Donna Mulhearn - Ordinary Courage This is one woman's account of finding the ordinary courage to fulfil her purpose, no matter what the odds. At the age of thirty-four, Donna Mulhearn had become disillusioned by her career as a journalist and political adviser and set off on a journey of self-discovery. One day, during this wonderful period of freedom, she heard something radical, a call to action that would change her course, and her life, forever. A man on the radio was appealing for human shields in Iraq—volunteers to deter the 'Coalition of the Willing' from attacking Baghdad. Donna was already against the war - she was a firm believer in the power of non-violent action. She knew immediately what she had to do.

Despite protests from concerned family and friends, Donna soon found herself travelling from Sydney to Baghdad. There she joined hundreds of shields from all over the world who formed small teams to protect major sites—power stations, water treatment plants, communication centres—that were crucial to the life of innocent people. Even when Saddam's statue toppled and the Coalition claimed victory, her challenges did not end. Donna's story is exceptional, brave and full of conviction. It shows that by being true to yourself you can transform not only one life, but many.

March 23: Brisbane: Avid Reader Bookstore, West End

Details:
6pm-8pm
Tickets $5, RSVP essential;
Ph: 07 3846 3422,
or email: events@avidreader.com.au

March 24: Brisbane Launch event, hosted by QLD Edmund Rice Network
Where:  Christian Brothers Support Centre, 70 Kate St Indooroopilly

The Refugee Action Collective will hold a public speak-out in support of justice for the Sri Lankan refugees held at Merak in Indonesia for the last four months. Some reports indicate that conditions for these refugees and asylum seekers are poor and there are concerns for their welfare with no end in sight to their detention. Speakers will include Ian Rintoul who recently visited Merak and Fr Pan Jordan. The speak-out will be held on Friday 12 February at 5 p.m. at Brisbane Square, George Street, Brisbane (top of Queen Street Mall).

2nd anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generation

ANTaR Qld and a number of other partner organisations will host a forum on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and the Queensland justice system on Saturday 13 February.

Together…let’s commemorate the 2^nd anniversary of the National Apology to

the Stolen Generations… the first step towards reconciliation

2-5pm  Forum

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and the Queensland Justice System

Venue: Claver Theatre, All Hallows’ School, Ann St, Fortitude Valley

(Onsite parking via Dodge Lane off Boundary St  RSVP  mareeklemm@chienoir.com.au)

5pm+    Boundary to Boundary Twilight Walk

Departing from St James College 201 Boundary St, Spring Hill, ending at Boundary St, Kurilpa Park South Brisbane. Elders’ transport available on request

7-9pm    Free Barbecue & Entertainment

Kurilpa Park at Kurilpa Point (between GOMA and Grey St Bridge)

RSVP & Info: Amanda Manton   0411 596 294  birdsofparadise2@gmail.com

Just Dates in  February

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

1-7      National Naturopathy Awareness Week

4           World Cancer Day [WHO]

14        St Valentine’s Day / Chinese New Year of the Tiger

17        Ash Wednesday

20        World Day of Social Justice

21        International Mother Language Day [UNESCO]

21-28  Australian Organ Donor Awareness Week

24        Teal Ribbon Day

New Farm Neighbourhood Centre presents

Politics in the Pub Thu 11 Feb 10 7pm

Turbine Platform Brisbane Powerhouse New Farm

INTOXICATING TIMES: ALCOHOL IN THE INNER CITY

On the one hand, alcohol fuels the inner city economy.  On the other, drinking has been linked to a number of violent events.  Why is drinking important?  Does it contribute to the social fabric? Can alcohol in the inner city be managed?  How far should free market principles decide the way forward? 
Hear from an expert, an academic, an abstainer, a publican and from someone who loves a drink!
Politics in the Pub leads us beyond headlines to debate and discuss local, national and international issues from every angle. Panel discussions are designed to appeal to the widest range of opinions and to bring people together in lively and respectful debate.

 Black Opium Fiona Foley

Distinguished artist Fiona Foley has created a complex, powerful and impressive public artwork to illustrate a little known era in the State’s history.

After reading Rosalind Kidd’s book The Way We Civilise, which exposes the truths behind the Aboriginal Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897, Fiona was compelled to create a work that explored the history, personal stories and legacy associated with this controversial policy.

In honour of this important work, the Black Opium Symposium brings together a unique multi-disciplinary line-up of guest speakers who will discuss, unravel and share a time past that still resonates strongly with the present.

Designed to both inspire and challenge, an examination of the historical, political and cultural themes behind the creation of Black Opium will lead into the artist’s talk about the work itself and the important role it plays in a public space such as the State Library of Queensland.

SPEAKERS: Rosalind Kidd, Andrew Gillett (Macquarie University, Australian Research Council Queen Elisabeth II Research Fellow) and Anna Haebich (Griffith University) will discuss the historical context of the artwork, and Fiona Foley and Daniel Tobin (Urban Arts Project) will look at the artistic and aesthetic qualities of the piece.

The evening will conclude with an official launch of the Black Opium space and associated interpretive publication.

View more information about the Black Opium artwork

When Fri 12 Feb, 6pm 
Where slq Auditorium 1, level 2, State Library of Queensland
RSVP via qtix 136 246.

The Torres Strait on film An insider’s view

In this presentation, complementing the Treasures Wall exhibition, Torres Strait Islander Tony Ghee will provide a linking commentary placing in perspective a selection of images spanning nearly a century. Included will be the world’s first ethnographic footage (1898) filmed on Mer by the Haddon expedition, an extract from Frank Hurley’s 1925 feature Pearl of the South Seas, segments from a 1937 Cinesound Newsreel a 1957 film sponsored by the Board of Missions, Big Country on Thursday Island (1970) and Kam Yan produced by the ABC’s Indigenous Unit (1997). The presentation (approx 150 mins) will conclude with an episode from the miniseries Remote Area Nurse (2006).

See the recollections from the Torres Strait exhibition, the Talbot Family Treasures Wall, outside the John Oxley Library on level 4 until 28 Feb.
When Sun 14 Feb, 2pm
Where slq Auditorium2, level 2
FREE No bookings required

New Mardi Gras, with the assistance of the City of Sydney, is pleased to announce that contemporary artist Spencer Tunick will be making a series of installations in Sydney on 1st March 2010 as part of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.

You can take advantage of this opportunity by signing up to participate. In exchange for taking part, you will receive a limited edition print of the installation. You will only be nude for a short period of Time. Rain or shine.
To participate in this art event, and for a location, time and specific instructions, please register below.

You will be contacted closer to the date of the art event.

Only participants will be allowed in the vinicity of the art event. Parental authorization will be requested for under 18 year old participants.