We’re on the move – are you?
Speaking tour on the climate change precipitated relocation of atoll peoples in Papua New Guinea, and the implications for climate justice in an Australian context
Background
In 2005, after years of watching land being swallowed by the ocean and crops and water sources contaminated by salt water inundation, the elders of the Carteret Islands decided to initiate a relocation program to mainland Bougainville. In 2006 they set up Tulele Peisa, an organisation to assist with the relocation process.
An “in principle” agreement was reached in 2007 between the national government of PNG and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to resettle the 6,000 inhabitants of the Carterets and three other atoll groups – the Mortlock, Tasman and Fead Islands – to the large island of Bougainville. However, no outcomes have been reached to date from this agreement.
The Carteret elders recruited Ursula Rakova, herself from the Carterets, as director of Tulele Peisa, meaning in the Halia language “Sailing the waves on our own”. It has continued to operate as an NGO, with its programs made possible with donations of land by the local Catholic diocese, and funding from a range of mainly overseas donors.
In 2007 Tulele Peisa became an affiliate of Friends of the Earth Australia
Beyond Coal and Gas conference (NSW). Details on the conference available here).
Mon 11 April: presentation on the International Plenary panel at Beyond Coal & Gas
All the forums below are free events.
Sydney: Public event on Tues 12 April.
Peter Cosgrove Centre, Tenison Woods House - Australian Catholic University 8-20 Napier St, North Sydney
Starting time 6pm. Media opportunities from 5.30pm. Light refreshments afterwards.
Brendan Joyce: 0413 990 580
Eventbrite registration page for Sydney event.
Melbourne: Thursday April 14. Public forum, 7 - 8.30pm.
Melbourne event co-hosted with Oxfam Australia and University of Melbourne Student Union Environment Department.
Elizabeth Murdoch building, Melbourne University
Enter off Swanston Street. It is just south of Tin Alley/ Elgin Street. Also known as the Old Pathology building.
Facebook page for the event available here.
Geelong: Evening event. Friday April 15.
All Saints Chapel
113 Noble St, Newtown (Geelong)
6 to 8 pm
For information: Tony 0447619736
Hosted by the Centre for Climate Safety
Brisbane.
Date: Tuesday 19 April, 7 - 9pm
Venue: SANDBA
Co-host: Year for Peace group
Facebook event page for the evening.
Contacts: Janine Quine 0432 607 751
Wendy Flannery 0439 771 692
QLD: Wednesday 20th 12noon
Brisbane: Wednesday 20th, evening
Speaking and dialogue event with members of church communities
Details to be confirmed.
Brisbane: Thursday 21st.
A Conversation with Peoples of the Pacific about Climate Change Induced Relocation
Hear about the climate change induced relocation of atoll peoples in Papua New Guinea.
- What action do Australians and Australia need to take to support them?
- What role should churches play?
- How do we offer our support in a respectful way to the peoples of the Pacific as they face the challenges of climate change?
The gathering is hosted by the Catholic Justice & Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Brisbane in collaboration with Friends of the Earth.
Date: Thursday 21 April, 7 – 8.30pm
Venue: Aspinall Centre, St Bernard’s Catholic Parish, cnr Klumpp & Logan Rds, Upper Mt Gravatt
Light refreshments will be provided.
RSVP: By Monday 18 April to lawrencep@bne.catholic.net.au or on 3324 3451
