Monday, June 28, 2010

Greenlight Weekend!

There must be something going on with the planets, because it wasn't just Canberra experiencing all the action. Brisbane dished up a taste of its own!

Thursday night saw us attending the premier screening of the much anticipated and Academy Award nominated documentary, Food, Inc.
How much do we really know about the food we buy at our local supermarkets and serve to our families? You are what you eat. It is a simple expression that bears scary implications. The film explores how modern developments in food production pose grave risks to our health and environment. There are stories of heartbreak and outrage, but the film carefully channels these emotions towards opportunities for activism. Worth the watch, and don't plan on eating out afterwards - it kind of kills your appetite.

Saturday night saw the official launch of my election campaign for the Greens. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young gave Larissa Waters, our lead Senate candidate, and I the green light to get out there and spread the word that the Australian Greens are the only credible alternative in the seat of Griffith. The last week showed us that politics as usual cannot allow any leader to wrestle with the great moral challenges of our time. Fundamental changes are required, and the Green movement is one which is reflecting the mood and sensibilities of the Australian people, and more importantly our precious planet.
It was a fantastic night of inspirational speeches by Sarah and Larissa, and I felt very honoured that Andrew Bartlett came along in support as well. Great acts by local bands, Yellow Bird and Peter B and the Homeless Souls, and stage performance by Phoebe Manning as "Eustace, looking for love" got the crowd into the swing of things. Over 100 guests were treated to some beautifully prepared dishes, with locally grown produce donated by Food Connect.

The success of the night should be credited to Jo Bragg and her team of volunteers from the South Brisbane Greens, who organised some fantastic raffle prizes from local businesses, and signed up lots of campaign volunteers. I'd also like to acknowledge the support of my family, my beautiful friends at West End State School, my campaign manager, Wilf, and my beloved Robert, and our daughter Elsie - all endless sources of inspiration, encouragement and love.

Sunday started early with Food Connect hosting breakfast for around 100 local farmers, community leaders, and delegates from the global peasant movement, La Via Campesina. We brought everyone together for a whole day of riveting talks and discussions about the way of the family farmer and how it is being threatened by the global industrial food system.

Thursday's viewing of Food, Inc. fired us up for this day, and after listening to our wonderful guests from Indonesia, Timor Leste, South Korea and Japan, we finished with robust plans and a commitment to join the global movement. Today the delegation is off to a couple of South East Queensland farms to see first hand the threat of coal mining on our most fertile food growing areas.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Annerley Sustainability Day

The folk at Transition Annerley are making a huge debut tomorrow in their local community by hosting a great event at Junction Park State School. It's going to be a great collection of local businesses showing off their eco-wares, sustainable community organisations, and of course all the great environmental work being done by the school children.

I'll be speaking at 3pm on why your vote matters at the next federal election, but I'll be there with the South Brisbane Greens team from 9am, helping out on the stall. Should be a fantastic event, and if you can make it, please come and say hi!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Greenlight fundraiser

With the press reporting the possibility of an earlier election, we need to hit the ground running! It's pretty short notice, but this will be a great event as we launch into campaign mode.

Please join the South Brisbane Greens for their Greenlight fundraiser: a fun, inspirational evening of Green politicians and sparkling musicians! The event will be held at the Kurilpa Senior Citizens Hall on Saturday 26 June 2010 at 6.30pm and will feature the following guests:

Sarah Hanson-Young
Australian Greens Senator for South Australia

Larissa Waters
Australian Greens Lead Senate Candidate for Queensland

Emma-Kate Rose
Australian Greens Candidate for Griffith


Tickets will be: Adults $25 | Teen/concession $15 | Child over 5 years $5 | Family $65
Delicious, homecooked food will be provided.

For more information, go to the Queensland Greens website.
To RSVP or book advance tickets, please contact Jo Bragg at jobragg@bigpond.net.au or on 0409 498 871


Local talent, Peter B and The Homeless Souls are the lead act, supported by beloved locals, Yellow Bird, and other surprise performances!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Robert's TEDx Talk now up on Youtube!

Well, after a long wait, those who couldn't get to the TEDx Brisbane event can now see all the talks on YouTube! After seeing it again, it disappointed me that the organisers weren't specific enough to allow Robert to talk more about Community Supported Agriculture, but when you only have 18 minutes to fit in half a lifetime of stories, it makes it pretty difficult. Anyway, enjoy!

Part 1

Robert's TEDx Talk now up on Youtube!

....and.... Part 2!