Friday, October 16, 2009

Talkback Radio Training Session


We are holding another talkback radio training session via telephone, this time for the refugee network. Activists are invited to call a telephone conference phone number to learn talkback tips and practice advocating Amnesty's messages on asylum seeker issues on air. Session will be with media trainer Richard Fitzgerald and AIA media and public affairs coordinator Caroline Shepherd.

When: Tuesday 27 October
Time: 7pm-8pm AEST/ 6:30pm-7:30pm SA/ 6pm-7pm QLD/ 4pm-5pm WA
RSVP Essential: Contact Caroline by Monday 26 October at cshepherd@amnesty.org.au

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Potluck Picnic in the Park - THIS FRIDAY!!

Potluck Picnic in the Park - Stand Up Against Poverty


As part of Anti-Poverty Week and Stand Up Against Poverty, Amnesty International NSW is hosting a 'Potluck Picnic in the Park'
While we will be providing food, it would be great for everyone to bring a small dish of their own (no glass or alcohol) to contribute to the picnic. After all, sharing is vital to ending poverty. So come along - Stand Up, Take Action and call for an end to poverty!

When: Friday October 16 2009 12- 1:30 PM
Where: Victoria Park, City Road, Camperdown

Over a billion people worldwide live in extreme poverty. Stand Up is a worldwide initiative seeking to achieve the Millennium Development Goals which aim to half global poverty by 2015.

Demand Dignity Art Exhibition 2009



Amnesty International is hosting a Demand Dignity Art Exhibition. The exhibition showcases the work of local artists, with pieces in the exhibition expressing the artists' interpretations of what it means to demand dignity.


Opening night: Tuesday 20 October, from 6pm

Exhibition ends: Sunday 25 October

Venue: TAP Gallery, 278 Palmer St, Darlinghurst

For more information please see the NSW Events page:

Friday, October 9, 2009

Human Rights Act for Australia


National Human Rights Consultation Report


On the 8th of October 2009, the National Human Rights Consultation Committee recommended that the Australian Government introduce a Human Rights Act for Australia. This is in response to lengthy campaigns on the issue and thanks to the record number of Australians who took part in our country’s largest public consultation on human rights. Over 87% of the 35,000 individual submissions and the 6,000 public roundtable participants reported that they wanted to have their human rights enshrined in national legislation.

The Committee has recommended that the Government publish a federal Human Rights Act with a comprehensible list of Australian rights and responsibilities based on our obligations from the seven international human rights treaties we have signed. These include civil, political, economic, cultural and social rights. Amnesty remains concerned, however, that the Report draws a distinction between the treatment of economic, cultural and social rights and the treatment of civil and political rights. We believe that all human rights are indivisible, interdependent and should be treated equally.

Commendable recommendations were made in regards to education, where the Committee recognised the importance of education in improving and promoting Human Rights in Australia. Also the Committee recommended strengthening the specific protection of Aboriginal and Torres Islanders rights and recognised their right to have meaningful control over their affairs.

Continued campaigning will be necessary to ensure that the Australian government heeds the proposals of the Committee and implements a comprehensive Human Rights Act that protects all Australians and truly reflects our international obligations.

If you wanted to have a look at the 500 page report (or at least the summary and recommendations) here is where you will find it: http://www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au/www/nhrcc/nhrcc.nsf/Page/Report_NationalHumanRightsConsultationReportDownloads


Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Irene Kahn - The Unheard Truth: Poverty and Human Rights

Irene Khan - Book Launch - November


Irene Khan is the first woman and first Asian Secretary General of Amnesty International. She has recieved several prestigious awards for her leadership in human rights and her to work to end violence against women, including the Sydney Peace Prize 2006.

On 16th November she is heading to Sydney to launch her book The Unheard Truth: Poverty and Human Rights

Keep checking the blog for more information about this exciting upcoming event.

NSW Action Group Catch-Up - TOMORROW

Hey Everyone,

Just I reminder that the NSW Action Group Catch-Up is tomorrow, it's not too late to RSVP!

When: Wednesday October 07 2009 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: NSW Action Centre, Level 1, 79 Myrtle St, Chippendale, NSW

The Catch-Up is an opportunity to:
* Meet and engage with other NSW groups, convenors and members of the AI Community Campaigns team
* Receive an update from us about new campaigns and resources; as well as news about what is happening here at AI Action Centre and within the Community Campaigns team and,
* Provide us with valuable feedback about your experiences and concerns.

Dinner will be provided

**** For those who cannot come to Sydney to attend the Catch-Up, you're able to 'ring in' and join us via conference phone ****
Call 1800 333 803 (toll free) OR 9696 0695
PIN: 3502
at 6pm!

Face 2 Face Locations

Face 2 Face Locations for the week starting Monday 4th October

Monday: WOLLONGONG CENTRAL SC; VILLAGE CENTRE - BATEMANS BAY; KIAMA; WOLLONGONG; BATEMANS BAY

Tuesday: WOLLONGONG CENTRAL SC; VILLAGE CENTRE - BATEMANS BAY; KIAMA; WOLLONGONG; BATEMANS BAY

Wednesday: WOLLONGONG CENTRAL SC; VILLAGE CENTRE - BATEMANS BAY; KIAMA; WOLLONGONG; BATEMANS BAY

Thursday: WOLLONGONG CENTRAL SC; VILLAGE CENTRE - BATEMANS BAY; KIAMA; WOLLONGONG; BATEMANS BAY

Friday: WOLLONGONG CENTRAL SC; VILLAGE CENTRE - BATEMANS BAY; KIAMA; WOLLONGONG; BATEMANS BAY

Saturday: WOLLONGONG CENTRAL SC; VILLAGE CENTRE - BATEMANS BAY; KIAMA; WOLLONGONG; BATEMANS BAY

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Scholarships



This year, an Amnesty International Australia (AIA) National Extraordinary General Meeting (NEGM) will be held from the 27th to the 29th of November in Sydney. The Board has decided to offer up to eight scholarships to attend the meeting.

1. Amnesty International Members Scholarships

*Up to six scholarships are available to fund AIA members to attend NEGM (this year including the Youth Summit) as observers and to participate in all the workshops and plenary sessions.

*The scholarships will cover the cost of return flights to Sydney, two nights accommodation at the NEGM venue (or three nights if required for travel purposes) and all food during the NEGM.


*The NEGM Scholarships are intended to provide a means for AIA members who are not able to attend Branch AGM’s or who are otherwise unable to participate in the election of NEGM delegates and observers to attend NEGM. It will also enhance the diversity of activist experience present at NEGM and assist in ensuring that the training and development provided at NEGM reaches a greater audience.

*It is expected that the successful applicants will be selected from diverse regions. Activists from regional/ rural areas are particularly encouraged to apply.


Selection Criteria


· Member of AIA, available and committed to attending all of the NEGM (Friday 27 November to Sunday 29 November in Sydney);
· Presently an active participant in a branch/ region/ group or network, or in some other capacity;
· Commitment to remaining involved in AIA;
· Desire to improve activist skills;
· Willingness and ability to take back what is learnt to your region and to share it with other activists;
· Interest in learning more about the campaigns and AIA, including the governance aspects;
· Willingness to contribute to AIA’s organisation and development; and
· Keen to gain a better understanding of how AIA contributes to and participates in the global movement.

2. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Scholarships

*Two scholarships are available to fund Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth (aged between 18 to 30) to attend the NEGM (this year including the Youth Summit) as observers and to participate in all the workshops and plenary sessions.

*The scholarships will cover the cost of return flights to Sydney, two nights accommodation (or three nights if required for travel purposes) and all food during the NEGM.

*These Scholarships are intended to provide a means for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths to participate in the meetings and to share their experiences with AIA members. We also hope that the scholarship recipients will be able to enhance their skills and to share what they learn with their communities.

*It is expected that the successful applicants will be selected from diverse regions. People from regional/ rural areas are particularly encouraged to apply.


Selection Criteria

· Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander;
· Interested in basic human rights;
· Able to work with others to achieve change;
· Must be willing to share your knowledge and experience with others;
· Ability to be a good Ambassador for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people;
· Commitment to take knowledge back and share with your community;
· Interested in gaining a better understanding of AIA;
· Available and committed to attending all of the NEGM (Friday 27 November to Sunday 29 November in Sydney).
· Must be aged between 18 to 30 years of age.


3. Process


· Written applications to be submitted to the Selection Committee via email (dmineo@amnesty.org.au) by 30 October 2009 (two pages maximum).
· Applications will only be considered if they address the selection criteria.
· Two referees are required. For the AIA members’ scholarships, one referee must be someone who is involved in AIA.

4. More information

If you have any questions, please contact your Branch President or Jim Sharp (Board Vice President) at jim.sharp@bigpond.com

FaCe to FaCe locations 26th September

Week commencing: 21st September 2009

Monday: LEETON - GRIFFITH - GRIFFITH CENTRAL

Tuesday: LEETON - GRIFFITH - GRIFFITH CENTRAL

Wednesday: LEETON - GRIFFITH - GRIFFITH CENTRAL

Thursday: LEETON - GRIFFITH - GRIFFITH CENTRAL

Friday: LEETON - GRIFFITH - GRIFFITH CENTRAL

Saturday: LEETON - GRIFFITH - GRIFFITH CENTRAL

Sunday: - - -

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Richard Downs - inspiring grass-roots struggles for Aboriginal rights

Richard Downs will be speaking at Amnesty International Australia (Sydney office). Richard is a spokesperson for the Alyawarr people, who have walked off their community at Ampilatwatja against the NT Intervention and established a protest camp outside the boundaries of the "Prescribed Area".

Don't miss your chance to hear this strong speaker discuss life under the Intervention and inspiring grass-roots struggles for Aboriginal rights.

When: Tuesday October 6th
Time: 2:15pm
Where: NSW Activist Centre, Level 1, 79 Myrtle St, Chippendale, NSW
RSVP: Just come along!

Face to Face team location for the w.e 4th Oct.

  • Monday 28th Sept.

Newcastle/Newcastle/OTS:
Sally Cray
Carina Blaser
Naorri Batiste
Mattew Graveson


Wallsend/Stockland/SC:
Rob Greatholder
Katie Budden
Constance Baur

Concord/Concord/OTS:
Alex Manthorpe
Mareike Hoff
Alexander Van Nieulanbe
Ruth Fenwick

Bondi beach/Bondi beach/OTS:
Sonia Habenicht
Amy Peters
Emily Cavill

  • Tuesday 29th sept.


Newcastle/Newcastle/OTS:
Sally Cray
Carina Blaser
Naorri Batiste
Mattew Graveson


Wallsend/Stockland/SC:
Rob Greatholder
Katie Budden
Constance Baur

Burwood/Burwood/OTS:

Alex Manthorpe
Mareike Hoff
Alexander Van Nieulanbe
Ruth Fenwick

Newtown/Newtowm/OTS:

*note* CCNSW and HFA teams should not work on Missenden Road near the hospital as this is innapropriate


Sonia Habenicht
Amy Peters
Emily Cavill

  • Wednesday 30th Sept.

Newcastle/Posit 1-Darby Pde/OTS:
Sally Cray
Carina Blaser
Naorri Batiste
Mattew Graveson


Wallsend/Stockland/SC:
Rob Greatholder
Katie Budden
Constance Baur

Parramatta/Parramatta/OTS:
Alex Manthorpe
Mareike Hoff
Alexander Van Nieulanbe
Ruth Fenwick

Paddington/Paddington/OTS:

*Note*Don't move to St Vincent
Sonia Habenicht
Amy Peters
Emily Cavill

  • Thursday 01st Oct.


Newcastle/Posit 1-Darby PdeNewcastle/OTS:
Sally Cray
Carina Blaser
Naorri Batiste
Mattew Graveson


Wallsend/Stockland/SC:
Rob Greatholder
Katie Budden
Constance Baur

Marrickville/Marickville/OTS:
Alex Manthorpe
Mareike Hoff
Alexander Van Nieulanbe
Ruth Fenwick

North Sydney/North Sydney/OTS:

*note* Locations: Mount st Mall/Miller st/Walker st
Sonia Habenicht
Amy Peters
Emily Cavill

  • Friday 02nd Oct.

Hamilton/Beaumont street OTS:
Sally Cray
Carina Blaser
Naorri Batiste
Mattew Graveson


Wallsend/Stockland/SC:
Rob Greatholder
Katie Budden
Constance Baur

CBD-Maquarie/CBD-Maquarie/OTS:
Alex Manthorpe
Mareike Hoff
Alexander Van Nieulanbe
Ruth Fenwick

CBD-Macquarie/CBD-Macquarie/OTS:
Sonia Habenicht
Amy Peters
Emily Cavill

  • Sturday 03d Oct.

Hamilton/Beaumoint street/OTS:
Sally Cray
Carina Blaser
Naorri Batiste
Mattew Graveson


Wallsend/Stockland/SC:
Rob Greatholder
Katie Budden
Constance Baur

Human Rights Youth Workshop - Almost Full

Amnesty International's free Youth Human Rights Workshop is ALMOST FULL

We have 5more places to offer you in case you would like to come along for this great opportunity. Do not hesitate to contact us nswccintern@amnesty.org.au

Anyway, for those who are still interested in attending can contact us at nswccintern@amnesty.org.au, to be placed on the waiting list and we will keep your contact details for you to be the first to know when will the next one be.

Indeed, we are planning on holding another Human Rights Workshop, a 2010 Student Conference, as well as many other events in the future, so please keep checking the website and this blog for more information about upcoming events.


Thanks for your interest and for the great response we've had!

For those who have RSVP'd - just a reminder of the details:

The workshop will be held at:
The Rex Centre, Kings Cross
58A Macleay Street - entrance near Baroda Street,
Kings Cross (Opposite Kings Cross station)

Rex Centre - Entrance

Legislation guide

Laws relating to posters and chalking in Australia
Legislation guide


Graffiti Control Bill 2008 à http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/nswbills.nsf/0/23167b35028c812fca2574f20018df77/$FILE/b2008-111-d10-House.pdf

Definitions

(1) In this Act: graffiti implement means any of the following:
(a) spray paint,
(b) a marker pen,
(c) any implement designed or modified to produce a mark that is not readily removable by wiping or by use of water or detergent.

Damaging or defacing property by means of graffiti implement

A person must not, without reasonable excuse (proof of which lies on the person), intentionally damage or deface any premises or other property by means of any graffiti implement.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units or imprisonment for 6 months


Posting bills and other marking offences

A person must not:
(a) affix a placard or paper on any premises, or
(b) intentionally mark, by means of chalk, paint or other material, any premises, so that the placard, paper or marking is within view from a public place, unless the person first obtained the consent, if the premises are occupied, of the occupier or person in charge of the premises or if the premises are unoccupied, of the owner or person in charge of the premises.
Maximum penalty: 4 penalty units.

NSW is very clear on writing in chalk: it is an offence covered under the Graffiti Control Bill 2008. This Bill also determines that it is an offence to put up a placard and or paper without permission

Thursday, September 24, 2009

New poll delivers scathing verdict on Government’s handling of Indigenous policy

The Nielsen survey was conducted nationally from 13-15 August with 1,400 respondents aged 18 and over. Here are the results:

*70 percent of Australians believe improving the living conditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be a high or very high priority for the Federal Government.

*Besides, 58 percent said Australian politicians do not know enough about Indigenous history and culture to develop effective policy for Indigenous people.

*According to 36 percent, the Federal Government was doing enough to close the health, housing and educational gap between Indigenous and other Australians.

*Moreover, another 57 percent felt that the living conditions of some Indigenous people is negatively affecting Australia’s reputation overseas.

Access to such services is a fundamental human right.


“Just last week the United Nations said once again that Australia was not living up to its international human rights obligations regarding Indigenous people,” said Rodney Dillon.

The UN Special Rapporteur-Professor James Anaya- on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous people noted that a more holistic approach and a real partnership are needed to effectively address Indigenous disadvantages in this country and to ensure direct participation of Aboriginal people in the design of policies and programs that affect their lives.

“The Amnesty International opinion poll clearly reinforces the findings of the UN Special Rapporteur and makes it clear that the Government has to use a new approach to addressing Indigenous issues in this country,” said Rodney Dillon.


For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:

Michael Rose,
Manager, Media and Public Affairs,
Amnesty International Australia.
02 8396 7620, or 0417 370 502

Roxanne Macara,
Media and Public Affairs Coordinator.
02 8396 7644