Lucy’s Blog

I went to my first ever political fundraising dinner on August 10th. I have always avoided these in the past. Perhaps Im starting to realise I am a grown up and can go to an event like the dinner without having to pledge away my vote and become a card carrying member.

The ACT Greens organised the event. Dinner at ANU - University House, they get a thumbs up on the venue. The speakers were Senator Christine Milne (the Australian Greens climate change and energy spokesperson) and Professor Brendan Mackey (an environmental scientist at Australia’s National University, Director of the ANU Wild Country Research and Policy Hub, and is a member of the Earth Charter International Council) discuss climate change, it’s impact on Australia, and the government policy needed to deal with it.

When we arrived (very on time - not fashionable) there were only a few people in the downstairs bar. It was a little intimidating walking into the narrow room where a musician was playing and hardly anyone else there. I had to take a work phone call, when I returned Hugh had (bless him) started chatting with another couple. They were really great people and it turned out interested in similar social justice topics. One of those serendipitous moments where you are just meant to meet. Swapped email addresses to share some resources on the anti consumerism movement.

By the time the rest of our friends arrived it was time to go upstairs. We ate dinner at one of the longest tables I have ever eaten at in my life! Someone near to me remarked it was like the Harry Potter banquet table (will have to take their word for it - still never seen the movies). We did a little place name swapping and everyone was happy. The meal was good. I had a few moments of almost blowing the “grown up” act by getting the giggles. Perhaps it was the formality. Perhaps it was listening to all the serious information about the environment. I was not impressed with current ACT Member of the Legislative Assembly, felt there was a bit of soapbox and self interest happening. The other speakers were engaging most of the time (the whole mix of hard science and political action is hard for me to get excited about).

Christine spoke of a new tactic the Greens are going to try to reach the “Gen Y” age group. Yep they are trying to get into using that whole new area of life - the internet and modern communication. They plan to campaign with interactive email, blogging and sms for the next election. They are looking seriously at how this has been used in the USA. Interesting. Will have to see what they come up with.

We celebrated NAIDOC at UC today, ok we were a little late (NAIDOC is normally held July) but it was held today so that more people could attend. Everything ran a little late but the content was so good. I watched some people getting frustrated that the celebrations didn’t quite fit their lunch time, but every person who took part had significant words to say and I am left still thinking about it this evening. Im reflecting on all the words that were spoken, the down to earth stories, the injustice of education denied and the continuing struggle that my indigenous brothers and sisters face.

We all walked through smoke as part of the celebrations. I keep catching a hint of the smoke from my clothes and that sets my mind thinking, thinking again. The whole smoking ceremony is meant to help cleanse your spirit. Today when I walked through the smoke and took part in the celebrations it made me more determined to continue to work with the community to try and bring some justice into being.

This day was a part of acknowledging and celebrating achievements of indigenous people. It was also a time where I learnt about past injustices and new hopes. The theme of respect was strongly reinforced by each speaker. Have respect for your elders, from those that can teach you something, give respect to all people and they will treat you with the respect you deserve.

Yay, yay Im so happy as you can see I have a new blog!

Finally an easy way to Blog. No remembering HTML and all that. Ive finally got access and life is much better. Good good Hugh. I often thought of writing but got fed up with emacs and stupid HTML which I kept forgetting. Oh and bliss I can even use my mouse while editing. Watch out world, there is more to come…