The 40th anniversary of the Green Bans in Sydney is a timely moment to celebrate the work of these activists, Greens’ Heritage spokesperson Senator Penny Wright says.

One of the founding fathers of the Builders Labourers’ Federation, Jack Mundey, will tomorrow speak at an SA Greens’ Politics in the Pub event at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel to talk about the role of community organisations in building and fostering community spirit and what this means in a low carbon economy.

“Jack Mundey is a living example of community activism at its best,” Ms Wright said.

“Without the Builders Labourers’ Federation, many of Sydney’s most important historic landmarks like the Rocks area, Centennial Park and lovely old buildings including the State Theatre and the Pitt St Congregational Church would not exist.”

Ms Wright said she would draw inspiration from Mr Mundey’s long-sightedness in working to protect cultural heritage.

“There’s a link between those important Green Bans of the 1970s and the challenges that face us today in protecting our historic buildings and cultural heritage,” she said.

“Many significant cultural sites including Aboriginal rock art still aren’t sufficiently protected, while the impending demolition of Glenelg Cinema is a reminder that local treasures also need to be safeguarded.

“These places remind us of who we are and where we’ve come from and we need to protect them for the benefit of future generations.”

To arrange comment contact Lauren Zwaans ph: 0417 173 508

Greens Forum on the Green Economy featuring Jack Mundey

Tomorrow (Saturday 23 July), 1pm (free entry, lunch from noon)
Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, 59 Port Rd Hindmarsh

Speakers:
Jack Mundey OA – Greens bans activist speaking on the 40th anniversary of the Green Bans campaign
Mark Parnell MLC – on what a Green New Deal will look like for SA
Paul Downton - leading green architect and urban ecology expert