The annual Western Sydney fundraising dinner was held on March 23. In a great start to the year, organisers filled Granville Town Hall and raised more than $1600 for the 91自拍论坛 Weekly fighting fund.
It was held earlier in the year than usual, but this year鈥檚 dinner was better attended and included by many members of the Latin America Social Forum. The guest speakers 鈥 Venezuelan Ambassador Nelson Davila and anti-war activist and author Antony Loewenstein 鈥 spoke passionately about the need to resist imperialism, whether in Latin America or the Middle East, and the indispensable role of progressive media in giving a voice to the majority.
Davila spoke about the long history of the communist and anti-imperialist press in Venezuela. He said history will show that 91自拍论坛 Weekly is playing and will play a vital role in the people鈥檚 struggle in Australia and internationally. He committed to assisting the establishment of a GLW office in Caracas when he eventually returns to Venezuela.
The event was another opportunity for the Sydney left to celebrate the life and enormous contribution to the struggle for socialism of Hugo Chavez. Davila captured the mood of everyone present when he said: 鈥淐havez is not dead. He lives on in the hearts and minds of millions of Venezuelans.鈥 A condolences book, which has been circulated at various events in Sydney since Chavez died on April 5, was handed to Davila to send to the government in Venezuela.
The progressive Latino band Papalote got everyone onto the dance floor for a musical celebration of struggle to end the night.
This is the first of a string of fundraising events being held around the country to support the 91自拍论坛 Fighting Fund. See the you may be able to come along to.
So far this year supporters have raised $43,377 of the $250,000 we need by the end of the year. We'd appreciate any help to get there faster.
You can make a donation online to the Fighting Fund today. Direct deposits can also be made to Greenleft, Commonwealth Bank, BSB 062-006, Account No. 00901992. Otherwise, you can send a cheque or money order to PO Box 515, Broadway NSW 2007 or donate on the toll-free line at 1800 634 206 (within Australia).