Rights Action

VOICE TO PARLIAMENT

The National Co-Design Voice Report is now public and can be accessed at https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Social_Policy_and_Legal_Affairs/Constitutionalreform/Report

A new website has been launched to lead the campaign for a First Nations Voice to Parliament. https://ulurustatement.org/

As well as information on the campaign the site provides great resources on the long history of First Nations struggle for a better future.

SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE

Our thought and prayers are with the people of Ukraine. Many have been injured and displaced and all are suffering. The Ukraine Crisis Appeal has been established to provide much needed support to all those affected by the invasion. The Appeal is a collaboration between the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, Rotary Australia World Community Service and Caritas Ukraine. Tax deductible donations can be made at:

https://www.ukrainecrisisappeal.org/

The Ukrainian Community of Queensland will also hold a rally this Sunday 6 March at 12 noon in King George Square, Adelaide Street, Brisbane. You can keep in touch with further action and appeals by the Ukrainian Community of Queensland at: https://www.ukrqld.com.au/

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA

We hope everyone is safe with the current flood crises. Please contact us if we can help. For information on the Mud Army 2.0 see https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/community-safety/february-2022-severe-weather-event-council-updates-and-impacts/mud-army-20

The annual clean up Australia Day is on Sunday 6 March. To check out events and clean up groups in your areas see: https://www.cleanup.org.au/events

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS

The United Nations Day of Forests is 21 March. Forests are home to about 80% of the earth’s terrestrial biodiversity and the world is losing 10 million hectares of forest each year which is an area about the size of Iceland. To gain inspiration to protect these crucial ecosystems see https://www.un.org/en/observances/forests-and-trees-day

EASTER

This Easter please consider the many children and adults who are working as slaves on cocoa plantations from which many chocolate manufacturers source their cocoa beans. Some chocolate is certified as slave-free. Look for one of three certification labels – FairTrade, Rainforest Alliance or UTZ. For more information, check out ACRATH’s resources at: https://acrath.org.au/take-action/slavery-free-easter-chocolate/

NATIONAL SORRY DAY

May 26 is National Sorry Day and it begins the National Reconciliation Week which runs until June 3. The week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared history, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort. Find out more information at www.reconciliation.org.au

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

WED will be 5 June with the theme Only One Earth. Details about this year's theme can be found on www.worldenvironmentday.global

NAIDOC WEEK

NAIDOC week celebrations are 3-10 July. For more information visit: www.naidoc.org.au