Against the Wind

Against the Wind is an initiative of members of Woden Valley Uniting Church in Canberra and people concerned with justice. It is endorsed by the local Church Council but acts independently.

Upcoming Events

A forum on overseas aid – Details to announced shortly

Some Previous Activities

Uniting for Peace in Palestine forum

“What more can the Uniting Church practically do to promote peace in Palestine and Israel?” This was the question asked at our highly successful forum held on the 23rd of February 2025.

The speakers were Ms Lama Qasem of the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network, Dr Sue Wareham, National President of the Medical Association for Prevention of War, and the Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia.

   

Table discussion was lively with participation of many activists from across Canberra.

In addition, around 30 people from around the country joined the forum by zoom.

Many people were surprised by how much the Uniting Church has done in this field as described in the background paper. However, it was recognized by all participants that there was more to do. There were many excellent suggestions coming out of the forum.

A document summarising all the suggestions has been prepared and is available here. It is hoped that this document will be used throughout the Uniting Church and beyond to encourage more active support for a just peace in Palestine.

Weapons and Gaza Forum

Another highly successful forum was held on the 20th of July 2024 with an involved crowd and three motivated and interesting speakers.

Mussa Hijazi, Michelle Fahy & Len Baglow

Peace or Poverty Forum

At this well attended and engaged forum speakers included:

Kristin O’Connell    Antipoverty Centre  and

Dr Sue Wareham, National President of MAPW 

Peace … For Climate Sake! Forum

Our Peace … For Climate Sake! Forum was a great success with over 50 engaged participants.

There were speeches by

Thea Ormerod, President of the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change;

Michelle Fahy, investigative researcher and journalist.

Initial objectives of Against the Wind were to advocate for:

  1. A fairer and non-exploitative Australian legislation and policy at all tiers of government.
  2. Issues that are getting little support in Government or for which there are few advocates.
  3. A fairer and kinder Australia in the world that includes but is not restricted to:
  • An end to the export of arms and defence equipment to countries engaged in human rights violations or war crimes, or wars of offence or subjugation;
  • An increase in foreign aid to 1% of GDP;
  • Less corruption and greater transparency in government;
  • An increase in humanitarian visas and more generous support of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers; and
  • An end to poverty in Australia.

Its activities for the first couple of years have included:

Organising several public seminars on issues in need of advocacy:

  • Nuclear Military Submarines (AUKUS agreement)

  • Increasing foreign aid for peace

  • Reducing poverty: increasing unemployment and student payments

  • Ending government support for the arms industry, and

  • Better support for asylum seekers and refugees.

  • Support for a just peace in Palestine

Supporting other organisations and individuals who are already advocating in these areas.

Membership

Though having its origin in the Woden Valley Uniting Church, its membership is broader than the church, with members from across the country who are passionate about at least one of Against the Wind’s objectives.

Currently Against the Wind has 70 members. We hope to increase membership. Membership is free. These are, after all, complex issues. As new members join and opportunities arise, debate on policy will be encouraged and existing objectives may be refined and new objectives embraced. Members can get as involved as much or as little as they want. Just by joining and doing nothing else, you give credibility to the organisation when it is advocating on an issue.

Initial facilitators of Against the Wind

Len Baglow: Former environmental activist and social policy advocate; hit by chronic illness but firing fiercely on three cylinders.

Joan Palmer: Bolshie Australian Scot; cook and catalyst. At our functions there will be good food and change.

Want to Join?

Simply send us an email at againstthewind.wvuc@gmail.com with your name and stating that you support at least one of Against the Wind’s objectives.

You don’t have to do anything more. Simply by adding your name you give strength to our arm and help Against the Wind gain credibility.

However, if you want to become more involved, you are also most welcome and there will be ample opportunities, especially in a new organisation just starting up.

If you have questions, you can also send us an email on againstthewind.wvuc@gmail.com .