It's proven a tough start to the year for many of us in Brisbane, and we at FoE hope you and your family are safe and well. It's been quite incredible to see the massive community response to the flooding, and really fills our hearts with hope. There's lots on our plate at FoE too, as we say farewell to our West End house and renovate our new office space at Woolloongabba. We still need lots of help - can you pitch in?
Updates
Many hands needed with the big move!
Yep, you heard it. FoEB has packed our bags and is moving house to Burke Street, Woolloongabba, right next to Park Road train station. From setting up the office to selling fairtrade fundraising chocs, check out the getting involved
section below to see how you can help out with the move!
Climate Frontlines
 In 2011, we're continuing our support for Pacific Islanders who are on the frontlines of climate change. This includes work with Friends of Tulele Peisa Brisbane in supporting relocation of Carteret Island people and the development of a migration policy in the context of climate change. This month, we are also saying goodbye to one of our core members, Prue, who is moving to Newcastle. Thanks for your hard work Prue and good luck down south! The Climate Frontlines Collective meetings at 5.30pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Interested folks always welcome! Contact Wendy at wendyflan[at]uqconnect.net for more information.
Six Degrees
Preparations are underway for the Tara2011 Festival!  Make sure you keep the 1st-4th May free to join people from around Australia showing your support and solidarity for those on the front-line of the fight against coal and coal seam gas exploration. Stay tuned for more information, but expect movies, workshops, entertainment, displays and direct action. For more details or to register your intention to participate, email tara2011@lockthegate.org.au or phone 07 4669 4864.
In other news, our campaign against fossil fuel extraction had a win last month with the Department of Energy Resources and Mining shutting down Cougar Energy's UCG plant in Kingaroy due to environmental concerns.
And don't forget to sign the CSG petition here!
Upcoming Events
26/2 Grand Opening
9.00-17.00 @ 20 Burke Street, Woolloongabba
The grand opening of RG's new warehouse and FoE's office space, with free eco-art workshops for kids (10-12, 2-4), tours of the new warehouse, and heaps of salvaged materials for your next DIY or craft project!
Even better, FoE is having a vegie sausage sizzle to fundraise for the office renovation - come on down and grab a snag :)
19/2 Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium
10.00-16.00 @ Bardon Cultural Centre, 43 Bowman Pde
We go on an exploration into the thinking, the consciousness and the world views, which have led to our current crises. The discussion then turns to the power of community, the importance of individual action within the community, and the hope which can be found in all of us. RSVP to 0409156818 or peacetrainps@iinet.net.au. 
19/2 Ecodigs Public Meeting
13.30-16.00 @ BCC Library, Brisbane Square
Creating affordable, community focused and ecofriendly housing in Brisbane, 5-10km south of the CBD. The team of 8 is now looking for expressions of interest for those keen to join them - this info session is to see if it's for you.
[full details of the project]
26-27/2 Beyond Zero Emissions Training Weekend
@ QUT Gardens Point
BZE present the findings of their Zero Carbon Australia 2020 Stationery Energy Plan - showing how Australia can reach 100% renewable energy by the end of the decade. RSVP to ngaire[at]beyondzeroemissions.org
16-17/4 The work that reconnects weekend workshop
This weekend is designed for people who are passionate about caring for our planet, involved in social and environmental change work, or wanting inspiration for this. For inquiries or to book, contact Emma on ejbrindal[at]yahoo.com.au. [more info]
Getting Involved
Renovation Help Needed!
After 12 years in West End, the beloved FoE House has closed. That's right, we have packed up shop and moved to Woolloongabba. But we now need your help to make a gutted pie shop into a wonderful office and community space!
We are seeking both donations and sponsorship of renovation gear and volunteer contributions from experienced builders and renovators. The office is located on the top mezzanine floor of a larger factory which we are sharing with our friends at Reverse Garbage, and the space requires major structural and cosmetic changes.
We are seeking donations of
- 4 roof ventilators
- asbestos removal
- 50L of paint
- concrete polishing
- 6 low profile ceiling fans
- new office desks
- storage shelves
- kitchen beches and gas stove.
As you can see, we've got a lot to do before we can refocus on campaigning! To make this happen, we'd love to borrow you power tools, such as a bench saw, circular saw, power drills, planers, straight edge and other basic tools.
If you can help, give Derec a call on 0421835587.
FoE's very sweet little fundraiser
To help us fundraise for our big move, we are now selling Alter Eco fairtrade chocolate, in one of two amazingly delicious tastes. You can buy either Moka (milk choc with coffee nibs) or Cajou (milk choc with cashews and raisins), and know that 100% of the profits will go straight to fundraise for FoE's environmental work.
And even better, they're only $3.50 for a 100g bar (nearly half the retail price), or you can buy a box of 12 for $35 (that's 2 freebees).
If you'd like to buy some, or if you could sell a box at your workplace, please get in touch with Steve on 0401766903.
|
