Ecopolitics VI set for Melbourne
By Katrina Newton
MELBOURNE — Ecopolitics is coming to Melbourne from September 25 to 27. This international conference has been held roughly biannually for a decade, and this time RMIT will be providing the venue.
Ecopolitics provides a forum for networking and discussing issues related to the environment, society and politics. The theme of this year's conference, "Interactions and actions", it heralds a new format for Ecopolitics.
In the past Ecopolitics has functioned as a largely academic conference, where the focus was on the delivery of papers. This conference is being structured to emphasise discussion and exchange of ideas leading to an action which can be implemented at the end of each session. The program has been expanded to include performances, displays and workshops as well as information stalls.
Within the broad theme of the conference, a series of sub-themes have been developed to cover as many areas of interest as possible. These themes include: arts and environment, community group network, communication and action, media and environment, feminist thought, politics and social movements, and environmental philosophy.
Keynote speakers on each of the three days will stimulate thought and discussion on a variety of topics. One speaker is Jeannie Baker, creator of the book Window. She will be appearing as part of the arts and environment theme to discuss her work and its relevance to the environment.
Registration for the three days is $80 full, $40 concession and $55 for community groups which have limited funds. The group registration can be used interchangeably among members. Daily registration rates are also available.
Child-care is being arranged for the three days, but the organisers will need to be informed before the end of August. For participants who live interstate and beyond, billeting can be arranged and lists of accommodation in Melbourne are available.
If you are interested in becoming involved in Ecopolitics or your group is interested in having a stall, it's not too late to get in touch. Likewise if you are interested in giving a talk, performance or workshop, presenting a paper or displaying some art work — let us know soon!
For more information or a registration form, contact Ian Thomas on (03) 660 3441 or Katrina Newton on (03) 660 3485.