BY NORM DIXON
Activists around Australia are preparing for big anti-war protests to coincide with the visit to Australia by US President George Bush. Bush is expected to arrive any time after October 21.
The biggest protest is likely to be in Canberra. People are planning to travel from as far away as Perth to attend. The ACT Network Opposing War has called for protesters to gather outside the US embassy at 5.30pm on the day of Bush's visit. To get involved in organising the protests, or to find out more, phone James on 0405 309 283.
In Sydney, the Stop the War Coalition is urging opponents of the US occupation of Iraq to meet at Sydney Town Hall at 5pm the day Bush arrives in Australia. The Sydney coalition is also organising buses to travel to the Canberra mobilisation. Phone 0409 762 081 or 0425 347 634 for the latest information, or visit <http://stopdubya.org>.
The Newcastle No War group has decided to postpone a demonstration planned for October 25 and encourage people to attend the Sydney protest. People from the Hunter Valley and Central Coast are being urged to catch the "Stop Bush Train" to Sydney, which leaves Newcastle station at 1.32pm, on the day Bush arrives. Phone Simon on 0405 733 768 or visit <http://www.newcastlepeace.net> for more information.
"No US base in Darwin" will be one of the rallying cries on October 25, when local peace activists will gather in Raintree Park to coincide with the international day of protest against the US occupation of Iraq. The action is being organised by the No War Committee. The committee will be organising street theatre and a campaign stall on the day Bush arrives.
Solidarity protests are also planned in other cities:
Brisbane: Meet 5pm, King George Square, the day that Bush arrives.
Melbourne: Meet 5.30pm, State Library, the day that Bush addresses federal parliament. Phone (03) 9639 8622, 0408 619 152 or 0438 869 790.
Perth: Meet 5pm, Forrest Place, the day that Bush arrives. For more information, phone (08) 9218 9608.
From Green Left Weekly, October 1, 2003.
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