Local Musician Recognised in National Awards

November 23, 2011 by Leave a comment


CarrConnects the Dots

 

Tuesday 22 November
For immediate release
Wollongong’s Rob Carr has been shortlisted in this year’s national Music in Communities Awards.
The Awards reward and promote community music groups, the ‘unsung heroes’ of Australia’s cultural life. The ‘Local Links’ theme for 2011 invited groups to outline the connections, partnerships and relationships they have nurtured in and beyond their local community.
“We set this year’s theme in recognition that the best community music making does not happen in isolation,” says Tony Breese, from the Music in Communities Network which runs the Awards.
“There are many groups that have had real success in forming strong and sometimes unusual partnerships which have enabled their activities to flourish and benefited their local communities at the same time.”
“Rob was up against some outstanding entries from choirs, bands, orchestras, drum circles, accordion societies, all sorts of groups from right across Australia,” he says. “After some very difficult decisions, these were whittled down to just 18 finalists.”
The Awards recognise Carr’s efforts as a long-term advocate of the Wollongong music scene. In April this year Carr organised the hugely successful State of the Music Scene Forum in Wollongong, and in September he was part of the team that brought together Rock the Vote Wollongong!
Carr said: “These Awards are great for the Wollongong community and the local music scene as a whole.”
“The nomination recognises the efforts of all those I have worked with to promote the music scene over the years – from youth services to local studios, venues, music scene media, musicians, volunteers and locally-owned music stores.”
“Hopefully the Awards will shine a spotlight on the music scene as a whole. There is always much to do as far as supporting the music scene.”
The Music in Communities Network is Australia’s first national network linking community music leaders in towns, cities and villages all over Australia. More information on the Music in Communities Network and the Awards can be found online at www.musicincommunities.org.au

For further information or to arrange an interview with Rob Carr please call 0402 716 475 or email robcarr09@yahoo.com.au

Filed under Arts and Culture, People

Paella fun(d)raiser – Dec 4

November 21, 2011 by Leave a comment


Community Voice

2011 end of year social gathering and fundraiser

Sunday December 4, 3pm
13 Girvan Crescent, Corrimal
After an intense year of campaigning – including our run for Wollongong City Council – please come along to this social gathering and fundraiser for Community Voice. 2011 has been a huge year for our city – one that included a return to a democratically elected council. This gathering will be a chance to reflect, discuss and celebrate on the year that has been. All are welcome to come along and please feel free to bring friends, family, workmates etc. On the day we’ll ask for a donation of $20 full / $15 concession which will include a delicious Uruguayan paella. All proceeds will go to campaigns for community democracy, sustainability and social justice.
For more information please contact Will 0425 329 963 or Tim 0430 209 865

http://wollongongcommunityvoice.org/

Filed under Events

Community Voice holds open forum on election successes

October 4, 2011 by Leave a comment


3 October 2011

Community Voice is hosting a post-election forum with members and the community on Sunday 9th October at Corrimal Community Centre at 2pm.

Community Voice’s recent Wollongong Council election campaign was a great success, says the groups’ Lord Mayoral candidate Michael Organ.

“We received over 7000 votes in the Wards and about 4500 for Lord Mayor. That is a great achievement for a group only a few months old.”

Organ added: “We had an enthusiastic young team behind us, and our grassroots support really showed on election day. We had members and supporters helping us at almost all of the polling booths.”

Rob Carr, who ran for election as part of Community Voice in Ward 2, says: “Part of our aim was to give voice to a variety of important community issues, and we achieved much in this regard.”

“Community Voice organised forums to discuss youth unemployment and conducted research on community issues. Our academic forum on corruption was fantastic. Our City Cultural Life event in the mall was a huge success.”

Jess Moore, who ran for election in Ward 1, says: “I found door-knocking to be a very informative and rewarding experience.”

“Many residents said they were struggling to meet basic living costs so that is something Council needs to recognise.”

Former candidate Adrianne Talbot-Thomson says that Sunday’s forum is open for all to attend and will include a reflection on Community Voice’s election campaign and the drafting of a post-election platform.

The floor will then open to discussion on the future of grassroots community democracy, and how Community Voice can contribute to public debate on local government.

Carr says: “It is important that the community takes ownership of Community Voice and be part of drafting a new platform. This will be the first major step for Community Voice after the election and I encourage everyone to be involved. What we do from here is up to the community.”

Contact: Tim Dobson 0430 209 865 Rob Carr 0402 716 475

Filed under Events

Today’s the day

September 3, 2011 by Leave a comment


Let’s vote for a new beginning. Community Voice wishes all the best to all the candidates. Whatever happens today – we are all going to have to work together to rebuild true democracy.

Here’s to Wollongong!

Filed under Media

Cringila demonstrates Community Democracy

September 2, 2011 by Leave a comment


No Dump in Cringila

1 September 2011 – by Ken Davis

Tonight at Cringila Community Hall, aspiring Lord Mayoral candidates got a foretaste of Community Democracy in action. Cringila residents and supporters packed the hall to the rafters to discuss plans for a dump in Jarvie Rd. Community Voice Lord Mayoral Candidate Michael Organ and Ward Three candidates Adrianne Talbot-Thompson, Robynne Murphy, Ken Davis and Robert Sutherland showed their support. Adrianne was well-known for her previous community development work in Cringila.

Organisers Paula Jan Loustos and  Candice Staff-Clayton challenged the candidates, “This is your job – you are here to represent the community. You have the knowledge and skills, so step up!”

Candice has also worked tirelessly behind the scenes researching and speaking with lawyers and pollies. Other residents have made signs, costumes and brochures and trudged up and down steep hills to make sure everyone in Cringila was informed. Cringila Action Group coordinator Mustafa Atak  has also been fighting energetically for residents.

Group members praised the work of The Greens and Gordon Bradbery who had stood side by side with Crini from the start. Alice Cartan highlighted that the JRPP stated, “The proposal does not conform to the objectives for the zone. The proposal is not in the public interest”. The JRPP is the state appointed independent, expert adviser on significant regional developments.

Lawyer, urban and environmental planner Letta Webb said, “Council has the power – they are the land owner – they can withdraw their consent. They can find an alternative site for the developer. Council has an obligation to use the land for the purpose it was acquired.”

All candidates with the exception of Rod Oxley who stated, “It’s not a dump” Andrew Anthony and Julius Krudinski who were absent expressed committed support for the Cringila residents.

In the Cringila community there is a demand for change. They are one of the few united communities who are excited about the upcoming elections. Unlike half the people I’ve met while letterboxing, they get it. They know that this is a real opportunity to change the culture and ethos of council.

Will council change and will the candidates keep their promise to the Cringila community? Community Voice candidate Adrianne Talbot-Thompson has a track record working for Cringila in community development. Gordon Bradbery and The Greens also have proven their long-term support. Community Voice advises residents to think carefully about other candidates’ knowledge and experience in their village before they vote.

Filed under Events, Media

Don’t exclude community from economic plan

August 31, 2011 by Leave a comment


 August 31, 2011

CommunityToday’s announcement that Gerard Sutton would be charged with “rescuing the regions economy” failed to outline plans to involve the community. Jess Moore, Community Voice candidate for Ward 1 stated:

“Wollongong doesn’t just need jobs, it needs jobs that meet social needs. And no-one knows better what community needs are, than the community itself.

“The incoming Council must work with the community to develop a people-centred local economic strategy.

“For too long Wollongong’s fortunes have been tied to multi-nationals that focus on exports. In boom times jobs are available but not in bust times.

“At the same time, this city needs investment in public transport, community health, education and the South Coast Labour Council’s Green Jobs plan.

“There is a dire need to change the approach from reactive to proactive, and to diversify the local economy and investment.

“Council must fight for investment in the region and advocate tirelessly with state and federal government on behalf of Wollongong.

“Local government must work with small business and social enterprise ventures to strengthen local employment partnerships.

Media interviews: Jess Moore 0416 232 349 or Adrianne Talbot-Thomson 0407 930 406

Filed under Media, Policy

Wollongong could be vibrant cultural hub: Community Voice

August 31, 2011 by Leave a comment


Wollongong Music and cultureOn Thursday, the 25th of August, Community Voice hosted a cultural event in the Mall Amphitheatre. The event featured performances by local artists including Jane Aubourg, Bennie James, Jack Reilly, The Yetis, Avaine and Dlinkwnt. Artists and small business owners spoke at the event about how Wollongong could become a more vibrant cultural city.

Community Voice Ward 2 candidates Robert Carr and Adam Jordan feel that the event showed the need for councillors who are more sensitive to the cultural needs of the city.

“Wollongong is a place of tremendous musical and artistic talent,” said Robert Carr. “Our event last week showed that.

“The problem is that local artists have few opportunities to put their talents on display. There’s a real lack of venues in this town and there is very little space for artists to advertise and promote their events.”

“If we are a city void of free space and space for creative free thinking, then there is something wrong with our local government,” said Carr.

“Council can play an active role in improving the arts and music scenes in Wollongong,” said Adam Jordan. “It can improve artists’ access to public space and facilitate small business networks. If elected, Community Voice will endeavour to implement these and other strategies, as outlined in our cultural policy.”

Carr and Jordan are well positioned to comment on this: in addition to being Community Voice candidates, Carr is a singer in a local band and Jordan is the owner of Main Street Studios. Their message has clearly resonated with local musicians.

“Community Voice proved on Friday to be the logical voting choice for any creative thinking, community minded individual in the Gong. It was so refreshing to see motivated candidates honestly caring about community issues” said local musician Jack R. Reilly.

Contact: Robert Carr

Adam Jordan 0414 914 247

0402 716 475

Filed under Uncategorized

Thirroul Men’s Shed should be supported

August 31, 2011 by Leave a comment


30th August 2011

Men's shedThe Thirroul Men’s Shed (TMS) has been seeking a suitable space or land in the Northern Illawarra from Wollongong City Council since last year. Jess Moore, Community Voice candidate for Ward 1 stated:

“Men’s Sheds play a vital social role, particularly in communities with high unemployment like Wollongong.”All candidates should commit to working with and supporting the Thirroul Men’s Shed. It’s a commitment to put community building and health and well-being first.

“It’s a commitment to ensure their vital role in the community continues, regardless of the election outcome.”A full list of Council owned properties, their current usage, and any lease agreements should be made public. This could help community groups find existing facilities that are suitable and available.

Thirroul Men’s Shed have found suitable land at McCauley Park in Thirroul, categorized as ‘community land’, that they requested under public submission in May this year. They have still not had a response from the Administrators.

“The Thirroul Men’s Shed is exactly the kind of thing Council property or community land should be used for.”

Media Interviews: Jess Moore 0416 232 349

Filed under Policy

What Council election?

August 30, 2011 by Leave a comment


Community Voice is concerned many City residents don’t know this Saturday’s Council election are on or that voting is compulsory.

“It’s clear that a large number of community members don’t realise Council elections are no different to State and Federal counterparts and voting is a must” said Ward 3 candidate, Adrianne Talbot-Thomson.

“This is the first Wollongong City Council election since 2004 and for those under 25, leading to a perception that voting isn’t compulsory.”

Community Voice fears this could result in a lower than expected voter turnout and increased informal or ‘donkey’ voting.

“Attempts by the ALP to re-brand themselves as ‘Community Labor’ shows they know the people of Wollongong haven’t forgotten the damage caused by big party politics,” said Michael Organ, Community Voice lord mayoral candidate.

“A lack of knowledge about the election means many voices may not be heard and could lead to a return to the bad old days of Council.”

According to Jess Moore, Community Voice Ward 1 candidate, “Many residents tell me they feel shut out of Council decisions and angry about the status quo, but don’t know there’s an election this Saturday.”

“This Saturday’s election marks a new era for Wollongong as we celebrate the return of democracy and look forward to a vibrant, exciting future together. We therefore encourage all voters to ensure their voice is heard,” said Rob Carr, Ward 2 candidate.

Contact: Michael Organ 0468 548 709, Adrianne Talbot-Thomson 0407 930 406, Jess Moore 0416 232 349, Rob Carr 0402 716 475

Filed under Events, Media

Running Wollongong down…

August 30, 2011 by Leave a comment


30 August 2011

Wollongong is a beautiful City, yet some parts are distinctly ugly and need urgent attention from Council, according to Michael Organ, Community Voice lord mayoral candidate.

“The heritage listed Bulli Court House – now owned by developer ALDI – has smashed windows and front door; roof slates on the historic 1911 Federation Carpenter Gothic former church and Thirroul Neighbourhood Centre (owned by Council) are falling to the ground; and numerous shops in the western end of Crown Street, Wollongong, are shuttered up and vacant.”

“Wollongong City Council needs to take the initiative and ensure that buildings which are “between uses” are not allowed to get into a derelict state,” said Mr Organ.

Following the closure of BHP in Newcastle, that City put in place a scheme whereby unoccupied buildings were temporarily occupied by artists and community cultural groups. The successful program ensured that the City remained vibrant and the buildings themselves were not subject to vandalism.

“We should adopt the Newcastle scheme here in Wollongong as part of any revitalisation strategy.”

The former Thirroul Neighbourhood Centre is important element within the townscape and Council should let it out as soon as possible,’ said Mr Organ.

“The unfortunate cycle for our heritage buildings of Developer purchase – Dereliction – Demolition must stop.”

Contact: Michael Organ 0468 548 709

Filed under Media

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