News in brief
Poets, police and prisoners
Groundbreaking poetry workshops operating in NSW prisons will be on show to the general public this weekend. Unlocked: Police, Poetry and Prisoners, a free Sydney Writers Festival event, will showcase workshops currently offered in correctional centres by the Red Room Company. “It began as a creative literacy program, run with Corrective Services NSW, and we’ve seen remarkable outcomes, not just with improved literacy, but with [prisoners’] self-confidence,” said Red Room Company General Manager Olivia Wright. The event will be held from 3-4pm Sunday at Philharmonia Studio, Pier 4/5, Walsh Bay. The 2013 Sydney Writers Festival runs until May 26. Visit www.swf.org for details.
Australian Independents gather steam
Burgeoning new political party, the Australian Independents, has lodged its registration with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) and announced several new candidates. Australian Independents Leader Dr Patricia Peterson confirmed that her party had met the deadline to register with the AEC ahead of the September 14 Federal Election. “We have well over 500 members, three constitutional lawyers and the AEC itself has approved the name, the Australian Independents, and we have submitted all required documentation to the AEC,” said Dr Petersen. Last week, the party announced candidates for the electorates of Berowra, Greenway, Newcastle and Robertson, with more to follow.
Telstra issues hoax call warning
Telstra has urged customers to be cautious when receiving calls from telemarketers claiming to be affiliated with the company. Telstra Country Wide Area General Manager for Sydney CBD, Pamela Georgiou, said her office had received numerous reports about calls that seemed misleading or suspicious. “Customers have received calls from people claiming to be Telstra staff, asking for their phone number and personal details. These hoax callers do not use our standard security procedures and rush into requests for banking and email information,” said Ms Georgiou. Suspicious calls can be reported to Telstra on 1800 260 270.
