Hello everyone,

We’re getting prepared for a judgement although we still have no whisper of when. We are still in need of financial help if you can manage a wee bit (or more).

In this update:

1. How you can help
   
a) sign onto the Get-up campaign
b) paint a house banner/placard
c) buy our wines
d) join EEG if you’re not already a member
e) donate before the end of the financial year
f) Ritchies supermarkets


2. Age article on VicForests illegally destroying old growth
   in the Central Highlands.

1a) GET-UP goes in to bat for forests –

While the media is focused on the political machinations in Canberra, there is a truly transformative moment opening up in the 30 year struggle to protect Australia's native forests.
Would you like to be a part of it? www.getup.org.au/campaign/ForestryPrinciples
In an amazing development, the Board of Gunns Ltd no longer includes Robin Gray and John Gay, two of the biggest enemies of forestry industry reform and two of the fiercest champions of the Gunns pulp mill.
The forestry industry - in Tasmania and elsewhere - are finally recognising that their destructive practices can't continue forever. They're ready to sit down with the conservation movement, including our friends at The Wilderness Society and Environment Tasmania, to talk about transitioning to a more sustainable future.
But there are still those in industry and government resisting reform, which is why we need a show of strength to support our partners in these once in a generation talks. We need to build a mass movement -- imagine 50,000 Australians behind a set of Forestry Principles to guide the industry, retailers and all levels of government to a sustainable future:
Show your support here:www.getup.org.au/campaign/ForestryPrinciples
The Forestry Principles call for a swift transition away from the industrial logging of our precious native forests and for the establishment of 'protected areas' for all of our high conservation value native forests.
The forestry industry will be walking into these talks with their corporate wealth and power. But imagine our negotiating partners walking in with 50,000 Australians right at their backs, along with the support of a united environment movement. After decades of conflict, you can help seal the deal on reform, just by adding your name.
www.getup.org.au/campaign/ForestryPrinciples
9 out of 10 Australians are in favour of protecting the high conservation value native forests of Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria (1). And according to our regular surveys, native forest protection is one of of the most important issues to GetUp members. But nothing will change unless we stand up and be counted.
These negotiations between industry and conservation groups are an extraordinary development. We have been fighting for this chance for too long--don't let it pass us by.

Thanks for standing up for our forests,
The GetUp Team

PS - Ready for more action to protect native forests? It's coming, but it can't happen without a strong movement united behind the Forestry Principles--sign up here. And don't forget to tell your friends--just send them this email and tell them to take just one moment to protect an Australian legacy for generations to come.

(1) Galaxy Omnibus Poll of 1,100 respondent aged 16 years and older, conducted 28-30 May 2010.

1b) House banners -

We’re wanting to get a message out across the suburbs that forests are a big issue with voters. If we could see banners or placards springing up across streets and roads – especially the busier ones – it would send a fantastic message to pollies and the voters. These ads would be worth thousands normally. Here’s one example ...

1c) Good quality wines on offer
http://www.goodwillwine.com.au/charities/environment-east-gippsland-inc
Your purchase makes a difference with 50% of Goodwill Wine's profit from every bottle going to Environment East Gippsland Inc.

1d) Join EEG
If you’re not already a member and receive the Potoroo Review – chock full of news on forests, the environment and politics. $15 - $20 a year or $30 a household.
You can join/renew on line or post a cheque to EEG, Locked Bag 3, ORBOST 3888. The Winter/Spring issue is being worked on now.

1e) Make a tax-deductible donation
...to EEG before Thursday and we’ll send you a tax receipt for claiming on this year’s tax. What better cause to pass on your spare dollars to – climate moderating, water purifying, wildlife protecting, soil holding, cloud making forests.

1f) Help Environment East Gippsland by shopping at any Ritchies Supermarket!
If you have a Ritchies supermarket near you, you can ask that part of the money you spend there goes to EEG. Simply enter EEG on Ritchies Community Benefit Card Application form at any Ritchies supermarket or Liquor store.
CB number: 94446.
Then your Community Benefit Card will be issued to you in the store and can be used, immediately! You can have a key tag or a Plastic Card or both. Your card will be scanned at the register, which will automatically allocate a percentage of the money you spend to EEG.
For the location of your nearest Ritchies Supermarket or Liquor store
Phone Ritchies Head Office on (03) 9784 2000 or check www.ritchies.com.au

2) The Age newspaper article

Todays’s Age (June 29th) has run a story on the logging of old growth forests in the Central Highlands. Under the management plan, this is illegal. Please read the story here or see below.
click on the link if you can – it lets them know people are interested in forest stories.
Please write letters (under 250 words) or short Access pieces(under 50 words) to letters@theage.com.au including your name, address and phone number.

VicForests accused of felling old-growth mountain ash
ADAM MORTON
June 29, 2010

Sarah Rees at the base of an ancient mountain ash spared the chainsaw
but killed during a clean-up fire near Toolangi.
She says the present situation is an emergency. Photo: John Woudstra

Jill Redwood
Coordinator
Environment East Gippsland Inc

FORESTS - our breathing space!