Critical Mass
HOBART — Critical Mass is an "organised coincidence" whereby, on one evening each month, the usual fossil fuel-driven peak hour traffic gives way to a slow moving, singing, chanting convoy of cyclists, skaters and walkers. The idea is to reclaim streets for people and focus attention on alternatives to society's reliance on private motoring.
Beginning in San Francisco in 1992, Critical Mass now takes place in more than 60 cities worldwide, and can draw up to 5000 people in its home city. Critical Mass will be coming to Hobart on Thursday, April 24. It will be leaving Franklin Square at 5.30pm. Bring your own pushbike, skateboard, musical instruments, dog or anything that is not powered by internal combustion. For more information call 62 638065.
Indigenous people's gathering
MELBOURNE — Indigenous people from Australia, Bougainville, North America, Mexico and Africa will meet here March 16-23. The Indigenous Solidarity Gathering will start with a concert in North Melbourne Town Hall on March 16, followed by two days of discussions which are open to the public, and three days of strategy discussions.
The gathering is being organised by the Indigenous Solidarity Group, a working group of Friends of the Earth in Melbourne. For information or to register, phone 9419 8700.
Forum hears Tahiti anti-nuclear activists
BRISBANE — Auxillia Haereraaroa and Leila Tahutini, visiting anti-nuclear activists from Tahiti, addressed a forum sponsored by Green Left Weekly at the Resistance Centre here on March 5. The forum heard an account of the current situation in the French island colony, and the demands of the Tahitian people for self-determination and independence. The covering up of the real health hazards for former workers at the testing sites of Moruroa and Fangataufa, as well as all the nearby Polynesian islanders, was exposed.
'Stop Tandem Thrust' rally
BRISBANE — "Stop Operation Tandem Thrust. Cancel these war games" was the theme of a rally by 80 people outside the Defence Recruitment Centre here on March 7. Demonstrators chanted and held up banners and placards to the passing afternoon peak-hour crowds, calling for the joint US-Australian military exercises at Shoalwater Bay, near Rockhampton — a World Heritage region — to be halted.
Students Against Racism formed
ADELAIDE — On February 28, Adelaide University students formed "Students Against Racism", a coalition of groups and activists, at a meeting initiated by the Resistance club.
Students Against Racism intends to involve students in organising resistance to the Liberals' racist attacks on Aborigines and migrants. The group stands for land rights for Aboriginal people, opposes cuts in immigration and deportation of East Timorese refugees, demands the restoration of ATSIC funds and supports the struggle against a bridge to Kumarangk. To get involved, ring Natalie or Sam on 8231 6982.
New Resistance club
CANBERRA — The Socialist youth organisation Resistance has established its first club at the University of Canberra this year. Club organiser Nick Soudakoff told Green Left, "At the club's stalls during orientation week, many students commented that Resistance was the only organisation on campus campaigning on a range of issues".
"Why Marxism?" forums were held at UC and the ANU on March 5 and 6, both attracting more than 30 students. Weekly club meetings will be held at UC on Wednesdays. For details ring 247 2424.