Book Group Report

Last Saturday's meeting was very enjoyable, with a great discussion on The Virtuoso by Sonya Orchard. General consensus was that it was extremely enjoyable, well researched, and creatively written, with some constructive and informed criticism/evaluation from one member of the group. But all in all a good start to our group reading.

We also discussed what else we had been reading in the last month, and some great titles were described and noted.

Our book for June meeting, chosen by Annette, is Sacred Country by Rose Tremain (2 copies currently available from the bookshop if you cant locate at your library)

And for July meeting, chosen by Lorraine, A Week In December by Sebastian Faulks (let me know if you would like to place an order but give plenty of time for it to come in)

We also decided to trial a meeting on Sunday afternoons to have a little more time for discussion and not to feel too rushed, especially over the winter months. Also we are choosing books in order according to first letter of our first names.

So next meeting for Sacred Country is Sunday June 6th at 3.00pm at the shop.

Best wishes and happy reading!

Female Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

6 Week Group in Ashfield
for Female Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

This group will provide participants with the opportunity to:

- explore the impacts and effects that childhood sexual abuse has had on their life
- identify their strengths
- develop strategies for challenging these impacts and effects

Topics covered: self-blame, secrecy and silencing, perpetator tactics, anger, trust and reconnection

Day Time Group
10-12.30pm Each friday
from 23 July- 27 August

Evening Group
6.30pm to 9.00pm Each Monday
19 July - 23 August

Total Cost: $300
Medicate rebates may apply

Registration is necessary as well as pre-group interviews.

For further information please call

Lorraine Wright: 0405 201 742
Mirna Tarabay: 0433 252 444

Sydney Writers' Festival 2010, May 15-23

There are some really wonderful women writers at this year's Sydney Writers' Festival.

Lydia Cacho
Dubravka Ugresic
Barbara Demick
Sara Thornton
Lionel Shriver (yes she is a woman).

And great sessions such as:
"No Country for Young Women"
"Tiddas Talk Writing" - three Indigenous fiction writers

Plus two gay writers
Colm Toibin
David Levithan

Plus lots of good ideas based stuff.

Pick up a guide from The Feminist Bookshop, or go to the website:
http://swf.org.au

International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) May 17th.

Visit National LGBT Health Alliance for your local events for International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) on May 17th.

http://www.lgbthealth.org.au/idaho

MESSAGE STICKS INDIGENEOUS FILM FESTIVAL 2010

See the best new films by Indigenous filmmakers.
6 – 8 MAY 2010
All film sessions are FREE*!

In Australia’s largest city, Blackfellas are profoundly overwhelmed. A tiny minority in a population of 4.5 million, our presence is only occasionally glimpsed, unless you live in Lapa (La Perouse) or Redfern. In the city our art hangs in the boardrooms of the CBD, a silent reminder of our presence, but only to be briefly admired on the way to do something else. The Message Sticks Film Festival is therefore precious as one of a small number of Sydney’s annual events that carves out a space, where for a moment we share the experience of Black Australians.

Film powerfully reveals the world of the storyteller, and our festival is unique in its exclusive focus on Indigenous storytellers. Over the past ten years, Message Sticks has gathered a loyal collection of people who come together to share this world as a family of sorts; both on screen, behind the camera and in the audience. For those who have been with us from the beginning, we welcome you back and for the newcomers, we are delighted to introduce you to the beginning of another decade of the best Indigenous films from here and around the world.

http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/About/program_Message_Sticks.aspx

The EDNA RYAN Awards Night 2010

The EDNAs are awards made to women who have made a feminist difference, ie whose activity advances the status of women; the troublemakers, the stirrers, the battlers, who show extraordinary commitment and determination.

Join Women’s Electoral Lobby in celebrating Edna’s political life and providing an affirmation of feminist activists in 2010. Come along and hear about the feminist activity that is happening and the wonderful women who are working towards making a better world – especially for women. You will be INSPIRED.

When: Friday 14 May 2010
Time: 6.00pm snacks and mingle, 6.30pm presentations
Where: Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney
Cost: $25 wages / $15 concession – includes snacks.
RSVP: Friday 7 May 2010. Please include payment.

Send your booking to
WEL NSW
66 Albion St
Surry Hills NSW 2010

Contact the WEL office: 9212.4374
email:welnsw@comcen.com.au

Booking form available on WEL's website
http://welnsw.org.au

Making a feminist difference seems more possible in 2010 – so let’s keep at it!