Community activist awards

Wednesday, October 2, 1996 - 10:00

Community activist awards

MELBOURNE — The Inaugural Community Activist Awards are being organised as a fundraiser for Access News, the alternative news segment on Channel 31 community TV.

Access News comes from a left-wing, trade union and community perspective. Since it began in 1994, its 200 programs have been kept going by a dedicated group of volunteers.

Over the past two years, Access News has documented a wide range of campaigns, such as those against nuclear testing and to save Albert Park.

Program producer Stephen Miller says that Channel 31's camera presence has restrained police from using violence on demonstrators. Access News footage of demonstrations has also been useful for protesters defending themselves against false police charges.

Access News screens at 8pm on Mondays and Fridays. The Community Activist Awards night will be held at the State Film Theatre on October 10. Check pp. 22-23 for details.

From GLW issue 249