HAVOC

Newsletter for the Environment Centre

Winter/Spring Edition

HVEC is a non-profit, volunteer organisation with a vision, for the people of the world to experience in the Huon Valley a community committed to living harmoniously with their natural environment.

Committee Members Convenor: Adam Burling Treasurer: Jenny Weber Secretary: Loki Maxwell Education: Rob Sheehan Centre Co-ordination: Jamie Ward Fundraising: Daynu

Other Key Positions Public Officer: Lilian Komzak Membership Co-ordinators: Karen & Chris ([email protected]) Volunteer Co-ordinator: Aviva Hannah Librarian: Robyn Von Bernburg Retail Manager: Shar Molloy

HAVOC is published several times a year and is designed and edited by Melanie Simon; contributions of relevant articles and images or artwork from members are welcomed. All material for this newsletter is donated and HVEC do not take responsibility for the opinions expressed herein.

HUON VALLEY ENVIRONMENT CENTRE INC. 3/17 Wilmot Rd, P.O. Box 217 , 7109 Phone: 03 6264 1286 Fax: 03 6264 1243 Email: [email protected] Website: www.huon.org

Dear HVEC member, You are invited to attend the opening of ‘weld echo’, presented by the Black Sassy Collective, at the Riverside Pavilion, Mawson’s place, , on Friday the 2nd of September 2005 @ 6pm. Official opening will be by who will introduce you to glimpses of an endangered valley, a collaborative exhibition of Weld inspired art. Then on Sunday the 11th of September, come to an auction of the art at Sirens (Victoria St, Hobart) at 4.30pm. There will be entertainment by the Stiff Gins. Entry $5, proceeds to the Campaign, for more info go to www.huon.org.

1 Welcome to our spring newsletter,

Transformation of the Centre seems to be a continuing theme this year. Change is energy, and there is certainly plenty of that being expended around the place with people charging around working diligently on their respective projects. With GLO now open and attracting organic coffee and food lovers from around the valley there is also quality fuel available on site. The main renovation of the Environment Centre space itself in the back is complete and seems to be functioning effectively with plenty of room still for work, meetings, campaigns and informal gatherings. A big thank you to Carl for the lovely shelving system he has designed and made for the retail goods. Thanks go out also to everyone who helped with this big project, either for painting, building, moving stuff around etc. In particular to Aviva and Jenny who drove the process and Lilian for the library makeover.

The back yard has also been transformed with more set to come. The cob oven is now snug and dry with a lovely roof over it and enough space for numerous people to also gather underneath. These two happened over a series of working bees so more thanks to those who helped with mud and building work. Special thanks to Hans, Lilian and Rainer for their design, leading workshops and doing so much of the hard slog. Louise has been steadily weaving her way around the fence line resulting in a nicely defined (and safer for littlies) boundary. There is also now a greenhouse for onsite propagation of native plants and herbs and with a Work for the Dole project currently on the go we shall see more progress directly.

Other exciting projects like the Weld Echo exhibition and the Herb, Health and Organic Expo are examples of how our Centre and the community can help sustain each other and work together to create great events. The exhibition has attracted work from many and varied artists and is being held at a prominent and central site in Hobart so it should attract a lot of passing traffic. This is a wonderful way to showcase the treasures the Weld has to offer to the wider community and engage in a meaningful discourse about its importance from a different angle.

Global Warming is an issue that affects all species and all bioregions on the globe. It has finally been accepted by most world leaders as a real phenomenon although this was resisted by many for years and still is far from being given adequate priority in terms of policy formation, or perhaps by us in our daily lives and choices. A series of discussions on Global Warming hosted by Ian Fletcher will be happening at the Centre starting in September, all welcome.

Here’s to a sunny season of positive energy and great environmental and awareness outcomes. Keep smiling.

2 Gunns Update

On July 18th, Justice Bongiorno of the Victorian Supreme Court, threw out versions one and two of the statement of claim against 20 defendants by Gunns Ltd. Judge Bongiorno's ruling described Gunns claims as 'incomprehensible', 'embarrassing' and 'unintelligible'. Version three was served on defendants via their legal teams on August 15th.

Julian Burnside Q.C. at the mention on 17th of August 2005 said that "(Gunns latest claim was) like a Rubik's cube that's been twisted around a few times, all the same bits are there, they're just in a different place."

Differences in version three to note are that Huon Valley Environment Centre are no longer part of the Banks Action, which essentially means $10 000 less on damages sought by Gunns. Bringing the amount HVEC is being sued for to $260 000.

And, there is an addition $50 000 claimed in general damages and an additional $500 000 for the "campaign against Gunns". The latter is of concern because it claims acts such as writing to shareholders and making public statements are activities that have the potential to be sued. All the activities described by the "campaign against Gunns" are basic rights and essential to a campaign in a healthy democracy.

The new statement of claim has increased the amount sought in damages to $6, 745,504.48 in total amongst all defendants.

To be launched on Friday 26th of August is the Forests and Free Speech Tour. The tour will run until December. It will visit regional centres and cities from Maleny and Noosa in the north, down Qld, NSW and Vic to Melbourne in the South, across SA and WA to Perth.

Coordinated by Louise Morris the tour will provide fantastic exposure for the Gunns 20 case. A short film and power point presentation will be shown. Local and prominent speakers are going to be part of the events.

Check out www.treedomfighters.org.au and inform your friends and family; they could go along and support Gunns 20 in their area.

Written by Jenny Weber

3 In court on the 17th of August, Justice Bongiorno accepted the new statement of claim which is the third Gunns has presented. However, in a positive move he has awarded the defendants costs so far associated with the two earlier versions of the claim, documents which were unacceptable to the court. He stated, “All defendants will receive their costs and receive those costs in full.” This is a significant win for those fighting the writ and obviously a great relief to everyone involved as the total costs for all defendants are estimated to be up to the six figure mark already. There is a directions hearing planned for the case in December. Visit the website at www.gunns20.org to download a copy of the latest writ or for more information visit www.mcgunns.com where you will find links to many related news articles about Gunns20 and SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation).

New Projects

The HVEC has just started a 6 month Work for the Dole project, based mainly in the Centre’s own gardens. We have four young men participating in the project, which includes setting up a small greenhouse, propagating native plants, landscaping the garden, and painting murals. The end goal in sight is that the greenhouse will provide on-going opportunities for fundraising through native plant sales. Project days are Tuesday to Thursday, but you are welcome to come along to the Centre at any time to see the progress being made. We hope that through sponsoring projects like this the HVEC will gain recognition and integrity in the wider Huon community. As supervisor of this project I am hoping to set up a seed bank so that we can sustain our native plant propagation and sales. We are looking for native seeds in particular, but herb and vegetable seeds are also very welcome. If you, or anyone you know, has a surplus of any such seeds they would be most welcome here at the HVEC. Any donations would be very much appreciated, and can be left at the Environment Centre in Lilia’s pigeonhole. If you have any questions about the Work for the Dole project, or the seed bank, you can contact me at the HVEC on: 6264 1286.

Happy spring planting! Lilia Letsch

Burtons Reserve Work for the Dole Project in Cygnet

The Burtons Reserve Work For the Dole Project in Cygnet is finally happening! The HVEC is the sponsor for this exciting project which will see us working in co- operation with the , Cygnet Scouts, Employment Plus and other community groups involved with Burtons Reserve.

The project includes the following:

4 • Assisting Cygnet Scouts with renovation works for the large heritage listed timber shed at Burtons reserve; • Restoration of timber and fiberglass boats and canoes; • Landscaping works including preparation and planting of new areas; • Restoration of previously planted areas, and track maintenance and possible boardwalk construction; • Possible maintenance work on the bush tucker garden, which has been created by SETAC.

We are hoping to get the project started by early September, so if you think you may like to be a participant, contact the project supervisor Jamie Ward (Gyan) now. His number is 0408 945 477, or leave a note in his tray at the Centre. The project goes for 6 months, 2 days per week. There will be plenty of useful skills to learn, which you can receive training credits for. For those with mutual obligation requirements, contact your job network member or Centrelink to see if you are eligible.

This project is yet another way in which the HVEC is providing a valuable service to our community, which will be recognized by all who visit the park.

Stephen Cole Notice of AGM

The Huon Valley Environment Centre Annual General Notice of AGM Meeting is due again. Date is set for 14/09/05 at 6pm.

14 September It is very important that we have a quorum of members at this meeting so we urge you to get your membership fees paid up to date and attend so that we can conduct this 6pm meeting on the set date-otherwise we have to call another meeting and try again. At the AGM the Management Committee positions of Convenor, Treasurer and Secretary are declared open, as well as Convenors of the three working collectives Education and Research, Fundraising and Membership and Centre Co-ordination. If you are interested in taking up one of these positions please pick up a nomination form from the Centre (you must be a paid up member to nominate or to vote). If there is more than one nomination for any position then voting will take place (except for the collective convenors where there is facility for two people to share a position if they so wish), if there is only one then that person automatically becomes part of the Committee, if there are none…well, hopefully this will not happen. We hope to see you there.

Down On Your Knees – A Plebs guide to political lobbying.

Warrick Jordan.

Over the course of the last few months, many people involved with the HVEC have been actively lobbying politicians regarding the current and proposed logging of the Lower Weld Valley, with particular focus on the recognised World Heritage Values of the valley, and the tourism potential of the Lower Weld that will be wasted if harvesting and roading continue.

5 The Lower Weld has been recognised by the World Heritage Bureau, the IUCN and sixteen other peak conservation bodies as being of World Heritage Value status, but calls for its protection have been consistently ignored. When the extension to the World Heritage Area was established in 1989, and the Upper Weld included, the WHA boundary was delineated at the point where the tall, economically extractable, eucalypt forest begins.

Since that time, a diverse range of groups have recommended the Weld’s protection, including the scientific panel of the Forest and Forest Industries’ Council (this was ignored by the FFIC executive), the Together community consultation process, the Tasmanian NPWS, and a 1995 panel commissioned by the Federal Government to examine threats to the integrity of the Tasmanian Wilderness WHA.

Those lobbying have approached a number of politicians from across the political spectrum, mainly from the State Parliament, in an attempt to create more awareness of the Lower Weld, and to establish support for it’s conservation amongst Tasmania’s elected representatives, particularly in the run-up to next year’s state election

The State Labor Government has rejected attempts at establishing a dialogue regarding the Weld, with both Paul Lennon and Bryan Green’s schedule’s deemed too busy to conduct meetings with us, and Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Judy Jackson’s PA informing me that, in spite of recognised threats to the TWWHA, and the threat posed by logging to 5000 ha of wilderness, that the Weld Valley has “no relevance to “ the Minister’s portfolio.

The Member for Franklin (the electorate in which the Lower Weld is located), and Minister for Tourism, Paula Wriedt, is possibly an exception to the rule, with a meeting promised regarding the tourism potential of The Lower Weld to be conducted in the near future with either Paula or a member of her staff. We’ll wait and see about that one…….

The Opposition has been open to some dialogue, with a positive initial meeting conducted with deputy leader Will Hodgeman. However tentatively confirmed meetings with Leader and Forest spokesman Rene Hidding, and shadow Environment Minister Jeremy Rockliff have been cancelled. The Liberal party does; however, appear to be willing to engage in communication regarding the Weld, with Franklin MHA Mr Hodgeman as our contact. As we progress towards the state election next year, we are hopeful of seeing significant attention from the Liberal party directed towards conservation issues in the Lower Weld.

The as always, are open to providing their assistance, with Peg Putt offering her services, and Nick McKim, as MHA for Franklin, providing strong support for our Weld campaign. The Lower Weld has been placed as a high priority for The Greens in future proposed forest reserves, so here’s hoping we see something very positive occur in the forthcoming elections.

6 Senator Bob Brown’s support has also been invaluable, with assistance on several fronts, and Senator ’s office has been particularly helpful regarding issues related to the logging threats to the integrity of the WHA.

In a continuance of our lobbying efforts, a “Forgotten Forest” Seminar and video screening was held on the 8th August at the HVEC in order to provide information for state and local politicians, with Mr McKim and local councillors Liz Smith (Greens) and Mike Wilson attending. Issues regarding the destruction of identified World Heritage values of the area, and in particular, the significant opportunity for long-term, sustainable tourism that will be wasted if destructive logging practices continue , were discussed as being of high concern.

The entrenchment of the logging industry in the upper echelons of Tasmania’s political structure has been a decisive factor in the forestry debate since time immemorial, but victories have been had before, and hopefully the future conservation of the Lower Weld Valley will restore some badly needed faith that our governments are truly concerned with the state of our world, and the real needs of our local communities. Students of Sustainability 2005 By Rob Sheehan

So July rolled around again. That time of the year when Aboriginal Elders from over 500 Nations and activists and students from campaigns and universities all around the country gather together for the Students of Sustainability Conference. This is an annual event where our extended family; our brother, sisters, Uncles and Aunties come together to share skills and experiences, workshop, strategise, discuss and inform through seminars, ceremony and direct action.

This year the SOS conference was held at Monash University in Melbourne. As a part of the Huon Valley Environment Centre community’s ongoing fight to protect the Weld Valley, myself and Loki prepared an in depth information package on the Weld. This included power point presentations, information stalls and our new Forgotten Forest short film in the hope of spreading news of our plight to environmentalists and students around the nation.

After a couple of months of phone calls, meetings, late nights and frantic running around, we were ready to set off on the ferry bound for Melbourne. With a sense of excitement and a dodgy Cortina we left the Huon Valley and headed to Devonport.

The seminar started on Sunday morning. That was the day to register at the university, collect all the information needed to participate in the week long conference and create the spaces needed to accommodate around 500 or so people. These spaces included the Indigenous Elders kitchen, where traditional meals were prepared three times a day by elders camp cook “Krickey”, including wallaby, roo,

7 emu, crocodile and possum. The chai tent was run by “Pungell”, long time activist, insane genius and good friend and there were communal sleeping spaces and a general camp ground at the bottom of the campus. Once these facilities were finalized, the ‘sacred fire’ was lit in ceremony and a welcome to the country given by ‘Aunty’ Sue Rankin, traditional owner on behalf of the Kulin Nations.

The sacred fire for peace and justice burnt throughout the entire conference. The fire was a place you could go any time of the day or night just to sit, or to speak with or listen to indigenous elders from all over . During the conference there were many ceremonies involving the sacred fire. As I learnt from Aunty Sue Rankin “Jarra” elder, the university ground itself had been a massacre site where indigenous men and women had been murdered en mass. Aunty Sue led a ceremony during the conference to release indigenous spirits trapped for decades in the land.

The first official day of the conference, Monday, is traditionally for the Indigenous Elders and those present from all around the country spoke about issues ranging from mining and the nuclear industry to racism, genocide, sovereignty and sustainability.

On Tuesday it was the forests turn to take the limelight. The forest forum was hosted by two groups Australia wide, the Huon Valley Environment Centre and GEKO (Goongerah Environment Centre, from Victoria).The afternoon saw some more hands on skills being shared with the start of a three day tree climbing workshop which ran for the next three afternoons.

Tuesday night was our turn to take over the university cinema where we screened four Tassie forest films, including “Weld Valley Forgotten Forest” for the first time on the mainland. Our short film was screened three times throughout the course of the week and the feedback I received was absolutely fantastic. Many people came up to me with tears in their eyes and passion in their hearts wanting to know how they could help us protect our amazing valley.

Wednesday saw forums from anti-nuclear activists, animal rights activists, seminars about theatre and activism, culture-jamming and the ‘Gunns 20” just to name a few.

The afternoon was a chance to take our information stall into the main foyer with dozens of other stalls and sit down and talk in depth about the Weld Valley. In the three or four hours I ran the stall I had no fewer than three people attending it at any one time. I had realized by mid-way through the conference that the hard work we all have been doing down here at the Centre has really pushed the Weld Valley into the hearts and minds of people on the mainland; and in fact the Weld is fast becoming the next ‘iconic’ Tasmanian forest.

Thursday morning was dominated by climate change, a terrifying reality which faces each an every living creature on this planet. Then the National Forests Strategy forum where forest activists from campaigns all over the country got together to share campaign and direct action strategies and experiences, to network and support each other in our ongoing fight to protect the remaining old growth forests of our country.

8 Thursday afternoon was the ‘direct action’ afternoon where scores of individuals took to the streets and offices of Melbourne in an effort to highlight some of the many issues we had discussed during the week.

One of the highlights for me was on Friday, the last official day of the conference and the second official live broadcast of “ECO-TV”, brainchild of ‘Pen’, Brisbane based activist and Peter Russell Clarke impersonator. This is a live to air activist television chat show with a host, panel, guests, live music performances, activist documentaries, a live audience and just about anything else you can think of. The three and a half hour production was a fitting finale to what can only be described as a whirlwind of a week.

After the Friday afternoon pack down, it was off to Melbourne city to bust into an abandoned warehouse for the S.O.E. (State of Emergency) party. This year the proceeds raised from the party went to GEKO to help in their continued fight for the ancient forests of Gippsland, Goongerah and Goolengook, Gondwanic Forests so similar to our own. I will spare you the juicy details, suffice to say it was nothing short of a miracle to make my 11am flight back to Hobart on Saturday morning. Although my head was feeling considerably less than clear on that flight home, my heart was filled with passion and invigorated determination that we can and will save the most spectacular and magical forest I have ever experienced, our home-the Weld Valley.

Love and special thanks to Billy, an amazing activist, dancer and man.

Herb health and organic expo 2005… Sunday 16th October

Cygnet Town Hall and Carmel Hall, 9am ‘till 5pm

The Expo will be host to an abundance of stallholders offering potted herbs, native plants and ornamentals; craft, seeds and seedlings, natural family planning and safe birthing options, herbal medicine and skin care, wellness products, certification bodies, composting, organic produce, honey, wholesome food and drink, demonstrations and talks.

Markets will also be held at Loongana Park from 10-2.

For info contact Brenda on 62671935.

Herb Expo

Once again we are hosting the Herb & Organic Expo at Cygnet this year. This annual event is organized and coordinated by Brenda (who does a great job). The Expo is being held on October 16th, so we still have a month and a half to prepare, although this is not a lot of time to get seedlings up and looking good as our weather can still be cold. HVEC is

9 holding its own stall and we are looking for donations of plants and relevant goods and time/help from members and friends. So if you would like to help at this stage please go potty! Herbs or vegetable seedlings/plants would be much appreciated (and needed)-but remember, they need to be organic so no artificial fertilizers please. If you have dried herbs to donate or maybe some homemade herbal creams, candles, lavender linen bags or similar they would be welcomed. Finally, we would love you to come and give us a few hours of help at our stall on the big day. It is always an interesting and enjoyable under cover all weather event.

Cob Oven

At last our cob oven is ready to go. We held 5 working bees to finalise this project as well as extra work to cut and transport poles, timber and roofing iron. We dreamed of a one working bee project but the reality was bigger plus we had a few setbacks, all of which were great learning. Now we are looking forward to eating pizzas. Come in September for an oven warming feast.

Lilian.

Stiff Gins in Tasmania

On September 11 the Stiff Gins will be performing at the Weld Echo auction in Hobart. While the Stiff Gins are well known musicians on the mainland, a lot of Tasmanians seem to have missed out on experiencing their beautiful music.

Kaleena Briggs and Nardi Simpson are the Stiff Gins, two Indigenous women based in Redfern, NSW. Nardi is a Yuwaalaraay woman from rural NSW, and Kaleena comes from the Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta peoples (southern NSW & northern Victoria peoples). They met at the Eora Centre in Redfern, and started up the Stiff Gins with friend Emma Donavon. After releasing their first album ‘Soh Far’ Emma left to do solo work, leaving Kaleena and Nardi to perform as the Stiff Gins.

This year the Stiff Gins released their second album, titled ‘Kingia Australis’. Kingia Australis refers to a slow maturing tree, also sometimes known as a ‘Black Gin’. It flowers after fire, and Kaleena and Nardi felt that the tree represented how they felt about their band: having gone through fire this album is their long awaited flowering.

The word ‘Gin’ originally comes from an Aboriginal word recorded in 1788, ‘Diyin’, which meant ‘woman’ or ‘wife’. The white settlers interpreted ‘Diyin’ as ‘Gin’, and it quickly became a derogatory word for an Indigenous woman. These days the word has been reclaimed, and the Stiff Gins believe it means ‘proud & tall, carried by the strength of those who went before’.

10 The music of the Stiff Gins is full of their beautiful harmonies, along side modern and traditional folk rhythms. The live performance power of these women is awesome, and is a treasure to experience. They have taken their performances all over the world, often being sole representatives of Australian music at festivals in countries like the Netherlands, New Caledonia, Vietnam, Singapore, Spain, Canada, United States, Ireland and Scotland. As well as releasing their own two albums, Stiff Gins have contributed music to compilations like Corroboration (Indigenous and European musicians performing together), Culture: Music from Black Australia, Australasia (roots music from Australia & NZ), and the Huon Valley Environment Centre’s very own compilation ‘Tal.loon.ne’. Tal.loon.ne, a fundraiser for Tasmanian forest protection campaigns, can be purchased from the Huon Valley Environment Centre, and a number of other distributors that are listed on the Tal.loon.ne website: www.talloonne.com.

We invite you to come and enjoy what will no doubt be a fantastic performance at Sirens (upstairs) on Sunday September 11 from 4.30pm. Hope to see you there! "Stiff Gins have voices of angels and songs to match. They produce stunning harmonies, great songs and a nice line in self deprecating humour. Simultaneously mesmerizing and inspiring, these guys are so awesome and so nice that you’ll want to take them home with you." Radio Forth FM 97.3 Scotland "The lasting impression is of women born to sing, who have no small amounts of true song writing smarts between them. It’s not so much a performance as an opportunity to be themselves in front of an audience." Evening News, Edinburgh "whether offering a strummed guitar and harmonies, a boisterous a capella or a piano gospel lullaby theses young women convey a striking maturity. And they can sing beautifully and with joy. Catch them when you can." Sydney Morning Herald Metro

*********************************************************************************** An exhibition of inspiring photos taken by Bob Brown of in Tasmania’s far south is currently running. It is at the Old Cascade Brewery Office, Collins Street, central Hobart (opposite the Country Road shop). The exhibition started August 26th and will run until the 4th of September. Exhibition is open 10am to 6pm daily.

*********************************************************************************** Thank you Our founding member and long-time essential person Lilian has resigned from the management committee (education group convener) to make room in her life for other essential activities. We would like to extend a big thank you to Lil for all her hard work and contributions over the last few years. She will continue to help with the library and fundraising work so happily we’ll still be seeing plenty of her. Cheers Lil.

11 Permaculture in the Valley

PDC course November 25th –December 10th Huonville

For info contact Della ph. 03 62643345

WILDSPACES ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL 9TH & 10TH September

WILDSPACES is Australia’s only national film festival focusing on issues relating to Environment and Social Justice throughout the world. Coordinated by Friends of the Earth, WS is a biannual festival featuring independent Film Makers and issues often ignored by mainstream media. Funds raised from the event are split 50/50 between Friends of the Earth (to coordinate next Wildspaces) and a local environmental organisation of my (being the local organiser) choice. I have chosen to pass these funds to the Huon Valley Environment Centre and, if there’s enough, also to the Forest Defenders Fund, both located in Southern Tasmania.

ANY QUERIES, PHONE THEA ON 6234 7576 OR 0437 109 752 or view the Wildspaces National site at www.wildspaces.foe.org.au

Unfortunately, due to films being unclassified, Wildspaces is only for people over 18. COST : $8.00 UNWAGED, $10.00 WAGED PER PROGRAM – THE FESTIVAL IS SPLIT INTO THREE PROGRAMS – OR $15.00/ $18.00 FOR ALL PROGRAMS- Tickets available at door. WHERE: Upstairs at SIRENS, 6 Victoria St, Hobart WHEN: September 9th from 6.30pm- PROGRAM (1) and September 10th with one PROGRAM (2) beginning at 2.30pm followed by another PROGRAM (3) at 6.30pm There are 6 sessions screening, each made up of one feature film, followed by shorter films. Each session has a duration of about 100 minutes.

The Link Between Environment and Diet

Worried about the environment and global warming issues? Wondering what you can do but don’t have much time for campaigning? Did you realise that you could help simply by changing your diet?

British physicist Alan Calvert has calculated that the animals eaten by humans produce 21% of the carbon dioxide that can be attributed to human activity. His recommendation? People should switch to a vegetarian diet as a way to battle global warming. He is quoted as saying “Worldwide reduction of meat production in the pursuit of the targets set in the Kyoto treaty seems to carry fewer political unknowns than cutting our consumption of fossil fuels”

Meanwhile, worldwide meat consumption continues to rise as countries such as China adopt Western-

12 style diets. Scientists in the USA are investigating growing meat from cells, a possibility first known to most as science fiction from the Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy. This proposition, if successful, would result in enormous pollution reduction, huge tracts of land available for other pursuits such as regeneration, and a guilt-free diet for those unable to give up their meat for the planet.

Source: , Saturday 23 July, 2005 Contributed by Karen.

GLOBAL WARMING DISCUSSIONS @ Huon Valley Environment Centre Hosted by Ian Fletcher September For more info phone 62664309

D”fun-raising”! Upcoming event, 16th September, warming our new Cobb oven with a pizza and film night; this will also be a ‘send off’ with a show of support for the core crew of 8 protecting the ancient & wild Weld Valleys this Spring -Summer from the misguided, ignorant or insane. Come one – come all. The Organic-Herb expo in Cygnet is fast approaching (16th October) and we will be requiring interested people to be involved in activities before, during and after the event. We are propagating seedlings NOW, for the Huon Valley Environment Centres stall; plants destined for your friends, families or foes gardens; a positive loving action for me & you. Seedlings can grow in your own yard or at the centre in our new hot house (for plants). Thursdays, Wednesday, or maybe Friday’s could be our potting day. We also need donations of pots, tubs and seed trays ASAP (just drop them in to the Centre or leave next to greenhouse out back. Our latest raffle, wonderful prizes donated include an eco-adventure with Tiger Trails into pristine & threatened wilderness, a Tibetan rug and a glass house. To be drawn at the Weld exhibition in September, have you got your tickets yet? Or pushed a couple to your Mother and Cousins? We need to sell a few more…please. Keep an eye out for film nights happening in Cygnet and at the Huon Valley Environment Centre in October. During 9th -10th September in Hobart the Wild spaces festival is on. Well worth a visit….look…listen

13 *The party that went off in Franklin, raised lots and lots of funds and am informed people had an incredible amount of fun. Fabulous!!!! Keep an eye out for another ‘huge’ event in Franklin happening in September/ October.

* Report for The Winter Solstice in Cygnet (for which the Environment Centre is annually invited to cater); we roughly broke even, certainly had fun and learned a lot. The instant vegan organic kitchen out back of Carmel hall came up with a delightful selection of chick pea, tofu curries (got the recipe from my house mate the night before,) never cooked curry before, but the opportunity was begging so we gave it a go; with imagination and confidence Julie, Jess and Alistair pulled breathtaking magic together. Combined with the spontaneous beauty of Jasmine and Wazza, we made enough for more people than were actually there. This being one of the BIG challenges of this event; not knowing how many people are in the mood for some awesome yummy food. There was a moment when I just didn’t know if there would be enough variety when there he was, Russell Horkings with a succulent surprise of vegetarian spring rolls, MMmmm. As I took a breathe, I managed a peek in the main hall to witness a delightful array of vegan cakes Marina had been baking for some days, and WOW, what a hit with the kids, who by now were encircling these scrumptious delights. Back in the kitchen things were getting a little hectic and I just happened to lose my head, that’s when Jenny & Adam (with child in arms) turned up and saved what was a possible disaster, thanks for that, and a huge WELL DONE CREW who were there to help beyond asking; what can I do? I need to acknowledge support from local businesses such as the Earnest Bean company in , The Mustard Pot in Huonville, Summer Kitchen in Ranelagh along with the North Huon Apiary, an Apple farm near Grove, generous contributions from organic stalls at Salamanca and of course Eumarrah. From Daynu*8*-Fundraising co-ordinator

14 KID Info Play On the back wall of the Centre a space has been created for ‘Kreative Information Displays’ Each new moon the KID Space is ready to be changed to another focus…(there is loads of info under the table to play with, and any donated material may be added) New Moons June 7th –Biodiversity July 7th –Water August 6th –Indigenous September 4th –Air October 3rd –Organics November 2nd –Sustainable Living December 3rd –Threatened Species This is a rough outline based on global and local events… If anyone has any information about these topics or others (suggestions for future displays?), please bring them along or add them to the current display-perhaps you would like to hold a workshop to bounce off the current topic installation. Be the change you want to see…

WELD COMMUNITY FOREST GATHERING

Come join us in the World Heritage valued Weld Valley for a community BBQ featuring walks, talks and music (BYO instruments- camping optional)

Saturday 24th September

Meet @ Huon Valley Environment Centre 9.30am (62 641286)

For transport enquiries from Hobart please call the Environment Centre.

15 Has your membership lapsed? If so, please come in and renew; our members are our sustenance and there is always something happening that you can become involved with, or just help us to keep a visible face in the region. HVEC needs you! Come in & look at all our new developments or contact our membership coordinator and find out when tour fees are due.

Check out the new radio show on Huon FM, the local community radio station, called ‘Gihoon’s Lounge’. It is about environmental awareness and problems of the Huon Valley incorporating a forum searching for solutions. Tune in Tuesdays 2-4pm

From HUON VALLEY ENVIRONMENT CENTRE INC. 3/17 Wilmot Rd, P.O. Box 217 HUONVILLE, 7109 Phone: 03 6264 1286 Fax: 03 6264 1243 Email: [email protected]

August 2005 end

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