November 2013

WORLD VEGAN DAYFestival set to be bigger than ever

Free Range FraudSo-called ‘humane’ farms exposed for cruelty P9

Animal voteRead about Animal Justice Party’s election results P3

Horse racing kills What really happens to horses in racing industry P6

VOICES

VOICES November 2013 2

Editorial

President Mark Doneddu

Vice President David Ogilvie

Editor Kirsten Leiminger

Lifestyles Jason Carstens

Recipes Rory Johnson

Contributors Ron Prasad, Douglas Leith, Meghan Street

Cover picture Tamara Kenneally

Our cover this month features Miss Marple from Edgar’s Mission.

Voices issue number 19

editor@vegetarianvictoria.org.au

About Vegetarian Victoria

Vegetarian Victoria (VegVic) is a non-profit organisation devoted to promoting the many benefits of a plant-based diet and providing quality services, support and up-to-date information to vegetarians, vegans and the general community.

It is run by volunteers who are passionate about human health, animal welfare and the environment.

VegVic relies on support from memberships, donations and voluntary assistance.

Members receive discounts at a range of veg-friendly businesses.

Interested in volunteering, writing, photography or getting more involved? Please contact us at volunteers@vegetarianvictoria.org.au. We’d love to hear from you!

Contact

PO Box 12029 A’Beckett St, Melbourne, 8006

President: 0430 201 167

W www.vegetarianvictoria.org.au F www.facebook.com/vegvic E info@vegetarianvictoria.org.au

Welcome to the second edition of the new look Voices

magazine. The feedback from the last edition was great. Well done to Kirsten and the team for putting together a great publication.

Recently there has been much talk in the news about high protein, low-carb diets and how they are promoted as diets to help lose weight. The latest of these is the Paleo Diet. This diet recommends that at least half your diet should consist of meat and seafood. Despite the fact that these diets have been around for over four decades and have not been shown to result in long-term weight loss, these ideas still persist.

However, a recent study, from Loma Linda University Health that will be published in the December 2013 edition of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, showed that average Body Mass Index (BMI) was highest in non-vegetarians. It was the lowest among strict vegetarians (vegans), with higher BMI levels for those who consume more animal derived foods.

This backs up years of data that shows populations around the world that consume much more carbohydrates and much less

animal products generally have the lower BMIs.

As a lead up to World Animal Day, Vegetarian Victoria participated at the VegOut event in Bendigo organised by Zerin Knight which raised over $1,100 for Edgar’s Mission.

A major highlight in November is World Vegan Day Melbourne, which will be held at the Showgrounds on Sunday 10 November. It will be the biggest one held so far and it is the biggest festival of its kind in Australia. You can find out more about the festival on pages 4-5.

Mark Doneddu

President’s message

Membership Form

Memberships help our organisation grow and further promote healthy and compassionate life-styles. Members receive discounts at many veg-friendly businesses. See our website for details.

Name __________________________________________________________________________

Email __________________________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________________

Phone __________________________________________________________________________

Concession $15 Individual $20 Family $30

Payment Visa / Mastercard

Number ________________________________________________________________________

Expiry _______________________________ CCV _____________________________________

Please send your completed form to VegVic PO Box 12029 A’Beckett Street, Melbourne, 8006

VOICES November 20133

Ron Prasad

As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely heavily on the support of

our volunteers. Being the volunteer coordinator for VegVic means having the privilege of working with people from many walks of life. Our volunteers come from many backgrounds, yet have one thing in common – their passion to make positive changes to the planet, to the animals, and to human health

There are several ways in which you can volunteer for VegVic. The most common volunteer work is to help at VegVic stalls. During the warmer months, we are very active in our work, and have stalls at festivals and events

Our goal is to spread a message of health and compassion to the masses of the population. Other volunteer work includes helping with paperwork at the

office, helping organise events, helping at events, and helping with training workshops.

If you have time and passion, we would love to hear from you and welcome you to the VegVic volunteer family! Believe me, it is a very rewarding experience.

I became a VegVic volunteer in 2008, and I have grown my veg/animal activists network immensely. Many friendships have been formed and many positive experiences have come out of volunteering for VegVic.

Together, we are making a positive impact!

To volunteer or for more details, please email Ron at volunteers@vegetarianvictoria.org.au

Volunteering with VegVic Promote compassionate choices and help animals by lending a hand with us, writes VegVic Volunteer Coordinator Ron Prasad.

Vegetarian Victoria is opening its first regional branch, which will be based in Bendigo, to further its outreach and promotion of healthy, compassionate lifestyle choices.

VegVic President Mark Doneddu recently announced the good news.

He said VegOut Sundays’ organiser Zerin Knight will head up the new regional branch.

We will keep you posted on the progress of the Bendigo branch in the next issue of Voices.

VegVic to open branch in Bendigo

100,000 votes for the animals

Having been established for just three years and with a tiny budget,

the Animal Justice Party obtained close to 100,000 primary votes in the 2013 Federal election. This is about 0.7 per cent of the total Senate formal vote across jurisdictions where AJP candidates stood in the party’s first election.

To put this election result into perspective, it is a little less than the primary vote obtained by both the Katter and Shooters and Fishers parties.

Additionally, when the Australian Greens first stood for the Federal Senate election in 1990 they obtained 200,000 votes or 2.0 per cent of the total, and in the recent election for the Senate, 23 years later, the Greens obtained 8.6 per cent of the vote.

AJP intends to put up candidates at a number of State/Territory elections next year and beyond. Its long-term goals to improve the lives of animals include bringing an end to kangaroo killing, the largest land-based wildlife slaughter on the planet; stopping live export; and ending intensive farming of animals.

The party also wants to bring to an end the number of death row companion animals, and stop the use of animals for human entertainment and in experimentation.

For AJP to stand in the 2014 State elections, some jurisdictions require a minimum number of party members.

Join today or check out more information on AJP at www.animaljusticeparty.org

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WHAT’s ON AT WVD MELBOURNE 2013

10am-5pm Sunday 10th November 2013 Melbourne Showgrounds

fOOD & COOkiNg DEMOsLiVE MUsiC ALL DAY

kiDs AND fAMiLY AREA TALks & iNfORMATiON

spEED DATiNg OVER 80 sTALLs

BEAUTY & BRiDAL BARART EXHiBiTiON

W VisiT Us ONLiNE AT WWW.WVD.ORg.AUf fACEBOOk.COM/WORLDVEgANDAYMELBOURNET TWiTTER.COM/WVDMELBOffiCiALTo sponsor or exhibit, please visit our website

scan me stay in touch

VOICES November 20135

It’s that time of year again when World Vegan Day hits Melbourne.

It will be our biggest World Vegan Day ever and it is the biggest festival of its kind in Australia.

There will be more than 100 stalls showcasing the best in vegan food, clothing, footwear, cosmetics, pet food and information all under the one roof.

There will also be talks, music, food demos, a children’s area, art space, and the ever popular vegan speed dating.

Spin the Lord of The Fries wheel to win a prize after buying your vegan hotdog, check out the Animal Lovers, Surf and Bear Café food and product stand, and sample the amazing raw vegan treats from Pana Chocolate.

Other great food will be provided from Vegilicious, Invita, Fino Premium Confections, Vegan Perfection and check out

the BeVeganMakePeace project, and the amazing Water Company Australia water filters.

Listen to great talks form Phil Wollen and Bruce Poon. I will also be holding a talk.

Be entertained by Rosie Burgess, John Flanigan and the Begin Agains, Pepper Jack and Vegan Smythe.

This is one event not to be missed!

The Showgrounds are a great new venue. There’s tons of parking, with trams and buses also going past all the time.

World Vegan Day will be held at the Exhibition Hall at the Showgrounds, on Epsom Road, Ascot Vale on Sunday 10 November 2013 from 10am to 5pm.

Details: www.wvd.org.au or Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/WorldVeganDayMelbourne

Celebrate cruelty free living at World Vegan DayWorld Vegan Day has outgrown its home at Princes Park and is moving to a bigger location at Melbourne Showgrounds this year for what is set to be the best event yet, writes Mark Doneddu.

Fun in 2012: Cooking demonstrations, music, delicious cake and stacks of stalls at World Vegan Day last year.

For the past 6 years, the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) has been on the other side of the

fence as the race goers enter – working hard throughout the Spring Carnival to expose the cruel dark side of the racing industry that they attempt to hide behind the glamorous façade of fascinators, helicopters and champagne.

What most people don’t realise is that the racing industry currently has no retirement plan for its horses, and the majority of them go to slaughter when they can no longer race.

After spending a few years being flogged around a racecourse, often horses will find themselves at a sale yard where their lives will be priced at not much more than a couple of hundred dollars by a meat buyer. And after this, killed at one of the two abattoirs in Australia that slaughter horses for human consumption, or a knackery that kills them for pet meat. These horses that exit the racing industry

prematurely are known as ‘wastage’. More information on wastage (including a video) can be found at www.horseracingkills.com/Wastage

It is estimated that approximately 18,000 Australian ex-racehorses are sentenced to this grizzly fate every year. CPR has offered the racing industry an alternative to this, which if accepted, would give every racehorse the second chance they deserve after racing. The proposal can be read at www.horseracingkills.com/RehomingProposal.

CPR is calling on all horse lovers to refuse to support the racing industry (financially or otherwise) until it can start caring for its horses their whole lives, not just their lives while racing. Given that the industry would cease to exist without the horse, it isn’t much to ask. Visit www.horseracingkills.com/Events to find out how you can help CPR create a better world for racehorses this Spring Carnival.

Melbourne Cup Picnic and Protest

Tuesday, 5 November, 11am - 3pm, at Doc Root Reserve Park, corner Epsom and Racecourse roads, Flemington

Just up the road from Flemington Racecourse, this free event is much more picnic than protest, and it’s a family friendly day so all are welcome (including animal family).

CPR will have its flags, banners and placards set up to alert those going to the Melbourne Cup about the cruelty they are indirectly and unknowingly supporting.

There will be a cruelty free BBQ. Bring a plate of vegan food or drinks if you can. Dress up as well and let’s show the race goers you don’t need to go to the races to have a good time. Let’s do it for the horses!

Details and RSVP at www.horseracingkills.com/events

This Spring Carnival pledge not to support the racing industry until it stops killing horses

VOICES November 2013 6

The sun is out and the birds are chirping. Yes it’s that time of year again – Spring!

As you step a little closer to the racetrack, you’ll hear the roar of the crowds, and if you’re close enough – the smack of the whip onto an exhausted thoroughbred horse. Horse racing kills: A sad horse at a Laverton knackery.

Saved: Georgie Purcell, of CPR, with Lady, which CPR outbid a killbuyer to rescue.

Pointedly an industry handbook on animal testing states that “uncritical reliance on the results of animal tests can

be dangerously misleading and has cost the health and lives of tens of thousands of humans.” (Handbook of Laboratory Animal Science Volume II Animal Models)

The reality is that all beneficial medicines and procedures to humans exist despite, not because of, animal experiments.

In fact, our most important medicine - penicillin - was delayed for 29 years because it was systemically ineffective in rabbits. The case was similar for everything from polio vaccine to blood transfusions.

“How fortunate we didn’t have these animal tests in the 1940s, for penicillin would probably never have been granted a license and possibly the whole field if antibiotics might never have been realised,” said the late Scottish biologist Sir Alexander Fleming.

Studies show that 46 percent of chemicals found to be carcinogenic in rats were not carcinogenic in mice. (Drug Metab Rev 15). It is not surprising then that warnings were kept off cigarette packets for 30 years by animal ‘tests’ and asbestos not recognised as a carcinogen for 70 years.

Even primates are of no value to human medical research. Eighty AIDS vaccines that were successful in monkeys did not work in humans. Drugs known to damage the human foetus are found to be safe in 70 percent of cases when tried on primates. All other species are even less accurate. (Developmental Toxicology: Mechanisms and Risk)

So why does animal testing continue and increase? “In reality these tests do not provide protection for consumers from unsafe substances but rather are used to protect

corporations from legal liability,” wrote Dr Herbert Gundersheimer in 1000 Doctors (And Many More) Against Vivisection.

It is also one way for researchers to get titles, qualifications and published studies.

Whether we like it or not people in general will always care more about themselves than they do about lab animals. Only when they realise it is harmful not helpful to humans - as well as animals - will people demand it ends.

The truth is on our side and we only need to tell it to end what Gandhi called “the blackest of all of the black crimes” ever committed.

Learn more about the harms of vivisection at www.safermedicines.org, www.animalexperiments.info or www.mrmcmed.org

Animal testing as unreliable as it is cruel Basing human medicine on other species would be comical if the reality was not so horrible... for both animals and humans. Douglas Leith reports.

VOICES November 20137

Vegetarians offered cheaper life insuranceIt has long been considered that people who choose to follow a vegetarian diet are healthier and have less impact on the environment than the rest of the population.

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that vegetarians as a whole (including vegans, pesco-vegetarians and lacto-ovo-vegetarians) have a lower risk of heart disease, hypertension, many cancers, obesity, strokes, osteoporosis, diabetes, kidney disease, and many other diseases and conditions.

According to the UK’s Vegetarian Society, the risk of some cancers is reduced by up to 40 percent with a vegetarian diet and the incidence of heart disease may be reduced by 30 percent. The chance of developing kidney and gall stones is also reduced, and the threat of Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure is minimised.

Make A Difference insurance believes that vegetarians and vegans should be rewarded for choosing a healthier lifestyle with access to lower insurance premiums.

For details, please visit www.madinsurance.com.au

VOICES November 2013 8

By Meghan Street

The bounty of nature provides us with all we need to achieve amazingly soft skin, shiny strong hair and

stunning natural good looks.

Sadly, somewhere along the way from Cleopatra to the present, we seem to have lost much of the valuable knowledge collected throughout the ages on effective beauty treatments using natural products. As health conscious people we need to regain control of our beauty, rediscover these methods and broadcast them loudly to the world!

There are certain powerful natural substances discovered in ages past, the knowledge of these having been lovingly handed down through the generations, which form the basis of a good beauty care regime. One of these agents is the versatile and deeply healing virgin coconut oil.

People from the Asia and pacific region have long used the health giving oil extracted from the coconut as a body, face and hair treatment, both internally and externally.

Coconut oil works to benefit our beauty on a number of fronts, being mildly and gently antiseptic it can aid in the elimination of acne, its cleansing properties lift and remove dirt and pollutants from clogged pores and the many nutrients it contains aid in the healing, repairing and moisturising of our skin.

Using natural ingredients also aids in our health and beauty by removing exposure to harsh synthetic chemicals often

found in modern products. We’ve evolved for millions of years alongside natural substances, but in our entire evolutionary history, our physiology has never encountered man-made chemicals. It makes a lot of sense to stick with what we know is effective without harming our bodies.

Try this amazing cleansing and moisturising method using cold pressed coconut oil (available in health food and specialty shops). You will most likely be so astounded by the results you’ll incorporate it into your twice weekly skin regime.

Take a heaped teaspoon of coconut oil (if liquid, two teaspoons) and gently rub it all over the face in circular motions for a couple of minutes.

Wet a facecloth with hot water, partially squeeze the water out and lay it over the face for about 30 seconds to steam the oil.

Gently wipe the excess oil off with the facecloth. Rinse the cloth again with hot water and repeat the process.

Pat your face dry with a clean towel. You will immediately notice how clean and soft your skin has become. This method will assist with the management of acne, help to soften and moisturise the skin and decrease the appearance of fine lines. And all naturally!

Hint! A half a teaspoon of coconut oil taken internally each day will also help with skin health and suppleness and give your hair some extra shine and bounce.

Breed Specific Legislation about to be repealed?

A domestic animal management expert from Canada, Bill Bruce, has recently been touring Australia to expound the

benefits of the ‘Calgary model’.

This is an approach to managing dogs and cats that focuses on Responsible Pet Ownership, rather than the punitive Breed Specific Legislation currently in force in Victoria.

The Calgary model has seen a number of jurisdictions:

• Lower the amount of dog bite incidents, hence improving public safety;

• Lower the overall cost to the community of domestic animal management; and

• Lower the number of animals euthanised due to being unwanted or abandoned.

Calgary are also a true no-kill community, making it the first major city in Canada to officially go no-kill in every animal shelter, public and private.

“No animal will be killed unless it’s in the best interest of the Animal “ said Bill Bruce.

With this expert blasting common sense around the airwaves

and in backroom meetings with politicians of all stripes, are we going to see a rush to make the changes that would gain credit with Victorian citizens?

Bruce Poon of the Animal Justice Party says “Breed Specific Legislation has had its day, and proved totally ineffective in ensuring public safety. The overwhelming number of dog-bite incidents are not related to the so-called ‘prescribed breeds’, and so any strategy that focuses on them is logically flawed. Discrimination against some family pets on the basis of their birth circumstance, and not in any way related to their behaviour, is outrageously unfair.”

“The Animal Justice Party will campaign hard to repeal BSL and introduce common-sense, humane practices for companion animals, such as the Calgary Model,” he said.

Mr Poon added that the Government of the day ignores community outrage about state sponsored killing of innocent family pets at their own political peril.

More information on the Calgary approach is available at www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/home.aspx

Coconut oil for beauty

VOICES November 20139

Australian artist Anne Zahalka has contributed to the World Society for the Protection of Animals’ (WSPA) campaign against live export with a thought-provoking new artwork.

Public opinion and support continues to gain momentum for a transition away from the live export trade. Over

200,000 supporters have taken action for WSPA’s Live Export Campaign, calling for a move to the alternatives to live export.

Zahalka artwork (pictured) shows the stark contrast between society’s connection with its animals and the inherently cruel fate we subject our farm animals to in the form of live export.

Zahalka is well-renowned in the field of photomedia, with her art collected by all major museums in Australia.

Speaking about the artwork Zahalka said she didn’t want to depict the actual cruelty and inhumane treatment of animals in the trade but rather to represent the idea of the journey and the place from which the animals have been taken.”

“By combining a romantic painting of the Australian landscape with a pastoral scene of contented cows and sheep, and using the graphic design of old travel posters, I hope to raise questions and make people think about the animals plight in the live export trade.”

WSPA Australia’s Head of Campaigns, Jodie Jankevics said Zahalka’s work challenges Australians to look at live export from a new angle.

The project is being supported by Avant Card, which distributed 80,000 postcards of the work across the country.

To learn more about the campaign visit www.wspaliveexport.org.au

Original artwork fuel for thought on live export

Animal Liberation Victoria exposes free range fraudFree Range Fraud is a campaign by Animal Liberation Victoria (ALV) to expose the reality of free range farming.

Free range animal ‘products’ have been gaining popularity as the public become more aware of conditions inside what are typically understood as ‘factory farms’.

However, the public have little knowledge of what is behind the free range label they are purchasing, and the industry has done a good job of feeding the public lies that these are ‘humane choices’.

ALV’s Free Range Fraud investigation reveals the truth behind free range pig farming. Its 14 month investigation has revealed shocking conditions at every facility investigated as well as what really goes on behind the label of the RSPCA Paw of Approval.

Take action!

1. Sign ALV’s online petition

2. Share the Free Range Fraud video

3. Live cruelty free

Details: www.freerangefraud.com

VOICES November 2013 10

Lasagne cupsEQUIPMENT

large muffin tin

saucepan

roasting pan (if making roast vegetables)

INGREDIENTS

For the Tomato Sauce

900g tinned tomatoes

2 onions

3 cloves of garlic (or to taste, I like garlic and onion)

1 carrot

1 zucchini

1 capsicum (or any other vegies in the fridge)

small tin of tomato paste

italian herbs (to taste)

pepper (to taste)

salt (to taste)

mock meat, fried or roasted (to your preference) and/or tofu (fried and smoked taste best)

oil (for frying)

extra water, boiled

optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

For the Vegetable Layers

any roast vegies (I like pumpkin, capsicum, eggplant, potato), cut into 5mm slices

vegan cheese for the top

DIRECTIONS

Making the Tomato Sauce

• Making your own sauce is a great way to add ‘hidden’ vegetables to your meal, especially if you have fussy kids (or grown-ups!)

• Sauté the onion. Add the crushed garlic, salt, pepper and italian herbs (if using dried herbs)

• Add the tomato paste, tinned tomatoes and some water or vegetable stock, stir

• Add vegies and mock meat (balsamic vinegar and italian herbs if using fresh), cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally as needed. Sauce is ready when tomatoes have broken down and the bitterness is gone

• Transfer to a jug for easy pouring

Compiling the Lasagna

• Preheat oven to 200°C

• Oil the tray, add a layer of tomato sauce

• Add a layer of pasta

• Add tomato sauce, and one of the roast vegies

• Add a layer of cheese

• Repeat until you’ve run out of everything but sauce

• For the top layer, don’t put any vegies in. Add vegan cheese and cook for 30 - 40 minutes

• Serve with a green garden salad

• Enjoy!

This is a recipe to simplify lasagne. Many people insist on certain ingredients, certain processes, and yes it may change the taste, but it will always taste delicious! You can make your own pasta, your own sauce, your own mock-meat, or you could buy them all. It’s up to you!

Rory’s recipes

For those that are not aware, we have a monthly dinner at a vegetarian restaurant. The dinners, like the monthly social events, are open to all vegetarians, vegans and others and their friends, affirming our nature as an inclusive organisation. So don’t worry if you don’t know anyone, bring a friend or two and, meet some crew.

August embraced Shakahari Too (not two) in South Melbourne. Continuing the tradition established by the original in Carlton 40 years ago, it is pretty simple to write about this place and it

goes something like this... Food 10/10, Service 10/10, Decor 10/10, Value for money 10/10, Creativity 10/10.

September saw us head on down to Fina Vegetarian Restaurant in Richmond where Stephen the host treated us to a free dessert, in keeping with the “we are special” theme. Fina are more Vietnamese-Asian style in their cuisine and the pricing is as reasonable as it gets anywhere. The portions are ample, the variety extensive and the quality superb.

October saw us at Mamma Roots in Northcote where our host Ram put on an awesome set menu.

The November dinner is at Gong de Lin, ust keep an eye on the website and Facebook for further news.

As a footnote, because Facebook can be an unrealiable indication of numbers, we request all RSVPs by email only to social.dinners@vegetarian victoria.org.au.

See you, Jason :)

VegVic social dinners report

VOICES November 201311

Welcome back to Lifestyles!

This issue saw me in Auckland again for work and dining nightly at The Loving Hut in the CBD.

There are over a hundred Loving Huts worldwide now, spreading vegan delicacies and messages. Speaking of The Loving Hut, our Richmond branch on Victoria Street has installed unlimited download internet for guests and I have been asked to extend an invitation to all to drop in a feel free to use it.

Whilst in NZ, I noticed a very active vegetarian and vegan community. They host World Vegan Days in a number of cities and produce a quarterly journal.

At Veg Vic, we are looking to broaden our horizon and liaise with them. On that note, it was raised at the recent AGM that we set up satellite branches at our major regional centres. The idea is that perhaps they meet quarterly to begin with, and we keep them posted

with our activities and they contribute ideas to us and ultimately we truly put the” Victoria” in Veg Vic.

Bendigo will be the first Vegetarian Victoria regional center, with Zerin Knight heading that division. So if you are in a regional centre and would like to help get this up and running in your community, please email or call 0430 201 167.

Once again, any submissions to this section are welcomed. Tell us about where you have been and your experience as a vegetarian, vegan and or pet owner or anything else you think we all need to hear. All submissions to jasoncars@hotmail.com with the title “lifestyles.”

Jason Carstens – Committee Member, Social and Dinner Events Coordinators

Lifestyles

Laurie, a 17 year old high school senior currently living in New York, is part of a study abroad program called Youth for Understanding AU. The program places students with host families in Australia for a 5 month semester (the end of January - June 2014), during which the students attend a public school near the host family.

Unfortunately, Youth For Understanding AU could not find a host family that would accept Laurie’s vegan diet.

She said “Learning about Australian culture firsthand is such an exciting opportunity. I so look forward to and appreciate anyone who is in interested in hosting me. I am a sociable person and feel comfortable meeting new people.”

“For the past five summers, I’ve attended and worked at a sleepaway camp called French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts. I enjoy reading, exploring new places,

designing clothes, and spending time with friends. I love music, yoga, skateboarding, going to museums and knitting. I enjoy helping in the kitchen. I have always been interested in learning about other cultures and thrilled by the adventure of travel. I know it would be a wonderful experience to actually live in another country. Thank you very much for your consideration.” If you can help, please email Laurie at actionnow@optonline.net.

Wanted: Melb vegan host family for exchange student

World Vegan Day

10am-5pm Sunday 10 November Melbourne Showgrounds, Expo Hall Epsom Road, Flemington

World Vegan Day Melbourne is a community festival promoting a healthy and compassionate lifestyle. This year, the event is being held at the Melbourne Showgrounds. By far, the most exciting venue yet!

Come and enjoy the best vegan food and shopping in Melbourne, the most informative talks and information, and of course our famous cooking demonstrations and speed dating! See more on pages 4-5.

Details: www.wvd.org.au

Melbourne Pig Save

12pm Saturday 16 November Bourke Street Mall, near corner of Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

Melbourne Pig Save’s monthly rally aims to inform the community of the plight of pigs in our food production system.

Posters, flyers and petitions will be supplied, as well as information on the cruel practices involved in supplying pork, ham and bacon products through factory (or industrial) farming, involving legalised animal cruelty as standard practice.

Details: www.melbournepigsave.org

Social Change: Intersectionality or bust!

7pm Tuesday 19 November British Crown Hotel 14 Smith Street, Collingwood

Come along to this panel discussion about how to build solidarity between grassroots social movements.

The aim of this event is to build bridges between social movements, provide a safe space where these ideas can be debated and hopefully build a more inclusive activist community.

The panel includes Clementine Ford, Daniel Scoullar and Jessica Ison.

Details: http://on.fb.me/1bOr60W

ALV 35 Year Anniversary Celebration

7pm Friday 22 November Elwood Sailing Club Ormond Esplanade, Elwood

Animal Liberation Victoria turns 35 this year and would love you to join them for a cocktail party. Tickets must be pre-booked!

Details: www.alv.org.au

The Vegan Catch Up

12pm onwards Saturday 23 November Bear Cafe 439 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

This one-off catchup is open to vegans/almost vegans who don’t know many other vegans as yet. Come along and meet like-minded people who are all looking to get more involved in the vegan community.

The all-vegan Bear Cafe does an awesome brunch, great coffee, smoothies, toasties and sweet treats. And at a great price. Details: www.facebook.com/TheVeganCatchup

Events

VegVic social events reportBy Jason Carstens

August saw the third Singles Mingles night at Kindness House. About seventy fun lovers enjoyed a night of frivolity and feasting with most bringing a Vegan plate to share. The event was used as a fundraiser for a reprint of our free education booklet “Eating Up The World” and $500 was raised.

A big thanks goes to Thandi for all of her decorations such as the Tin Man (don’t think he had lipstick in the movie), and her yellow brick road. Some of the games she also organised included musical chairs and apple bobbing and Rory’s Hug Booth was resurrected.

Thanks to all the volunteers and fellow organisers that ensured the night was a success and of course a big thanks to Phillip Wollen for making his space available. Stay tuned for the next installment in February for Valentine’s Day, as it’s bound to be as amazing as its predecessors.

October was our concert at the Vegan Pub “Whole Lotta Love”. Local Led Zeppelin cover band Shed Zeppelin performed their acoustic set on the night, along with a performance from yours truly. Funds raised went to the printing of more EUTW booklets.

For future event details, please visit www.vegetarianvictoria.org.au

VOICES November 2013 12

Thank you to our many volunteers, including (pictured) Bassam and Thandi