WHAT IS TO BE DONE?

Updates on local activism

IMARC

The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) is an annual event held in Melbourne whereby representatives and decision-makers in the mining sector come together to, among other buzz-wordy things, make deals.

In 2019, IMARC boasted that over $46 million in business increased as a direct result of the conference, and $100.3 million additional investments were made in the mining industry.

Every year, activists from various backgrounds have united to protest IMARC under the banner of Blockade IMARC. The group holds itself out as fighting against extractivism with a non-violent approach, including through blockades and protest.

IMARC was meant to take place on 22 – 24 October 2021, but due to COVID-19 it has been delayed until 31 January – 2 February 2022.
Blockade IMARC is using this time to discuss how to effectively bring attention to the climate justice reasons for protesting the conference.
Contact them through their website: https://blockadeimarc.com/ to get involved.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION FRIDAYS IN COBURG – DRIVERS NEEDED
The Muslim Women’s Council of Victoia have moved to 19 Harding St, Coburg (the Coburg Bowls club). The small group is using the space to cook hot meals for needy families every Friday. They currently supply a variety of healthy meals to over 200 households in the area.

One of the biggest challenges the group is facing is adequate cooking facilities. Whilst they have a roof over their head, they only have a couple of woefully inadequate single-burner portable gas stoves to achieve their task of providing assistance.

The group itself has been operating a food and general goods distribution centre since COVID-19 started, but they have only just moved to Coburg. Afshan, one of the organisers and volunteers, says that the group helps a broad range of needy people; refugees, families who are struggling, people with disabilities who need extra help.

Afshan said that another excellent way to help the centre is by offering to deliver the meals. Drivers who are free on Fridays and are looking for a way to help the community are encouraged to get in contact with the group.

You can also join the group on facebook to see what items they currently need.