Contact: Frances Ward, volunteering for The Salvation Army – 0413 789 335
or frances.ward@solidink.com.au
NEWS ALERT
9 April 2010
Salvation Army calls Melbourne town meeting
The Lord Mayor, Michael Carr-Gregg and other
speakers to address city’s growing street violence
and binge drinking culture
Date:
13 April 2010
Time:
12:30 – 1:30pm
Location:
Main stage, Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne
Background:
The Salvation Army has called a town square meeting to address Melbourne’s
binge drinking, knife and street violence culture. To combat the issue, strong
emphasis has been placed on increasing police power and strengthening
court sentencing but maybe our questions should focus on why this culture
has emerged. Have community values shifted? Does Melbourne need to
develop its own set of values to live by? How can everyone play a role in
creating positive change?
Tuesday’s discussion will involve a range of speakers including Lord Mayor
Robert Doyle and renowned psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg. Nick McCallum
(Channel 7 news) will host the discussion.
Each guest speaker will offer his/her insights and opinion on the issue,
followed by a panel discussion which will actively involve the general public.
This is the first of the Salvos’ ‘Connecting Melbourne’ events. ‘Connecting
Melbourne’ is a monthly open discussion forum which aims to connect people
from a broad cross section of the community to stimulate public involvement
and discussion about current social issues. Most importantly, it aims to
connect Melbourne’s disadvantaged community with people of influence.
Visual opportunities:
A gathering of influential speakers at Federation Square’s main stage
Guest speakers engaging with the general public, including communities
that the Salvos are actively working with
Interview opportunities:
Major Brendan Nottle, The Salvation Army – with many years of
experience working on the streets of Melbourne helping disadvantaged
communities, Brendan can talk first hand about the increasing violence
and how he thinks the community can help create positive change
Guest speakers – each of the guest speakers would be happy to provide
their opinion on the issues raised and why they wanted to support the
‘Connecting Melbourne’ event.
NEWS 
