Action updates
BRISBANE — A Peace Concert at Albert Park on February 2, in support of aid for Ethiopia, drew more than 1000 people. Organised by a local community group, Friends for Peace, the concert featured Pop Properly, one of Brisbane's best-known folk bands. For further information about the project or to donate money or tools, phone Ross Battisson on 289 8175.
MELBOURNE — About 200 young people marched here on February 13 to protest against the shortage of places in Victorian universities. Speakers attacked cutbacks in government education spending, proposals to turn AUSTUDY grants into loans, and difficulties facing high school students. Around 64,000 people applied for 25,000 places in state universities. Many of those rejected had completed secondary school with good results. With few TAFE places available as an alternative, most of the unsuccessful applicants are likely to join the unemployed.
SYDNEY — The Australian AIDS Memorial Quilt was displayed on February 14 at the Sydney Showground. The unveiling was attended by around 300 people.
- Twenty activists launched the national high school student newsletter, Student Underground, at the Resistance Centre on February 15. Speakers were Jennifer Glass from Gay and Lesbian Teachers and Students, Amy Phillips from the Environmental Youth Alliance and Kathy O'Driscoll from Resistance. Student Underground is produced by and for high school students and is available from Resistance Centres in most cities.
- Three hundred people attended a public meeting of the Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Watch Committee at Glebe Town Hall on February 11. Addressing the issues of racism and wrongful imprisonment, speakers took up in particular the cases of Arthur Murray and Sonny Bates, sentenced to 18 months over the 1987 Brewarrina "riot". Their appeals will be heard at 10 a.m. on February 26 at the Supreme Court (Macquarie and King streets), and supporters are encouraged to attend.