagine’ all the world living in peace.” I feel very privileged to be a part of this exhibition and book launch, on behalf of the Peace Trust.
As I write this I am aware that Federal Parliament will be considering two pieces of important legislation which could determine the Australia we want; environmentally sustainable and humane.
Earlier this week the Carbon Pollution Pricing scheme was tabled in Parliament. This is a critical time to remind politicians and leaders why we want a price on pollution. We can also take part in the online Say Yes Campaign www.sayyesaustralia.org.au and encourage the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (www.aycc.org.au ) in its endeavours.
Shortly the amendments to the Migration Act will be tabled. Reports indicate that the suggested changes will not uphold Australia’s human rights obligations domestically and internationally. The Government has not taken advantage of the recent the High Court ruling re the invalidity of the Malaysian swap deal, to develop a humanitarian approach on asylum seekers in accordance with our international obligations. Please take time to tell all politicians that policies developed must treat asylum seekers humanely.
As we approach the UN International Day of Peace on September 21 I acknowledge the work done by many people of good will throughout the world and wish you a happy Peace Day.
Léonie M Ebert
Founding Trustee & Chairperson, Management Committee
De-Myth-Defied
One of the truisms of peace and justice work is that it begins with each of us and how we interact with others. Sadly at least one in four women will be subjected to abuse or violence in at least one of her relationships, abuse which can ripple out.
Addressing this fact and seeking to influence the community attitudes that let violence against women continue was the focus of an innovative project in Noarlunga and beyond. The project used creative expression to promote its message – surely a worthy story for the Peace Trust newsletter.
In 2010 the Strengthening Communities Sticker Working Group, a part of the Onkaparinga Collaborative Approach (OCA), was formed to develop a range of stickers which would target Domestic Violence Against Women and “bust the myths around Domestic Violence”. The stickers highlighted some of the findings of the ‘National Survey on Community Attitudes to Violence against Women 2009’ and also used ideas from local community members. The stickers were sent out to target groups.
The Working Group wanted to provide opportunities for individuals and groups to hear about real-life experiences to help them respond to community myths and attitudes. Being involved in the project would results in a greater ownership of it, which would lead towards greater action against Domestic Violence. This, plus conversations with a local artist, led to the development of a Community Art Exhibition.
The project was called initially “The Myth Buster Sticker Project, busting the Myths around Domestic Violence”. The Exhibition was called “De-Myth-Defied”.
An amazing collection of journeys, stories, experiences and contributions from about 20 Focus Groups was showcased from 22nd June – 18th July at the Port Noarlunga Arts Centre.
As you walked through the Exhibition you saw eight boards of “thinking clouds” filled with people’s words, ideas, different images and “speech bubbles”, challenging the myths and community attitudes to Domestic Violence. The clouds represented hope for transition and change. The speech bubbles represented a wide range of voices in the community speaking out against Domestic Violence Against Women, working towards challenging attitudes, changing attitudes and not accepting violence against women.
For further information about the Exhibition contact Sharon or Mandy at Southern Health Art Exhibition 8384 9555.
Peace & War: 9/11 Stories Book Launch in Adelaide
The book launch with photos to commemorate 10 years since 9/11 offers us an opportunity to humbly reflect on lives damaged or lost and the fact that while people all across the world demonstrated for peace, their governments insisted on war.
The book chronicles artist Geoff Bromilow’s time in New York September 2001. Geoff, an internationally known Australian wood sculptor, was in New York for an exhibition at Ezair Gallery in Manhattan. He had planned to visit the World Trade Centre on the morning when the planes struck. He slept in. Author Kathryn Pentecost employs text to complement, rather than explain, the images.
Photographer Geoff Bromilow; Author Kathryn Pentecost.
The book will be launched by Léonie Ebert.
When: 5.30 pm for 6 pm, Tuesday 11th October 2011,
Where: Ira Raymond Exhibition Room, Barr Smith Library, University of Adelaide
RSVP to attend the opening by Monday, 10th October, Geoff Bromilow
0411 117 113, gb@geoffbromilow.com
British Economist Ann Pettifor Visits Adelaide
Ann Pettifor, executive director of Advocacy International, visited Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane for speaking engagements this month organised by SEARCH Foundation. She spoke on “Financing the transformation to a zero carbon economy: why we can afford more jobs and a better life.” If you were not able to attend her meetings here is some information about her and her ideas. She is very knowledgeable about economics and there is much we can learn from her, especially in the present global financial situation .
In the 1990s Ann helped design and lead an international campaign, Jubilee 2000, which succeeded in persuading a large swathe of world public opinion, as well as world leaders, to cancel $100bn of debt owed by 42 countries. Jubilee 2000 became a template for campaigns such as that of Howard Dean in the 2004 US Primaries; and the Make Poverty History campaign of 2005. As well as campaigning and advocacy, Ann Pettifor has contributed to academic debates about international finance. She is editor of the Real World Economic Outlook. Palgrave published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2003; and is writing another book for Palgrave on the international financial system (to be published in 2006). She is the author of numerous articles and has lectured at the UN, the London Business School and the London School of Economics.
Here are a few quotes from Ann’s work, worth following up:
“We need massive investment in sustainable, renewable sources of energy and in the conservation of the ecosystem’s resources.”
“The banking system must provide regulated, low-cost finance for that investment. Just as the banking system of the late 1930s and 40s helped finance economic recovery from the ’29 Crash; and then the challenge societies faced in 1939: World War.”
“Such a transformation – a Green New Deal - will require greater self-sufficiency, and the localisation of economies as far as practicable. It will also require the training and recruitment of a ‘carbon army’ of workers – skilled and unskilled – to turn every building into a power station, and to make every building energy-efficient.
No amount of iron ore is going to fix Australia’s financial system. Australia needs a Green New Deal.”
See http://www.guardian.co.uk/global/2007/jun/04/resource and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Pettifor for some biographical details.
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2011/s3318928.htm for an interview
Zoos South Australia
Photographs courtesy of Rosemary Thompson.
I was lucky enough to be offered a chance to visit Monarto Zoo with Briony Horner, their Conservation Officer, whose knowledgeable enthusiasm was most contagious! We visited the giraffes who came up to be fed, and saw the baby rhinoceros – it was all most enchanting. Peace Trust members Leonie Ebert, Rosemary Thompson and Naomi Ebert Smith also visited Monarto recently, and fed the lions. We all enjoyed our visits and were impressed with the work being done to conserve animal species on the verge of extinction.
Our SA zoos are struggling financially to carry out the very worthwhile work they do. They need our support. A conservation charity that exists to save species from extinction, Monarto and Adelaide Zoos need volunteers as well as money. Volunteers help the zoo by conducting group tours of both Adelaide and Monarto Zoos by providing helpful information to visitors, participating in ZOOWATCH programs and by assisting with promotional events and other zoo requirements.
Volunteering is also a great way to meet new friends: to learn more about, and help the zoo and its animals please contact their Volunteer Co-ordinator:
Ngareta Cronin, Volunteer Co-ordinator, Zoos SA
ph 8267 3255 or email zoovolunteers@zoossa.com.au.
Philip Douglas, Peace Trust volunteer.
“A Peace of the Action” needs Our Support
The radio program “A Peace of Action” on Radio Adelaide began 5 years ago by peace activists, saying Sunday lunch would never be the same again and they have been true to their word.
The groups which supported A Peace of the Action, affectionately known as APOTA, can no longer afford to support the program. So a fund raiser has been organised by APOTA to fight for its survival. Please get behind the program and come along to the Cabaret. Information follows:
APOTA CABARET
Featuring the Wandering Minstrels, Minority Tradition, the Ryebuck Sheilas, the Dudleys, the CFC’s, Amelia Walker and Kelly Lee Vincent MLC – and more. There may be a chance to hear the Anangu Nganampa Inma (gospel singers). Add that to comedy acts, poetry, plus lots of interactive stuff and much, much more for just $15 per person. Wine and nibbles for sale; best of all we promise you’ll have fun!
When: 7 pm Saturday the 24th of September
Where: Fullarton Park Community Centre, corner of Fullarton Road and Fisher Street .
RSVP: Ruth: ruth.russell788@gmail.com Ph 8390 3456
Tables of 10 may be booked, or smaller groups, or individually.
Peace, human rights, and social justice are our issues and concerns, so put it in your diary now. Come along, have fun, and help keep APOTA on air.
The Quest; a Musical
The Romero Company Inc. presents the 30th (and possibly the last) annual play. The Quest is a tale of dreams, visions and redemption with great music, lots of humour and a timeless theme.
When: October Thursday 13th and Friday 14th at 7:30pm
Where: Adelaide High School Hall, West Terrace, Adelaide.
Tickets: $20 (concession $12). The proceeds go to Rosemary Taylor’s Projects in South East Asia, Sr Christine in South Africa and the Ayta People of the Philippines.
Ticket Orders: Phone 8223 5959 or send order and payment (cheques payable to Romero company Inc) to Romero Company Inc, PO Box 6042, Halifax Street, SA 5000.
Malalai Joya Talks in Adelaide
By Maureen Arnott, WILPF & Peace Trust member
On 31 August 2011, UniSA’s Hawke Centre and the Support Association for the Women of Afghanistan (SAWA) hosted an event where Malalai Joya addressed the topic “What Future for Afghanistan?”
Malalai Joya was a Parliamentarian in the National Assembly of Afghanistan from 2005 until early 2007, when she was dismissed for publicly denouncing the presence of warlords and war criminals in the Afghan parliament. She has survived four assassination attempts and travels in Afghanistan with armed guards. She is an outspoken critic of the “democratically elected” Karzai administration and its western supporters.
Malalai Joya condemned the continued occupation of her country by the NATO Alliance. She told her audience the peace-loving people of Afghanistan are “fed up” with the treatment they receive at the hands of the occupying forces whose aircraft and drones bomb, kill and maim innocent civilians. These actions serve only to turn the ordinary people of Afghanistan against the occupying forces. The “War on Terrorism” against Al Qaeda has not brought the people free elections, free enterprise or improvements in women's rights. Indeed, today elections in Afghanistan are rigged, business is riddled with corruption, and every new piece of family legislation cuts deeper into women's rights.
Malalai Joya is a passionate speaker, determined to bring the plight of the ordinary people of Afghanistan to the attention of the rest of the world. She called on the Australian people to demand that their government stop supporting the Karzai regime and instead support the democratic forces of Afghanistan which are struggling under extreme conditions to achieve peace, independence, democracy, freedom, and women’s rights. In addition, she called for Australian troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan because their presence only makes the situation worse.
For more information see the following links:
http://www.unisa.edu.au/hawkecentre/events/2011events/SAWA_MalalaiJoya.asp
which has a podcast of the talk, and
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2011/mar/31/afghanistan-noam-chomsky
International Day of Peace
International Day of Peace was declared in 1981 by the United Nations to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. Here in Adelaide the Medical Association of the Prevention of War has organised a progam of events for school students.
The program consists of ringing of bells, music and singing, student activites, exhibition of student contributions, and poetry reading.
This is a Peace Trust sponsored event.
When: 21st September, 10am to 12 noon and 12:30 to 2:30pm.
Where: Immanuel College Function Room, 32 Morphett Road, Novar Gardens
Schools interested in participating in the future are asked to contact Adrian von der Borch on 8271 3200
United Nations Day Dinner for 2011
Guest speaker Leanne Liddle, project officer for the department of Premier and Cabinet Aboriginal Affair and Reconcilliation SA.
RSVP by 21 October, $50 per head.
When: Sunday 30th October
Where: Ming’s Palace, 157 Gouger Street
Contact: John Crawford 8344 4978, johncrawford@internode.on.net
Edward Said Memorial Lecture 2011
Delivered by Professsor Noam Chomski, world renowned linguist, philosopher and human rights activist. The ESML organisers celebrate Chomski’s award of of the 2011 Sydney Peace Prize. $35 per head. See http://www.afopa.com.au/
When: Saturday 5th November at 5pm
Where: Adelaide Town Hall
Film Night: The Eye of the Storm
To support of the campaign to raise awareness about epilepsy in East Timor
See http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/movies/the-eye-of-the-storm-review-20110707-1h455.html#ixzz1Xd8wYDJJ for a review of the film.
There is a great deal of fear and ignorance about epilepsy in Timor Leste. Dr. John Anaje, who is based in Suai leads a movement to raise awareness and to provide medication. In order to travel around East Timor to continue this work, he has requested assistance for some practical needs. The East Timor Epilepsy Association is raising funds to allow his association to purchase office computers ($2,200), billboard displays in Dili ($3,000), a Honda Mega motorbike to gain access to remote villages ($2,600), projectors for education sessions ($1,200), and office rental for twelve months ($3,000).
When: Thursday 22 September 2011 6:30pm
Where: Palace Nova, 251 Rundle St, Adelaide
Contact: Crystell on 83731121
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