The successful fight to decriminalise abortionin Victoria put abortion rights back onto the national stage. No sooner wasVictoria's reform passed in October 2008 than the Catholic Church beganpreparations to challenge it. Six months later, the Queensland police charged a19-year-old Cairns woman and her partner under the state's 1899 Criminal Codefor procuring her abortion. This year, through February and March, anorchestrated targeting by religious zealots of clinics in Melbourne, Sydney andBrisbane further signals a resurgence of coordinated assaults on women'srights. The abortion wars have reignited. 

Last month, Radical Women and other grassrootsabortion rights activists from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland met inSydney to analyse developments and chart a course for a coordinated nationalcampaign. RW will report back from this historic gathering. Come along to hearabout it, share your ideas and be part of the action!

The discussion will be held at SolidaritySalon, 580 Sydney Road, Brunswick (easily accessible on Tram #19, near Blyth orStewart Street stops, and Upfield train line, near Anstey station; plenty ofparking off Staley Street). A refreshing dinner, with vegetarian option, willbe served at 6.30 pm for an $8.00 donation. 

For more information, phone 03-9388-0062 or emailradicalwomen@optusnet.com.au. 

Activities and displays of a range of solar power and domestic-sized wind generators, solar hot water, energy saving advice, biochar production, converting vehicles to electric running, test drives of hybrid vehicles and more.

Runs alongside Wonthaggi Human Powered Grand Prix. Friendly event two hours from Melbourne. Googlemaps wonthaggi north oval.  See www.weif.org.au Ph 03 5657 3108

Activities and displays of a range of solar power and domestic-sized wind generators, solar hot water, energy saving advice, biochar production, converting vehicles to electric running, test drives of hybrid vehicles and more.

Runs alongside Wonthaggi Human Powered Grand Prix. Friendly event two hours from Melbourne. Googlemaps wonthaggi north oval.  See www.weif.org.au Ph 03 5657 3108

Support the Indian Community, Stand up Against Racist Violence

 

 

Rally 12pm Saturday March 20, Footscray Mall

speakers:

van thanh rudd (artist activist)

gautam gupta (fed indian students)

Communities in the western suburbs have a long history of diversity, multiculturalism and solidarity.

We invite you to express this solidarity in support of the Indian community, who have been the victims of continuing racist violence in Melbourne and Australia-wide.

The western suburbs has been enriched and strengthened by the diversity of migrant communities who have made it their home - Greek, Italian, Asian, Latin American, African, Arabic, Indian and many others.  Our communities have always condemned racism and stood by each other.  We will again oppose the recent racist attacks and rally around the Indian community.

Stand up in solidarity and show your support for the Indian community. Say no to racism! Come to the rally Saturday March 20, 12pm in Footscray Mall.

To contact rally organisers:
email info@racismno.org

ring Van Rudd 0430 397 074 or Gill Davy 0421 109 474

www.racismno.org

The Latin American Solidarity Network (LASNET) is organising a rally "Defending Human Rights in Latin America" for Colombia, Honduras & Haiti U.S. Military bases out of Latin America now!

Rally in Support Latin American People For those Disappeared, Displaced, Massacred & Executed Saturday, March 20 - 1PM Federation Square - Melbourne City

Defending Workers rights For Indigenous/First Nations rights No to the criminalisation of social, political and solidarity activists Against multinational exploitation and plunder Against US intervention in the Latin American continent

Opposing to the seven military bases in Colombia and the strategic military base in Honduras

This Rally is been endorsed by: CFMEU Mining Division, AMWU, ETU, MUA, LHMUA, Socialist Alternative, MAC, Socialist Alliance, Solidarity, Chilean Popular and indigenous Solidarity Network, Colombia demand Justice Campaign, Australia-Honduras Solidarity Coalition... (list in progress)

The Latin American people needs your support, please bring your organisation banner, placards and friends, if you want to endorse the rally please call 0400 914944

For more INfo

Cheers, Latin American Solidarity Network (LASNET) www.latinlasnet.org

Imagine booking tickets to see a movie, but not knowing where it’s playing or what film you’re going to see. All you’re given is the date of March 20th, the theme ‘NYC Summer of ‘94’, and the option to dress accordingly. You arrive at the secret location, decked out in your finest ghetto gold, to discover a party atmosphere with hundreds of film-goers in costumes, and performing artists and musicians sprinkled throughout the crowd. There’s a buzz of anticipation in the air, as guests try to piece together cryptic clues to uncover what film they’re about to see. A first of its kind, the secret screenings aim to create an immersive atmosphere where film, music and art collide to create an unforgettable movie-going experience. Still in its infancy and occurring periodically throughout the year, Underground Cinema is already drawing big crowds and rave reviews. The Vine described it as “a cinema experience like no other”, while the popular Curios Kate blog said it was “an unforgettable evening of cinematic and live performance pleasures”. To book your tickets and be part of the next UGC screening, head to www.undergroundcinema.com.au You can also sign up on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

F.uture A.rt R.esearch. Wednesday 10^th March

Pipemakers Park

Maribyrnong

www.futureartresearch.org

www.facebook.com/pages/Future-Art-Research

 

Techquinox Sunday March 21^st 3p.m.

Future Art Research are proud to offer an exhibition and performance spectacular.

Miss Havisham. By Lizzil (Voodoo Trash Dolls)

Mbug (dj)

Hardkore Slakness (Mighty Burning Demon) unveiling a brand new sculptural installation.

Steve Irwin and The Stingray the re-enactment by John-Paul Hussey.

Lalalullaby interactive sound sculpture featuring Ross Bencina, creator of Audio Mulch.

War On. Interactive artwork By Richard Allen.

Mream opening Exhibition.

Anthony Sawrey.

Paul Irving.

F.uture A.rt R.esearch is a brand new A.R.I. on the banks of the Maribyrnong. We are a proud new community, come and see.

Pippa 0418899251

pippa@futureartresearch.org

 

Plans hatched,

Deeds plotted,

F.uture A.rt R.esearch

Fun to be had.

F.uture A.rt R.esearch. Wednesday 10^th March

Pipemakers Park

Maribyrnong

www.futureartresearch.org

www.facebook.com/pages/Future-Art-Research

 

Techquinox Sunday March 21^st 3p.m.

Future Art Research are proud to offer an exhibition and performance spectacular.

Miss Havisham. By Lizzil (Voodoo Trash Dolls)

Mbug (dj)

Hardkore Slakness (Mighty Burning Demon) unveiling a brand new sculptural installation.

Steve Irwin and The Stingray the re-enactment by John-Paul Hussey.

Lalalullaby interactive sound sculpture featuring Ross Bencina, creator of Audio Mulch.

War On. Interactive artwork By Richard Allen.

Mream opening Exhibition.

Anthony Sawrey.

Paul Irving.

F.uture A.rt R.esearch is a brand new A.R.I. on the banks of the Maribyrnong. We are a proud new community, come and see.

Pippa 0418899251

pippa@futureartresearch.org

 

Plans hatched,

Deeds plotted,

F.uture A.rt R.esearch

Fun to be had.

Direct Action Seminar

ON THE FRONTLINE:
Women & the Struggle for Liberation

Saturday Mar 27, 2pm
Direct Action Activist Centre,
Victorian Trades Hall,
cnr of Lygon and Victoria St, Carlton
*DA centre is located next to New International Bookshop in the basement of Trades Hall, entry via Victoria St.

**
Everywhere women are bearing the brunt of the global economic crash and increasing social inequality - wars & occupations, lost jobs, more discrimination, and an unrelenting cultural tide aimed at reversing the gains of the feminist movement.

But women are not simply on the frontline of government and corporate attacks, they are also on the frontline of resistance - leading major struggles against war, occupations, poverty and discrimination.

This seminar will bring together feminist activists to discuss these experiences of resistance and consider ways of reinvigorating the struggle for women's liberation.

The keynote speakers will introduce the discussion by drawing on their specific experiences with various resistance struggles including Palestine, Latin America and Australia.

Speakers Include:

Kim Bullimore, recently returned from working in the Occupied West Bank as a human rights volunteer, Direct Action journalist.
Lourdes Garcia, Centre for Latin America Studies & Solidarity, Mexican activist recently returned from Mexico.
Zely Ariane, National Network for Womens' Liberation (JNPM) in Indonesia & Committee of the Politics of the Poor–People’s Democratic Party (KPRM-PRD), touring Australia.

For more information:  Tel 0439 454 375  or 0403 943 529
www.rsp.org.au
www.directaction.org.au

Freedom Socialist Party meeting 

Tuesday 30 March, 7:00 pm

Rosa Luxemburg remains an inspirational role model today.Considered a youngster when she made some of her most important politicalcontributions, she overcame the prejudice she faced as a woman, a Jew and aforeigner living in Germany to win the respect of her socialist contemporariesas a leader. She was a determined opponent of World War One and a fierceadvocate for women’s rights. She developed a profound critique of the tradeunion bureaucracy and had a refreshing confidence in workers to lead their owngrassroots struggles. She made many theoretical contributions but is bestremembered for her polemic, Reform or Revolution, in which she demolished the ideas of the “revisionist” EduardBernstein who believed that socialism could be achieved by gradual reform. Hearabout Rosa’s revolutionary life and discuss the relevance of her powerful ideastoday. The meeting will also feature short reports on the FSP’s current branchactivity.

SolidaritySalon:

580 SydneyRoad, Brunswick

Take the Upfieldtrain to Anstey Station or Tram 19 and get off at Stewart Street. There’s alsoplenty of free parking at the rear.

Dinner servedat 6:30 pm for an $8 donation. The meeting is free.

For moreinformation call 9388-0062 or e-mail freedom.socialist.party@ozemail.com.au

 

 

 

Join the Melbourne Detachment of the Royal Australian Navy Band for a concert of concert band and military band music.

With music from Cirque du Soleil, John Williams, the hit musical “Wicked” and more, there should be something for everyone at this FREE concert.

For more information please contact Petty Officer Musician Brett Donovan on 03 5931 6012, email or visit www.navy.gov.au/Navy_Band

Marxism 2010 is a 4 day conference to be held in Melbourne over the 2010 Easter weekend, bringing together hundreds of socialists and other left-wing activists from across Australia. Special guest speakers include renowned investigative journalist and documentary film-maker John Pilger and Sameh Akram Habeeb, a Palestinian journalist based in Gaza and founder of the Palestinian Telegraph - one of the first websites and electronic resources to operate directly out of Gaza. For more info and to purchase tickets visit www.marxism2010.com

Marxism 2010 is a 4 day conference to be held in Melbourne over the 2010 Easter weekend, bringing together hundreds of socialists and other left-wing activists from across Australia. Special guest speakers include renowned investigative journalist and documentary film-maker John Pilger and Sameh Akram Habeeb, a Palestinian journalist based in Gaza and founder of the Palestinian Telegraph - one of the first websites and electronic resources to operate directly out of Gaza. For more info and to purchase tickets visit www.marxism2010.com

Marxism 2010 is a 4 day conference to be held in Melbourne over the 2010 Easter weekend, bringing together hundreds of socialists and other left-wing activists from across Australia. Special guest speakers include renowned investigative journalist and documentary film-maker John Pilger and Sameh Akram Habeeb, a Palestinian journalist based in Gaza and founder of the Palestinian Telegraph - one of the first websites and electronic resources to operate directly out of Gaza. For more info and to purchase tickets visit www.marxism2010.com

Marxism 2010 is a 4 day conference to be held in Melbourne over the 2010 Easter weekend, bringing together hundreds of socialists and other left-wing activists from across Australia. Special guest speakers include renowned investigative journalist and documentary film-maker John Pilger and Sameh Akram Habeeb, a Palestinian journalist based in Gaza and founder of the Palestinian Telegraph - one of the first websites and electronic resources to operate directly out of Gaza. For more info and to purchase tickets visit www.marxism2010.com

Speakers:
Fahreen Alamgir (researcher on workers' ownership in Venezuela & jute mills in Bangladesh)
Dave Kerin (CFMEU mining and energy union organiser).

 

For info 9639 8622 or 0413 377 978.

Date: Saturday,10 April 2010

Time: 1:30pm- 2:30 pm

Location: Old City Square, Corner Swanston and Collins Streets, Melbourne

Mumia Abu-Jamal is an innocent man, framed and convicted for the killing of a police officer in Philadelphia, USA, in December 1981 and sentenced to death.  He was targeted for the frame-up because of his long history of political activism in the black community and opposition to police brutality. Now the death sentence is near to being carried out. Come to a speakout and demand the unconditional release of this champion of the rights of the poor and oppressed.

 

Initiated by Anarchist Black Cross, Freedom Socialist Party and Melbourne Anarchist Communist Group

 

For more information contact:freedom.socialist.party@ozemail.com.au, or macg1984@yahoo.com.au or phone Solidarity Salon 03-9388-0062

 

 

Resources minister Martin Ferguson is planning to dump nuclear waste on Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory. Traditional Owner from the proposed site of Muckaty, Dianne Stokes says ‘All along we have said we don’t want this dump on our land but we have been ignored’.

Join us on Monday 12th April 11am at Parliament House in Melbourne for a walk to Federation Square, where there will be a creative, fun, theatrical announcement of the new radioactive waste dump site. Make it in Ferguson’s backyard, not Muckaty’s!

Monday April 12

Parliament house (11am) – cnr Spring & Bourke
Federation square (12 – 2pm) – cnr Swanston & Flinders

Further information:

http://www.melbourne.foe.org.au/?q=an/home
http://asen.org.au/campaigns/no-nukes/

Four session discussion circle on the newly publishedanthology

Smash the Church, Smash the State! The Early Years of GayLiberation

 

Tuesdays 7:00 pm – 8:45 pm

 

First session: Tuesday 13th April and then 27th April, 11thMay and 25th May

Solidarity Salon

580 Sydney Road, Brunswick

 

Take the Upfield train to Anstey Station or Sydney Road tramto Stewart Street. Plenty of free parking is available at the rear. Enter fromStaley Street.

“This book represents a snapshot of that moment when queersweren’t obsessed with tying the knot of picking up a rifle to go off and fight‘terrorists.’ Revolution was in the air.”

Tommi Avicolli Mecca,Editor

 

These essays by dykes, drag queens, transsexuals, and queersof colour, who built the radical movement of sexual minorities in the 1960s and’70s, provide often overlooked insights into modern queer history and usefullessons for today’s generation Q activists.

 

Check out a review of the book at: http://www.socialism.com/drupal-6.8/?q=node/249

 

Everyone is welcome! Come to any or all four sessions.

 

For more information call Alison on 9388-0062 or e-mail freedom.socialist.party@ozemail.com.auor visit www.socialism.com/Melbourne

Sponsored by the Freedom Socialist Party

 

@ The Clare Castle (421 Rathdowne St, Carlton).

Entry by donation ($5 suggested donation)
Drinks and meals available at pub prices

The recent and unprecedented global financial crisis that has deepened the gap between the poor masses and the millionaires, has increased unemployment and poverty. The global capitalist system has shown once again its inability to function without heavy subsidies from the governments. These gaps have however strengthened the tide of progressive and revolutionary movements and governments in Latin America, who say BASTA! (enough!) to foreign domination, exploitation and repression.

From the progressive governments of Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Ecuador, to the streets of Mexico, the Colombian mountains and the everyday struggle of the Central American people, Latin America is showing another world is not only possible, not only necessary, but is becoming reality.

The Latin American Forum- Victoria has brought together a number of solidarity groups and political organisations who work in support of the struggles in Latin America.

Join us in this night to celebrate the improvements in the lives of millions of Latin Americans through universal healthcare and education, and to show your support to the resistance in countries where people stand together to change their reality.

Enjoy some Latin American live music.

For more information, please contact Lulu 0421 957 341, Roberto 0425 182994 or Sean 0415 122 135.

Find the event on Facebook

About us
LATIN AMERICAN FORUM- VICTORIA

AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The Latin American Forum-Victoria (LAF) was established in November 2009 by solidarity organisations and political parties in Australia including the Centre for Latin America Solidarity and Studies, Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network, Peace and Justice for Colombia (PJFC-Melbourne), Frente Farabundo Martí para la Liberación Nacional (FMLN-Melbourne), Communist Party of Chile (Melbourne), Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca- Movimiento Amplio de Izquierdas (URNG-MAIZ, Melbourne), Communist Party of Australia, Socialist Alliance and the Revolutionary Socialist Party.

The LAF recognises the leading role that the revolutionary governments of Cuba, Bolivia and Venezuela have played in confronting U.S imperialism in the region.

The LAF also recognises the important role of other progressive governments in the region including Ecuador, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Uruguay, as well as local governments and revolutionary  movements and organisations.

The formation of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas has been a vital instrument for a united response to the attacks on the working people of Latin America by International imperialism led by the United States. An imperialism that with its support to the coup d’état in Honduras and the installation of up to seven military bases in Colombia tries to throttle the hope for liberty and emancipation across the Latin American continent and carries the risk of destabilising the whole region, with a provocation of unforeseeable consequences.

The LAF aims to contribute in the discussion of ideas that oppose the economic political and cultural imperialism of the US and other powers, and supports the anti-capitalist principles in the search of democracy, sovereignty and justice.

SOLIDARITY
The LAF aims to help coordinate and develop united solidarity action and events in Australia with the working class and progressive movements in Latin America and work towards building links with the working class struggles of the Asia-Pacific region.

ACTION
The LAF will aim to help coordinate joint seminars, conferences, cultural events and tours that help educate and inspire ongoing solidarity action and support with the working people and the revolutionary and progressive governments and revolutionary movements of Latin America.

MEMBERSHIP
The LAF is primarily a representative body of solidarity organisations and political parties in Australia that work in solidarity with the progressive and revolutionary movements and governments in Latin America.

Participation is however also open to individuals that share the aims and objectives of the Latin  American Forum and want to work in a united manner to achieve those aims. Such participation will be determined by a consensus of existing organisations.