"Tunnel Vision" Doco Screening: Friends of the Earth Fund Raiser

Feeling that nothing ever changes? That the alliance of government and big business is just too powerful? That ordinary people - no matter how well-intentioned - will never prevail? If so, I have the perfect antidote for you:

On Tuesday 4 February, between 6 - 8pm at the Loop Bar 23 Meyers Place Melbourne (near the corner of Spring and Bourke street), Friends of the Earth will be hosting a fundraiser for their Sustainable Cities transport campaign. (Tickets: claudia.gallois@foe.org.au 0448752656)

The transport campaigners are currently fighting to stop the building of the North East Link. They are simultaneously advocating for Melbourne Metro 2. So their choice of film couldn't have been better.

Ivan Hexter's multi award-winning "Tunnel Vision" is the story of the community that rose up in defiance of the proposed East West Link, which would have decimated inner-city Melbourne and beyond. After a three year battle people power triumphed and the project was dumped.  Click for the trailer:
Tunnel Vision https://vimeo.com/273414171

I was part of that victorious campaign and will be joining Director Ivan Hexter on the panel after the film. So why not drop down to the great Loop Bar, grab a cocktail and then relax and enjoy a truly inspirational local film? I hope to see you there! 

Rebooting at XR Yarra Block Party

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This afternoon on a glorious clear Melbourne summer's day XR Yarra staged a Block Party. Riff Raff Radical kicked off with a range of rebel songs. And as you can see below, you are never too young to groove.

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The venue, in the shadow of Fitzroy's heritage town hall, was great. And the ambience proved perfect for the rest and relaxation which were primary aims of the get-together. But there were other aims. As the hosts put it in their flyer:

 Happy New Year, rebels! It's time to set your intentions and start the year right. Join us for a Block Party to celebrate the strength of our community, meet your neighbours and find your people.

Even our pink boat, the Tuvalu, made a guest appearance, determined to raise rebels' spirits at the start of what is bound to be a crucial year and decade:

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For those who enjoy creative activities, you could wear your heart on your sleeve (or your chest) by making your own XR t-shirt :

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A Wellbeing tent was also available should you need to take time out at any point.  And of course regen can take many forms:

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The speaker (below), who was one of the organisers of the party, reminded us that 'while many of us have had a few weeks of rest and a movement-wide break from action, our firefighters have continued to work to save lives, wildlife, habitat and properties.'

 

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For that reason the final aim of the party was to raise funds for our local CFA brigade. They have lost their main truck and need to replace it. After the speaker concluded the entertainment resumed as The Finbar Strummers took the stage. 

I found the party low key and enjoyable. It provided a real opportunity to reboot before we resume the struggle in what is bound to be a huge year for XR and the planet.

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