The Stolenwealth Games Convergence:

[Black Dagger]

8 February - Black GST Solidarity Meeting

Melbourne Trades Hall, Wednesday, 8 Feb, 6.30pm: Black GST core members Robbie Thorpe, Gary Foley, and Targan will be speaking about campaign updates including reports of a meeting with State Govt Ministers, as the date for the Stolenwealth Games rapidly approaches (40 days to go).

Come and help plan our Stolenwealth Games as we turn the international spotlight on Australia's shameful treatment of the oldest known culture on the planet. When will we march? Where will we camp? Which way will the sacred flame travel? What PR stunts do we have in mind? Come and share your creative juices with the crew as we plan our weekly gigs, a killer Art Expo, develop stencils and plan Press Conferences.

Also, hear what happened over the Invasion Day period, with Gary having spoken to a crowd of 5000 in Redfern, Robbie involved in exciting developments at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and Marj n Targan spelling out our case in Melbourne.

One of the results from such a vast Black GST coverage on Invasion Day were the amount of requests to talk. From Townsville to Perth to the Mildura region, we need help with our favourite word- fundraising. Then we can get the crew there to talk things up and hopefully provide some petrol vouchers for crew to get here. We have heaps of Quiz/Raffle books so if you can't be at the meeting see if you can sell some 'tickets to the Stolenwealth Games'. Contact: [email protected]

The Black GST is gathering the evidence, building the resources and developing the team to right the fundamental wrongs of this nation.

We hope you can join us.

"Wake up Australia- South Africa is now watching us!"


Starting Thursday February 16th "Unfinished Business at the Old Colonial Hotel"

127 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, 7pm onwards for a casual weekly meeting point where bands, dj's, videos and importantly, speakers, will converge in the build up to the Stolenwealth Games. And there's cheap beer. More details are coming on this weekly brainstorming session, Hope to see you in the beer garden.

Friday Feb 24th, Critical Mass Ride

Leaving the steps of the State Library, 5pm'ish, wear your black GST Tee Shirt (aren't they fun to wear?), then roll on to the Arthouse, 616 Elizabeth St for a punk Black GST benefit.

Sunday February 26th, Unitarian Church

-11am, 110 Grey St E. Melbourne, featuring a talk by Robbie Thorpe on "The Pope's Apology - How It Relates to Indigenous Sovereignty"

Black GST Quiz to be drawn on Robbie Thorpe's "Fire First" 3CR 855AM

11am - 12noon. Get your ticket to the Stolenwealth Games now!

ANTaR Public Art Project

10am - 1pm, 50 volunteers are needed, please call ANTaR on 9417 3613

Thursday March 16th, High Tide at the Espy

featuring Chant Down Babylon Reggae Gig, $5 benefit

15-26 March - Stolenwealth Games Convergence

Melbourne details to be announced. Where will we camp, what games will we play?!


Please visit: http://www.blackgst.com/ for more stuff

[rioters bloc]

ahhhhhh this looks great, so wish i could go.. but alas, uni..

[rioters bloc]

it made the paper, im a week too late tho :P


http://www.theage.com.au/news/commonwealth...9465796958.html

Aborigines plan protest march during Games
February 10, 2006

AN INDIGENOUS rights march has been planned for central Melbourne on the same day as the opening ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

The organising group, known as the Black GST, met State Government representatives yesterday to outline its plans, which include the march and a mass convergence camp at a yet-to-be-determined inner-city site. Black GST member Targan said sympathisers from around Australia and overseas had signalled their plans to converge on Melbourne for the Games period.

"The idea is to bring international attention to the plight of indigenous people," he said.

Targan said supporters from West Papua, New Zealand, East Timor and other nations had signalled their intention to join the meeting, and hoped up to 100,000 might march.

The route of the march is yet to be determined, and was not resolved at yesterday's meeting with Games Minister Justin Madden and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gavan Jennings.

Targan said Black GST was heartened by the reception they received at yesterday's meeting, and would ask the Government to help in selecting a site for the mass camp site of protesters. Collingwood's Victoria Park and the Aboriginal Advancement League in Preston are believed to be two of the sites.

PETER KER

[Black Dagger]

Aborigines plan protest march during Games

At least they spelt it with a capital... although i wonder... what if it wasn't the first word in the title?

Nice find btw.

[rioters bloc]

Originally posted by Black Dagger@Feb 17 2006, 01:23 AM

Aborigines plan protest march during Games

At least they spelt it with a capital... although i wonder... what if it wasn't the first word in the title?

Nice find btw.

there are advantages to be on the australian broad left network e-list

[Black Dagger]

Could you sign-me up for that list please bubsy?

[apathy maybe]

I am going to be in Melbourne from the 11th, but can not do shit until the night of the 15th. When I go back to Tassie is still up for grabs. If someone has a place for me to stay, I go back on Saturday. PM me please

[Black Dagger]

Chris is that you? I'm confused... with these tassies peoples...

[apathy maybe]

No, I'm Michael.

Chris is Cthrenar or something. He is currently in Sydney and has probabbly finished getting rammed in the arse by the justice system by now.

[Black Dagger]

I know who Chris is, i just thought maybe he was using your account or sumting because i didn't know you were from tassie, and chris is from tassie, and i thought i read a post before signed by chris that was done using your account, so i'm really confused, but i got sort of pissed with chris today, but fuck i'm tired, i had to get up early to catch his trial, i'm not a day person :P

Fuck commas full stops and such

[Mujer Libre]

I just thought I'd let people know that Gary Foley, and others (sorry, can't remember names) will be speaking in the Public Lecture Theatre at Melbourne Uni (thats in the Old Arts building) on Thursday the 2nd of March on the Black GST, Indigenous issues and the nation-state.

I wish I had more info, but I've only seen one poster for the event and there haven't been any emails. Weird.

[Black Dagger]

Thanks bub, i was telling Chris about this today, but couldn't remember the dates, unfortunately if it's on the 2nd march he won't be able to come
I'll take notes and photos though!

[Mujer Libre]

UPDATE:

[blackgst] Black GST newsletter 2 March – Site chosen. Traditional Owners back campaign

[email protected]


Black GST newsletter 2 March – Site chosen. Traditional Owners back campaign

1. Victorian Traditional Owner Land Justice Group backs the Black GST
2. Preferred Camp Site named
3. Update on discussions with Victorian Government
4. Official Call to Action
5. Heaps of media coverage
6. Black GST events – and solidarity events
7. Postering
8. Have you seen this cool new site?

Email to follow: ** Supporting Indigenous Protests at the Stolenwealth Games: A Call to Action! **

1. Victorian Traditional Owner Land Justice Group backs the Black GST
At a 2 day meeting of 17 Victorian Traditional Owner Groups on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th February, the following motion was unanimously passed:

“That the VTOLG encourages Traditional Owners to boycott the Commonwealth Games until such time as the Government guarantees recognition of Traditional Owner rights in their own country. The group asserts that culture has been misappropriated in preparation for the Games”


2. Preferred Site For Stolenwealth Games camp named

The Black GST Campaign Committee announced last Friday February 24 that the venue for the Stolenwealth Games Convergence will be Kings Domain. The Campsite will be established with the arrival of the Sacred Fire from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in the week leading up to the Games. The Black GST Campaign Committee announced today that the venue for the Stolenwealth Games Convergence will be Kings Domain. The Campsite will be established with the arrival of the Sacred Fire from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in the week leading up to the Games.

This announcement has been made after an unsuccessful attempt on the part of State and Local Government to come to an agreement on a venue for the Convergence within agreed timelines.

"We have advised the 20,000 people planning on travelling to Melbourne for the Convergence that Kings Domain will be the venue where the Sacred Flame Treaty Circle will be established and secure camping facilities and amenities will be provided for all participants" said Black GST Elder Targan today.

"The invitation to the Sovereign Head of Australia to attend the Sacred Fire Circle to discuss Treaty Business is still open and we hope that this choice of venue will make it easier for The Queen to visit.

"While we are disappointed that the Ministers were not able to meet deadline on our request, we thank them for their constructive approach towards negotiations and the open door policy exercised by the Ministers and their staff has been heart-warming for the Black GST.

"We also want to thank the Trade Unions and Union Solidarity for their many offers of support towards the provision and installation of infrastructure needed for this Convergence.

About Kings Domain Resting Place

This is the resting place for the skeletal remains of 38 Aboriginal people. They are representatives of the following tribes of Victoria: Bidawal, Brabiralung, Braikaulung, Bratauolung, Bangjandidj, Bunjikraura, Burong, Duduroa, Gunditjmara, Jaawa, Jaara, Jaitmathang, Jarijari, Jupogalk, Kotubamut, Kirrae, Kolakngot, Krauatungalung, Kurnai, Kurung, Kwat Kwat, Latjilatji, Marditjali, Minambuta, Ngurelban, Pangerang, Tatitati, Tatingalung, Taungurong, Tjopwrung, Wambwamba, Wurundjeri, Yorta Yorta.

In 1985, skeletal remains of 38 Victorian Aboriginal people were reburied in Kings Domain after being held for many years in the Museum of Victoria. A procession of 200 Aboriginal people carried the remains from the museum to the burial place near the National Gallery of Victoria.

These remains were returned to Aboriginal people after legal action was taken by the Koori Heritage Trust. The Trust endeavours to ensure that traditional and archeological relics and skeletal materials are returned to Aboriginal communities.

Since the reburial, further ceremonies have taken place as other skeletal remains have been returned to their communities. The inscription on the memorial plaque also reads:

Rise from this Grave
Release your anger and pain
As you soar with the winds
Back to your homleands
There find peace with our
Spiritual Mother The Land
Before drifting off into the
Dreamtime
http://www.blackgst.com

3. Update on discussions with Victorian Government
The Government has had 18 months to prepare for the Indigenous
Convergence for the Stolenwealth Games. Following our meeting with
Ministers Madden & Jennings on Feb 9th we gave them 11 days to finalise
the campsite or we would go ahead with our own plans. This deadline was
extended numerous times and they had four more days on which they
promised to update us regularly on progress; rarely was this done.
Subsequently, we announced on the 24th of February that since the
ministers weren't able to provide a proposal within the agreed timeline,
we have chosen our own venue, as was previously warned to them. As you
may have seen in the press, this is the King's Domain Gardens, next to
the Governor's residence where the Queen will be staying "so she can
easily come and say hello to us."

4. Official Call to Action
Please check the Black GST email to follow – the official call to action for people wishing to support Indigenous protests. This is to be forwarded as widely as possible amongst friends and potential supporters. Thanks for your help with this.

5. Heaps of media coverage
The Campaign has been enjong plenty of media coverage – ranging from fabulous to hostil. Favourite headline of the recent coverage was the very blunt herald Sun editorial, “Keep Camp Away”!. Follow the link below to a transcript of the Stateline Victoria (ABC TV) television program on which Robbie Thorpe appeared; “Thousands of journalists will be in Melbourne to cover the Commonwealth Games next month, and with the eyes of the world on us, some Aboriginal protesters want to send a message…”

http://www.abc.net.au/stateline/vic/conten...06/s1577968.htm

6. Black GST events – and Solidarity events

Thurs 2nd March - Kutcha Edwards, Wayne Thorpe and plenty of
laughs for Unfinished Business at the Old Colonial from 7pm (with the
best burgers in town), 127 Brunswick St Fitzroy


Black GST meets PM – Friday 3 March
There's a party on the hill, would you like to come?
Then muster all the friends that you can.
The Prime Minister will be there,
and alll the corporate big wigs too.
So get out to Toorak next Friday evening.

Where: Cranlana, 62 Clendon Rd Toorak
When: Friday March 3
Time: 5pm onwards
What: Party bring whatever you can. Black GST t-shirt, PAs, music, food, whatever would enhance a gathering with the Prime Minister and his corporate mates.


Black GST Exhibition opening, Tuesday March 7th 6.30pm Hogan Gallery, 310 Smith St, Collingwood (next to Friends of the Earth). Phone: (03) 9419 6126. Runs till 14 March. Check out the Black GST logo in real life – its real big.

Black GST Quiz to be drawn on 8 March on Robbie Thorpe's "Fire First" 3CR 855AM 11am - 12noon. Get your ticket to the Stolenwealth Games now!

ANTaR Public Art Project 13 March
10am - 1pm, 50 volunteers are needed, please call ANTaR Vic on 9419 3613

Last public meeting before the Games begin – nuts and bolts re campaign – where to converge and so on. Friday 10 March Trades Hall 730pm

Come one come all, our final public meeting before we pitch our tents.
Find out about the sacred flame tour into town, hear about the behind
the scenes to the media circus and link up with all the other crazy
beautiful types doing there bit to put Melbourne on the map as a town
that cares.


Thursday March 16th, High Tide at the Espy Hotel, The Esplanade, St Kilda
featuring Chant Down Babylon Reggae Gig, $5 benefit

15-26 March - Stolenwealth Games Convergence
Melbourne details to be announced. Where will we camp, what games will
we play?!

7. Postering
Now you’ve spent 3 minutes reading can you spend 1 hour postering?
Download off web www.blackgst.com – resources page
Or email [email protected] and pick up posters.

9. Have you seen this cool new site?
http://www.stolenwealthgames.com/



* Supporting Indigenous Protests at the Stolenwealth Games: A Call to Action! **

Indigenous peoples from throughout the continent will gather in Melbourne during the 'Stolenwealth' games March 15-26, at a venue to be announced.

Organised by the Black GST (www.blackgst.com), the Indigenous Gathering will discuss ways to bring international media attention to the following demands of the Australian government:

* Stop the genocide of Indigenous peoples,

* Achieve recognition of Indigenous peoples as having sovereign rights over the land, and

* Work towards the development of treaties so that Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples can co-exist on the land.

Indigenous peoples are calling for non-Indigenous people to support them in their non-violent protests at the Stolenwealth games. They would also like non-Indigenous people to educate themselves about the issues of genocide, sovereignty and treaty.

Indigenous people will use the first day or two of the gathering, in part, to finalise plans for the protests and to decide how they want non-Indigenous people to support them. From this the Black GST will send out a call to action about the ways in which non-Indigenous people can participate in the protests.

One step we can take to recognise Indigenous sovereignty is to stay tuned to their decisions about how they would like us to participate. Here is how you can do this:

* Join the Black GST announcements list for regular updates, and info on talks, gigs and other events in the lead-up to the protests. See http://lists.riseup.net/www/subrequest/blackgst

* Email your mobile phone number to [email protected] so that we can send you a text message once an announcement has been made about the protests. You can then forward this text on to your friends and colleagues!

* Email your land-line phone number to [email protected] so that we can organise a phone tree once an announcement has been made. Or call ANTaR Victoria on (03) 9419 3613 if you don't have access to email (ANTaR Vic is assisting non-Indigenous people to get involved in the Black GST campaign).

There are also other ways that you can support the Indigenous Gathering prior to the protests.

First, wear the Black GST t-shirt - this is both a fundraiser and awareness raiser for the campaign. Contact ANTaR Victoria for details on how to get one - (03) 9419 3613.

Second, we need people to help organise logistics for the gathering,
including:

* pranksters with creative ideas to get the Black GST messages across
* muscles & logistical minds to set up the camp
* housing accommodation for Elders

We also need more hands on deck:

* more cooks
* someone with wheels!
* people to urgently sell raffle books
* typing/help with database

And we need donations of:

* spare tents
* food supplies for the food not bombs crew
* first aid supplies
* Money for transport/petrol costs and for some mobile phone support during the camp

Please email [email protected] directly if you can help in any of these ways. If you can't email, contact ANTaR Victoria on (03) 9419 3613.

We also need you to spread the word - check the Resources page on www.blackgst.com to read and download the latest posters, flyers and articles.

The Black GST very much welcomes your support and participation. Together we can work towards ending the genocide, recognising sovereignty and working towards treaties.

Thank you.

The Black GST
www.blackgst.com

"We are the first people of this land. We have suffered every indignity ever meted out to a people. Yet our strength is in our determination. We did not consent to the taking of our land, nor of the establishment of the nation of Australia on our country. Our consent to being subsumed within the Australian nation was neither sought nor given. Our sovereign rights as a people remain intact." (Michael Mansell at http://www.kooriweb.org/gst/sovereig...to-basics.html)

[Black Dagger]

Just to remind ANYONE who lives in Melbourne, the first action of the Stolenwealth Games campaign is tomorrow. There's a march leaving from Carlton St. near Carlton Gardens from 10.30am TOMORROW.

If you're free please support US!