Help make the Activist Centre better: Support our renovation fund!

We're planning renovations at the Perth Activist Centre.

In fact, we've already started! (There's no turning back now.)

When completed, this will give us improved kitchen facilities and a fully functional disability accessible toilet among other improvements. This will help all the groups that use the Centre.

We're raising a $6000 fund to cover the costs of the first stage of these renovations.

We are already over half way there with more than $3000 collected as at March 5 and a further $600 promised.

Can you help us get the rest of the way with a donation or a pledge this week?

Can you pitch in to help make a difference to Perth's premier Activist venue.

You can support this fund by:

* deposit or transfer money into the Activist Centre account (BSB 066003 Account 10253459) (Label "Renovations")
* make an online payment via this secure-payment Trybooking event
* post a cheque or money order to: Perth Activist Centre, PO Box 204, Northbridge 6865
* drop in cash into the Centre in person (15 / 5 Aberdeen St, Perth - next to McIver station)

We would also appreciate any in kind support you may be able to give. We especially need help from people with: bricklaying/building; joinery; plumbing; electrical; tiling; and general handyperson skills. Please contact Seamus (0407 906 803) or Sam (0412 751 508) if you're able to help.

Hundreds march on Invasion Day

Invasion Day March in Perth

Hundreds of people marched in what some people are calling the first "Invasion Day March" in Perth. It was certainly the largest political protest action on January 26 for many years.

The march started at Matagarup (Heirisson island) and proceeded through the city finishing at the Perth City Council-organised "Survival Day" concert.

"Celebrate a great day if you think it needs to be celebrated," activist Herbert Bropho told the crowd. "But to me it is a Sorry Day!"

He called on those present to remember the elders who had resisted European invasion and who had kept the dreaming stories alive.

Invasion Day rallies were large around the country (photos here).

What do socialists say about animal rights?

The Perth branch of Socialist Alliance will be hosting an open discussion for members and people interested in finding out more about us on the question of "animal rights".

The film "Cowspiracy" has highlighted the (under-acknowledged) role of animal agriculture in producing greenhouse pollution and spurred on a rising vegan movement.

However the film has been criticised (including by vegans) for promoting individual lifestyle change instead of targeting the big corporations destroying the planet.

This discussion will include a range of points of view and will address questions such as:
* how can we minimise/prevent cruelty to animals?
* do animals have rights?
* what climate action is needed in agriculture?
* what is the relationship between individual lifestyle choices and broader political action?

The discussion will be introduced by: Alex Bainbridge, Jessica Lee Macfarlane & Farida Iqbal.

6pm Tues 2 February

Perth Activist Centre (15/5 Aberdeen St, Perth - next to McIver station)

Hosted by Socialist Alliance. Ph 9218 9608, 0413 976 638.

Attend on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/1078860865499935


For reference, check out the Socialist Alliance's agriculture policy, the Beyond Zero Emissions landuse discussion paper, and these recent articles in Green Left Weekly.

Perth Invasion Day rally

RALLY and MARCH on INVASION DAY
(Tuesday 26 January 2016)

Meet at Matagarup (Heirisson Island):

2.30 pm on Tuesday

26 January 2016


and MARCH together over the CAUSEWAY to the SURVIVAL CONCERT

BRING your FAMILY, COLOURS and FLAGS

Any queries about the Rally ring: Clinton Pryor - 0497764727

Attend on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/901389103293288

And check out this video and please consider sharing it:

Perth rally: These cuts are killing us - Sat 20 Feb

The Turnbull Liberal Government is trying to reduce funding for pathology tests - this could lead to us paying at least $30 for pap smears, and urine and blood tests. These tests save lives and nobody should go without healthcare because they can't afford it.

The Federal Government's efforts to save $650 million will put lives at risk. Cuts to bulk-billing for pathology services will affect MRIs, x-rays, blood and urine tests, ultrasouds and pap-smears.

The cuts are particularly harmful for women, people with a disability, working class and poor people and anybody with chronic health issues.

We need publically provided free and accessible pathology rather than cuts that bring uncertainty and anxiety to some of the most vulnerable in society

Only action will stop these cuts. This event is part of what is becoming a national day of action against these cuts.

Perth rally:
10am Sat 20 February
Murray Street Mall (Perth City - near the Info booth in the middle of the mall)

Attend on Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/1067085269989535

Sign the petition here: www.change.org/thesecuts

Protests will be occurring around the country:
Sydney event: www.facebook.com/events/125663497809971
Melbourne event: www.facebook.com/events/168635080164318
Adelaide event: www.facebook.com/events/497916927055345
Brisbane event: www.facebook.com/events/652340224908325
Newcastle event: www.facebook.com/events/1040973152621331


#thesecutsarekillingus

Mad F**king Witches: 'Sack Dutton on the double'

Women from the Refugee Rights Action Network (RRAN) organised a "Mad F**king Witches" action to highlight the intolerable levels of sexual assault in Australian immigration detention centres and to call for freedom for refugees and the sacking of minister Peter Dutton.