People & Planet - Gifts for a Better World

ACT Fair Trade Collective: Fair Trade Fortnight Events

People and Planet — Fri, 03 May 2013 02:50:21 +0000

Fair Trade Futures Conference

The ACT will be hooking into the FTAANZ Fair Trade Futures Conference on Saturday May 4. This will be a virtual conference with some web-based national seminars about Fair Trade, and a good chance for those interested in Fair Trade to network as well as those who wish to get involved and want to learn more. Afternoon tea will be provided. Find out more about the conference here: http://www.fta.org.au/futures/

Saturday 4th May, 1pm, Manning Clark Centre Centre Theatre 4, ANU

Kingston Old Bus Depot Markets

The ACT Fair Trade Collective and the Oxfam ACT Committee will be hosting a joint stall at the Old Bus Depot Markets to coincide with Fair Trade Fortnight. Feel free to drop by and learn more about the role Fair Trade is playing in improving the lives of producers in developing countries, and purchase some ethically produced gifts that will be on sale on behalf of local businesses such as the Oxfam Shop and Khmer Creations.

Sunday 5th May, 10am – 4pm, entry free

Guest Speaker Presentations

ACT Fair Trade Business Development Director Jennifer Taylor is offering to give free presentations about the Fair Trade movement to schools, workplaces and community groups during Fair Trade Fortnight. Tailored to suit your timeframe (no less than 20 minutes), this interactive presentation involves an overview of how Fair Trade works and its impacts for producer communities, as well as more information on how to get involved. Details on how to procure Fair Trade products including special discounts is also available! To book a talk, email actfairtrade@gmail.com

OASES: 2013 Financial Appeal

People and Planet — Fri, 03 May 2013 02:33:59 +0000

Donate to the 2013 OASES Financial Appeal and help us engage more people in our leading programs in transformative learning for sustainable living

As a non-profit organisation, OASES depends on the generous support of our donors. Your support is an invaluable and necessary complement to the income we receive through tuition fees. Thank you for helping us to continue working towards our vision:

Contributing to a world where people recognise they are part of a natural global ecosystem and live sustainably in community with all human and non-human beings.

To make a tax deductible donation, donate online via our affiliate, the Port Phillip EcoCentre. Stipulate that your donation is for OASES.
http://www.givenow.com.au/cause210

To make a donation without a tax receipt, visit www.givenow.com.au/OASES, or mail your cheque or money order made out to OASES Community Learning Ltd, to PO Box 3079, Auburn VIC 3123

For more information, visit www.oases.edu.au

OASES: Applications for Masters Course Now Open

People and Planet — Fri, 03 May 2013 02:28:33 +0000

Applications are now open for the semester 2 intake into our fully accredited Masters program in Integrative & Transformative Studies.

OASES is an acclaimed part of a growing global network of organisations working in transformative learning for sustainable living.

We provide transformative learning opportunities to help individuals and organisations gain a better understanding of their relationship with the world while developing the ability to live and act more sustainably.

For more information or to chat about your interest in the program, contact Anthony James, Head of OASES Graduate School via the website www.oases.edu.au.

IWDA: Mothers Day Gifts

People and Planet — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:11:45 +0000

For Mother’s Day (May 12), show you care with a feminist gift that supports women’s rights in Asia and the Pacific.

International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA) is offering a special Mother’s Day gift pack including a feminist t-shirt and Gift of Change card. Proceeds support the work of IWDA and their partners – so do something good by giving a meaningful gift this Mother’s Day:

Purchase online at: http://www.iwda.org.au/donate-and-shop/mothers-day-womens-rights-gift/

Reverse Garbage: Upcycled Fabric and Fibre Exhibition

People and Planet — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:54:53 +0000

Organisation: Reverse Garbage Co-op Ltd
Event Name: Thread Count : An Upcycled Fabric and Fibre Exhibition
Date/s: Saturday 11 – Tuesday 28 May 2013
Exhibition Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Event Link: http://www.reversegarbage.com.au/gift-shop/exhibitions
About the Event: A common thread runs through the works exhibited at Reverse Emporium at Reverse Garbage’s autumn exhibition, Thread Count, with artists focusing on salvaged fabrics and fibres to create gorgeous upcycled works for display and sale.
Thread Count features the work of over 30 local artists, craftworkers and designers who salvage, scavenge and reclaim items to create their works and wares. A diverse range of items will be on display and for sale, including woven, knitted, patchwork and crocheted goodies, fine artworks, paper goods, jewellery, sculptural items, clothing, fashion accessories, decorations, home wares and more! The opening event on Saturday 11 May (from 6.30pm – 9.30pm) will feature live sets by local Brisbane bands, Elbury and The Jason Recliners, a cash bar, free finger food and late night warehouse shopping.
Opening Event: Saturday 11 May 2013
Opening Event Hours: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Opening Event Features: upcycled clothing, gifts and art, free live entertainment, free finger food, cash bar and late night warehouse shopping!
Location: Reverse Emporium at Reverse Garbage – 20 Burke Street, Woolloongabba
Contact phone number: 07 3891 9744

Reverse Garbage: Masquerade Eco-Art Workshop

People and Planet — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:52:26 +0000

Organisation: Reverse Garbage Co-op Ltd
Event: Marvellous Masquerade Adult Eco-Art Workshop
Event link: www.reversegarbage.com.au
Date: Saturday 25 May 2013
Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm
Location: 20 Burke Street, Woolloongabba, Q 4102
Cost and RSVP: $45 per person (includes materials, tools and facilitator), bookings essential
Contact: 07 3891 9744
About the Event: Create your own mask to wear for a themed party, masquerade or simply for the pure enjoyment of making something with your own hands. Masks have long been used to represent the hidden nature of one’s personality. Use your imagination to make a mask that represents your own self-identity, or create a fantasy character through your mask.

Reverse Garbage: Finger Puppet Eco-Art Workshop

People and Planet — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:48:06 +0000

Organisation: Reverse Garbage Co-op Ltd
Event: Finger Puppet Fun Pre-school Eco-Art Workshop (3-5 years)
Event link: www.reversegarbage.com.au
Date: Wednesday 15 May 2013
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Location: 20 Burke Street, Woolloongabba, Q 4102
Cost and RSVP: $20 per child with a guardian (includes materials, tools and facilitator), bookings essential
Contact: 07 3891 9744
About the Event: Get those tiny fingers ready for some finger puppet fun! We will be making our own miniature puppet show cast using industrial discards such as cardboard tubes and contact.

Seven Women: Fair Trade Winter Scarves

People and Planet — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:43:15 +0000

Fair Trade winter scarves are now available through Seven Women.

The scarves are hand made by women in Nepal who gain economic independence through sales of items like these. It takes three days to make a scarf and 100% of the profits are invested in providing women with skills training and employment so they are able to become self reliant.

Cotton scarves are $20 and woollen scarves are $39. Both are available in assorted colours.

To purchase go to: www.seven-women.com

Familia Moja: Ken-Ya Climb

People and Planet — Wed, 01 May 2013 08:49:06 +0000

Organisation: Familia Moja Children’s Home
Event: Ken-ya climb Mt Kenya 2013
Event Link: http://familiamoja.org/volunteer
Date: 6-13 September 2014
Location: Kenya
Contact: jess@familiamoja.org
About the Event: Ken-Ya climb Mt Kenya 2014 is a unique opportunity for you to physically challenge yourself by trekking the second highest peak in Africa, Mt Kenya. Along the way, you will take part in helping Familia Moja Children’s Home finish construction of its own home and help celebrate our 6th anniversary.

Palms Australia: Solidarity Volunteering Information Sessions

People and Planet — Wed, 01 May 2013 08:30:41 +0000

Organisation: Palms Australia
Event: Solidarity Volunteering Information Sessions
Event Link: http://www.palms.org.au/news/learn-more-about-volunteering-with-palms/
Date/Time/Location:
Saturday 11 May, 11:00 AM, Ross House, Ground Floor Room 1, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Sunday 19 May, 3:30 PM, the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary St, Highgate, Perth
Cost and RSVP: FREE! RSVP not required, but contact Sarah Torcasio if you would like further information, sarah@palms.org.au or call 02 9518 9551
About the Event: Palms is an Australian organisation that has been sending volunteers to developing countries for more than 50 years.
Palms Global Volunteers are vehicles for development and social change through mentoring and exchange of skills.
Palms is seeking volunteers willing to participate in an authentic cross-cultural experience in countries across Asia, Africa and the Pacific. Positions exist in education, health, administration, agriculture/farming, trades and other skilled areas.
Come to our information session to learn more and hear from those who have volunteered with Palms in the past.

Asian Aid: “Seasons of Hope” Photography Book Out Now

People and Planet — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:08:53 +0000

The human spirit finds optimism, determination and hope even in seasons of hardship and despair. This is the message depicted in a new photography book by Asian Aid Australia.Seasons of Hope displays a stunning collection of photographs and stories from everyday life in Asia.“After visiting and living in India, Bangladesh and Nepal, and photographing people often experiencing difficulties, I was inspired by their resilience,” says Joshua Moses, the book’s photographer and an Asian Aid Field Media Coordinator. “I wanted the book to tell realistic but positive picture stories of people who often maintain joy even during seasons of hardship.”Whether portraying the busyness of India, the monsoon rains of Bangladesh or the social interconnectedness of Nepal, the book shares the stories of people and communities, who cannot, at this season of their lives, stand up boldly for themselves.“

To borrow words from Seasons of Hope, it is the images crying out for opportunity, equality and order that give this book intangible importance,” says Quentin Campbell, Asian Aid Australia’s international program manager. “And that’s why we will use proceeds from the sale of the book to help victims of human trafficking in India regain dignity and hope.”

Human trafficking, with up to 2.5 million victims and 1.2 million children slaved around the world, is a $32 billion annual business. And India is one of the countries that struggles the most with the issue of human trafficking. Asian Aid’s Anti-Human Trafficking Program, coordinated by partner Oasis India, rescues, rehabilitates and reintegrates abused women and children, and educates communities about sex trafficking and prevention.

“Buy a copy of the book, or more, and advocate for and support vulnerable women and children in India,” says Joshua. “It sounds simple because it is.”

To order a copy of the Seasons of Hope book or to find out more about the Anti-Human Trafficking Program, visit www.asianaid.org.au, call 02 6586 4250 or email contact@asianaid.org.au. Books cost $30AUD (including postage).

Reverse Garbage: Pirates Ahoy Pre-school Eco-Art Workshop

People and Planet — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:37:03 +0000

Organisation: Reverse Garbage
Event: Pirates Ahoy Pre-school Eco-Art Workshop (3-5 years)
Event Link: www.reversegarbage.com.au
Date: Wednesday 17 April 2013
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Location: 20 Burke Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102
Cost and RSVP: $20 per child with a guardian (includes materials, tools and facilitator), bookings essential
Contact: 07 3891 9744
About the Event: Ahoy there me hearties, there is buried treasure to be found! Come and create your very own pirate costume – complete with eye patch and pirate hat using salvaged materials. As they say, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

Reverse Garbage: Salvaged Steampunk Jewellery Workshop

People and Planet — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:33:05 +0000

Organisation: Reverse Garbage
Event: Adult Eco-Art Workshop
Event Link: www.reversegarbage.com.au
Date: Saturday 27 April 2013
Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm
Location: 20 Burke Street, Woolloongabba, Q 4102
Cost and RSVP: $45 per person (includes materials, tools and facilitator), bookings essential
Contact: 07 3891 9744
About the Event: Inspired by fantasy and sci-fi genres during the 19th century when technology ran on steam power, Steampunk is fast becoming a popular medium for jewellery design. Steampunk enables you to look back at the past to create a futuristic piece of wearable art using salvaged materials such as watch parts, cogs, keys, leather and broken jewellery. Great for both guys and gals!

Friends of the Earth: “Chasing Ice” Film Fundraiser

People and Planet — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:24:43 +0000

Organisation: Friends of the Earth
Event: Chasing Ice – a film fundraiser
Event Link: http://www.melbourne.foe.org.au/?q=node/1225
Date: 4th April, 2013
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Cinema Nova (380 Lygon St. Carlton VIC)
Cost and RSVP: $20, tickets available at the door
Contact: Justin
About the Event: Acclaimed photographer James Balog was once a skeptic about climate change. But through his Extreme Ice Survey, he discovers undeniable evidence of our changing planet. In CHASING ICE, Balog deploys revolutionary time-lapse cameras to capture a multi-year record of the world’s changing glaciers.
His hauntingly beautiful videos compress years into seconds and capture ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate.
Traveling with a team of young adventurers across the brutal Arctic, Balog risks his career and his well-being in pursuit of the biggest story facing humanity.
As the debate polarizes people across the globe, and the intensity of natural disasters ramps up globally, CHASING ICE depicts a heroic photojournalist on a mission to deliver fragile hope to our carbon-powered planet.

Friends Vision: Ladies Lunch Fundraiser

People and Planet — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:15:17 +0000

Organisation: Friends Vision
Event: Friends Vision LADIES Lunch Fundraiser
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Vision/102425393161941
Date: Thursday 18th April, 2013
Time: 12:30pm
Location: Milan Restaurant on Main, 14-16 Tedder Ave, Gold Coast, QLD
Cost and RSVP: $65 per head. Tickets can be purchased from Milan Restaurant on Main, Ella Bache Pacific Fair, Bask Skin and Beauty
Contact: Cait Morris 0400 580 861
About the Event: Friends Vision LADIES Lunch will be a fun filled day held at the beautiful Milan Restaurant on Main. The day includes a fabulous 3 course lunch, drinks, and a chance to win some pretty amazing prizes plus a donation to Friends Vision Children’s Home. All money raised on the day will go towards building Friends Visions very first home for the kids they sponsor in Kenya. All are welcome, tell your friends but make sure you get your tickets quick as there are limited seats!

Reverse Garbage: School Holiday Workshops (ages 6-12 years)

People and Planet — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:03:14 +0000

Organisation: Reverse Garbage
Event: Eco-Art Workshops for 6-12 years
Event Link: www.reversegarbage.com.au
Date: Tuesday 2nd April – Friday 12th April
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am and 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Location: 20 Burke Street, Woolloongabba, Q 4102
Cost and RSVP: $20 per child (includes materials, tools and facilitator), bookings essential
Contact: 07 3891 9744
About the Event: Have fun using salvaged materials to create wonderful works of art at Reverse Garbage. Choose from a range of exciting themes, including Make an Explorer Bag, Easter Bilbies & Furry Friends, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Robots, Spaceships & Aliens, Kite Making and Marvellous Masks.

Scarf: Monday Night Dinners at Three Bags Full

People and Planet — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:39:01 +0000

Organisation: Scarf
Event: Autumn Scarf Monday Night Dinners at Three Bags Full
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/367854463321652/
Date: Every Monday from 8th April – 6th May
Time: 6.30pm onwards
Location: Three Bags Full, corner Nicholson and Mollison St, Abbotsford
Cost and RSVP: $35 per head for a two course set menu
Contact: bookings@scarfcommunity.org (bookings essential)
About the Event: Autumn Scarf Dinners are happening at Three Bags Full in Abbotsford every Monday night from 8th April until 6th May. A $35 two course set menu is cooked by professional chefs and served to you by Scarf trainees and their mentors. For more information on dinners and how to book, head to www.scarfcommunity.org. Scarf borrows restaurants to provide hospitality training and mentoring to young people facing barriers to work.

Interview with James Morgan

People and Planet — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:04:34 +0000

UK-based photographer James Morgan had two winning photos in last year’s People & Planet International Photography Competition.Here, he gives People & Planet the story behind his photo “Guru Jemat Steven Su” (pictured)

How did you end up in the place where this photo was taken? Did you seek out this shot or come across it accidently?

This photograph was taken in West Papua, in the far east of Indonesia. It’s been a contested territory for the past 50 years, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed in the fighting so far. There is very little reporting on the situation as Indonesia has controversially banned foreign journalists and all but the most conservative of NGOs form working in the area. I was there to get a better understanding of why Indonesia has invested so much time and money and wasted so many human lives to keep control of the area.

Why is this photo so special to you?

The reason, of course, is resources. Indonesia, and foreign companies, have systematically cleared forests and ecosystems from Sumatra, through Borneo and the rest of the archipelago. West Papua, at the far end of the island chain, is incredibly rich in resources. It is home to the world’s largest gold mine, the planet’s largest diversity of fish species and some of the last untouched tracts of tropical rainforest. This photograph shows Guru Jemat Steven Su. As an elder of the Mooi people he was personally responsible for selling his land to a palm oil company for just 5 dollars / hectare. He was tricked of course, with promises of schools and medicines. The reality is now that his community’s land has gone, malaria and poverty are widespread. It was a very depressing place to visit. An entire community sitting around wasting away in the remains of their forest. This particular image has stuck with me because I can see so much in his face. A sense of responsibility, guilt even; a sense of loss, of anger, and a plea for help.

What important message do you hope to send with this photo?

I hope the message with this photograph is quite clear. You can see more of the story here: http://james.photoshelter.com/gallery/Resource-Extraction-in-West-Papua/G0000K7f6FdhLnro

Find out more about James’ work

OASES: Safe City Cycling (Short Course)

People and Planet — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 23:08:49 +0000

Organisation: Understandascope
Event: The Tao of City Cycling, renowned short course on safe cycling in sustainable city streets
Event Link: Go to oases.edu.au/tao for further information or to register
Date: Five week course from 3 April to 1 May 2013
Time: Every Wednesday, 6.30pm-8.30pm (note: the time of the final practical ‘on city streets’ session may change depending the group)
Cost: $119/$69, inc. light refreshments and participant package
Location: OASES, 2 Minona St, Hawthorn, VIC
About the Event: This interactive and practical short course, facilitated by some of Melbourne’s most experienced commuter cyclists, explores how to move about our city in the most seamless, efficient, safe and sustainable way. For all ages, genders & backgrounds. Featuring how to cycle safely, dress, carry cargo & kids, secure your bike, gain health & fitness, and create a more cycle-friendly, connected & sustainable society.

Palms Australia: Solidarity Volunteering Information Session

People and Planet — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 01:22:57 +0000

Organisation: Palms Australia
Event: Solidarity Volunteering Information Session
Event Link: http://www.palms.org.au/news/learn-more-about-volunteering-with-palms/
Date: 14 March 2013
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: The Lavalla Centre, Marian Room, 58 Fernberg Rd, Paddington, Brisbane, QLD
Cost and RSVP: Free! RSVP not required, but contact Sarah Torcasio if you would like further information, sarah@palms.org.au or call 02 9518 9551
Contact: Sarah Torcasio, sarah@palms.org.au or call 02 9518 9551
About the Event: Palms is an Australian organisation that has been sending volunteers to developing countries for more than 50 years.  Palms Global Volunteers are vehicles for development and social change through mentoring and exchange of skills.  Palms is seeking volunteers willing to participate in an authentic cross-cultural experience in countries across Asia, Africa and the Pacific. Positions exist in education, health, administration, agriculture/farming, trades and other skilled areas.  Come to our information session to learn more and hear from those who have volunteered with Palms in the past.