On Saturday, I was sitting in a suburban train travelling from Spencer St Station, Melbourne to Upper Fern Tree Gully. While taking in the 'sights' I noticed a young man sitting in front of me looking at the walls covered with graffiti. He made the comment, "And the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls." These words are of course from the old Simon & Garfunkle song 'Sounds of Silence' - the point being that graffitti is the art form of a silenced people.

All of this brings me to a radio interview I did for 4TO last week where Dave Harrison quizzed me about the graffiti, 'Townsville: Terrific or Toxic', which was the topic of public discussion and featured on the local news. While not involved with this action, I certainly endorse those sentiments and the people who created them. Why?

Well, it seems to me that it's all right for people to scribble anything about the Cowboys everywhere and that is considered ok and it is. However, when people talk about an issue that will affect people for generations to come, then it is not ok for free speech to be exercised. It is a sign of the times that people who were outraged at this action, probably thought it was ok to protest against the war in Vietnam and are supporters of the union movement, which as we know was originally outlawed for similar illegal actions. I believe this graffiti captured the ethos of the protest against the alumina refinery and as such represents the silenced voices of those who would resist having our future health and well being determined in the board rooms of big business.

Dedicated to breaking that silence, the Alumina Refinery Forum this Saturday at the Wulguru Community Centre (1.30pm), will feature a range of speakers including: Kirsty Ruddock from the Environmental Defenders Office (Cairns) on the EPA ; Rosemary Menkens (National Party MP for Burdekin); Steve McGuire (Clean Air for Kids); James McLellan (North Queensland Conservation Council); John Boucher (T'ville Greens).

And of course, myself. The forum will be conducted by an independent chairperson, Bill Pierce. Letters of invitation have been sent to Townsville Mayor Tony Mooney, Cr Les Walker, Lindy Nelson Carr MP, Mike Reynolds MP and Townsville Enterprise CEO, Glenys Schuntner.

So come along and let your voice be heard.

Jenny Stirling
Co-convenor, Townsville Greens

For readers who were unable to open the link to the ABC Four Corners program on the effects of a West Australian Alumina refinery, "Something in the air" (click here) Ed.