Preparations are advancing for a solidarity conference under the theme, "Venezuela: The Revolution Continues," being held in Sydney on October 6.
The conference is being co-sponsored by the Venezuelan Embassy in Australia, the Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network, the Bolivarian Circle, unions and other political and solidarity organisations.
The program will include a welcome by Venezuelan ambassador Nelson Davila, a video presentation by Alfonse De Gill called "Three roots of the Bolivarian Revolution”, and a guest speaker from Venezuela on the theme "After Chavez: Challenges and direction for Venezuela."
The next session is entitled: "Why Venezuela's revolution matters: Views from the Australian left." Speakers will include: Rachel Evans from the Socialist Alliance, Roberto Jorquera from Socialist Alternative and a representative from the Communist Party of Australia.
After lunch, a session is planned on the theme, "How Venezuela has changed since Chavez came to power," featuring Sarah Motta, from Newcastle University; Luis Fernandez from the University of Sydney; and Robert Austin from the University of Queensland.
This is followed by a session entitled, "Venezuela's revolution and its impact on the Americas and the world." Speakers include Tim Anderson from Sydney University; Rodrigo Acuna from Macquarie University; and Shamikh Badra, an activist and student from Gaza.
The final session is on the theme, "The need for solidarity with Venezuela's continuing revolution." Eulalia Whitney, a Venezuelan activist from Brisbane; Paul McAleer, from the Maritime Union of Australia; and Lisa MacDonald, from AVSN, will address the topic, followed by closing remarks from the Venezuelan ambassador.
In light of the continuing international disinformation campaign against the Venezuelan revolution, there is increasing interest in this important conference, especially among the Latin American community in this country. Registration is free, and lunch will be available.
[The conference will take place from 9.30am to 5pm, at Redfern Town Hall, 93 Pitt Street, Redfern. For more information, phone Fred on 0412 556 527.]
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