Media Release

Australia's biggest community sector event, the Communities in Control Conference 2008 is now in its sixth year. This year the conference will focus on how people can bring about global change just by working in their own local communities.

The conference brings together 1500 representatives from Australia's NFP and community sector along with government and business. The Australian community sector is made up of 700,000 community groups in sport, education, indigenous affairs, social welfare, environment and health care.

Speakers for the sell out conference include 2007 Australian of the Year and author of "The Weathermakers" Tim Flannery, scientist, environmentalist and adventurer to discuss the global impact that local action can have and how to maximize the effect of your own community efforts.

Also heading the bill are: executive deputy secretary general of Amnesty International and renowned Australian feminist Kate Gilmore on local leadership, Professor Fran Baum of head of the Department of Public Health at Flinders University on how to make globalism work for you and National Indigenous TV CEO Pat Turner AM on how we can promote social equality in Australia by working to improve indigenous livelihoods.

"It's one thing to consult communities and ask what they want," says Rhonda Galbally, AO chief executive of Our Community, "It's another thing to show them how they can use their power to push their message to the next level."

A highlight of the Communities in Control conference is the annual Great Debate chaired by former Victorian premier Joan Kirner addressing the statement: "In the face of global threats, local action is a waste of time." Key debaters include Debbie Kilroy OAM, director of Sisters Inside and Jenny McGregor, chief executive of Asialink.

Once again Australia's Community Idol competition will pit three community groups against each other in front of the live audience to win the honour of being named the country's best community group and take home thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. Finalists, selected from 500 nominations, include a regional cinema in South Australia's Clare Valley that provides programs for aged and disabled people; a Sydney based mental health body entirely run by people who have recovered from mental illness and RSPCA ACT which is running programs for victims of domestic abuse and establishing early intervention programs for young people at risk of developing violent tendencies. This year's Idol is hosted by Chaser comedian Julian Morrow.

CONFERENCE: Communities in Control 2008: The Community Challenge. Challenging the Power of One.
VENUE: Moonee Valley Racing Club, McPherson Street, Moonee Ponds, Victoria.
WHEN: Monday and Tuesday June 16 & 17, 2007.
CONFERENCE DETAILS: www.ourcommunity.com.au/cic2008

Rhonda Galbally: (03) 9320 6809 | rhondag@ourcommunity.com.au | www.ourcommunity.com.au

Gareth Wills, Hootville Communications: (03) 9510 4894 / 0419 394 826