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25.01.2022 REFUGEE WEEK FORUM - SATURDAY 6PM via ZOOM Under COVID-19 refugees and asylum seekers have struggled as the assistance we all received was not extended to this vulnerable group. People in detention are at extreme risk - pre-existing medical problems, face crowded, unsanitary conditions, and no chance of social distancing from the guards. People in the community have no access to government services, such as Medicare or Jobseeker allowances. Worse still after over 12 months, h...uge numbers have still not received the medical treatment they were Medivaced here to receive. Join this Special Forum Featuring: Julian Burnside (barrister) - Frances Rush {National Refugee-led Advisory and Advocacy Group NRAAG) - Alison Battisson (Director HR4A) - Mark Isaacs (Author of The Kabul Peace House) Join this forum via the Zoom link below using the meeting ID: 977 0598 1603 and password: 724622. https://uow-au.zoom.us/j/97705981603 Organised by REFUGEE ACTION COLLECTIVE ILLAWARRA

25.01.2022 Lake Heights Residents say Gladys doesn't give a fig. Illawarra residents have called for Premier Gladys Berejiklian to step in to protect a heritage-listed fig... tree located at Lake Heights by stopping the sale of the land it sits on at 6 and 8 Grandview Parade Lake Heights. Unfortunately, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Residents who raised the matter with the Premier are yet to receive a response other than a perfunctory acknowledgement of their concerns and notification that their correspondence has been referred to the relevant Minister - Rob Stokes - for consideration. Local member Paul Scully has yielded no better news saying he feels it is very unlikely that the state government will intervein. Last-minute advice sort from the Environmental Defenders Office yesterday said rezoning would be the only way to secure the blocks as public land and ensure development won’t occur on it. Currently, the land is zoned ‘low-density residential’. In the meantime, Elders Real Estate Wollongong has been marketing the blocks which are to be auctioned at 9.30 am this Saturday 27th June. The sales pitch and contract note that the land has a restricted building area and a 149 Zoning Certificate stating that the tree is protected and at no stage can be removed. The community overwhelmingly opposes the sale of the blocks and have asked the Council to explore all avenues to protect the fig tree. Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery has made it clear, numerous times, that the fig tree has legislated heritage protection and any building work would need to take that into account. He also made it clear that he and the community would be watching closely. Bradbery, however, has ruled out Wollongong Council buying the land, saying the council can't afford to pay market value for the block, Land and Housing say they are holding out for market value which is believed to be around $100,000. Bradbery also implied that the council did not have the budget to maintain additional green space blocks, yet current urban greening targets for the council have not been met. Leon Fuller, tree expert and author of Trees in the Illawarra, doesn't agree that a home can be built on the site without compromising the viability of the tree. He inspected the fig tree on Tuesday this week and confirmed the validity of the resident’s concern that building on the blocks will destabilise the trees root system. Fuller sees the importance of both the green space and the tree. On its own the green space is important, he said. Our urban areas have far too little green space yet there is strong evidence to show the immense value that open green space contributes to community well-being. Add the presence of the tree with its environmental values and human amenity and we have a site that demands care and protection. The tree and its canopy cover nearly the entire front of both blocks making only the back half buildable, however Peter Maywald, Convenor of the group Neighbourhood Forum 7, believes any attempt at building work will sacrifice the tree. "Residents are deeply concerned that any development on the blocks of land will have a detrimental effect on the health of the fig tree," he said. "Residents think that it is incredulous to believe that any development could be undertaken without damaging the fig tree given that its canopy extends to the boundaries of the blocks of land below it, the root system spreads extensively across the two blocks and the lower branches are not more than three metres above the ground. Fuller was particularly struck by the visual amenity of the tree. Local people would find it very hard to imagine what their street would look like without this grand old tree," adding that he finds it unbelievable that anyone would question the value of the tree and its site. "One would expect that our state and local governments would be working together to protect this tree and the green space it occupies, not haggling over its market value. We elect governments to care for the environment, not destroy it." The land was due to be auctioned in December last year but was cancelled at the last minute by the vendor - the Land and Housing Corporation - following residents expressing their concerns for the fig. So it was somewhat of a surprise to the community when it appeared again recently for auction without any alternatives being discussed. The housing corporation wants the funds to reallocate to social housing projects. Maywald, however, is certain that the block was always intended as a green reserve when the area was originally developed but due to an oversite nothing was documented and the block just sat there. It would be relatively simple for the state government to adjust for such an oversight. At this stage, the action is going ahead and Maywald is expecting a healthy gathering of residents keen to see what happens and protest against the sell-off. Many are angry at the lack of concern and consultation from the Berejiklian Government on the matter and are keen to be heard in their opposition to the sale. Others wish to impress upon any potential buyers that the community will be closely monitoring any development that occurs on the blocks and making sure they are fully aware of the extent of the tree root system. Neither the agent at Elders, Land and Housing Corporation contacts or planning minister were willing to take our calls today. - Bonnie Cassen

24.01.2022 This Monday 12pm Jellybean Park Nowra. It's time for women to demand change and for the good men to stand beside us. Come along. Bring a friend. Share the event. #Enough #equalityforall #march4justice

23.01.2022 Have you lost confidence in the Morrison government? Why not sign and share this petition? You have until March 25th to share and sign... After you sign, you will get a confirmation email with a link to authenticate your signature. https://www.aph.gov.au/petition_list?id=EN1347

23.01.2022 From Howard Jones

21.01.2022 This just cannot be allowed to go ahead. A gas field is being proposed in the NT which could ‘power Australia for 200 years’ while releasing *seven times* the emissions of the now closed - and for good reason - Hazelwood coal-fired power station. Huh?! This is literally obscene after what we have just endured with the bushfires. To top it off the Mimal Indigenous Rangers are paid by the government to do cool burns on countrys which prevents wildfires and 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 being released. This project would cancel out their efforts 100 times! We need to mobilise to fight this proposal like we have Adani. Lock The Gate Alliance is leading the charge. Support them. Get angry.

19.01.2022 Today Gerroa Environmental Protection Society is conducting two beach and vegetation walks. Under the theme Observe. Beach safety is always important, identifying rips and knowing what to do saves lives. The new message is FLOAT. Walk 1- 10am for 2 hours Meeting Gerroa at Track 3 - the first track south of the road bridge. ... Walk 2 starts at the picnic area amenities block at 7 mile beach National Park via Beach Rd, Gerroa. Starting at 1pm also for 2 hours all GEPS walks are free.

19.01.2022 The Jobseeker six month Covid boost is due to end in late September. The temporary $550 a fortnight supplement brought many back from below the poverty line for the first time. Renewed efforts are now being made to ’raise the rate’ of Newstart and Youth Allowance and other benefits permanently. In his latest article, Brad Stanton draws from the personal experiences expressed in the ACOSS report to better understand the magnitude of this issue. Supporting those suffering and more vulnerable makes all of society stronger. [Read the full article, link in the comments below.]

18.01.2022 In his article "Can trees protect against bushfires" Howard H Jones reflects on last summer's unprecedented bushfires from his property in the subtropical rainforest at Saddleback Mountain, Kiama. Mr Jones raises questions about both hazard reduction burning around rainforest areas, and the anti-solution being thrown around by some, that clearing trees will help protect homes and lives from the unprecedented wildfires that are now our future. Read the full article on The New Bush Telegraph webpage.

17.01.2022 For RU OK Day, the @IllaShoalHealth Mental Health Service is starting Chats for Change at the Joyce Wheatley Centre & Gerringong Bowling Club. It's free, no need for appointments, just a caring, listening ear, and they can connect you to support services if you need it. #ruokday2020

15.01.2022 Australian Parents for Climate Action - Illawarra would like to invite you to join us for a play-in (a fun gathering) at the office of MP Fiona Phillips, member for Gilmore, this Friday to advocate for real action on climate change. DATE: Friday, February 28 TIME: 11:00am - 12:00 ADDRESS: 3 / 59 Junction Street, Nowra Everyone is more than welcome, parents, grandparents, kids! We hope you can join us!

14.01.2022 Kiama Greens member Bonnie Cassen and her speech on why Julian Assange’s freedom is important for us all. The New Bush Telegraph is a local, truth based, independent publication and has now gone online. Please like their FB page and sign up on the webpage for notifications and to keep up to date.

13.01.2022 Greens will be there in force, please join us, and bring your umbrella. How good is this rain, hoping it continues and gets to where it is needed most.

13.01.2022 Google searches for domestic violence help are at the highest number over the past five years and some domestic violence support services are already reporting a surge in both the number and complexity of cases. Let that sink in. The Government has announced some extra funding for counselling and referral services - but the frontline services that support people seeking safety and protection from violence were already struggling to meet demand. Now concerns are growing for wo...men and children who live with their abusers. Sign the petition now if you agree: greens.org.au/domestic-violence

11.01.2022 THIS MONDAY, 15TH JUNE, 6.30pm to 7.30pm MUSIC FROM MANUS 5 DAYS NOT 5 YEARS. REFUGEE WEEK BOOK NOW As part of Refugee Week, RAC Illawarra presents a film screening of Music From Manus Five Days Not Five Years with a Q & A with singer-songwriter Dawn Barrington and Moz, both who feature in the film. ... Moz is currently in detention at the Mantra overflow hotel, read concentration camp, still awaiting medical treatment that he, like too many of the others there, have not received the treatment they were Medevaced here for. He will update us on the situation at the Mantra and their daily protests calling for safe Covid-19 processes for them while in detention, and for their release into the community. Please book your free tickets through the link below, and please share this event to your friends, family and contacts. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/refugee-week-film-music-fro

10.01.2022 Kiama Greens are long supporters of Stop Adani and other campaigns to stop coal in the Galilee Basin. Sarah Ellyard reports on Adani’s attack on activist Ben Pennings, claiming his successful campaigning for the Galilee Blockade has led to key contractors abandoning involvement in the project. The fight against mining in the Galilee basin is now ten years old, and successful activism has kept insurers, investors and contractors at bay. Ben also has a fundraising page to help cover his legal costs.

09.01.2022 A ban on helium balloons and their release is long overdue. Environmentally destructive, balloons cause horrific injuries and complications when entangled or mi...staken for food and ingested by marine animals and birds. Yet there is still no meaningful action. More needs to be done to stop the collateral killings - celebrations shouldn't be this deadly. The states have failed now No Balloon Release Australia is calling for a national ban. https://newbushtelegraph.org.au/in-everybodys-interest-a-n/

09.01.2022 We urgently need action on how money flows during elections to even up the playing field and stop our democracy being manipulated and bought. so please sign and share if you can.

08.01.2022 JOIN THE WONDERFUL DOCTORS IN WOLLONGONG TONIGHT 6:30PM - CROWN STREET MALL AMPI-THEATRE The Indefinite Sleepout to End Indefinite Detention tonight marks its 200th night of sleeping out publicly to raise awareness about the inhumane indefinite detention policy which is harming asylum seekers, is illegal and is utterly un-Australian. "We started from an original group of healthcare workers but our community has grown to a determined group of refugee advocates from all walks ...of life, who have pledged to continue sleeping out for as long as it takes to reverse our shameful policy of indefinite detention," says Javad Blake who initiated the concept and brought it to life. We hope that you can join us TONIGHT - Friday the 28th February for this solemn but important occasion, alongside some special Afghan tea, nibblies & some cheerful live music. We'd love as many people as possible to come and show solidarity with those who remain in limbo. All are welcome, including children and pets! If you have scrubs or a work uniform of any sort please wear it for a group photo. We look forward to seeing you all. Or if you can't make it send a message of solidarity to the event page, and share this event to raise important awareness of this group's commitment.

08.01.2022 Breaking news! Rejected due to long-term and irreversible environmental impacts, such as loss of water and biodiversity impacts, as well as greenhouse gas emissions, not to mention damage to Aboriginal cultural heritage.

07.01.2022 In case you missed this Summit bush fires and climate change on Tuesday evening... COORDINATING A NATIONAL BUSHFIRE RESPONSE - SPECIAL CLIMATE COUNCIL SUMMIT... During the Black Summer fires at peak times we saw over 100 fires burning simultaneously, fires that burnt through millions of hectares of bush across NSW and across Australia. The fact is that Australia is burning while we turn a blind eye to the driving force which is climate change and a warming planet. Greg Mullins. During the summit, Mullins also reveals that government officials at all levels were and still are prevented from discussing climate change. They are gagged. This is the emergency fire summit that our countries previous fire chiefs have been calling for to develop strategies and a united force in dealing with working fire future we are facing under our increasingly worsening climate change conditions. We know what the threat is climate change. We know the cause, we have good science underlying our knowledge, we don’t need further research or to discover new technologies. We just need action - strong government actions across the world. We need to stop mining fossil fuels, change our consumption behaviours, invest in renewable sustainable energy production, protect and regenerate our forests, farmlands and groundwater supplies and a few other small twigs. With the two major bush fire areas - Australia and California, now experiencing 12 months a year fire seasons, the sharing of aerial equipment is no longer viable. It also compromises our ability to lead and assist the rest of the world in fire fighting, as land and forests now start to burn across the world in ways they have never done before. And this is happening at 1.1 degrees C of average warming across the planet. With the globe on a path towards over 3 degrees of warming even if all Paris commitments are honoured, very few of which are ever going to be realised with the current levels of actions. If you missed the first live summit you can watch the replay here. The summit starts at around 21:50 for some reason, so just jump to the spot on the video.

07.01.2022 Kiama Greens members a live stream is about to start on the Greens NSW FB group... re NSW fires with three of our Greens mayors talking about their communities including our wonderful Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley... it will be saved for later as well.

06.01.2022 If you are concerned about dangerous police state like trends, which you should be, then this petition will be of interest to you. If you oppose this, then please sign.

05.01.2022 Congratulations to Lidia Thorpe - joining the Senate for The Greens. The Greens have announced that former Victorian state MP Lidia Thorpe will take the Federal Senate seat being vacated by Richard Di Natale, after he resigned earlier this year citing family reasons. Ms Thorpe is an Indigenous leader, a proud Gunnai-Kurnai and Gunditjmara woman and an activist. She said she would focus on issues including climate change, injustice and inequality. Lidia Thorpe is the first Indigenous person to represent the Greens in Federal Parliament.

05.01.2022 Many of you would know Pat Thompson from Shoalhaven Greens, and a personal friend to many in our community. Rest in Peace dear Patrick Thompson. You will be sadly missed, always revered, and always remembered. New Bush Telegraph

04.01.2022 This reflection on the Eden-Monaro by-election by Catherine Moore isn’t just about The Greens, it is about politics, the environment, and the hand the media deals

03.01.2022 Everyone should be able to go to the dentist when they need help. Let's get dental into Medicare.

02.01.2022 Seriously this was the best stimulus package they could come up with? We are in a housing crisis, couldn't they have used this opportunity to help people who actually need it?