50% OFF All Christmas Decorations

50 per cent off all Christmas decorations!

Come grab a bargain!

And also, $5 only for a pack of Christmas cards. You can buy them for this year or next year.... Or even the year after! :)

What is coming up...?

To all Launceston Oxfam supporters & groups (from Mrs Ros Lewis)

Thursday 28th November at 6.00pm

Ferrall Centre, Newnham - James Martineau Memorial
Lecture - Asylum Seekers and the Rhetoric of Compassion. Need to book.
http://www.events.utas.edu.au/2013/november/

Tuesday 10th December: We have been invited to a VIP night at the Oxfam Shop
and therefore I am suggesting we alter our meeting plans slightly to accept
this invitation & do some shopping. Note also the Human Rights Day events
the same afternoon. This is the suggestion:

1.00 to 4.30pm Various Human Rights Day events on in the Mall.

5.30pm at the Oxfam Shop, Centreway Arcade - 20% off VIP night for us -
community group & uni group & friends.
Followed by a short group meeting (to review recent activities and think
about the next few months).

Then those who would like to have a meal together - I suggest we go to our
usual place, the Royal Oak. 

What do you think? Please forward any agenda items to Mrs Ros Lewis.

National Day of Climate Action

National Day of Climate Action rally is being held today at 11am at the City Park Launceston.

From GetUp's website:

The last month was the hottest on record.
The last 12 months were the hottest on record.
The last summer was the hottest on record, breaking 120 records.

And what is our government doing about it?

Tony Abbott and our new Government are already going backwards on climate change. Just this week they slashed jobs at the CSIRO and decided they wouldn't be sending a senior minister to the climate negotiations in Poland. They've already cut the climate department, abolished the Climate Commission, and are getting ready to try repeal a price on pollution and renewable energy funding.

Right now, it is more important than ever before that we make it clear that the majority of Australians want climate action.

Dr Szoke's Cancellation BUT We Are Still On!

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Dr Helen Szoke has to cancel this coming Thursday's lecture. 

An update as attached:

Oxfam Lecture replaced by series of short films.

This is to let you know of changes to the Oxfam event on Thursday 14^th Nov. in Launceston.

Dr. Helen Szoke is no longer able to join us but we are not cancelling; will still have snacks at 5.50 and then at 6pm we will show a series of short films about Oxfam’s current work in disaster areas as well as with communities in projects with long term benefits.

To those who booked for dinner: I’ll email you as we are still honouring our booking.

See you on Thursday at the School of Architecture,

Ros Lewis

 Please see below a message from Dr. Helen Szoke, CEO of Oxfam Australia

 I write to you to ask that you accept my apologies as I have had to cancel my visit with you. 

The reason that I cannot be with you is because I am flying out to the Philippines to meet with our rapid response teams on the ground following the Typhoon that has devastated the country.  Many of you will have already seen the images that are now coming from the Philippines, and Oxfam has deployed staff to some of the least accessible areas to provide much needed assistance in water, sanitation and emergency shelter.  We have launched an Australian appeal and part of this process is for us to be on the ground and able to tell the story of not only destruction but how we are able to help.

 I hope you will understand the priority of this visit and forgive my short notice in not coming to visit.  I have asked if we can try to reschedule the visit before the end of the year, although I am also most mindful that you too have busy lives and that this may not be possible.

 In the meantime, if you are able to help us promote the appeal for the Oxfam Typhoon fund, people are able to give by phoning 1800 034 034.

 I hope that we have the opportunity to see each other before the end of the year.

Regards,

Helen

Two Big Events This Thursday!!!

Thursday 14th November


2.00pm to 5.30pm :-  20% (Yes!!! 20%) off almost everything in store.

COME AND GRAB A BARGAIN! With Christmas around the corner and the store which sells gifts that give twice, why don't you and your family and friends drop by this Thursday to support your local Oxfam shop as well as artisans worldwide.


5.30om for 6.00pm :- Dr Helen Szoke (CEO Oxfam Australia) will be conducting a talk on Syria at the School of Architecture, Inveresk. Come along to support and gain some first hand knowledge from Dr Szoke...

Eat Local Feed Global, Friday October 4th

Looking for something fun to do this coming Friday, October 4? Want some free food? The UTAS Oxfam Group is holding "Eat Local, Feed Global", an Oxfam campaign that focuses on the way we buy, prepare and eat it food and how this affects not only us in Tasmania, but on the global scale. Come along to hear about the GROW campaign, and to see what action you can take! 

The world produces enough food for everyone, yet one in eight still go hungry.

Time: 5.30pm

Venue: Pilgrim Hall, 34-36 Paterson Street, Launceston.

A Uni Oxfam Group event.

Poster attached

Oxfam Group Meeting, 10 September 2013

From Mrs Ros Lewis:

Hello Oxfam Launceston supporters & members …

We’ll be meeting next Tuesday at 6pm at the Royal Oak.

We are fortunate to have Maria Boersma to speak, show photos  and answer questions. Maria is back from 3 years working in Afghanistan. She has a long association with Afghani people in Launceston and a background in Social Work. She currently works with new Afghani settlers in our community. I’m really looking forward to Maria’s insights and her account of her time in Afghanistan.

There will also be a very short time for updates on Oxfam local activities.

Please pass this invitation on to your friends.

Note: Half price vouchers for Royal Oak meals are in Tuesday’s Examiner; I notice today’s is valid till the end of September (earlier ones are out of date).

Best wishes

Ros Lewis 0437 741 677

Father's Day at Oxfam

Father's Day is just around the corner. 

Come in and check out gifts for your beloved father, family members who are fathers and friends who are dads. :) 

New Products In Store

Are you counting down to Christmas? What about "window shopping" for ideas for Christmas? 

Actually, you do not need a reason to buy a gift for someone. A loved one. A friend. 

Drop by at your local Oxfam Shop to check out some new products. There are some handcrafted wood work... Cushion covers... 

Home Decor...

Are you tired of your existing bed spread?

Or, do you want to improve how your bedroom looks like with a bed spread?

Or..., do you need a new set of quilt cover?

Oh, I know, or a new floor mat or a throw rug?

One can also Layby for Christmas. :)

Workers' Rights - Help us fight this injustice

Workers in developing countries have a pretty raw deal. They’re paid minimal wages and are often forced to work long hours in harsh – often dangerous – conditions.

Yet, they’re producing some of the world’s most expensive and coveted brands.

In the sportswear and garment industry – where much of our work focuses – most of these workers are women.

Major sportswear brands rake in billions of dollars in profits every year, spend millions of dollars on slick ad campaigns and sponsor the highest-earning players in sport from David Beckham to Michael Jordan.

But dig beneath this glamorous façade and you’ll see that this industry is built on the hard-working backs of some of the world’s poorest men and women.

Sportswear workers in Asia endure long hours in sweatshop-like conditions for on average less than US $3 a day and still struggle to feed and clothe themselves and their families.

There’s something wrong with this picture.

We’re working hard to ensure that the big brands like Nike, adidas and Puma treat their workers with respect and pay them enough to meet their basic needs.

How are we doing this?

By making the garment and sportswear giants accountable.

You can help by taking action with us.

Make Poverty History Forum in Launceston

On Thursday 8 August the City Baptist Church will be moderating Question & Answer forum with special guests from all major political parties.

This Forum is being organised by a coalition of local overseas development and advocacy groups.

Master of Ceremonies will be The Hon. Don Wing AM. A panel of federal candidates (Mr Geoff Lyons MHR, Mr Andrew Nikolic & Ms Lucy Landon-Lane) will be asked to respond to moderated questions from the floor. A short film featuring Launceston residents will also be shown.

To find a seat we recommend you arrive early.

Please contact us if you need to know more. We look forward to seeing you at the Forum.

Details:

• Thursday 8 August 2013
• 7pm
• Launceston Town Hall Reception Room, St John Street

Hear some great guest speakers & let’s make poverty history!

Click on link here

Hot Chocolate Stirrers

Check out the new range of commodities at the shop or online.

Introducing the new Hot Chocolate Stirrers. Enjoy a mug of hot chocolate (from Oxfam) with a chocolate stirrer to make it taste better this winter! :)

Board games for the brain

Come in and check out the board games in the shop. We have Sudoku to keep your brain active, or chess to test your patience! ;)

Noah's Ark

It's Noah's Ark theme at the Oxfam shop for the month of July. 

Come and support our producer partner. 

In 1986, a workshop was set up in India by Samuel Masih called Noah's Ark. Masih's goal was to ensure good healthcare, education and housing for very poor artisans in villages of Morabad. 

Noah's Ark has a primary goal of providing independence to its artisans. Every year, two or three of its members split off and form their own workshop. The organisation also ensures that women artisans are equally paid as men and their dignity is honoured. They do not use child labour or buy from organisations that do. Noah's Ark pays its artisans 20% more than the government's minimum wage.

As a proud fair-trade organisation, Noah's Ark's mission is to change lives through education and to help artisans become more aware of fair working conditions.

External Links:

Noah's Ark page
Noah's Ark website
Noah's Ark blog

Oxfam says THANK YOU!

Oxfam Australia says Thank You! to all its supporters throughout the years. 

We would like you to give yourself a pat on your back for the ongoing support you have provided, be it your precious personal time or monetary support or both, to keep Oxfam Australia going. 

Because of you, Oxfam Australia continues to support over 60 fair-trade producers and organisation around the world, including Indigenous Australians.

So, many thanks guys!!!

July/August Activities

Re: Mrs Ros Lewis' email

Please Note: Change of date

Change of date: Next Oxfam meeting

Change of date of next Oxfam meeting on Monday, July 8th at 6pm at the Royal Oak.The new date will enable us to meet with Clancy Moore, Campaigns Coordinator. He’s here to lobby politicians and present a workshop at the SOS conference. If you have half price meal vouchers from Tuesday’s Examiner, bring them!

Agenda:

a.      Campaign info from Clancy

b.      Regular reports & plans, including AGM details. See attached Minutes. Note – since last meeting, Band Night has been cancelled as it is unviable for our group this year. Tas AGM postponed till September.

 

5-9 July – Students of Sustainability Conference Launceston - Oxfam will have a stall Sun. 7^th & workshop Mon 8^th.

Help needed with some aspects. E.g. shifting furniture afternoon of Thurs. 4^th & Wed. 10^th; also  Stall Lunchtime Sun. 7^th Contact Ros if you can help.

 

8, 9 and 12 July – lobbying politicians – If you can join Clancy at 2pm on 8^th July to lobby Peter Whish-Wilson, please let me know. Same re Geoff Lyons 9am Tues 9^thWe also have an appointment with Andrew Nikolic 11am Friday 12^th unfortunately without Clancy. Jeff & Ros possibly available, negotiable. Recommended as a good learning experience.

 

Non-Oxfam event.  Sunday 14^th July – Drive for Life (MRC) barbecue at Bunnings. Volunteers contact Ros

 

19-21 July – Fairly Educated ConferenceHobart. Register by 30 June. Ros will run the Oxfam stall on behalf of Amanda.

 

Thurs 8 August – Bass Political candidates forum on Overseas Aid; details soon. Amanda, Eric and Allison have been interviewed for the short film to set the scene.

 

Tas. Oxfam AGM Date & details t. b. a.- probably in September – a brief meeting by video conference or Skype; Main business to discuss annual & financial reports & elect new Tas. committee (current members are Mara, Sue & Ros). Possibly Also a short info segment.

The Sale Is Still On!

Come and grab a bargain guys!

Sale ends June 30th.

The Kiosk supports Oxfam

Fancy something for lunch? 

Drop by The Kiosk at Centreway Arcade and see our ever friendly Trish and her crews for a quick bite.

Trish has a good selection of quick and easy lunches and/or snacks to have at The Kiosk or take away. :)

Do also purchase a mug of FairTrade coffee when you are there to support both The Kiosk and Oxfam Shop. 

The Oxfam Launceston Shop and the local Oxfam Australia groups would like to express our sincerest thanks to Trish for her ongoing support of the Oxfam Shop buying and selling Oxfam Australia Fair 'World Blend Organic Espresso Beans' to her valued customers.

SALE SALE SALE saleeeeeeeee!!!

Do Not Forget, the Sale is on from today to the end of the month!!! ;)

SALE SALE SALE!

Check out the bargain online or at the shop.

Upcoming Events

Change of date: 

Oxfam meeting on WEDNESDAY, June 12th at 6pm at the Royal Oak (downstairs)

Some great events coming up this week, listed below:

TUESDAY, June 11th

Federal Election Policy Forum

Energy Policy – where do the parties stand?

5.30 for 6.00 start

Lecture Theatre 5, Sir Raymond Ferrall Centre University of Tasmania, Newnham Campus,

·        Labor Party: Mr Geoff Lyons MHR, Member for Bass

·        Greens Party: Senator Peter Whish-Wilson

·        Liberal Party: Mr Andrew Nikolic, endorsed candidate for Bass.

Each candidate will have their own timeslot to speak and answer your questions.

Forum presented and convened by: ATA Tas North Branch A not-for-profit organisation promoting renewable energy, sustainable building and water conservation.

ENQUIRIES contact David Hamilton ontasnorth@ata.org.au or 0419 354 760.

WEDNESDAY, June 12th

Launceston Oxfam Group meeting –

Royal Oak, 6 – 7.15 pm. General business including reviews of past activities and future planning, especially about a possible Band Night

MONDAY, June 17 at 12noon

Urban Farming  food give-aways & swaps.  Academy of Arts, Inveresk

www.facebook.com/urbanfarmingtasmania  

WEDNESDAY, June 19th

Movie:Mary meets Mohammad

5.30pm Nibbles and drinks for 6pmScreening Lecture Theatre 5, Sir Raymond Ferrall Building, UTAS Newnham campus RSVP led.admin@utas.edu.au

Free but  REGISTER athttp://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/MaryMeetsMohammad 

This film follows the arrival of the first detainees at Tasmania’s Pontville detention centre.  The story is told through the eyes of local Christian woman, and knitting club member, Mary, and Muslim Afghan Hazara asylum seeker, Mohammad, as they connect through the gift of a knitted beanie.

Q & A session with film maker  after the screening.

For more information contactled.admin@utas.edu.au

FRIDAY, June 21st

Sally Sara in Hobart 

Detailshttp://www.amnesty.org.au/tas/event/31491/

SUNDAY, June 23rd

Walk together

12.30 gather & walk start outside UTas Library Newnham to the …

1 – 3pm “Restoring Hope” Community Concert

For Refugee Week 2013

Uniting Church Hall, Mowbray (behind the ANZ Bank)

ALL WELCOME Please bring a plate of afternoon tea to share

5-9 July – Students of Sustainability Conference Launceston - register by 9 June for Earlybird tickets. (Oxfam will have a presence- detail to be confirmed)

Community Breakfast - Tomorrow at 7.30am

7.30am Saturday 8 June Community Breakfast

Where do my clothes come from: the inside story of the garment industry in Bangladesh

Organised by City Baptist Church to hear Jeff McClintock talk about. Jeff and Leah worked in community development in Bangladesh for a number of years.

 

Milton Hall Lounge, 11 Frederick Street (enter via side door in the alleyway)

$4 per person

Jeff McClintock is a youth and church representative for World Vision and former TEAR Australia fieldworker

RSVP citybaptistchurch@bigpond.com  orguy@guybarnett.com 

Enquiries: Guy Barnett 0428 622 333

Photo Frames

Are you thinking of displaying your favourite photographs at home or in the office?

Why don't you drop by the Oxfam Shop and check out the different types and sizes of photo frames in store for you? Oxfam has a range of quality photo frames made from timber to recycled materials (Eco-friendly!).

Sale from June 10th to 30th

It is SALE time at our local Oxfam Shop again! The June Sale starts on the 10th of June but the shop reopens on Tuesday, June 11th as it is a public holiday on Monday (Her Majesty the Queen's birthday). 

Come in and check out the sale items. Shopping is good for the soul! Most call it retail therapy. :)

As the end of Financial Year is around the corner, purchase some Oxfam Unwrapped (real gifts with real reward) and claim your donations through tax return. All donations from $2 is tax deductible. 

Oxfam Launceston June Meeting

From Mrs Ros Lewis:

Next meeting of Launceston Oxfam GroupTuesday 11th June at the Royal Oak, 6 to 7.15 (need to finish because someone else has the room at 7.30)

That means we can get there early to eat or stay after if we wish; just make sure we deal with the main meeting in that 75 minutes. 

Agenda - reports & plans based on the April minutes and future plans (including AGM, possible CEO visit and whether to run a Band night & whether the uni group wants to run one)

NOTE DATE - 11th June.

Something Blue for the House?

New products from Apikri, Indonesia. 

Come and check them out at the shop or online. 

National Reconciliation Week 2013

National Reconciliation Week 2013 (May 27 to June 3)

"Let's build a reconciled Australia!"

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are still not recognised in our Constitution as Australia's First Peoples.

A change needs to happen if we are to build strong relationships between all Australians and remove all discrimination on the basis of a person's race.

Take action and join the movement for change here: Recognition

As a universal language music has the power to break down bariers and unite people - Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians alike. Let's talk Recognition.

You can also support the local Oxfam Shop by buying products produced by the Aboriginal communities and artists to show your support to the commitment to promote reconciliation.

Women for Women Cookbook: Share

Share is a new cookbook. For only $40.00, you are able to enjoy recipes from women living in war torn countries of Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Niegria, Rwanda and South Sudan, as well as renowned chefs, humanitarians and philanthropists.

There is nothing better than bringing people together to share beautifully made food in honour of these women - their day-to-day courage, determination and generosity.

A Mug with Filter

Drinking tea has become easier. MAI Handicrafts' Red Blossom design mug comes with a filter and lid to filter out your tea and keep your tea warm! :)

Producer Partner Story: MAI Handicrafts

Mai Vietnamese Handicrafts was founded in 1991 and provides assistance to over 1,000 artisans in Ho Chi Minh City. Mai is an income generating and educational project for poor and disadvantaged people in South Vietnam, 70% of whom are women.

2013 Activities to Present

An update from Mrs Ros Lewis:

On Button Day, Tasmanian volunteers collected donations and handed out
stickers, raising almost $2000 for Oxfam projects around the world.

Last Fair Trade fortnight, the local Oxfam Shop, Uni group and Community group were busy spreading the word about FairTrade.

The next Oxfam Launceston Group meeting is on Tuesday 11th June 2013 at 6pm at the Royal Oak

Topic: Oxfam in Launceston - What, Why and How? This will include a review of our recent activities and planning for the rest of the year. (More details on this Blog next week.)

Winter is Coming

Keep yourself warm with these beautiful scarfs. Gifts for yourself or someone else... It is awesome because we do gifts that give twice - The Oxfam Moto! :)

Bolga Basket

New assorted Bolga Baskets in shop now. Come along and check them out at the Oxfam Shop, Centreway Arcade.

FREE!!! Free chocolate spread.

Free chocolate spread! Go to your nearest local Oxfam Shop to collect your free chocolate spread today. :)

VIP Evening for Oxfam Launceston Group

As a celebration of FairTrade Fortnight, Amanda, our local Oxfam Shop Manager is putting on a special VIP evening for Oxfam Launceston Group members and friends (instead of our usual May meeting), with a drink, some snacks and a guided tour of the shop, with background on some of the products.

It will help Amanda with catering for drinks & nibbles  if she has a bit of an idea how many are coming on Friday 5.30 at the Shop.So would you please let Amanda know by Wednesday on 6331 7760 or email Ros on oxfamintasmania@gmail.com.

PS, Please spread the news that the Oxfam Shop will be having a VIP afternoon for the general public from 12 to 5 on Thursday May 9th.

FairTrade Fortnight, May 4 to 19

Below are the activities for FairTrade Fortnight in Launceston. Come and join us!










Thursday, May 9th (From 12noon to 5pm)
- VIP Day at the Oxfam Shop (Centreway Arcade, off Paterson Street, Launceston)

Saturday, May 11th (From 10am to 2pm)
- FairTrade display in the Brisbane Street Mall
- A celebration of the local businesses and schools which support FairTrade
- The Mayor of Launceston will officially open this event at 12noon







 Thursday, May 16th (From 3.30pm)
- Uni Bar at University of Tasmania, Newnham
- $15 ticket which includes a drink, chocolate, cake and raffle ticket
- Hosted by the Uni Oxfam Group
- All welcome
(Tickets from Allison 0408 075 863 or the Oxfam Shop (Centreway Arcade 03 6331 7760)

Google map - where to buy FairTrade in Launceston at www.climatelaunceston.org