News

Below are reports from previous events and campaigns that the Vegan Society NSW has been involved in.

In the media

THE Vegan Society of NSW has celebrated 30 years of spreading the word of compassion towards animals and educating people about veganism.

Vegans shun meat, eggs, dairy products and all other animal-derived ingredients as well as animal derived products such as leather and wool.

Cara Davis of Sylvania became a vegan after living a vegetarian lifestyle for four years.

"For me, it was about knowing that nothing I eat, wear or consume involves animal suffering," she said.

"I enjoyed being vegetarian but felt a bit hypocritical sometimes as a lot of suffering and harm takes place in the dairy industry.

"It is really easy [for people] to become disconnected from food choices today.

"They purchase milk and turn a blind eye to where it came from but if they really thought about where their food came from they would be more understanding of veganism."

The health implications of not consuming animal products also appealed.

"A lot of people think vegans have no energy or are unfit," Ms Davis said.

"I run ultra-marathons and last year did the 87-kilometre Comrades Marathon in South Africa.

"As a vegan, I can get all of the protein, vitamins and nutrients I need to be able to run for 10 hours.

"I think that's a testament to how healthy a vegan diet can be."

Ms Davis said some people were understanding of her choice but others were dismissive.

"Most people understand vegetarianism but with veganism, some people find it difficult to grasp why you wouldn't eat eggs and milk," she said.

Ms Davis joined the Vegan Society six months ago.

30 years of promoting compassion in NSW

Press release 18 November 2011 Recently the Vegan Society NSW celebrated 30 years of spreading the vegan message of animal rights, compassion, sustainability and health to Sydney and across NSW. "In the 30 years of the Vegan Society NSW, we have achieved a lot. We've held six highly successful annual Vegan Expos, held hundreds of vegan social and education events and carried out vegan outreach at festivals and stalls across the state. It's been a real pleasure to witness not just the growth of the Society over these years, but the growing acceptance of veganism by the general community," said Greg McFarlane, President of the Vegan Society NSW. The Vegan Society NSW is of interest to people who care about animal rights, human health, the environment and social justice. Veganism rejects all forms of exploitation and use of animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. As a consequence of this, vegans campaign against the use of all animal products such as meat, dairy, eggs, leather and wool. "Australians deserve to be educated about the many benefits of plant-based diets and to be supported by their governments. Until this happens, people can count on the Vegan Society NSW to provide this much-needed education and information. We welcome everyone." Since Myer Samra and Bill Westerman formed the Society in 1981, its many volunteers and committee members have continued to grow the Society to become what it is today - a community of informed and compassionate citizens determined as ever to showcase, promote and celebrate the many benefits of veganism. The strength of the Society is its membership. Thousands of people have now benefited from joining the Society. The Society provides advice and support to help with the transition to a vegan way of life. For committed vegans, the Society provides social support, activities, and opportunities to be involved in vegan outreach and campaigning. Members receive a quarterly newsletter, a free subscription to Living Vegan magazine, vegan shopping discounts as well as opportunities to participate in a variety of social outings, events and festivals. A function was held to celebrate the 30th birthday of the Vegan Society NSW at Sydney Park Pavilion on Saturday 19 November 2011.

Vegan Society NSW 30th Birthday Celebration

Peanut Butter Cupcakes by Bakingbird

7pm till late, Saturday 19 November 2011 Sydney Park Pavilion, Sydney Park Euston Road Alexandria Price: $30 ($20 concession, $40 super supporter) Get your tickets here: Awesome Vegan Party Bookings Bring a non vegan friend to win a cool prize pack for you and your friend Join us for a magical night of vegan celebrations, reflections on the past 30 years, latest news and plans for VSNSW, unique performances and entertainment, eating, drinking, merriment, networking, and much much more. We have a few surprises and fun things planned. This event is not to be missed!!! Boogie to some gypsie dub tunes with talented Trevor Brown and the ever so enchanting and quirky Kath Ellis -- a special combined group performance by Kathellism (Church of Kathellism) and the Gypsy Dub Sound System. 'Infectious'...(Jane & Olga). Experience the hypnotic emotion of performance poet Candy Royalle. Variously described as 'intensely passionate', 'unique' and 'mesmerising', Candy Royalle is 'Like a ring master of a circus...she beckons you to follow and before you know it her tales come alive, breathing fire and walking the tight rope all behind the wide eyes of the spellbound crowd.' (CJ Shaw, Shut the Folk Up). Delicious vegan canapes, treats, and drinks. And of course vegan birthday cake!! Dress code: Cocktail/Lounge suit - or whatever suits your mood :) Enquiries: For more information please phone Layla on 0449 291 988 All welcome. Book at Awesome Vegan Party Bookings - you can pay with credit card or by cash at the door. There will be a special door prize for people who bring a non vegan friend. Please spread the word to all your vegan and animal loving friends. The closest train station is St Peters. This is a wheelchair accessible venue. Please advise us if you have any special requirements or need assistance. (Tickets available at the door but prepurchase is preferred to prevent a long queue) Volunteers needed: YOU can help make this an awesome party. First of all, please invite all your friends, family and contacts, post on Facebook, Twitter, etc and pass on to mailing lists, etc. If you would like to help on the night (on the door, signage, helping guests, helping the band and MC, etc) please contact Layla on 0449 291 988.

Vegan Easy Challenge Sign Up NOW to the Vegan Easy Challenge! 1-30 November 2011 The 30 Day Vegan Easy Challenge hosted by Animal Liberation Victoria this November is a great way to help people move towards compassionate, healthy and eco-friendly living. There are fantastic prizes to be won by participants including $500 worth of vegan gifts and vouchers for the First Prize. As well as fun and informative activities for participants to enjoy including cooking demonstrations, a vegan shopping bus tour in Melbourne, a film night and even a vegan market day at the Port Phillip Eco Centre in St. Kilda, Victoria. All participants Australia-wide will receive a Welcome pack with plenty of helpful information and will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the great discounts many of our sponsors are offering for the month of November. Like the last Challenge in March, the Vegan Easy Challenge Facebook page is an excellent way to interact with the Vegan Easy team as well as other participants, and at the same time discover new original recipes, ask questions and receive great tips on everything vegan. ALV is also thrilled to release two new videos promoting the 30 Day Vegan Easy Challenge: one features November's VEC ambassador Chris DeRose and the other ALV's Vice president Noah Hannibal. If you're thinking of eating vegan now's the time to sign up and tell your friends too! Sign up today at VeganEasy.org and begin changing your life for the better.

New Australian vegan magazine As many readers of this website would know, the much loved Vegan Voice magazine has sadly ceased publication. Since that news, many in the vegan community have expressed support for a new Australian vegan magazine and some discussion was started on Facebook. The good news is that one of our members has begun planning a new vegan magazine. If you are interested in having your say and/or interested in being involved please take a couple of minutes to complete the short survey at: http://svy.mk/veganmagazine Be sure to include your contact details (email, phone, etc). The results of this survey and more ways you can help will be discussed after the AGM on Sunday 31 July

Vegan Society NSW stall at Blue Mountains Fair The Vegan Society NSW held a very successful stall at the Blue Mountains Food Co-op 30th Birthday Community Fair Day in Blackheath on Saturday 12 March 2011. Throughout the day interested people asked lots of questions about veganism, which were skillfully answered by Nicole and her partner. Nicole coordinates the Blue Mountains regional group of the Vegan Society NSW. There were other vegan stalls on the day, including the delicious Rubyfruit Vegan bakery. If you are interested in other vegan activities in Western Sydney or the Blue Mountains, please email Nicole at nicoleac1@gmail.com.

DVD Special offer A great gift for your nonvegan friends and family is a copy of A Delicate Balance DVD. This special offer from director (and Society member) Aaron Scheibner is available until the end of January 2011. DVDs are only $10 (no cost for postage). The offer is available by email to aaron@adelicatebalance.tv. A Delicate Balance debunks the myths surrounding the production and consumption of animal products and exposes the harsh realities ... Why are you three times more likely to die of colon cancer if you eat meat? How is meat production causing water shortage, starvation and poverty? Are you inflicting Type 1 diabetes on your children by feeding them milk? Why don't our medical schools teach doctors about nutrition? Can becoming a vegan really lead to worldwide social equity?

Cruelty Free Festival

10am - 7pm, Sunday 7 November 2010
Belmore Park, Hay Street, Haymarket (across the road from Central Station)
You can save animals at the Cruelty Free Living Festival!

• Tempting - Over 60 Stalls full of food, wine and cruelty-free products
• Inspiring - Cooking demonstrations and presentations
• Entertaining - 2 stages of live entertainment and face painting for the kids
• Relaxing - Free open-air yoga and meditation workshops

Centrally located Belmore Park in Haymarket will be the setting for the Festival which will feature two stages of live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, over 60 stalls laden with cruelty free products and delicious vegan food and much more. Details at http://crueltyfreefestival.org.au/

The Vegan Society NSW is holding one of our famous Tea 'n' Empathy stalls, so be sure to come and try some of our beautiful vegan pastries and a nice cuppa with soy milk. Then check out our range of books, magazines, videos and tee-shirts for sale. We look forward to seeing you there!

World Vegan Day Free Meatless BBQ

		12:00 noon, Sunday 31 October 2010 Lachlan Reserve, Centennial Park, Randwick Free (as in "the best free lunch in town") To celebrate World Vegan Day, the Vegan Society NSW is hosting a delicious vegan BBQ in Centennial Park Please join us for a delicious meat free feast of scrummy burgers, sizzling sausages, fried onions and melt in your mouth Sonoma buns. Plus all your favourite salad items and toppings: Cheezly, avocado, pineapple, beetroot, tomato, lettuce - we've got the lot! Or how about a side order of corn on the cob, coleslaw or potato salad? Plus assorted juices and a variety of naughty but nice sweet treats (including our special Karma cupcakes). Everyone's welcome and it would be lovely see you there. It's the best free lunch in town, so you'd be crazy to miss it! If you ever wondered what us vegans eat, stop by and try for yourself for free. Families welcome. This event is supported by The Cruelty Free Shop, Vegan Perfection, Bounty Burgers and Sonoma Baking Company. If you'd like to come, please email events@vegansocietynsw.com, so we can cater for the correct numbers. Directions: Lachlan Reserve is in the centre of Centennial Park, just off Parkes Drive/Dickens Drive near the Lily Pond. For a map see http://vegansocietynsw.com/vs/images/worldvegandaymap.jpg If you get lost on the day, please contact Greg on 0400 492 157. If it rains or rain is likely the picnic will move under the nearby kiosk shelter in the park.

The Internet has a huge range of excellent vegan recipe sites. We have searched the Internet and selected the best recipes sites and put links on our recipes page so that you will always have access to the most delicious vegan recipes on the net. If you find any more great sites, especially Australian, please let us know. Here are just some of the sites listed on our recipes page. VegWeb.com huge searchable vegan recipe list plus cooking tips VegCooking - by PETA lots of recipes - "always great". All Recipes: Vegan Cooking section 100s of recipes, well indexed All Recipes: Simple Vegan Cooking for college students section All Recipes: Australia and NZ Vegan section Leigh's blog author of "Vegan Indulgence" (Australia) Viva la Vegan (Australia) Vegan Dad's blog simple recipes for a vegan family

vegan, n. A planet-based diet. "There is no doubt that reducing consumption of meat, especially red meat, is one of the most effective things the individual can do to reduce their greenhouse gas pollution. Producing meat turns vegetable protein very inefficiently into animal protein, using large amounts of energy and water in the process. Secondly, meat production takes place a long way from the main population centres, so large amounts of fuel energy are needed to transport meat to urban consumers. Thirdly, meat products need to cooked to be safe to eat, generating more greenhouse gas pollution. Ruminant animals also produce large amounts of methane, a much more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, in the process of digesting grass. So overall, meat production in general and beef production in particular is a serious contribution to greenhouse gas pollution and hence global warming." - Professor Ian Lowe, President of the Australian Conservation Foundation Please see our Meat and the environment page for the latest information on the impact of meat and dairy industries on the environment and global warming.

Big win at Sweet Tomorrow Vegan Dessert Competition, Saturday 31 July 2010

Vegan Society NSW member and hardworking treasurer, Samantha Payne, put in an amazing effort with her "Vegan High Tea" to win the major prize at the recent Sweet Tomorrow Vegan Dessert Competition. The decision was unanimous - all three judges thought her masterpiece deserved high praise.
We thank all contestants who entered. All works were of a very high standard and judging was very difficult.




Samantha's winning Vegan High Tea




Not only beautiful to look at but delicious to eat.




The judges took their job very seriously




Judging required acute concentration to the job at hand




Samantha receiving her prize




The audience receive their prize - a taste of all the goodies

Vegan Society NSW at Walk Against Warming in Sydney, Sunday 15 August 2010

We all know that going vegan is the best way to help animals, but did you know it is also one of the best ways to prevent global warming? Members of the Vegan Society NSW let the world know by wearing green at this year's massive Walk Against Warming. The Vegan Society NSW had a strong presence at the walk to let the public and the Australian Government know about the impact of the meat and dairy industries on global warming and other environmental disasters.

During the walk




Preparing for the walk

Sweet Tomorrow Vegan Dessert Competition 12:30pm, Saturday 31 July 2010 Cabravale Leisure Centre, 30 Broomfield Street, Cabramatta Whether you are creative in the kitchen or just love to eat tasty treats come along and have some fun! Free entry, free dessert tasting and free entertainment. Free parking There are three categories for dessert entrants: Open category Gluten-free category 16 year old and under category Email sweettomorrowcomp@gmail.com for an entry form and some simple recipes to get you started in the kitchen.

Mission X Mega Jungle Party 7:30pm - 11:30pm, Thursday 1 July 2010 UTS Glasshouse Bar, UTS Tower Building, Broadway/Ultimo Most Likely the Best Jungle Party on the Planet on the 1st of July 2010. A 100% raw vegan event Amazing Jungle Theming - Outstanding Performers. Live Music - Two amazing Live Bands. Australian Salsa Champions. Australian Pole Dance Champion. Belly Dancing. Break Dance ...... and much more. Legendary Mission X Raffle, Awesome Prizes Free fresh and yummy Food This is without the shadow of a doubt one of the Top Events in 2010! See also the Jungle Party Facebook page and Invitation

"Metamorphosis" - Book launch and poetry reading by Butterflies Katz 3pm, Sunday 27 June 2010 Red Rattler Theatre, 6 Faversham St, Marrickville Come and meet Butterflies Katz, Vegan Voice columnist and author of Metamorphosis - Poems to Inspire Transformation and coauthor of Incredibly Delicious Recipes for a New Paradigm. This very special event is the official Australian launch of Metamorphosis. Butterflies will speak about her 31 years of being vegan, about her activism, and will then share several of her beautiful poems from Metamorphosis. There will be a short question and answer period and a chance to speak personally with Butterflies afterwards. Butterflies' books, which can be personalized for you, will be be on sale for only $13 on the day. A real bargain! Entry fee is $10 per person, which includes delicious vegan finger food and a donation to the venue. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks can be purchased from the theatre. The Vegan Society NSW looks forward to seeing you there. Please RSVP by 21 June to Andra at andra.vegansociety@yahoo.com.au or phone 9973 3732

• Lee Rhiannon MLC (The Greens and patron of the Vegan Society NSW)
• Jason Grossman (Animal Justice Party)
• Katrina Fox (freelance journalist and editor of The Scavenger online magazine)

Is it un-Australian not to throw a lamb on the barbie - thereby saving on methane production, water usage and pollution of our waterways, not to mention the health benefits and the well-being of all of our innocent animal friends? There are great alternatives for you and your friends and family to enjoy on Australia Day! Check out your local fruit shop, supermarket or the Cruelty Free Shop.

The Vegan Society NSW is among many organisations worldwide which have endorsed a letter by the Veg Climate Alliance urging delegates of the Copenhagen Climate Conference in December to support shifts to plant-based diets to avert climate catastrophe. This is in response to mounting evidence that animal agriculture is playing a major part in global warming and other environmental disasters.

The letter urges world leaders to put dietary changes onto Copenhagen Climate Conference agenda.

The letter discusses recent reports showing the major role that animal-based agriculture plays in increasing global warming, including a 2006 UN Food and Agriculture Organization report, "Livestock's Long Shadow." See our Meat and the environment page.

The letter also stresses benefits of plant-based diets in many other areas of concern to the world leaders, including health, environmental sustainability, resource conservation, reducing hunger and lessening threats from terrorism and war.

In addition, the organizers of this initiative plan to invite conference delegates to meet with supporters of this initiative to discuss dietary connections to climate change. They also plan to support groups promoting meatless days who will invite the conference delegates to take part in at least one meatless day per week during the conference.

Many of the groups and individuals supporting this initiative will also be involved in demonstrations, forums and other activities in Copenhagen promoting the messages in the letter. A special forum discussing how a shift to plant-based diets is essential to reduce global warming threats is being planned, as is a session where delegates can discuss the issues with experts on dietary connections to climate change.

Other Australian organisations endorsing the letter include Animals Australia and Vegetarian Network Victoria.

Please read the letter to the Copenhagen delegates which also includes the list of signatories.

Treasurer of the Vegan Society NSW, Doug Evans, with captain Alex and cook Laura of the Steve Irwin, after donating vegan staples and treats.

One of the ships used by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to protect whales from whaling ships in Antarctic waters was docked in Sydney in early October 2009. The crew of the ship Steve Irwin are all volunteers and rely on donations from local communities. The ship is totally vegan. The Vegan Society NSW donated a large amount of vegan food to the ship's crew, so they can continue their voyage to the Antarctic for this summer's whaling season. Many Vegan Society NSW members also donated food, money and equipment. In the week the ship was in Sydney they raised over $38,000 plus lots of vegan goodies. Our thanks to everyone who supported the ship. The sixth voyage by Sea Shepherd to defend endangered whales in the Antarctic Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary will depart from Australia on 7 December 2009. Starting in December, the Japanese whaling fleet will be targeting 935 Minke whales and another 50 fin whales, and has threatened to add humpbacks to their quota as well. Sea Shepherd intends to once again negate their illicit profits. Because of Sea Shepherd interventions, the Japanese whalers have suffered losses for three years. Sea Shepherd are making steady progress towards their objective of sinking the entire Japanese whaling fleet economically. For more information contact Vanessa Pearce at Sea Shepherd sydney@seashepherd.org or check out the Sea Shepherd website especially the news of the ship's stay in Sydney.

Centrally located Belmore Park in Haymarket will be the setting for the Festival which will feature two stages of live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, over 60 stalls laden with cruelty free products and delicious vegan food and much more. Details at http://crueltyfreefestival.org.au/

The Vegan Society NSW is holding one of our famous Tea 'n' Empathy stalls, so be sure to come and try some of our beautiful vegan pastries and a nice cuppa with soy milk. Then check out our range of books, magazines, videos and tee-shirts for sale. We look forward to seeing you there!

Volunteers needed for Tea 'n' Empathy stall
Volunteers are needed to help out at the stall on the day and to donate vegan cookies and cakes. If you would like to help out please contact us at info@vegansocietynsw.com.

Sydney VeganExpo 2009 - The Living Planet

The Cool the Planet Bite by Bite VeganExpo 2008 emphasised the effect of animal production on the environment and global warming.
Cruelty Free Festival 2008 was a great day, perfect weather, lots of people interested in learning more about veganism.
World Animal Day 2008 showcased animal welfare and brought together many animal organisations.

Vegan parents and kids picnic The first gathering of the vegan parents and kids group was held in Parramatta Park on Sunday 9 November 2008. It was a wonderful day, shared with lots of bright-eyed vegan kids and caring parents. Australian Vegan Parenting discussion group One of our members has started a discussion group for vegan parents. If you are interested in linking up with other vegan parents and children, please join at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/australianveganparenting Parents and kids picnic on TV! The picnic in Parramatta Park was recorded by Supreme Master TV and aired worldwide on 18 November 2009. You can view this excellently made 12 minute news item by going to Supreme Master TV. The name of the segment is "Blooming Veggie Babies and Their Loving Mums".

Discover Sydney walking with the Vegan Society NSW Join us for a great day out in the fresh air for some exercise, beautiful scenery and some wonderful company. All walks start at 11am and all can be accessed by public or private transport and you can choose your own finishing time. All walks will be completely finished by 4pm. For full details and how to RSVP see the Events page prior to the walk date. All are welcome! Walks planned this year are: 27 September 2008: North Head - some of the best views in Sydney. Easy. 25 October 2008: Sculpture By The Sea, Bondi. Easy with some steps. 22 November 2008: Watsons Bay, South Head. Easy with some stairs. 14 December 2008: Taronga to Balmoral. Magnificent scenery. Easy/moderate.

6:30pm sharp, Wednesday 3 December 2008 Dixson Room (note change of place and time) State Library of NSW Macquarie Street, Sydney Dr Neal Barnard is president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). An advocate of low-fat vegan diets, Dr Barnard has written over a dozen books and published research papers on nutrition and its impact on human health. He has also conducted research into alternatives to animal experimentation and has been active in the animal rights movement. If you have diabetes or are concerned about developing it, Dr Barnard's talk could change the course of your life. Although diabetes is a serious illness that all too often leads to heart problems, nerve damage, blindness, stroke, or kidney failure, it doesn't have to be that way. The new book by Dr Barnard outlines a completely new dietary approach to preventing, controlling, and even reversing diabetes. The program is based on a series of research studies Dr Barnard and his colleagues have conducted over the years, the latest funded by the US National Institutes of Health. Published in the August 2006 issue of Diabetes Care, that study found Dr Barnard's program to be three times more effective than the American Diabetes Association dietary guidelines at controlling blood sugar. Event is free with no RSVP required

Watching this film will help you make informed choices about your health and the environment around you and how to reduce your personal impact

The film is now available to watch online at www.adelicatebalance.com.au. DVDs are are also available through the website and select retailers.

Aaron Scheibner, the director and producer of A Delicate Balance, was a cover feature in Winter 2007. He is now working on part two of the docuementary series. This film will feature Venerable Tenzin Palmo, Maneka Gandhi, Jeffrey Masson Ph.D., His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin, Philip Wollen OAM, Captain Paul Watson and many others.

The film will be going on a University tour across Australia beginning in April 2009.

The tour is scheduled for Australia, BUT there has been quite a bit of interest from the US and the makers would love to take the film on tour there as well.

They need help to do this! Please generate interest and support from your university, whether in sponsorship, promotion or general assistance. If you can volunteer your time in some way please get in contact with Aaron.

For more information please visit www.adelicatebalance.com.au. You can contact the makers via the website.

Centrally located Belmore Park in Haymarket will be the setting for the Festival which will feature two stages of live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, vegan cookbook launch, over 60 stalls laden with cruelty free products and delicious vegan food and much more. Details at http://crueltyfreefestival.org.au/

The Vegan Society NSW is holding one of our famous Tea 'n' Empathy stalls, so be sure to come and try some of our beautiful vegan pastries and a nice cuppa with soy milk. Then check out our range of books, magazines, videos and tee-shirts for sale. We look forward to seeing you there!

Volunteers needed for Tea 'n' Empathy stall
Volunteers are needed to help out at the stall on the day and to donate vegan cookies and cakes. If you would like to help out please contact us at info@vegansocietynsw.com.

World Vegan Day The world has been celebrating World Vegan Day since 1994. Every year the celebrations get bigger and more numerous as many more people discover how enjoyable it is to lead a lifestyle that benefits people, animals and the environment. Celebrate World Vegan Day this year with a picnic in Centennial Park on Sunday 19 October 2008. Celebrations in other cities: Melbourne/Adelaide: http://www.worldveganday.org.au/ UK: http://www.worldveganday.org/ and http://www.worldveganday.org.uk/

Tea 'n' Empathy stalls take off!

Over the next few months, the Vegan Society NSW will be holding our famous Tea 'n' Empathy stalls, selling delicious home-baked vegan cakes and cookies with tea or coffee, at festivals and markets around Sydney. You can find us at World Animal Day. and at the Sydney Cruelty Free Living Festival. Volunteers are always needed, and now more than ever, so please contact us at info@vegansocietynsw.com if you can participate or donate vegan cakes and cookies.

"I wanted to write to say how much my partner and I enjoyed the VeganExpo on Sunday. As a vegetarian of 15 years and a vegan of 2, it was a pleasure to attend an expo that was informative, satisfying and level headed.

Listening to Darren Cordeux, Lindsay McDougall, Steve Kilbey and Brian Sherman in particular, each approaching the topic of being a vegan differently but the core view was the same - we are vegan because we chose to be and because we are not afraid to seek and speak up for the fairness for our fellow friends, the animals.

I believe even though our numbers are relatively small, together we have a voice that speaks volumes. Well done on such a successful show, already looking forward to next year."

• Why don't our medical schools teach doctors about nutrition?
• How is meat and fish production causing water shortage, starvation and poverty?
• Are you inflicting type-A diabetes on your children by feeding them milk, cheese and other dairy products?

In our increasingly busy, processed and pre-packaged society, we don't put much thought into exactly what we're eating. We're so removed from the food preparation process that we don't think about where it comes from, how it is made, how it gets to us, what it does to us and what impact it has on our planet. In fact, this information is not easy to uncover. And, as this eye-opening documentary points out, even our doctors don't know. Three years in the making, A Delicate Balance is a succinct production featuring candid, heartfelt interviews with some of the world's leading experts (including mainstream scientists, doctors, nutritionists, environmentalists and politicians). This is not a film about blame and shame. Rather, it seeks to inform and educate so that we can all make better choices. It gives you answers to the questions you never thought to ask, and sets you on the path to asking the questions the large corporations hoped you never would... Most importantly, this truly memorable film paves the way for your continued journey towards a happier healthier life. A Delicate Balance will soon be screening around Australia, as well as overseas. The highly anticipated world premiere in Sydney will be on Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April at The Chauvel Cinema, corner Oxford Street & Oatley Road, Paddington. The premiere in Byron Bay will be on Monday 14 April and Byron Cinemas, Jonson Street. For more information see the Delicate Balance website.

World Vegan Day The world has been celebrating World Vegan Day since 1994. Every year the celebrations get bigger and more numerous as many more people discover how enjoyable it is to lead a lifestyle that benefits people, animals and the environment. Celebrate World Vegan Day with a picnic in Centennial Park on Sunday 28 October 2008. Other celebrations: Melbourne: http://www.worldveganday.org.au/ UK: http://www.worldveganday.org/ and http://www.worldveganday.org.uk/

Late last year, the Vegan Society NSW enjoyed dinner at the Green Gourmet before seeing the film Who Killed the Electric Car? in Newtown. This film explores the roles of automobile makers, the oil industry and the US government in the birth and death of the electric car in the 1990s.

The Cruelty Free Living Festival on Sunday 5 November 2006 was a great success, with over 2000 people visiting the festival. The Vegan Society NSW held our famous Tea and Empathy stall selling delicious home-baked vegan cakes and cookies with tea or coffee. It was so popular we sold out of all our food. The stall was also a great opportunity to say hello to lots of like-minded people, many of whom joined up and became members of the Society. Welcome to all the new members. If you have any ideas to share or questions to ask please email info@vegansocietynsw.com. Thank you to all those who donated their mouth watering creations. Thank you also to those who helped on the stall throughout the day.

Stall outside screenings of Al Gore's documentary An Inconvenient Truth: Members of the Vegan Society NSW received a good reception from movie goers when they handed out leaflets at preview screenings of Al Gore's documentary An Inconvenient Truth in September. This film highlights the crucial issue of global warming, but it fails to mention the negative effect that the meat and dairy industries have on global warming and how a vegan diet can reduce our impact on the environment. Vegan Society NSW members were out in force, handing out leaflets and talking to people about the environment and a plant-based diet.

Sydney Vegan Expo 2006: The Expo, held in Sydney on 6 May 2006 was a fantastic success. Over 150 people attended and 25 new members joined the Vegan Society NSW. The keynote speaker, Brian Sherman gave a rundown on how he formed Voiceless and what it is doing to make a difference for animals in Australia. This was followed by the premiere of the new documentary by Aaron Scheibner An Oustanding Life. There were also lots of vegan and animal rights stalls as well as a delicious buffet lunch. Don't miss the Expo next year!

Launch of new Vegan Society NSW website. This is where you can come to get the latest vegan news from Sydney and around NSW. Whether you would like to come to one of our monthly dinners, want to know where to shop vegan, or are just looking for a restaurant review, we hope that you will find it here.

The website concentrates on vegan issues specific to Sydney and NSW. This includes events, local campaigns, local restaurant and shopping reviews, etc. It also includes special interests of members and some more general vegan news.

Contributions are very welcome. If you have a favourite vegan restaurant, would like to pubicise an event or want to review a book, we'd love to hear about it. To contribute, use the simple form at the bottom of any page. For more information read the website ideas page.