Paola speaks to free Libya rally!

Watch Paola's speech to the March 5 Wollongong rally in support of the people of Libya struggling for freedom. Other speakers included Libyan students; Dr Munir Hussain, Chairman Omar Mosque; and Gordon Bradbery, independent candidate for Wollongong.

Liberals absent from community meetings

Here's an article from the weekend edition of the Illawarra Mercury, highlighting the fact that Liberal candidate for Keira, John Dorahy, has been absent from many (if not all?) candidate meetings organised by local residents.

Paola is pictured in the article (in white singlet) with Greens candidate George Takacs and ALP candidate Ryan Park. A member of Illawarra Residents for Responsible Mining (IRRM) is pistured holding a John Dorahy mask!

To read Paola's speech to the meeting organised by IRRM visit http://paolaharveyforkeira.blogspot.com/2010/03/paolas-speech-to-illawarra-residents.html

Mercury predicts 2% vote for Paola in Keira

The weekend edition of the Illawarra Mercury predicted some interesting outcomes of the NSW election, set for March 26.

In the seat of Wollongong it predicted a Noreen Hay (ALP) victory by a narrow margin - Hay 53% and Independent Gordon Bradbery 47% after preferences.

In Keira it predicted Paola Harvey would gain 2% of the vote. While still modest this would be an increase on Socialist Alliance's vote in the 2007 NSW election.

No new coal in Russell Vale!

Last night Paola spoke to a 'meet the candidates' forum organised by Illawarra Residents for Responsible Mining (IRRM), in Russell Vale.

Gujurat NRE, owner of No. 1 Colliery in Russell Vale, wants to expand the colliery's current output by 7.5 times — from 400,000 tonnes a year to 3 million tonnes. Under the plan, 176,500 truck movements will take place each year through suburban areas, IRRM says. Local residents raised concerns about a rise in noise and air pollution from mine operations and trucking.

Paola strongly backed all of the IRRM's demands and promised Socialist Alliance support for the campaign in the future. For Paola's full speech to the meeting visit: http://paolaharveyforkeira.blogspot.com/2010/03/paolas-speech-to-illawarra-residents.html

For more information on IRRM's campaign check out this article: http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/46679

Paola addresses local neighbourhood forum

On Wednesday March 2, Paola spoke to the local Neighbourhood Five forum (NF5) who, among other things, have fought to keep Glennifer Brae (pictured) in public hands.

The neighbourhood forums are vital to community participation and democracy in Wollongong, especially since the council was sacked in early 2008.

Paola lent her support the NF5's many campaigns, in particular to extend the free shuttle bus service, for fresh elections to Wollongong City Council, to defend the Illawarra escarpment and for better public transport. For Paola's brief speech visit: http://paolaharveyforkeira.blogspot.com/2010/03/paola-addresses-neighbourhood-five.html

Paola speaks to Illawarra community care forum

Check out one of Paola's contributions during discussion at the March 2 forum organised by Illawarra Community Care. Paola, who works as a carer herself, called for a boost in funding to the industry and for an end to competitive tendering. For her full speech visit: http://paolaharveyforkeira.blogspot.com/2010/03/paola-harveys-speech-to-illawarra.html

Paola calls for free public transport in Mercury

Check out this little article from yesterday's Illawarra Mercury, covering the launch of Paola's campaign at the free shuttle bus stop at the Uni of Wollongong.

According to Paola: 'Public transport in NSW has been seriously neglected, but the free shuttle in Wollongong shows the benefits of an efficient, frequent and free service. Nearly five million passengers have now used the shuttle, an astounding success. Why not learn the lesson and dramatically expand the idea to encourage more people to leave the car at home'?

Scroll down this blog for the full media statement.

The launch was also covered by local ABC, Prime TV and i98 radio.