"Wayside Speaks" program - July to Dec 2008

6.30-8pm in the Chapel

The "Wayside Speaks" program is a celebration of all the different parts of our community. As well as focusing on social justice and welfare issues, we are branching out to give voice to happenings in and around our community's day to day life.

"Wayside Speaks" will follow roughly the same format as our past Speaking Out events, but will incorporate professionals from the arts, theology, urban planning, mental health care, and other areas of interest.

The first event of the new program is a response to the cultural plans of the City of Sydney's 2030 plan - but it is also a declaration of our intentions in terms of being a significant voice of accountability for local government, and also our intention to return to our roots and become a first-class arts establishment, like the heyday of the 60s and 70s.

July 17 - "Cultural Spaces" (LAUNCH EVENT)
Wayside responds to the City of Sydney's 2030 Cultural plan with a panel of speakers and informal discussion. How can we foster a wider sense of creative potential in Sydney? How can we unlock the potential of spaces, without losing a ground-up approach?

Speakers: Kiersten Fishburn from City of Sydney, Greg Khoury from Newtown Entertainment Precinct, and Jess Cook from 107 Projects.

Aug. 7 - "Meditation"
Wayside will facilitate a dialogue between a Buddhist and Christian practitioner, with the hope of bringing better understanding, and educating the community about the benefits of meditation.

Speakers: Sydney Buddhist Centre, and Greg Bourke from the Carmelite community.

Aug. 22 - Wayside Art Show
The Wayside Art Show is a public event which will gather together the many parts of our community in one place to appreciate our creative output and contributions. We encourage everyone to submit a piece of film, art, photography or music on the central theme of "Imagination".

Sept. 16 - "Darkness over Paradise"
A journalist from Sierra Leone will help us understand the difficulties faced by African refugees attempting to navigate Australian society after leaving their war-torn homes.

Speaker: Sonny Cole

Oct. 7 - Kaleidoscope Festival: "Innovative Models of Mental Health Care"
The Mental Health Council of Australia will explain their report and look at the opportunities for us in inner-city Sydney.

Oct. 18-19 - Conference: Justice Peace and the Integrity of Creation
This conference is an opportunity for peripheral non-government organizations to meet and gain support in a round-table environment.

Oct. 30 - "Voices of the Youth"
Wayside Youth are taking over for the night!

Nov. 15 - '107 Projects' Augurs Well
A multi-arts installation event from our creative partners at 107 Projects, who will transform the Chapel for one night. A taste of what's to come.

Nov. 20 - "Alternative Public Housing"
A panel of speakers will discuss whether public housing is working - and what other options are available. There will also be an opportunity for input and discussion.

Speakers: Vivienne Milligan from AHURI, and Dick Nichols from Socialist Alliance.

Dec. 4 - "Urban Neighbours of Hope"
Jon Owen works in Mt. Druitt for Urban Neighbours of Hope - an organization which works with people in the poorest areas of Australia and South-East Asia. Jon will explain why he sees the need for a radical response to poverty.

Speaker: Jon Owen.

To RSVP or request additional info for any of the events please contact Beres Jackson on 9358 5582 or beres.jackson@thewaysidechapel.com

PLUS:

• 'Gutter Philosophy' - A philosophy discussion group that meets at Wayside on the 1st Wednesday evening of the month, at 6:30pm.
• Wayside Book Club - 3rd Wednesday evening of the month (contact beres.jackson@thewaysidechapel.com for more details).
• 'Sacred Sounds' - Improvised music in the Chapel for a soothing end to the weekend. First and Third Sunday of the month, starting from July 20 -- 8:00pm

Past events

Out of the Darkness, 21st February 2008
The former NSW Opposition Leader John Brogden was the first speaker in the Speaking Out series for 2008. John addressed his journey from suffering depression to coming 'Out of the Darkness'. The evening was hosted by Big Brother runner up and political activist and commentator, Tim Brunero, and was followed by an open forum.

Depression in our community, 24th July 2007
Tony Abbott, Federal Member for Health, and Alex Hartman share their views on depression in the community. The evening was again hosted by Tim Brunero.
Click here to download a pdf version of the brochure for this talk

Drugs: Why bad policy is good politics, 24th April 2007
Dr. Alex Wodak, Director of St. Vincent's drug and Alcohol Services; Tanya Plibersek, Federal Member for Sydney and Lee Rhiannon, NSW Greens discussed whether Federal drug policy is doing more harm than good in the long term. The evening was hosted by Tim Brunero, Wayside Ambassador, journalist and social and political activist.
Click here to download a pdf version of the brochure for this talk