Pilger film a hit
ADELAIDE — The premiere screening on July 31 of John Pilger's latest documentary, The Timor Conspiracy, was a huge success. The 200-seat Mercury Cinema was filled. About 40 people had to be turned away.
The crowd responded positively to Pilger's powerful and moving film. Around $300 was collected in donations. Many stayed to discuss the film with activists from Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor (ASIET) and supporters of Green Left Weekly, who jointly organised the event.
Stuart Munckton, speaking for ASIET, received a warm response from the audience when he urged them to become active in their opposition to Indonesia's genocide in East Timor. A second screening will be held on September 18 at 7pm at the Mercury Cinema. Bookings can be made by telephoning (08) 8231 6982.
Revolutions celebrated
SYDNEY — Around 50 people gathered at the Sydney Resistance Centre on July 31 to discuss and celebrate the Cuban and Nicaraguan revolutions. The event was organised jointly by the Committee in Solidarity with Latin America and the Caribbean and the Democratic Socialist Party.
Talks examined how the revolutions were made and developed. Discussions centred on assessments of the gains of each. Weaknesses were also examined. The importance of international solidarity was highlighted. Ricardo Andino entertained with revolutionary songs. The evening concluded with the David Bradbury documentary on the Nicaraguan revolution, No Pasaran!
Melbourne Uni left chooses candidate
MELBOURNE — Left Focus, the umbrella election group of the student left at Melbourne University, has preselected Resistance activist Bronwyn Jennings as its candidate for the position of president of the student union. The group, which includes Resistance, Left Alliance, the National Organisation of Labor Students and independent left-wing activists, formed eight years ago to regain control of the union from the right wing of the ALP and to create an active student union campaigning for social justice.
Jennings said, "There is a definite need for the president to be an activist involved at a grassroots level in campaigns. This has been highlighted this year by the detrimental effect of the ALP right's hold on the president's position.
"The right has not done anything to support the campaigns of the student union. It even put out press releases distancing the president from the rest of the student activists who were supporting the locked-out workers of the Australian Dyeing Company dispute earlier this year."
Timbarra blockade
The blockade at the Timbarra goldmine will resume in the near future. Timbarra Direct Action is requesting donations of equipment for the blockade and the campaign office. Phone (02) 6737 6795 for more information.