Tuesday, October 24, 2006

There is a U in Union.

Hi guys,

Just received word from my mate Greg at Rights At Work. Thought I'd pass on this message of unity and solidarity. Willum, I think you especially should be getting in on some union action - cover your arse, boyo. Spread the word, call the number, help stick the new IR laws back where they belong.

It's never been easier to join a union at this critical time

Dear All,

The November 30 nationwide rally against the IR laws is just over a month away. Two things will strike fear into the heart of the Howard Government: a huge turnout for November 30, and the continued rapid growth of the union movement.

John Howard's new IR laws have seen Australian workers turn to unions in unprecedented numbers. Last year the ABS reported a 4% growth in union membership, an increase of 70,000 new members. This week, we are launching a simple, but radical, new scheme that means it has never been easier to join a union.

Unions Australia makes it easy to find the union that's right for you. Starting today, one phone number is all you need to call to join your union. Call 1300 486 466 to join Unions Australia today.

You have been active in the Rights at Work campaign. Joining a union is the natural extension of your fight for rights at work and the values that we hold dear. It's not just seeking to protect hard-won conditions like penalty rates and public holidays. In this regard, the ABS statistics speak for themselves ā€“ union members earn on average $118 a week more than non-union employees. Joining a union is also about bolstering the Australian way of life: time with family, job security, a safety net for all Australians.

I've been active in the union movement for twenty years, and I can assure you that when you join a union, you don't just receive information, advice and support when you need it - you are playing a vital role in a movement for change.

All Australian workers have the right to join a union. Whether you work in a large or small business, in an office or on a construction site - there is a union that can represent you. We also have a special supporters' membership for retirees, and those who own a business or are currently not working.

If you are already a union member, I am looking to you to help build the movement and spread the word about Unions Australia. Please pass this email on to your friends to let them know about our new, simplified joining procedure. I am keen to hear your thoughts on Unions Australia, so feel free to get back to me with your comments.

I am very proud to be launching Unions Australia this week. We have created this initiative in response to the success of the Rights at Work campaign. This success is due in large part to the hard work and dedication of supporters like you.

Once again, many thanks for your support,

Greg Combet
Secretary, Australian Council of Trade Unions

Monday, October 23, 2006

Excuse the cut'n'paste

Erica Ordinary - Friday 27th October

Nicholas Building Open Studios
37 Swanston Sreet, Melbourne
Floor 8, studio 21
7:30pm
Free entry

A select group of artists, makers and designers are opening their studios to the public, and this is a unique opportunity to view and purchase Melbourne designed and made jewellery, fashion and bags. You can find Erica Ordinary on the eighth floor, in studio 21, playing an intimate unplugged set among the works of Helen Collyer, Jane McGrath and Joanna Levinson.


If anyone would like to come along and watch, that would be awesome! And, if anyone wants to hang around afterwards for a late dinner or supper somewhere in the city, or perhaps Brunswick Street, that would also be awesome.

Hope you're all well and not too stressed with the time of year.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Hawksley Workman

Hello cool people,
Thanks to the genius that is myspace I've discovered that one of my favourite Canadians, Hawksley Workman, is back in Australia and playing a gig at the Northcote Social Club on Saturday 4th November. I'm planning on going along, so if anyone would like to come let me know. You'll get to see me in full swooning groupie mode. There's something about his lyrics that just do things to me. Tix are $20 plus booking fee.

Let me know!

Sunday, October 08, 2006

'Heaven on earth for papercraft lovers'

Thought I'd let you paper lovers/ card makers know that there is a Paperific Expo coming up. Of course I'll be going solo or in a group - its $10 adult, $8 concession.

Its at the Docklands between Oct 27-29 with over 40 exhibitors - scrapbooking, stamping, card making and more.

paperific.com.au

Know this only appies to a small number of you but for those interested let me know and maybe we can train it in together!!!

A Refugee's Story

Hi Cool People!

During Refugee Week Nyadang froom Sudan will be speaking at the Ringwood Lib on Monday 23 Oct at 7pm about living as a refugee here in Australia.

I think it will be quite interesting and planning on going for my general writing.

If anyone wants to join me that would be fun! Let me know if anyone is keen...maybe even made a dinner out of it as well?

Kel xxx

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Hey guys,

I had the pleasure of attending this great reinterpretation of Alice last night. They have stuck to original Alice text and given it a nightmarish spin.

I am keen to go again (probably Fri or Sat of next week), and I'm putting the call out there for anyone who wants to come with.

Please comment your interest below.

Sunday, October 01, 2006

onlycoolppl

THE TULIP FESTIVAL IN MONBULK - IRISH WEEKEND!

"May the lilt of Irish laughter lighten every load. May the mist of Irish magic, shorten every road ... and may all your friends remember all the favours you are owed!"

An Irish blessing for the weekend full of Irish fun, music (and plenty of it), dancing and Leprechauns as we celebrate the 'greening of the tulip'.
Dee and I were keen to check this out this weekend (today), although I looked at the website and it looks like a wonderful group thing! Pack a picnic rug and lunch, settle ourselves down a colourful tulip padlock for chats over wine!

Check out the photo gallery ā€“ the flowers look stunning!!! (cause I'm not an expereinced blogger and don't know how to put photos up!)
http://www.tulipfestival.com.au/photos/

Entry prices are to this year's festival are: $14.50 Adults, $12.00 Concession, $ 9.50 Groups of 10 or more.

Let me know if anyone is keen, Iā€™m happy to squeeze people into my car! Fingers crossed for nice weather.