Blogs

Hitching to SoS

Can't afford the mission to Perth? Before you spend loads o' dosh on train tickets or fuck the climate through flights to Perth, consider the oft-forgotten art of hitchhiking.

Hitchhiking is an official transport option to get to Students of Sustainability 2007 (well.... we say so, anyhoo). Hitchhiking is free, carbon-friendly, fun and adventurous but not altogether stupid, and it doesn't fuel wars for oil.

We've tried to compile a few tips and ideas to support peeps in hitching across da Nullarbor. You can view the Wiki made up for the challenge at: Hitchhiker's_Guide_to_the_Nullarbor

It's still under construction, so please press the 'edit' button and fill in the blanks, such as offering places to stay for hitchhikers along the route or telling us how to get to the highway from your city. But most of all, fill in the bit that says that YOU are going to hitch there!

Big ups to da Green Geeks in Sydders who have donated a DIY solar backpack kit for the winner of the hitchiking challenge. See ya on the road!

Please send this along to anyone keen on comin' to SoS.

WIKI: Hitchhiker's_Guide_to_the_Nullarbor

Maurice and Holly

SoS_07 invite

You are invited to...

Students of Sustainability Conference 2007

Hello,

Concerned about climate change, the expansion of the nuclear industry, forests, water, the fate of our planet and the people on it?

Want to find out more, meet people creating change, living sustainably and creatively, get active not radio-active?

Well, the Students of Sustainability Conference is the thing for you!

What is it?
It's the most exciting and inspirational thing you could do over your winter break.

The Students of Sustainability Conference (SoS) is the largest meeting of the environment movement in the country.

Attracting between 600 and 800 participants, it is now in its 16th year.

SoS is a convergence of communities, students, academics, and environment and Indigenous groups from around Australia. >From those who are new and want to find out more, to those who have dedicated their lives to the protection of the environment, SoS has something for all. It features inspiring speakers, practical workshops, community nights, bands, films, field trips, actions, reflection, dialogue, celebration.

It's one of the best weeks of the year.

For more information, check out www.studentsofsustainability.org

Aims of SoS 2007

* to inspire ecologically sustainable practices as an alternative to current societal values;
* to empower individuals and groups to bring about positive social and political change through open space, skill sharing opportunities;
* to create national and international networks of environmentally-minded people;
* to integrate environmentalism with other progressive movements such as human rights, anti-war and cultural awareness movements;
* and to create a conference that is accessible to as many people as possible.

When is it?
9 – 13 July
(Rock up on Sunday 8th and Leave Saturday 14th, but the conference content runs Monday – Friday)

Where is it?
Murdoch University, Perth

Registering for SoS
Go to the SoS website www.studentsofsustainability.org and download a form under register, the webform will be up soon, or else contact your local environment collective or State network as most are doing group registration – see www.asen.org.au for contacts.

Cost of the Conference

Standard, Waged $200

Standard, Student/Unwaged $175

Discounts (Standard Registration only - tick all that apply):

Early Bird(before June 1st, 2007) $-15

Lunch Only (i.e. will source own breakfast & dinner) $-15

No Camping (i.e. own accommodation) $-30

More Sustainable Transport (from the East Coast)* $-45

* Those eligible for the sustainable transport discount are people who catch the train, coach or drive with 3+ people. To make this as easy as possible for as many people as possible state networks are doing co-ordinated sustainable transport. If you are interested in being part of this please contact your state convenor:

Queensland & Northern Territory
E-mail: tarquindaisy@yahoo.com
Mobile: 0423 117 257

New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory
Diana Popic
E-mail: the00mcbuckle@yahoo.com
Mobile: 0402 434 990

Victoria & Tasmania
Tara
E-mail: tarazen99@hotmail.com
Mobile: 0419 181 781

South Australia
E-mail: keef0006@flinders.edu.au

Fundraising and Subsidies

The conference is organised entirely by student volunteers – this is why the cost of the conference is as cheap as it is. But we know students are strapped for cash, so if money is an issue, we are doing fudraising to subsidise the cost of transport and registration – come along and help out. We want as many people to come as possible, so please don't let money stop you.

Accommodation is camping and food is vegan and the tastiest, most nutritious you've ever had! If you need camping gear, don't worry we can help - just let us know!

~~~ So if you can come, GREAT!! ~~~

I look forward to seeing you there.

"Everybody is a student of sustainability

We love Chefs!

We would like to offer to the opportunity to be a part of this year’s exciting Students of Sustainability (SoS) conference being held at UWA.

SoS is the largest student based environmental conference in Australia. Each year SoS offers an amazing opportunity for students, activists, academics, environment and Indigenous groups, and members of the wider community from around Australia to come together to share and gain knowledge, skills and information on environmental and social justice issues. The entire conference is volunteer run, with a dedicated group of 15-20 people spending the better half of the year organising it.

Food is a key issue in sustainability, and we are committed to providing sustainable food to all attendees. There will be three meals a day. They will be vegan, and organic and locally sourced wherever possible.

What we need from you

We are looking for experienced chefs who are willing to give one day to the conference to co-ordinate the kitchen for lunch and dinner. You will be catering for approximately 500 people. We will provide all food, a fully equipped kitchen, and a staff of volunteers to assist you in preparation. In exchange for your participation, we will give you a free ticket to attend the conference (usually valued around $150 dollars). We would like to give you the opportunity to create your own menu for the day. Be as creative as you like, as long as it adheres to the guidelines attached.

We highly recommend you take part in this exciting opportunity, as SoS is rarely in Western Australia and is an amazing and inspiring experience not to be missed. There are only 6 places available, so please contact us ASAP on the details below to confirm your involvement. Finalised menus need to be submitted by the 12th of April.

We look forward to working with you.

Bryony Vickers
SoS Food Co-ordinator.

ART Auction: Melbourne SoSers

The Cross Campus Environment Network (ccen) are seeking artwork for an art auction to raise money for Students of Sustainability 2007 (SOS). The money will go towards transport to Perth which is where the SOS conference will be held in July.

Any form of artwork is accepted: 2D, sculpture, framed and unframed work, anonomous and found artworks, etc.

The Auction will be held at the CCEN GIG on World Environment Day, June 3rd, from 12 - 7pm @ 'Irene Community Arts Warehouse' 5 Pitt St, East Brunswick (parallel to glenlyon rd).

Please call Monika: 9387 9699 if you have any work you like to donate or drop it off @ IRENE WAREHOUSE before June 3rd.

please leave with artwork: name (unless anonomous), title, medium and recommended starting price.

www.studentsofsustainability.org
www.asen.org.au

thank you
LOVE LOVE

Sorry Day 26th of May, 2007

Wellington Square, East Perth
11.30am - 1.30pm

'Join us in celebrating survival of Indigenous families and Culture'

Music by Djiva
Gust Speakers Kate George and Archbishop Barry Hickey

Sausage Sizzle
Sea of Hands
Face Painters!

Shades of Black and the South West Land and Sea Council present:

'Reconciliation with Noongaroke & Dance'
at CityFarm, East Perth (Lime St, behind Royal St Car park)
Saturday 26th of May, 2007
Starts at 7pm
"Come and Party with the Q4R mob"- Bar, Food available, no BYO
$5.00 entry