BACKCHAT
news from the FABC (Vic) newsletter

FABC (Vic) WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT

At FABCās last AGM, Dr June Factor stepped down from the positions of National Spokesperson of FABC and President of FABC Vic. FABC is indebted to June for the commitment she gave in these roles, and for her strong support and contribution as an eloquent spokesperson on behalf of independent national public broadcasting. June continues to be an active member of FABC Vicās committee.

FABC is pleased to welcome our new President, Lecki Ord. As people may recall Lecki was Melbourneās first woman Lord Mayor.

WANTED: BUSES & DRIVERS

One suggestion which arose from ĪStrategies for the Futureā was the idea of FABC members travelling in buses from different states in Australia to Parliament House, Canberra. This is being considered as a longer-term activity, possibly in February next year, prior to the federal budget in which ABC funding will be set for the next triennium.

FABC would welcome hearing from people with access to a bus or mini-bus, and people licensed to drive a passenger bus. If you can help, please contact FABC committee member, Michael Kinnane, phone 5271 1222 a/h.

SPREAD THE WORD

FABC has flyers which let people know what is happening to the ABC and encourage them to join FABC.
You may like to leave some of these flyers with your local health clinic, dentist, legal practice, or anywhere people look for something to read while they wait. Many organisations and businesses willingly accept FABCās flyers in their public waiting areas. Show them the flyer when you ask. It avoids people giving a negative response, because they do not know exactly what it is they are committing themself to.
A copy of FABCās flyer is on the inside of your newsletter wrapper.

DONATE A PRIZE

FABC is seeking business people and artists who may wish to donate a prize for FABCās forthcoming trivia quiz night. If you can help, please let us know.

SERVANT OF THE NATION

If the Prime Minister is truly the servant of the nation, as he proclaimed on national television shortly before the last election, he is duty-bound to carry out the wish of the people to maintain the ABC.

Write to remind him. Request government restore the ABC to its capacity at the time his government was elected to office in 1996 with a promise to maintain the ABC, and seek his assurance that his government will not continue to undermine the ABC or interfere with its independence.

Write to The Hon. J Howard, Prime Minister, Parliament House, Canberra, 2600

MISSING MEMBERS

FABCās cash box, containing completed new membership forms, was stolen at the Australia Day activities in the city. Please contact the FABC office if you know of anyone who joined FABC on that day,

STRATEGIES FOR THE FUTURE

In Feb Ī99 Vic FABC had a highly successful get-together of active members to develop strategies for the future. Prior to breaking into workshops to develop strategies, participants were addressed by Roger Grant (ABC Manager of Corporate Relations) and Paul Chadwick (media consultant & past head of the Communications Law Centre).

FABC planned to invite all members who assist FABC. Unfortunately, notices were sent out over the Christmas holiday period when the office was closed, so we apologise to people who missed out on receiving a notice.

However, ĪStrategies for the Futureā was just the beginning of the process. There are still many opportunities to become involved.

LOCAL GROUPS - ONE WAY TO BE INVOLVED

To stop the government continuing on its present path of dismantling the ABC as an independent and comprehensive national broadcaster. FABC must be highly visible and audible. We need to campaign in the community.

Friends of the ABC has some local groups in metropolitan, regional & rural Victoria. We would like to establish more local, professional, industry and workplace groups.

Local groups conduct activities like:

• stalls - organising and staffing street and event stalls
• posters - negotiating placement of posters and notices with shop owners and service providers
• distributing material - at events attended by ABC supporters
• media - writing and phoning daily, local, state and national media
• being visible at or outside events attended by Government Ministers and politicians
• lobbying local politicians - phoning, writing and being in delegations.