ERC -- Pacific Calling Partnership & ERC Eco Justice -- Coming Events

PCP Event 29 Apr, 2010 : After Copenhagen - Where to now for the Pacific?

Special Invitation (Sydney)

You are all warmly invited to come to the Edmund Rice Centre and join with others from the Pacific Calling Partnership in considering the question: After Copenhagen - Where to Now for the Pacific?

When: 5.30pm for 6.00pm till 8.00pm, Thursday 29 April 2010
Where: 15 Henley Rd Homebush West NSW (2 minutes walk from Flemington Station)

You will join with members of the Pacific Calling Partnership's delegation to Copenhagen (Phil Glendenning, Maria Tiimon, Jill Finnane) in an evening of sharing about the significance of what happened there and what it means for the future. 

The evening will include a short film of their experiences and achievements, a chance for you to ask questions and share your reflections and an opportunity to hear about the how the PCP's new strategic plan responds to the post Copenhagen world.

Refreshments provided
Entry free (donations welcome)

Please RSVP to jillf {at} erc.org.au

Download Flyer

NSW

Reflections on learning from our Kiribati neighbours

Come along, share a meal and listen to the reflections of the delegation that have recently returned from Kiribati.

When: Friday 27th November 2009
Where: Edmund Rice Centre, 15 Henley Rd Homebush West (right next to Flemington Station)
Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Click here to download the flyer (PDF, 105kb)

VIC

No Events for VIC

QLD

No Events for QLD

ACT

No Events for ACT

Past Events

Attention Pacific Islanders You are invited to a Pacific Islander gathering on the 31st of October 2009. 31st October: PACIFIC CLIMATE CHANGE GATHERING in Mt Druitt The Pacific Conference of Churches and the Pacific Calling Partnership invite you to a Pacific Climate Change Gathering Find out how we can support our brothers and sisters back home who are facing climate change. Dancing, songs and Pacific music. Speakers on the impact of climate change. Drama presentation on climate change by young people of Mt Druitt. Refreshments. No charge, but donations are welcome WHEN: 10am – 1 pm WHERE: Holy Family Centre, Cnr Emert Pde & Webber Cres Emerton. Click Here to download the Our Flyer

Sustainability, Movement of Peoples and the Call to Change

The Franciscan Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation Commission invites you to this workshop:

The aim of this workshop is to make connections between justice, peace and ecology and to investigate our role in building a community that sustains life.

When: Saturday 12 September 2009
Where: St Clare’s College Hall (41-51 Carrington Rd, Waverley)
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm

Gold coin donations will be kindly accepted. Please bring your own lunch Refreshments and Morning Tea will be provided.

This workshop is suitable for all parishioners, teachers, senior students and all those interested in understanding our environmental concerns from a Franciscan Perspective.

Please register by 7 September.
Enquiries: Sarah Menassa (02) 9369 9309 or jpic@franciscans.org.au

Targets, Technologies and the Till: An Effective Global Climate Agreement

Walter Westman Lecture on Science, Humanity and the Environment
John Connor, CEO Climate Institute of Australia, will speak on Targets, Technologies and the Till: An Effective Global Climate Agreement.

John’s address will come in the week before world leaders gather at a special climate change focused UN leaders summit in New York and immediately afterwards at a meeting of G-20 in Pittsburgh. John will do a stocktake on Australian and international commitments to key elements of an effective global climate agreement which include emissions reduction targets, technology transfer and financing agreements. The address will also cover the extent to which Australia’s climate diplomacy and economic growth capacity remains monopolized by coal and energy intensive industries, and commentary on the dangerous game of chicken being played by developed and developing country negotiators as the December Copenhagen deadline looms.

When:Thursday, 17 September, 2009
RSVP: Friday 11 September, 2009
Time: 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm
Location: International House, Wool Room, The University of Sydney, 96 City Road, Chippendale
Cost: FREE – Light refreshments will be served after the lecture
Contact: International House; Phone: +61 2 9950 9800; Email: ihoffice@usyd.edu.au

'Training for Transition' workshop 8th- 9th August, Bowral

We stand at a cross roads in human history where the choices we make now about economic growth, energy usage and carbon emissions in response to the global challenges of climate change and peak oil will shape the lives of generations to come.

Transition Towns; is an inspiring vision and action plan for how a community can transition to an energy lean, carbon constrained, and relocalised future that is abundant, sustainable, connected, and resilient. The 2-day fundamentals course is designed for people who are thinking of creating a Transition initiative, or for core groups within Transition Initiatives. It is for those wishing to know how to set up, run, and maintain a successful Transition initiative in your locality. It is informative and experiential. It weaves together practice and theory, our inner Transition with our outer Transition, and the Transition required at the both the personal and community level. The feedback from participants indicates that this two day journey holds for many key insights, understanding, and awareness to help them to contribute to the most important journey of our times; the journey to a peaceful and resilient world.

For more Workshop detail please contact: Sandra Menteith menteith@bigpond.net.au 0403 790777 ARRCC Event 9 August 2009

Australian Religious Response to Climate Change

(ARRCC)is making available an interesting opportunity to learn more about why campaigners argue for alternatives to current proposed policies on climate change, similar to a recent initiative of the Pacific Calling Partnership. If you're happy to, would you please send this around to your networks, ideally as a separate e-mail, or you may want to include it in your next e-mail newsletter or mention it on your website.We should have the names of everyone presenting in a week or so, but we want to get word out sooner.

Federal Government policy on climate change and community responses Sunday, August 9th, 1 pm - 4 pm at the Al-Ghazzali Centre, 1021A Canterbury Rd, Lakemba (entry via Willeroo St)

People of faith are concerned about and taking action on climate change - in our lives and in our communities. We are also called to take part in the political process. But climate change policy can be bewildering, even for people who take an active interest. At this workshop we will clarify:

1. Federal Government policy on climate change as a "package", including greenhouse gas reduction targets, emissions trading, renewable energy target, funding to poor countries to cope with the effects of climate change.
2. Community responses to Federal Government policy.

Our speakers include a representative from the Department of Climate Change, international development and grass roots campaigners, and a renewable energy expert. Most of our speakers are people from faith backgrounds. There will be generous time for questions and discussion. People of faith are especially encouraged to come along.
This is an event presented jointly by ARRCC and the Al-Ghazzali Centre. For more info contact: Thea Ormerod 0405 293 466 or chair@arrcc.org.au

Fasting & Feasting!

Food, Faith & the Environment – A Forum
Hosted by (FEN) Faith & Ecology Network
Venue: Lachlan’s Garden Marquee, Old Government House, Parramatta Park
When: 2nd August, 2009. 10am - 11.30am
Full Day Registration: $20 Adults, $10 Child under 12

Voices from the front line - Pacific Island Speaking Tour

Cairns - See under Vic Events for description of this event
When: Sunday 2nd August 4.00 – 6.00 pm (Entertainment commences at 4.00pm with speakers from 5.00pm )
Where: Western Events Lawn, Cairns Esplanade (western end of lagoon)
Speakers: Marstella Jack (Former Attorney General, Federated States of Micronesia), Reverend Tafue Lusama (Chairman of the Tuvalu Climate Action Network), Pelenise Alofa Pilitati (Managing Director Kauaoki Foundation Enterprise), Julie-Anne Richards (Climate Change Advocacy Coordinator - Oxfam Australia),Trish Harrup (Senior Climate and Energy Campaigner - Greenpeace Australia Pacific)

RSVP [recommended but not essential] by 30 July:climate@au.greenpeace.org

Australia and Pacific Regional Climate Change Forum

Representatives from Pacific, Australian and New Zealand NGOs who are working on climate change issues in the Australia-Pacific region are invited to attend a one day climate meeting in Cairns, Australia coinciding with the Pacific Island Forum (PIF).

The Pacific Island Forum (PIF) meeting will be held in Cairns, Australia from 4 - 7 August 2009. 2009 is a crucial year for climate change with global governments meeting in Copenhagen in December to agree a new climate treaty. Unless the world can agree to make substantial cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, climate impacts in the Pacific will worsen. Climate change mitigation and adaptation are fundamental issues for the Pacific region. As such these issues should be at the forefront of discussions at the PIF and Australia and New Zealand governments should be supporting the Pacific calls for action. The NGO Climate Change Forum has been timed to coincide with the meeting of the leaders of the Small Island States to enable NGOs to support SIS Leaders in their calls for climate action and to apply pressure on Australia and New Zealand governments for their failure in the face of these calls.

Date: Tuesday 4th August 2009
Time: Arrive 8.45 am for 9.00 am start to 5.00 pm
Venue: Upolu Room, Rydges Plaza Cairns Cnr: Spence & Grafton Street
What: sharing up-to-date information on climate science, the international climate negotiations, commitments from nations to act on climate change, and what NGOs believe is required. Strategy session to identify effective actions that NGOs can undertake either jointly or individually in the lead up to Copenhagen. Release of a joint statement and media release.

For further information please contact Trish Harrup of Greenpeace Australia Pacific on trish.harrup@greenpeace.org or skype: trish.Harrup or ph:+61438422572

 

The Perfect Storm - Australia's role in dealing with the triple crunch of the global financial crisis, climate change and rising food prices

ALP Conference Forum by Oxfam Australia and the Centre for Policy Development
When: Friday 31 July, 6 – 7.30pm
Where: Sussex Room, Crowne Plaza, 150 Day Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney
Speakers: Sharan Burrow, Andrew Hewett, Reverend Tafue Lusama, Ian Dunlop and Ben McNeil

Voices from the front line - Pacific Island Speaking Tour

Melbourne - Come and meet the people at the frontline of climate change in the Pacific and hear their stories of the effects on their homes and livelihoods. Learn about what they are doing to protect their communities and ensure that their cultures live on and, most importantly, find out what simple steps you can take to support their fight for survival.
When: Thursday 30th July, 6.30 – 8 pm (registration from 6pm)
Where: Melbourne Town Hall, Supper Room
Speakers: Marstella Jack, Reverend Tafue Lusama and Pelenise Alofa Pilitati

Voices from the front line - Pacific Island Speaking Tour

Brisbane - See under Vic Events for description of this event
When: Tuesday 28 July, 6.30 – 8 pm (registration from 6pm)
Where:Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane Room
Speakers: Marstella Jack, Reverend Tafue Lusama, Pelenise Alofa Pilitati, Sam Reuben (Torres Strait Islands) and John Kris (Chair, Torres Strait Regional Authority)

Solving the Climate Crisis Talk

When: Saturday, 25th July, 1pm
Where: Theatre G, Australian Museum, 6 College St, Sydney
Speakers: John Hepburn and Pelenise Alofa Pilitati
The talk is free with general entry to the Museum. General entry is $12 (adults) and $8 (concession).

Voices from the front line - Pacific Island Speaking Tour

Come and meet the people at the frontline of climate change in the Pacific and hear their stories of the effects on their homes and livelihoods. Learn about what they are doing to protect their communities and ensure that their cultures live on and, most importantly, find out what simple steps you can take to support their fight for survival.

Featuring:

• Pelenise Alofa Pilitati, Kiribati
• Managing Director Kauaoki Foundation Enterprise
• Chairperson Church Education Director's Association in Kiribati (CEDAK)- Member Pacific Calling Partnership
• Reverend Tafue Lusama, Tuvalu Chairman of the Tuvalu Climate Action Network (TuCAN) Program Secretary, Department of Peace and Justice
• Te Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (Church of Tuvalu)- Sydney

When:Thursday 23rd July, 2009
Where:Mitchell Theatre, Sydney Mechanics School of Arts Level 1, 280 Pitt St, Sydney

Speakers at 7pm, doors open at 6.30pm for registration, take action stalls and light refreshments RSVP by July 20: climate@au.greenpeace.org

For more information go to: www.oxfam.org.au/climate-change or www.greenpeace.org.au/climate

Transition Sydney seminar - Transition Towns: Community solutions for tomorrow’s challenges

Where: Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, 280 Pitt St, Sydney
When: 15 July, 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Bookings: events@transitionsydney.org.au $5 adapting to climate change, peak oil, water shortage and the other challenges that face us.

Explore how Transition Initiatives work and find out how you can become involved in one where you live.

As the authors of Resilient Cities said: “The resilient city is the option we should be contemplating as, in the end, it is the only option based on hope. So, the question is, how do we get started on this new journey?”www.transitionsydney.org.au

National Climate Emergency Rally

Maria Tiimon will speak at the rally from the perspective of the Pacific Calling Partnership Be part of the climate solution! Join with thousands of Australians in your capital city (and Wollongong)on 13th June to stand up for urgent action and climate leadership. Come along and be a part of the climate solution! Together we can convince the Government to wake up and work for a safe, just, and prosperous future for everyone.

Organised by the Community Climate Network and supported by a broad alliance of organisations and networks.

When: Saturday 13th June 2009
Where: 10AM - Meet at Barangaroo, Hickson Rd. March through The Rocks and Circular Quay

Visit www.climaterally.org for more details

Poverty and sustainability in developing countries – The impact of international trade in carbon

Hear from three leading commentators about the ethical, economic and environmental consequences for developing countries under the Government’s proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

Workshop hosted by The Australia South Asia Research Centre, Australian National University and The Australia Institute Dr Richard Denniss, The Australia Institute Professor Raghbendra Jha, Australia South Asia Research Centre, Australian National University Andrew Macintosh, Centre for Climate Law and Policy, Australian National University

When : JUNE 16th 2009
Where : APCD Theatre 1 in the Hedley Bull Building, Australian National University
Time : 10.30 am–12.30 pm

Understanding the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme

The Pacific Calling Partnership, in collaboration with the Environmental Defender's Office, would like to invite you to this free morning seminar explaining the ins and outs of the Federal Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). The seminar aims to give a broad plain-language overview of the CPRS and the various implications of its implementation in Australia

When:Tuesday 2nd June, 10am till 12pm
Where: Parish Hall, 15 Henley Rd, Homebush West (next to Edmund Rice Centre)

For more information , or to register your interest, call (02) 9262 6989 or email: education@edo.org.au

Pacific Trade Off: What an Pacific Trade Agreement with Australia and New Zealand would mean to the Pacific

When: Thursday May 28, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Where: Sydney Mechanics School of the Arts, 280 Pitt St, Sydney

Speakers include: Maureen Penjueli - Coordinator Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) Mele Amanaki - South Pacific and Oceania Council of Trade Unions (SPOCTU) Makoni Pulu - Pacific Council of Churches

At the Pacific Island Forum this August, Australia and New Zealand are hoping to announce the commencement of negotiations for a Pacific trade agreement. This agreement, known as PACER, will have a devastating impact on Pacific Island Countries. PACER is forecast to threaten manufacturing jobs, slash government revenue, and undermine the provision of essential services. Pacific Communities are refusing to accept a model of development that is dictated by Australia and New Zealand.

Come and hear what Pacific voices are saying about PACER and their future. This is an event presented by the Pacific Trade Network

For more info contact: Adam Wolfenden - campaign@aftinet.org.au / 02 9212 7242

Making a Difference together in 2009

If you are going to be in Melbourne next weekend there is a wonderful event taking place that will have two speakers from the Pacific Calling Partnership - Geraldine Kearney from the Good Samaritan Sisters and Wilfred Muller who comes from Kiribati. The event is called 'Making a Difference together in 2009'. Details are below. If you would like to go along as part of their support group please email Geraldine Kearney as soon as possible on: gkearney@goodsams.org.au

Melbourne: Making a Difference is a lead-up event for the Melbourne Parliament of the World's Religions, December 2009. Celebrating Melbourne's religious and spiritual diversity, Melbourne: Making a Difference will feature diverse music, dance, rituals and cuisine, as well as highlighting the issues of reconciliation and climate change. Enjoy a taste of the Parliament experience. Find out more about how you can become actively involved.

3.00pm - Registrations Open
4.00pm - 6.30pm :Plenary Session including - Welcome to Country by Joy Murphy Wandin and traditional Indigenous dancers.
Hearing Each Other? The National Apology to the Stolen Generations one year on - Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission.

Classical Indian flute player Vinod Prasanna accompanied by Glen Kniebeiss on tabla
Healing the Earth: the climate change challenge for people of faith - Don Henry, Executive Director, Australian Conservation Foundation and interfaith panel including:

• Rabbi Jonathan Keren Black -Green Faith Australia; Jewish Ecological Coalition
• Wilfred Muller from Kiribati - Pacific Calling Partnership
• Sister Geraldine Kearney - Sisters of the Good Samaritan
• Traleg Kyagbon, Rinpoche - Kagyu E-Vam Buddhist Institute

Concluding remarks by Dr Philip Freier, Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne

6.30pm - 7.30pm :Vegetarian meal prepared by Melbourne's Sikh community served in City Square
7.30pm - 8.30pm :Concert including

• Pero - Gospel and traditional Maori songs
• Joanne Shenandoah - Native American vocalist and performer
• Klezmania - Yiddish folk group
• Azmeena Hussain and Nazeem Hussain of "Salam Cafe"

Register for the Melbourne Pre-Parliament Event and receive a 10% discount towards the Parliament of the World's Religions (3-9 December 2009)
NB: The 10% discount is only offered for the Early Bird rate. Please note that this registration option closes on the 28th of February. Be quick to ensure you receive this offer.

Full Registration - $57.20
Concession / Senior / Student - $28.60
Group Registration (groups of 10 or more) - $40.00 each
Online registrations now open at www.parliamentofreligions.org

Strategic Planning Day

Friday 30 January - 9.00am till 3.00pm

A Strategic Planning Day for the Pacific Calling Partnership will be held at the Edmund Rice Centre 15 Henley Rd Flemington (2 minutes from Flemington Station.

Agenda:

1. Reflect on the 2008 report which is still in its final stages of being prepared and which I will send out to everyone shortly.
2. Update the goals of the Pacific Calling Partnership.
3. Draw up a rough estimate of the human resources we will have available this year.
4. List all the things the Partnership is committed to or semi-committed to and opportunities that are likely in 2009
5. Compare them with the 2008 strategic plan and our new goals and decide on our priorities
6. Finalise the 2009 strategic plan

Please advise Jill at jillf@erc.org.au if you are able to attend.

Australia's Climate Action Summit

Saturday 31 January until Tuesday 3 February

In February, community climate action groups from across the continent and other concerned Australians are joining together for Australia's Climate Action Summit in Canberra, the weekend before the first day of the 2009 Federal Parliament: 31st January – 2nd February 2009.

The Summit aims to make the community climate movement in Australia more effective and more coherent, and to help set the agenda for the second year of the Rudd Government.

Please book in if you are able to go or join some of the discussions raising issues relating to the Pacific. Details can be found at http://www.climatesummit.org.au/summit

What will happen at Australia's Climate Action Summit?

Australia' Climate Action Summit will be two days of facilitated meetings and workshops. The program will consist of four strands: campaign development, movement building, skills workshops, and information and discussion sessions. The aim of the two days is to create a strategic national climate campaign and form a national grassroots network. The weekend will be followed on the Monday by one day of dynamic training in climate campaigning skills for taking action, facilitating climate action groups, effective lobbying and more. On Tuesday 3rd February, the first day of the 2009 Federal Parliament, we will hold a peaceful, community action of thousands of ordinary Australians demanding immediate political action for a safe climate. On the same day, the grassroots climate network will launch our national campaign at Parliament House.

Can anyone come?

Absolutely! The public program will run all weekend and is open to anyone who is interested in learning about climate change and helping to bring about action for a safe climate. There will be a range of workshops offered to broaden your knowledge of the issues and train you in skills for effective campaigning. There will also be opportunities to get involved in the grassroots climate movement and join or form your own climate action group. Come for the Summit, or the human circle around Parliament House on Tuesday 3rd February, or both! On Monday the 2nd we’ll be holding training on taking peaceful action to exert pressure on the Government. Come along and learn how to effectively leverage the power of the people for a safe climate.

Why do we need a climate summit?

There is a lot of work to be done for the climate movement in Australia. 2009 is probably the most important year for the climate ever - the year we need to turn the corner and start making serious cuts to greenhouse pollution. The grassroots climate movement has enormous potential to help make that happen, and the Summit is intended to bring us all together to build our movement and share the skills needed to take the climate campaign to a new level. In December 2009, Kevin Rudd will meet with world leaders in Copenhagen, to set the framework and benchmarks for future global action on climate change. We need to ensure the Australian Government goes to Copenhagen with the strongest commitment to reducing greenhouse pollution and averting runaway climate change.

Pacific Calling for Climate Justice

The Pacific Calling Partnership invites you to a participatory forum Pacific Calling for Climate Justice a human rights framework?

9.00am - 5pm Saturday 25 October 2008
Gleeson Auditorium Australian Catholic University
25A Barker Rd Strathfield NSW

download brochure  download forum programme download forum resolution

Forum

The forum will open with Indigenous representatives from Australia and the Pacific speaking about the effects of climate change on their people. The forum will then explore how an effective human rights framework can respond to calls for climate justice from our neighbours:

Speakers include: Jenni Enosa, Claire Anterea, Naomi Biribo, Akii Nenaia, Sulu Uotarom, Warwick Baird, Kirk Huffman, Damien Lawson, Keely Boom, Neva Collings, Alex Bathal
Facilitator: Mark Raue
Special guest: Bonita Mabo

The forum will be participatory and is open to as broad a range of organisations as possible. All who come will be contributing to the outcomes which will include recommendations to be taken to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Poland in December 2008.

To view some of the forums presentations please visit the 'Discussion Papers' page.