Thanks to the Yarra Climate Action Now newsletter.
The Transition Decade Launch
Sunday 14 February, 12 noon
Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St, City
See www.t10.net.au
The Transition Decade
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Category Archives: Melbourne
GreenPC Monitor Donations
From the FoE email. GreenPC are looking for monitor donations.
We need your monitors!
GreenPC is currently calling for your LCD and CRT monitors, to be recycled and distributed to low-income earners and other eligible customers. If you have a disused 17 inch CRT monitor or better, or a disused 15 inch LCD monitor or better, contact GreenPC on 03 9418 7400 or visit the donations page of the GreenPC website. GreenPC can also organise pick-up of donations of 10 or more monitors.
Free CERES Workshops
Another gem of information from the Friends of the Earth newsletter. Free workshops at CERES.
Lighting and Appliances
Wednesday, 20th January 6:30 pm – 8:30pm and
Saturday, 23rd January 6:30pm – 8:30 pmSustainable home renovation or rejuvenation
Wednesday, 10th February 6.30pm – 8.30pm and
Saturday, 13th February 1pm – 3pmSustainable Gardening
Saturday, 27th February 1pm – 4pm
Can’t seem to find the details on the CERES website. Probably best just to call reception on 03 9387 2609 to make bookings or find more info.
Melbourne City Museum to Close
The Melbourne City Museum, located in the Old Treasury building, is set to close around March of next year. Time to finally get around to visiting it! Info on the museum at their website.
HT: To the White Hat newsletter for pointing this out
Update: Also, a story in the Melbourne Leader on the closure.
Climate Action Centre: After Copenhagen
A debriefing session post Copenhagen. Organised by the Climate Action Centre. Details on their website.
Special briefing and discussion on the outcomes of the Copenhagen climate negotiations
An opportunity to find out what happened at Copenhagen and what it means for Australia and the planet.
6.30 PM, Monday December 21
Climate Action Centre
Lvl 5, New BuildingVictorian Trades Hall
cnr Lygon and Victoria sts
Carlton SouthJoin us for a drink and celebrate the end of the year and the achievements of the Victorian climate movement.
All Welcome
RSVP: 0419 253 342 or info@climateactioncentre.org
Melbourne Moonlight Cinema
Davidson on Public Private Partnerships
Kenneth Davidson in The Age on Public Private Partnerships: Flawed figures condemn our descendants to needless debt
OVER the past month, using information available from official sources, I have shown that just three infrastructure projects – the Children’s and Women’s hospitals and the Wonthaggi desalination plant – will cost Victorians (either as taxpayers or water users) an extra $8.3 billion over the next 25 to 30 years because they will be financed as public-private partnerships rather than by government borrowings.
Premier John Brumby is an unabashed enthusiast for what the Government calls ”Partnerships Victoria” – the ”warm and wet” name given to the flawed policy that got Victoria into this mess. His modus operandi is to shut down serious political debate about policies that threaten his pet projects.
He is helped by Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu running a pathetic law and order campaign in a desperate attempt to save his job when he has a potential political, fiscal and environmental scandal which he could ignite, providing he shows some leadership.
Walk Against Warming, Global Day of Action
A massive turnout according to the ABC: Massive turnout for Walk Against Warming.
More from Reuters: Australians walk to pressure Copenhagen.
In Melbourne, where the largest protest was held, marchers closed the event by spelling out the words ‘Safe Climate – Do It!’ on the ground. Organizers said aerial photographs were taken and sent to delegates in Copenhagen.
Police contacted by Reuters declined to give figures for the protests, confirming only that the Melbourne protest numbered in the thousands. However, organizers told Reuters police at the scene had told them the official police estimate was 40,000.
Photos from Environment Victoria on Flickr. Photos from AAP.
Walk Against Warming Melbourne
Melbourne Walk Against Warming – a vital opportunity to send a message!
Where: Meet at the State Library, Swanston St (to walk to Princes Bridge where we’ll make a human sign)
When: Saturday 12 December at 12 midday
More info: GetUp, Walk Against Warming
350 Copenhagen Vigils
There are a number of 350.org inspired Copenhagen Vigils being held around Melbourne. Details here.
Local events include (current at time of posting):
12 December 2009 – 9:00pm – 9:30pm
Come and join the GetUp Melbourne team and other like-minded people for a candle-light vigil. We will be assembling at 9pm on the 12th to show we care. We want a Fair, Ambitous and Binding agreement at Copenhagen, so come to City Square and have a FAB time! Bring posters, signs, and of course, candles.
This will mark the end of the day of action, with the Walk Against Warming happening during the day.
12 December 2009 – 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Carols in All Nations, All Nations Park, Northcote
Bring a picnic, your best signing voice and celebrate Christmas with your community. Featuring Massed Community Choir, market and more. This year, as part of a global candlelight vigil we will be asking all attending to light Candles for Copenhagen. Candles available for purchase or bring your own.
Main Program (including Reflection on the theme of Climate Change) from 8pm.
Why not travel green? Walk, ride or catch Tram 86, the train to Northcote Station or Bus 508. Bike Valet will be available thanks to Human Powered Cycles. Don’t forget your bike lights!
11 December 2009 – 5:00pm – 11:00pm
We’re combining the candle light vigil with a street christmas party, market stalls, live music and circus performance EXTRAVAGANZA. Market stalls, music and candle light vigil on friday night. fun, games, market stalls all day saturday.
We’re inviting all our neighbours AND enviro aware creative types from around Melbourne. Free tastings of micro brewed beer available.
Also, via Avaaz, some festive singing for the one and only Martin Ferguson MP
Time: Friday, December 11 at 09:00 AM
Venue:: In front ot the offfice of Martin Ferguson MP
Place: 159 High St Preston, Preston, State of Victoria, Australia
Host: Petrina Barson
This will be a singing vigil outside the office of Martin Ferguson MP, federal member for Batman and minister for resources. We will be there all day from 9 to 5 singing (really easy) modified Christmas carols (“we all want ambitious targets… and we won’t go until we get some, we won’t go until we get some…) to get the message through to our local MP that the pressure’s on from his constituents and their friends that we want real action at Copenhagen. Come along whether you think you can sing or not (!), come for part of the time or all of the time. Please indicate when you sign up what time slot you plan to come for.
Sidney Myer Free Concerts 2010
The free concerts at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl are on again in 2010. Details from the MSO website as follows:
Four free outdoor concerts at 7pm in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Gates open at 4pm.#1 ‘Romantic Favourites’
Wednesday 17 February 2010 at 7:00 PM
VERDI The Force of Destiny: Overture
TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto No.1 in B flat minor, Op.23
BRAHMS Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op.68#2 ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’
Saturday 20 February 2010 at 7:00 PM
SMETANA The Bartered Bride: Overture
DVORÁK Cello Concerto in B minor, Op.104
SMETANA My Country: The Moldau
DVORÁK Slavonic Dances Op.72 and Op.46#3 ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Wednesday 24 February 2010 at 7:00 PM
MENDELSSOHN A Midsummer Night’s Dream (excerpts)
BRUCH Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor, Op.26
STRAUSS Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks, Op. 28#4 ‘Opera Showcase’
Saturday 27 February 2010 at 7:00 PM
Various Overtures, choruses and arias from The Magic Flute, Rigoletto, Tannhäuser, Eugene Onegin, Il trovatore, The Pearl Fishers, Lakmé and Lucia di Lammermoor
Ticket Inspectors (Authorised Officers)
An interesting article in today’s Crikey by Luke Williams (subscriber only) providing some details on Melbourne’s lovable public transport ticket inspectors.
Choice excerpts include
The latest report by the Public Transport Ombudsman shows 38% of its complaints are about fines and the conduct of authorised officers
Of the complaints, 31% were about intimidation, 22% about the use of force, the rest were largely about officers not listening or acting aggressively.
Also, he notes a project undertaken by YouthLaw, called Campaign Respect, looking at young people’s experiences at the hands of ticket inspectors.
La bohème at Sidney Myer (Free)
Puccini’s La bohème is on at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl next week.
8pm, Friday 11 December
Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Gates to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl open at 4pm**
More info at The Arts Centre and Opera Australia
Higgins Byelection: Vote Climate
Higgins by-election – an historic opportunity – Thanks to the drama unfolding in Canberra, the climate crisis has been thrust front and centre in the by-election happening this Saturday. The Vote Climate campaign is non-aligned and urging voters to vote based on the different parties’ climate change policies.
To help distribute Vote Climate flyers at the polling stations on Saturday (5/12) contact Jane -mortonj@ozemail.com.au or 0419 870 507 or sign up at http://www.climateactioncentre.org/higgins
Update: A fantastic experience helping out at the booth. A few entertaining moments. Highlight was definitely meeting the other people manning the booth for the various parties. Pity about the result, a little disappointing, but still a worthwhile day. Quite inspiring!
Ride Planet Earth
Ride Planet Earth bike ride, Sunday 6 December, 1pm, Melbourne Museum car park (Nicholson St, Carlton) andride to Edinburgh Gardens (St Georges Rd, Nth Fitzroy). Music and speakers after the ride. See www.rideplanetearth.org
Update: Perfect day for a ride. Turned a few heads on Brunswick Street. Thanks to the organisers!
Photos follow…
Renewable is Do-able
Organised by Beyond Zero Emissions and Save Solar Systems.
What: Public Meeting
Renewable is Do-able Public Meeting
We have organized a public meeting to alert the wider community to the fact that renewable energy is available right now, and it is up to our leaders to show the foresight to commit the framework that penetrates the dated social and economic barriers that renewables contend against in Australia.
We have a tremendous line up of speakers that include:
- Rob Gell, environmental geographer and television weather presenter
- Mark Ogge, facilitator of “Zero Carbon Australia 2020” report, Beyond Zero Emissions
- Clive Hamilton, bestselling author of ‘Scorcher – The dirty politics of climate change’, candidate for Higgins, and director of the Australia Institute.
A question time will follow where the public can ask questions of the speakers directly.
When: 6.30pm, Thursday December 3
Where: Fitzroy Town hall, 201 Napier St, Fitzroy
Urban Sprawl Alternative
An interesting article by Frank Reale on the need to look at growth in regional areas as an alternative to ever expanding state capitals.
About half of Australia’s population is contained in five state capitals. The result is an over-urbanisation that is inefficient and requires the building of ever-expanding infrastructure, including transport, sewerage, water and energy supply, telecommunications and waste disposal.
Overall, the concept is radical but surprisingly inexpensive. Establishing six or seven small cities would cost about $1 billion, including land acquisition and basic first-stage infrastructure. Compared with the $38 billion price tag on Melbourne’s road “solution”, striking at the root cause of our urban problems comes at a very modest cost.
A little along the lines of a regular rant of mine. Cities the size of Melbourne can become unworkable. Compared to the Europe and the US, we are a little unusual in our capital-city-focus down here (even Michigan has a number of large cities – Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor).
Swanston Street Redevelopment Consultation
It has begun. Participate here… Open until May 8.
OpenStreetMap
The Wikipedia of maps? OpenStreetMap is an interesting idea. Perhaps a little harder to get into than Wikipedia, but still. Seems quite good for bike paths and the like.
Victorian Cycling Strategy
A bit of fanfare from the Victorian Government with the release of their cycling strategy. Good to see them doing something, but still, it is hard not to be more than a bit skeptical. More around the interwebs…
Fair Trade Fortnight
Just saw something about Fair Trade Fortnight, which runs from May 2 to 17. More info at the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand.
Also, a timely reminder about Fair Trade chocolate (given that Easter is coming up). There are quite a few options around now including… Alter Eco, Chocolatier, Cocolo, Green & Black’s Maya Gold, Heritage Fine Chocolates, and Scarborough Fair Foods.
Lastly, worth a mention is Etiko, with their Fair Trade sports gear and fashion gear.
Beyond Zero Emissions
Beyond Zero Emissions is a Melbourne-based volunteer organisation focussed on helping us make the changes necessary to turn around the big-hulking-titanic-disaster-in-the-making that is climate change.
In their own words…
Our core goal is to facilitate the implementation of the social changes and technologies that will reduce the impacts of climate change and give our society, and today’s global ecosystems, a chance of surviving into the future.
We are involved in the following activities:
- education
- advocacy
- corporate campaigning
- political campaigning
- network building
- community campaign building
- research
- solution development
We differ from mainstream environmental groups by one very important point – we believe that we have already allowed climate change to go too far, and must act immediately to reduce our levels of greenhouse gas emissions to zero and below.
They are very action focussed, which is great for the many like myself who are unsure where to expend their energy in order to actually make a difference.
There are regular campaign meetings, monthly discussion groups, podcasts of their weekly 3CR radio broadcast and lots of other fantastic stuff.
An impressive effort. I’m looking forward to taking some time out to volunteer with them in the near future.
Avalon Airshow Flight Tracking
With the airshow on at Avalon this week, the Melbourne Airport flight activity tracker can provide some interesting viewing. You probably need to look at the historical data to find something interesting. Click on the plane icon and select ‘show static track’ to see more than a little bit of tracking. Here’s one example from about 1pm. Limited time offer! The historical data is only viewable for about 24 hours.
Sidney Myer Free Concerts 2009
It is February, so the Sidney Myer Free Concerts (by the MSO) are on again. The details for this year are as follows (more info here and here).
12 February: Berlioz, Bizet, Enescu, Gershwin, Hughes, Wagner
14 February: Mahler, Rachmaninov, Ravel, Tchaikovsky
18 February: Beethoven
21 February: Rodrigo, Rossini, Schubert
The first concert was great. Arrived about 6pm and found decent seats. The starlings had a bit of fun singing along with the orchestra which was amusing (to me at least).
We missed out on getting into the second concert as when we arrived the gates had already closed! Managed to sort of hear things from beside the fence. Lots of people left at the intermission, but no more plebs from outside were allowed in.
Sustainable Living Festival 2009
The 2009 Sustainable living festival is on at Federation Square (in Melbourne) this coming weekend. I’ll be doing the dishes for a while at one of the Wash-Against-Waste tents.
More info here…
