Illawarra Greens

For other enquiries, contact our Convenor:

The Illawarra Greens meet on the first Monday of every month.

About the Illawarra Greens

The Illawarra Greens is one of the largest of the NSW Greens groups. We have achieved some of the highest votes in state elections, including electing Michael Organ to federal parliament in 2002. Candidates have stood in local, state and federal elections.

The Greens are not like other major parties when it comes to policies and practice. We are a strong grassroots organization, with local autonomy and consensus decision-making. Activities range from local to global campaigns.

MEETINGS
The Illawarra Greens meet on the first Monday of the month at 7 pm in Wollongong. Currently we meet at the ACON (Aids Council of NSW) Centre, on the corner of Ellen and Kenny Sts., Wollongong. Friends of the Greens are very welcome to visit our meetings, which usually feature a guest speaker and/or discussion topic.

ELECTORATES
Illawarra Greens have enjoyed many past election successes. We are committed (where possible) to standing candidates at all levels of government: federal, state and local. Locally, we stand candidates in all wards of Wollongong City and Shellharbour Councils, from Helensburgh and Stanwell Park in the north to Kiama in the south. In 2007, we covered the four NSW electorates, Heathcote (in conjunction with the Sutherland Greens), Keira, Wollongong and Shellharbour. Federally, we stand candidates in Cunningham and Throsby electorates.

FRIENDS OF THE GREENS
The Illawarra Greens believe in forging good relationships. We are broadening and strengthening our association with environmental organizations, community groups and the university Greens. We aim to form friendships in all spheres, including in the business, religious and arts communities, as well as in areas of environmental protection and social justice.

WHAT INSPIRES US
Some key issues upon which our members take an active stand include:

• working to slow, and prevent, climate change
• developing sustainable, renewable energy sources and reducing energy consumption
• working to conserve water, protect natural water resources and provide adequate and appropriate household and industrial water sources
• working alongside the Aboriginal community, and other community groups, to protect Sandon Point from cultural genocide and wholesale destruction through housing development
• protecting the unique Illawarra Escarpment from inappropriate development
• defence of the public sector, protecting and promoting public education, including University education, rebuilding appropriate support for our public health system, and saving our public assets, especially our public lands from being sold for private profit
• opposing corporate globalisation, and the defending the rights of working people by finding sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions to promote jobs and local development, particularly in eco-tourism