ADELAIDE — Planning for International Women's Day is well under way. A guest speaker from Kababaihan, which represents women workers and urban poor of the Philippines, will be the feature of the day. Other speakers will take up issues related to women's services and the impact of cutbacks. There will also be street theatre, stalls and food with a dance in the evening. Women are welcome to the planning meetings every Tuesday at 6pm at the Women's Studies Resource Centre.
- Four years after the event and a long court battle, BHP has been forced to pay compensation to injured workers in Whyalla. Five workers were scalded in two separate incidents when dismantling an old water tower. BHP was found negligent, particularly in that it failed to reassess safety procedures after the first accident. The maximum fine is $180,000.
- A 200-strong rally opposing the racist group National Action was held on January 28 at the Collonades shopping centre. Organised by the Southern Women's Community Health Service, the action coincided with a National Action rally — which attracted only 50 people — four kilometres away, at a local government councillor's office.
SYDNEY — On February 4, protesters commemorated the 1000th day of the siege of Sarajevo. The peaceful action was organised by the Australian Bosnia and Hercegovina Community Association, with support and participation of other organisations including the Sydney Rape Crisis Centre. The commemoration consisted of a guest speaker from Thursdays in Black, traditional songs and poetry and excerpts from books reflecting the strength of the survivors in this unjust war.
- International Women's Day will feature a broad range of speakers, including feminists from the campaign for a free East Timor, the ABC's Coming Out Show, unions and high schools. The day will end with a dance and cabaret at Diva's nightclub. The IWD collective meets weekly at Women's Liberation House, 63 Palace St, Petersham. Phone Mara on 790 3093 for more details or to get involved.