Thursday, October 8, 2009

ALEC Update October 8

Tax deductible donations to ALEC:
http://www.egive.org.au/index.php?inc=orgdesc&org_id=57&org_categoryid=1

ALEC website www.alec.org.au

ALEC weblog: http://aridlandsec.blogspot.com/

desertSMART www.desertsmart.net.au

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ALEC Update
Thursday October 8, 2009
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Good afternoon all,
Hope you’re having a good day.
It’s a big ALEC update for this week, covering many events that are happening in October.
It’s National Water Week from October 18-24 – check out what’s happening in Alice Springs below.
There won’t be an ALEC Update for a couple of weeks....so, take the time to have a read and see what you might like to participate in.

NOTE: The ALEC AGM will be held at the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens on Sunday October 25 from 5-7pm. This will be a good opportunity to meet the Management Committee, maybe even nominate for a position. Members and renewing members welcome. More details in a separate email next week.

Don’t forget: Milkwood Permaculture are coming to Alice Springs in April 2010. If you’re interested in learning the principles of permaculture and completing a Permaculture Design Course – check the link http://milkwoodpermaculture.com.au/courses/details/11-alice-autumn-pdc there are discounts for early registration.

There’s heaps going on this month from Permablitzes to AGMs to film nights and sleep outs.

Check the What’s on?? section below for key dates and events in October.

Have a great week, see you one or more of these fantastic community events.

Cheers

Jimmy

‘Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be’ – Khalil Gibran

Some news items from this week
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Paladin Accuses NGOs of Being Paid to Stop Malawi Uranium Mine
http://www.tradingroom.com.au/apps/view_breaking_news_article.ac?page=/data/news_research/published/2009/10/276/catf_091003_050900_7086.html

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=aTM6t2_qIcW8

Uranium Policy a hypocrisy
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/uranium-policy-a-hypocrisy-20091004-ght0.html

Emissions pledges not up to the mark: report
http://www.theage.com.au/national/emissions-pledges-not-up-to-the-mark-report-20091007-gn96.html


Ross Garnaut: Rising seas wash away Mabo's victory
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/rising-seas-wash-away-mabos-victory-20091007-gn3z.html


Climate pledges so far are nowhere near enough
http://www.newscientistcom/article/dn17940-climate-pledges-so-far-are-nowhere-near-enough.html

What’s on???

Grab your diaries:

Fri Oct 9 Applications for Community Garden Project Officer close – see www.alec.org.au for details

Fri Oct 9 Sleep Out – highlight homelessness and protest by-laws – Uniting Church Lawns, Todd Mall 7pm (see Community News)

Sat Oct 10 Permablitz @ Ben and Neridah’s – 969 Ross Hwy – from 10am (see Community News)

Sun Oct 11 8CCC Annual General Meeting @ RedHot Arts - 3-5pm (see 8CCC in Community News)

Wed Oct 14 Ride to Work Day – Breakfast on Alice Springs Town Council Lawns 6.30am-9am (see Community News for details)

Fri Oct 16 Amangkeme (growing) - Irrkerlantye Arts opening @ Olive Pink from 6.30pm (see end of update for details)

Fri Oct 16- 18 Lead with the heart workshops – Alice Springs http://www.ozgreen.org.au/upcoming.php (See Community News)

Sun Oct 18 – 24 National Water Week activities – Public Library Display all week (see Community News for details)

Sun Oct 18 Water week activities at the Todd Mall Markets (see Community News)

Mon Oct 19 ‘Securing our Water Future’ forum – Andy McNeill Room – 5.30pm

Tues Oct 20 ‘Water, Tailings and Angela Pamela - Andy McNeill Room 5.30 – 7pm – ASAP Collective

Wed Oct 21 Community Film Night – Desert Park Exhibition Centre – 7pm FREE

Sat Oct 24 The Day of Action http://www.350.org

Sun Oct 25 ALEC AGM @ OPBG 5-7pm (more details next week)

COOL news from desertSMART COOLmob

New focus on garden water use
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desertSMART COOLmob is pleased to announce that we have employed Sunil Dhanji and Julia Hengstler to undertake home water audits with an increased focus on garden water use.

If you would like an audit, contact desertSMART COOLmob on 8952 0211 or email dka.coolmob@coolmob.org and make a booking.
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Water Week Activities Oct 18-24
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Glenn Marshall, COOLmob Manager will be speaking at the ‘Securing Our Water Future’ forum at the Andy McNeill room, ASTC on Monday October 19.
Get along and hear from local water experts about our water source, water use and water security.
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Project Manager
Desert Smart COOLmob
Ph: (08) 8952 0299 Fax: (08) 8953 2988
http://dka.coolmob.org

Beyond Nuclear News

Hi everyone,
I am busy getting ready for the NSW Camp for Climate Action, where I am running a workshop on why expanding the nuclear industry is a false solution to climate change.

See http://climatecamp.org.au/

Part of this workshop will be a case study of the proposed expansion of the BHP Billiton Olympic Dam uranium mine, on Kokatha and Arabunna land in SA.

While I hope to highlight the vast destruction this expansion will cause (using up to 260 million litres of water a day and calling for public subisidies on diesel to dig for four years BEFORE hitting the targeted ore body) , BHP has been making headlines of its own, see two stories below.

Regarding the first article, it is an outrageous proposal for the company to recruit free labour from prisoners, masked as training, to help meet their Indigenous employment quota.

This proposal has been aptly tagged 'The nuclear chain gang' with the description 'from prison to poison for profits'.

Stay tuned for a reportback from climate camp!
Nat
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BHP in the news this week.................

BHP gives prisoners work experience at Olympic Dam
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26174651-5006301,00.html

BHP in scramble after mine damaged

http://www.theage.com.au/business/bhp-in-olympic-scramble-after-mine-damaged-20091007-gn80.html


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http://beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com

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Beyond Nuclear Initiative
Uranium Project

natwasley@alec.org.au
0429 900 774

Community News

SLEEP OUT

to highlight issues of homelessness in Alice Springs and protest the proposed Council by laws
Friday 9th October 7pm Uniting Church Lawns (Todd Mall)
Bring a swag and a banner if you like.
Uniting Church have been informed.

Ben and Neridah's permablitz – Sat Oct 10 from 10am

Ben and Neridah are planning a permablitz on Sat the 10th October at 969 Ross Hwy.
Please come along and help with numerous projects, including wicking worm beds, aquaponics, sheet mulching and building stuff.
Bring your hat and favourite tools.
regards
Ben and Ned

RIDE TO WORK DAY – Wednesday October 14

Join the commuter evolution, join the BIKE TRAIN in Alice Springs
Four meeting points around town – join the closest to you-
Eastside/Sadadeen: Undoolya Rd roundabout, cnr Stott Terrace @ 7am leader – Herb
Northside/Braitling: Penny Farthing, Northside shops @ 6.30am leader – Anne
The Gap/Golf Course: South Terrace cnr Taffy Pick crossing @ 7am leader – David
Larapinta: Larapinta shops near Lyndavale Dvr @ 6.45am leader – Kathy
FREE BREAKFAST ALICE SPRINGS TOWN COUNCIL LAWNS 6.30AM-9.00AM

NATIONAL WATER WEEK 2009 October 18-24

“SECURING OUR WATER FUTURE”
THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES INVITE YOU TO THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:
SUNDAY 18TH OCTOBER
BALLOONS, WATER PLAY AND INFORMATION AT THE TODD MALL MARKETS 9am -1pm
MONDAY 19TH OCTOBER
“SECURING OUR WATER FUTURE”: PUBLIC FORUM
Do you have questions about the water supply in Alice Springs, the Mereenie aquifer, how it is managed and what actions are being taken for water security? Come along to this facilitated public information event.
Andy McNeil room, Alice Springs Town Council, 5.30 pm
Speakers: Alan Whyte (Power and Water); Graham Ride (groundwater consultant, Centreprise Resource Group); Tanya Howard (Water Conservation NRETAS); Glenn Marshall (desertSMART COOLmob).
WEDNESDAY 21ST OCTOBER: COMMUNITY FILM NIGHT
A special FREE screening of two locally produced films, which address water management from different cultural perspectives.
“Water in Alice Springs” – Climate Action Group. Melaleuca Award winning short film. An engaging look at local attitudes to water and where our water comes from.
“Mer Rrkwer-akert” – April Campbell and Lisa Watts.
Traditional owners from Ti Tree go on a journey to visit Rrkwer (Brooks Soak) to respect their ancestors, to perform ceremony and to see how the country has changed. They haven’t been back for over 40 years. This film records their journey and their observations on environmental change.
Desert Park Exhibition Centre
7 pm. Free event.
ALL WEEK: DISPLAY AT ALICE SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Student art works from Ti Tree school.
Indigenous Language and Culture students undertook a unit of work on water sources, it use and how to look after their water supply.
A selection of their posters will be on display at the library to celebrate National Water Week.

Leading with the Heart workshops – Alice Springs - Oct 16-18

Leading with the Heart begins with a 3-day workshop that will enable you to:
✳ Strengthen your resilience to face up to global ecological challenges;
✳ Harness inner wisdom to create new ways of living and reduce ecological footprint;
✳ Build rational, emotional and spiritual intelligence;
✳ Learn how to listen deeply and question strategically;
✳ Create communities of change with connectivity from local to global.
The workshop will include:
✳ State of the planet, ecological footprint assessment
✳ Strategic questioning and deep listening skills training;
✳ Self awareness, life stories and personal development;
✳ Creative thinking, values and visioning;
✳ Goal setting and planning for life changes and eco-social action.
Leading with the Heart ties in well with Transition Towns.
OzGREEN will come to Alice Springs to run this workshop 16th-18th October 2009 at the reduced price of $350 (usually $660).
To register online go to: www.ozgreen.org.au/upcoming.php
Please register ASAP

Alice Springs Landcare AGM – October 31st 9am @ Arboretum – Todd River bank

Thanks for your support of Alice Springs Landcare (ASL) over the past twelve months.
Since October last year we have held numerous events around Alice Springs, such as Clean-Up Australia Day at Ilparpa Claypans, weed and rubbish removal at Spencer Valley as well as National Plant-a-Tree Day at Dixon Park on Northside.
You may have noticed the public notice in last Fridays Centralian Advocate.
On Saturday, 31st of October at 9:00am Alice Springs Landcare is holding an annual general meeting, Buffel Grass removal and BBQ. This will be held at the Arboretum on the bank of the Todd River, Sturt Terrace, the same site as last year. There is plenty of parking along Sturt Terrace and opposite Casa Nostra Restaurant.
Please come along and renew your membership, catch up with the ASL committee and have a vote in the AGM.
I am looking forward to re-nominating for the position as President and spending another year helping to protect remnant vegetation.
Please give me a call if you have any questions
Regards
Tim Collins
President, Alice Springs Landcare Inc
tim.collins@aapt.net.au
ph: 08 8952 2631

Invitation to comment on Draft Joint Management Plans for West MacDonnell and Watarrka National Parks

You are invited to comment on the Draft Joint Management Plans for:
West MacDonnell (Tyurretye) National Park and
Watarrka National Park.
The West MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon are well recognised symbols of the Territory’s outback. Located within Australia’s Red Centre National Landscape, these parks contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation, heritage and the Territory tourism economy.
These Draft Joint Management Plans are prepared in accordance with the 2005 amendments to the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act providing for joint management with Aboriginal Traditional Owners.
The focus on the plans is on shared decision-making between the joint management partners to achieve the legislated objectives of conserving natural and cultural values, providing for public enjoyment and ensuring the interests of Traditional Owners in relation to the Parks are pursued.
The Draft Plans can be viewed or downloaded from http://www.nt.gov.au/nretas/consult/
Submissions will be received until Friday 13th November 2009 and may be sent to parkplanning.nretas@nt.gov.au

8CCC

Tune into 8CCC Drive (102.1FM) on Tuesdays after the 4.30pm news and weather for the Radioactive Show, see http://www.3cr.org.au/podcasts/
Tune into Sustenance to hear the latest on the sustainability and environmental frontline.
Hosted by Kat Taylor and friends, listen to inspiring interviews, groovy music and stimulating conversation from 7-8:30pm every Wednesday night on 8CCC 102.1FM
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ALL WELCOME
8CCC Community Radio Inc
Annual General Meeting
3 - 5pm Sunday 11th October at Red Hot Arts
Corner of Stott St and Bath St Alice Springs
If you value 8CCC, Alice’s community radio station…
If you want to keep hearing local voices, local music, local stories on radio…
If you’ve got skills in radio, computer. digital technologies, financial management…
If you’re interested in new music - world, country, rock, hip-hop, reggae, blues, whatever…
If you want to learn to produce or present great live radio…
Then 8CCC needs you!!!
We’re calling for new members for 8CCC Board of Management. We need a strong Board with members who can meet monthly, plan and make decisions and put in some regular voluntary hours keeping everything on track.
We’re also calling for people to join our 8CCC volunteer support teams - the programming team, the music library team, the community team, the technology team, submissions and grants team. This is for people who can give practical support regularly or occasionally but in their area of interest.
Come to the AGM 11th October. Join 8CCC.
Be an active part of Alice Springs community radio.
For more information phone 0427 527771 or email 8ccc@netspeed.com.au

Food Not Bombs

Are you for food and social justice?
Come to the Courthouse Lawns at 5.30pm every Sunday
To find out more about Food Not Bombs in general, see http://www.foodnotbombs.net/
email : fnbalicesprings@gmail.com

Alice Springs Community Bank

Not Just Another Bank.

Banking with the Alice Springs Community Bank® Branch of Bendigo Bank in the
Coles Complex enhances community resilience in two ways; by banking with a
local branch our local economy is stimulated and employment is created, but
by banking with a locally-owned branch the local economy also benefits via a

community grants scheme and returns to the 373 local owners of the branch franchise.

All these 373 shareholders are now urged to consider what banking or financial services products they may be able to source through the branch. Because the income from branch operations is returned to the community what is good for the Alice Springs Community Bank is good for the Alice Springs Community.


Please contact our new Manager Lee Bagnell or any of our friendly staff (ph
89527517) to enquire about becoming a shareholder or for information or a
quote about our banking products.

http://www.bendigobank.com.au/public/community_bank/community_bank.asp?name=
alice_springs

Alice Solar City

ALEC is a proud member of the Alice Solar City Consortium Alice Solar City is very much aligned to our objective of creating healthy futures for arid lands and people.

To find out more or to sign up just drop into the Smart Living Centre at 82 Todd Street (next to Bojangles) and have a chat with their friendly staff or visit the website www.alicesolarcity.com.au or call 8950 4350.

Olive Pink Botanic Gardens

Dry and Diverse
Runs until Oct 12, Olive Pink Botanical Gardens. “Dry And Diverse” is an exhibition of recent etchings and linoprints exploring dry zone flora by Helen Clarke. Helen’s reduction linocuts are noted for their lustrous, textured surfaces and strong colours. As the edition is created, the lino is slowly destroyed through the reduction process. The hand-coloured etchings depict seeds, pods and other parts of plants organised to suit her sense of design. More info: Benjamin Convery, 8952 2154, curatoropbg@internode.on.net
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Upcoming: Amangkeme (Growing )
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Irrkerlantye Arts @ Olive Pink Exhibition
Irrkerlantye Arts is proud to announce an exhibition of works titled Amangkeme at the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens on 16 October 2009.
Works include screen printing techniques developed at Charles Darwin University. Hand painted ceramics include domestic and decorative ware. Other items on exhibition include textiles with hand printed bush tucker themes by MK Turner, Patsy Morton, Cathy Turner, Sharon Alice, Amelia Turner, Teresa Davies, Shirley Turner, Channi H Bell, Veronica Turner and Amanda Turner.

The exhibition will open at 6pm on the 16th and will run until Monday 26th October.
Everyone is welcome.

See you all there.
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Breakfast with the Birds at the Bean Tree Café within Olive Pink Botanic Gardens each weekend from 8.30am. Café operates Tues – Fri 10am – 4pm. Sat & Sun 8.30am – 4pm.
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