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Welcome to the Graham F Smith Peace Trust E-newsletter.
In this Issue
In Other News
A must read: Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway, Bloomsbury Press
An opportunity to win a valuable artwork! -- see Viesturs’ article.
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Summer 2010 Issue no. 11
From the Chair
Since our last newsletter the Peace Trust mounted a very successful exhibition -- 'Wolfgang Sievers: the dignity of labour'. The success of this photographic exhibition and the related workshop for photographers was due to our brilliant, enthusiastic and hardworking curator, Lindy Neilson. Our sincere thanks go to Lindy. We also thank Julian Burnside QC, AO, for generously making available the historically significant photographs for the exhibition. We thank The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre at the UniSA and staff for providing the space for the exhibition and for their support. Our thanks go to Rosemary Thompson, our Hon. Sec., for organising the roster for the munificent exhibition invigilators and graphic artist Deborah Baldassi. No such exhibition would be possible without the work and help of many others too numerous to name; to them we say thank you, and thank you
again. If you would like a copy of the essay, 'Wolfgang Sievers: the dignity of labour', distributed at the exhibition please contact the Peace Trust. We have a few copies of this excellent essay available.
There are two other important programs planned for the Peace Trust. Trustee Viesturs Cielens has organised a very special donation program which will give donors the opportunity to become the owners of outstanding and valuable pieces of art donated by well known artists. Trustees Naomi Ebert Smith and Gail Carnes have prepared documentation for the Peace Award which will be awarded by the Peace Trust annually to an event at the Adelaide Fringe. There are about 750 events registered for the Fringe so far. Read about these programs in the newsletter.
The Board and Management Committee thank you for your support during the year and wish you a happy Christmas and prosperous 2011. For all of you including those who do not celebrate Christmas we wish you a safe, restful and blissful holiday period. Please do not forget to put Peace Trust events in your 2011 diary.
"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world.
For, indeed, they are the only ones who ever have." Margaret Mead
Léonie Ebert, for Board and Management Committee
The “Writes Of Spring” And Peace Trust Gardeners
The spring bought a new light and gentle atmosphere to a winter that, while welcome, was relentless in both low temperatures and precipitation. Late spring rains promised deeper sub-surface moisture and spring blossom beyond expectations; this spring delivered all of that and more – it also bought new energy and enthusiasm, assisted by the younger “Peace Trust culture gardeners”.
The biggest reward in the spring garden was the fruition of a 3 year promise – by Julian Burnside. A.O. Q.C., to provide 21 Wolfgang Sievers’ photographic images as a fund raiser. The event, sponsored by the Hawke Centre, was ably led by Lindy Neilson and her enthusiastic team of apprentice “gardeners”.
It was a trepidatious and brave experiment – with the great unknown of Adelaide’s receptiveness to this wonderful array of images spanning some 60 years. Adelaide doesn’t have a culture of investing in photography. Most gallery directors can attest to the low sales for even some of Australia’s finest photographers when they test Adelaide waters. But the outcome was fantastic and it inspired us to think of how to enlist the high level of interest and involvement that the Sievers’ exhibition generated for the Peace Trust.
For some time now the Peace Trust has been thinking about ways of increasing its membership and inspiring new layers of activity – new “Peace Trust gardeners”.
To this end we have initiated a new membership drive, which has been assisted by the donation of seven wonderful artworks. If each Peace Trust member can encourage 1 - 2 friends to make a $50 donation (which includes membership to the Peace Trust until March 2012, for new members), it is our goal to raise $10,000. These funds will go towards the publishing costs of Graham Smith’s memoirs. Each single donation will enable the donor to go into the draw for 1 of 7 art prizes, including works by eminent South Australian artists, Giles Bettison (Murano vase), Guy DeTot and Karen Genoff (Sculpture), Ian Hamilton (Painting), Dianne Longley, Milton Moon (Ceramic) and Rowena Williams (Painting).
Existing Peace Trust members who make a donation/contribution of $50 will be eligible to go into the prize – but their complimentary membership is to be given to a new member/friend. We want to use this fund raising to attract new members. Once the 200 donations are received, the art prizes will be drawn. All donations are being coordinated by Viesturs Cielens. Tel. 8362 1444; M: 0407 603 215 or vcd@internode.on.net, to register your donation(s). An image of each of the artworks will be on the Peace Trust website in the next few weeks.
Viesturs Cielens
Festival Award for Peace
The Graham F Smith Peace Trust is thrilled to be starting up a new relationship with the Adelaide Fringe. The centrepiece will be an annual Peace Trust Award. The award will consist of a statuette and $ 2000.
The Peace Trust Award will recognise a work of high quality presented during the Fringe Festival which relates to the aims of the Peace Trust; peace, human rights and environmental sustainability.
The award will be adjudicated by a review panel of Peace Trust members and arts professionals appointed by the Management Committee. To be considered for the award events are invited to self-nominate and provide supporting information.
The award will be publicised by the Fringe and also on the Graham F Smith Peace Trust website: www.artspeacetrust.org.
It is hoped that the award, will recognise and encourage artists working for peace.
Rockin’ the Boat
Presented by the Rockin’ the Boat collective, Born on Monday & Vitalstatistix
Sponsored by The Peace Trust.
A sold-out hit at last year’s Port Festival, Rockin’ the Boat raises a toast to the docksiders, seafarers, working girls, dreamers and rebels of Port Adelaide and ports around the world. An eclectic night of stories and songs – from Brecht to Guys and Dolls, Nick Cave to Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell to John Lennon – Rockin’ the Boat is a celebration and protest in true Port style!
7pm Wednesday 8th December, 8pm Friday 10th December, 5pm Sunday 12th December.
Waterside,11 Nile St, Port Adelaide. $20 waged/$15 concession & Fringe Benefits
Skip Miller’s Hit Songs
Brink Productions presents Skip Miller's Hit Song by Sean Riley on 16th February to 5th March, 2011. The Peace Trust has sponsored this world premiere.
A multi-narrative ensemble work for African and Australian actors and musicians, Skip Miller’s Hit Songs is a highly theatrical work drawing on the performance traditions of two continents. It is an exploration of lives caught between two worlds, searching for a sense of belongiong and place.
http://www.brinkproductions.com/
Volunteers
As a small, not-for-profit organisation miracles are done by some wonderful volunteers helping us over the years. To continue our work we need more volunteers to help us with:
- The Fundraising Committee
- Kaurna Walking Trail Guides (training provided)
- Executive Officer (part-time position)
- Artists for Peace Network Coordinator.
Human Rights Issues
Two important Indigenous websites
One Generation website: www.generationone.org.au is financially supported by a number of business leaders such as Andrew and Nicola Forrest, James Packer, Kerry Stokes and Lindsay Fox and others who want to make a difference. Their goal is to bring all Australians together to end the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in one generation..
Our Generation website: www.ourgeneration.org.au is a documentary film by Sinem Saban & Damian Curtis which is about Australia’s First Peoples are fighting for freedom.” Our Generation” is their call to the nation, a fresh and unflinching look at unresolved issues, driven by the Yolngu of Northeast Arnhem Land.
Water and Sanitation: A human right
In July 2010 The UN General Assembly has declared safe drinking water and sanitation is a human right essential to the full enjoyment of life. The text of the resolution expresses deep concern that an estimated 884 million people lack access to safe drinking water and a total of more than 2.6 billion do not have access to basic sanitation. Studies indicate about 1.5 million children under the age of five die each year and 443 million school days are lost because of water- and sanitation-related diseases. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=35456&Cr=sanitation&Cr1
Indonesian soldiers torturing West Papuans
The Australia West Papua Association and the Australian East Timor Friendship Association made demands on the Australian Government to:
- approach the UN to establish an international tribunal to deal with those in the TNI responsible for atrocities and human rights abuses and to establish a ban on military training, funding and cooperation with the TNI until 1) all war criminals in the ranks of the TNI have been brought to justice, 2) the Indonesian Government withdraws the TNI from West Papua and allow the West Papuan people to have an independence referendum conducted by the UN, 3) the Indonesian Government pays compensation to the victims of all TNI crimes.
- provide no military funding or training to the TNI until those accused of atrocities and human rights abuses have faced justice
Support the demands made by the The Australia West Papua Association and the Australian East Timor Friendship Association by writing to your federal MP.
The 20th anniversary edition of the Human Development Report was released in November by the United Nations. Contained in the Report is the 2010 Human Development Index (HDI)— a composite national measure of health, education and income plus gender and equality measure for 169 countries— which shows Norway, Australia and New Zealand leading the world in HDI achievement with Niger, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe at the bottom of the annual rankings. (http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/PR3-HDR10-HD1-E-rev4.pdf
Artist’s Profile – Tim Newton on Picasso
WAR, PEACE, ART ... AND A HAIRCUT “I stand for life against death; peace against war” Pablo Picasso.
After more than 18 months of setbacks, frustrations and delays, shooting is finally complete on my short film drama “Trimming Pablo”; the little-known story of Picasso's visit to the disastrous 1950 World Peace Congress in the city of Sheffield. In the chill winds of post war Britain this huge communist event was cancelled by an anxious government and reconvened in Eastern Europe. Of all the famous international delegates due to attend, only Picasso made it to City Hall.
Few people know that Picasso visited England or that he was an active communist; but the artist supported the world-peace movement from its inception, adorning their posters with the now-universal symbol of peace, the dove. On the day of the Sheffield Congress, Picasso gave a speech to the party faithful and – according to local legend – got his hair cut. A fictionalised meeting between the artist and a barber grieving for a son lost in battle forms the centrepiece of the film.
From the moment I first heard this story on the radio I was convinced it would make a fantastic little film. I contacted writer David Sheasby and we developed a short screenplay. However, after more than two years of touting it to prospective funding bodies, it became obvious that the only way to get this story told on film would be to finance it. So began the long process of begging, borrowing and shooting (film) whenever I could.
Recreating the atmosphere of war-torn Sheffield and the 1950 World Peace Congress on an embarrassingly small budget was a huge challenge. I was lucky enough to gather an astonishing cast and crew, all prepared to give their talents and services for free on the strength of the script. And with every scene shot our confidence in this unusual and poetic piece grew. Months may have passed between shoots, but the dedication and optimism everyone demonstrated always made for a special atmosphere on set.
However, we've also faced some painful lows. The sad passing of actor, John Joyce, sound recordist Tommy Hair and writer David Sheasby, who carried the torch for this story for many years, but tragically died from cancer before he could see our film completed. An extraordinary series of losses endured by our small but immensely dedicated team.
Now, six years since I first heard the tale of Picasso's visit to Sheffield, I believe more than ever this is a story worth telling. Post production is now under way and I can barely wait to screen this short but ambitious project at festivals the world over.
Tim Newton, Producer/Director, London. October 2010
Photos: Tim Newton
Environmental Sustainability
Naomi Oreskes’ Merchants of Doubt
I was fortunate to hear Naomi Oreskes , Professor of History and Science Studies at the University of California, speak recently at Royal Institute of Australia, Adelaide on her book, Merchants of Doubt. The book tells the story of how a handful of well known scientists with links to conservative groups used their positions to mask the truth on issues from tobacco smoke to global warming. They sowed doubt in the minds of policy makers and the media. It was an excellent presentation by a very fine communicator who handles questions from climate sceptics knowledgeably and with respect. It is also important to note that Naomi’s professional background is in geology, a branch of science that is often characterised as sceptical about climate science This is a must read by all who need to be informed about the climate change debate.
Léonie Ebert
Note: Naomi Oreskes was interviewed on Radio National and Lateline but not by any of the commercial networks. Adam Morton the environmental reporter with the Age has written an excellent piece; see http://www.theage.com.au/environment/climate-change/secrets-behind-weird-science-20101116-17vcs.html.
ECO Tips (Try these: www.climateclever.com.au)
Wonderful News –Tasmanian ancient forests saved. The forest industry, timber communities, unions and conservation organisations signed an agreement in October which puts and end to industrial logging of Tasmania's native forests. This will provide an opportunity to create a sustainable timber industry. More…… www.wilderness.org.au/regions/tasmania/historic-agreement-to-protect-tasmanias-ancient-forests
2010 UN International Year of Biodiversity Did you know that 2010 was cleared an International Year of Biodiversity to celebrate life on earth and of the value of bio-diversity on earth?
Do you know that the closing ceremony for the International Year of Biodiversity will be held in Kanazawa, Japan in mid-December? How did you celebrate the year? Please tell us.
Léonie Ebert
Garden Notes
( This will be a regular column by Viesturs, a well known landscape consultant and designer)
My plant of spring, which hasn’t received a lot of publicity or promotion, is a small deciduous tree, Bauhinia candicans (my favourite common name for this tree is the White Butterfly Tree). It flowers profusely in October with large white flowers which look like a mass of butterflies. This is a fantastic, hardy specimen, a little hard to find in nurseries – but worth the perseverance to locate – drought tolerant and very forgiving of Adelaide soils
Viesturs Cielens
Other News
Congratulations Ann!
In September, one of our founding trustees and patron of the Peace Trust, Ann Newmarch, received news that her iconic artwork “Women hold up half the sky” would be the symbol and the name of a new award recognising outstanding South Australian Women.
The first award will be presented at the Australia Day Honours Awards at Government House in January 2011.
Ann produced the work as a tribute to her aunt Peg, who built a house for her 8 children while holding two jobs to support them. The image has been a popular poster and was recreated as a postcard by four major art galleries.
Since the foundation of the Trust, Ann has been an amazing support. Ann has been a generous contributor to the Trust, donating artwork and encouraging others to participate in the Trust for many years.
We would like to warmly congratulate Ann on having created the catalyst for this great award.
Daisy Miller
2010 Nominations for the "Women Hold Up Half The Sky" Award remain open until Friday 10th December 2010 for nomination form see http://www.australiaday.org.au/whatson/sa/page250.asp
National Museum of Labour
Australia now has a National Museum of Labour in the ACT, opened on 11 November. This Museum highlights the history of the working people of Australia Postal Address: 189 Flemington Rd, Mitchell ACT 2911, Telephone 02 6247 7844, Email: info@nml.net.au, Website www.nml.net.au
Vale Dimitri Calantzis
The Board and Management Committee wish to pay tribute to Dimitri Calantzis who died unexpectedly in September. He suffered a heart attack having just saved a young person from drowning in a rip tide.
Dimitri made an active contribution to the Peace Trust over a number of years serving as Secretary for some of that time.
During his working life he worked with young people in organisations such as Multicultural Communities Council and most recently at Hendercare. He always felt the system did not have a clue about working with young people facing difficulties in their lives.
During his spare time he took “kids” surfing, sharing with them his love of the sea. Recently he taught them how to cook so that they could look for catering opportunities to raise money for their surfing trips.
Dmitri was a passionate, generous, spirited and courageous man. He was a leader and good friend to many, including young people. The comments on Dimitri’s Facebook page attest to the loss many young people have felt at his death. He shared his love of the sea by teaching them to surf. “... the guy who helped me stand on a surfboard for the first time. You helped so many people have those golden moments” is the way Christine Hallum remembers Dimitri
He will be sadly missed.
Léonie Ebert
Vale Roberta Sykes
Roberta "Bobbi" Sykes died on Sunday Nov 14. She was an Australian poet and author.
Roberta received a PhD in Education from Harvard University in 1983. She was the first black Australian to graduate from a United States university. She returned to Australia where she continued her life as an activist and was appointed to the Nation Review as possibly Australia's first indigenous columnist.
Roberta was an indomitable spirit. She prodded, pushed, questioned and campaigned her whole life for human rights and women’s rights. She never relented from pursuing justice for Indigenous Australia.
Roberta suffered personal hardship in her own life – not least the last eight years of her physical incapacity.
The continuation of the Roberta Sykes Foundation, formerly known as Black Women’s Action in Education Foundation, was a matter of pride to her. She was particularly pleased that it was a grass -roots foundation – mostly small donations from many people who believed, like her, in the transformative effect of education.
In the last few months, the Foundation and the Harvard Club of Australia have established a joint scholarship to Harvard, starting next year. In a sense, given her own struggles to get into Harvard, this would have brought satisfaction to her (and probably a knowing smile for having come full circle).
Information provided by Richard Potok Executive Director of The Roberta Sykes , Indigenous Education Foundation
Léonie Ebert
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE – 2010
Once again The Graham F Smith Peace Trust was part of the Combined Peace Group of SA to celebrate the UN International Day of Peace(IDP)
This year IDP was celebrated over two days, Sunday 19th and Monday 20th September at the Folk Federation Hall, Theberton. The event was sponsored by the West Torrens Council. Mayor John Trainer opened the event and bells were rung for peace.
On the Sunday afternoon Community Artist, Jumaadi and his assistant Mawarini worked amongst us with cardboard and grass puppetry on themes of Peace and Celebration. Jumaadi used this work in his installation during the Aus Asia Festival, at Pendopo at Flinders University.
Local Revolution, The Green Oak Players and folk singers Jane Bower and Tony Doyle provided music through the afternoon and the Friendly Street Poets read a variety of poems including a selection of student work on the theme of peace. Kate Gale gave a stirring closing address calling on those present to be more active in the pursuit of peace.
The Monday morning session was planned more specifically for students to attend. Students from a number of schools undertook a study of “Peace in my Life” and represented it in art, poetry and prose. The art and sculptures were on display for attendees to view. Several other schools sent representatives to talk about what is happening in their schools to promote peace and harmony – both at school and home.
Schools represented included: Cabra Dominican College, Adelaide Secondary School of English, Blackfriars Priory College, St Dominic’s Priory College, Sturt St Community School, St Joseph’s Parish School Kingswood, St Mary’s College and Christian Brothers College.
The energy, passion and deep thinking for and about peace demonstrated by these students was uplifting to those present and gives us a lot of hope that many of the next generation will continue to pursue peace for us all.
Ros Gill, The Peace Trust representative, The Combined Peace Group of Adelaide.
Peace Trust Calendar 2011
Dates for your Diary
- Annual Planning Day January 23, 2011 -- Members wishing to participate contact The Peace Trust
- Peace Trust Dinner June 25, 2011
- Quiz Night TBA
- Launch – Graham Smith’s Memoir TBA
Newsletter Deadlines:
- Autumn Newsletter Deadline: February, Thursday 10th 2011
- Winter Newsletter Deadline: May, Monday 9th 2011
- (Contributions to newsletters of no more than 500 words are always welcome.)
Other Dates of interest
- UN Human Rights Day, December 10, 2010
- Rockin' the Boat, December 5 and 12, 2010
- Skip Miller's Hit Song by Sean Riley on 16th February to 5th March, 2011
- The 2nd Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to be held in Brazil 2012 --http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11649278
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