Stop Toxic Fire Ant Program Community Event

WHERE: Currumbin RSL, 165 Duringan St, Currumbin

WHEN: Sunday, October 20, 2024, 4pm doors - 7.30pm. Screening starts 4.30pm - 5.30pm
5.30pm - panel, Q & A and community engagement. Meals available from 5-8.30pm. Optional networking dinner and drinks afterwards.

HOW MUCH: Free entry with donations at door for raffle tickets towards pollinator charities including Save the Bees Australia and a local bat charity.

WHAT: Stop Toxic Fire Ant Program Community Event

The Pulse of Life documentary screening & expert speaker panel/ Q & A Come and see an amazing film by Currumbin film maker Lin Sutherland that shows the beauty of our ecosystems, the deep connections of life and the value of biodiversity on our planet.

Learn how important mountains and rivers are as a conduit and vital waterways to the sea to maintain the health of our planet and the connection of all ecosystems BUT… the film also shows the dark secrets of deforestation and how pesticide toxins  travel through the rivers (earth’s veins) down through the ecosystems and out into the sea, often affecting all living creatures upon its travels. We also look at the dark side of human impact that rarely gets exposed.

The film screening aired on Channel 9 and will soon be released internationally as part of Lin’s 20-episode Endangered Series. After the documentary, we will have an expert panel sharing their experiences and knowledge to address fast-growing community concerns about the fire ant eradication program.

After learning how deadly toxins can be when distributed through our ecosystems we will hear from the community whom have been effected by the fireant problem from health to loss of pets to forceful tactics to invade their homes.

Our experts so far include:

• Filmmaker/ conservationist Lin Sutherland, who has produced environmental films over 20 years for TV networks globally
• Simon Mulvany from Save the Bees Australia, who knows how damaging this is to pollinators across Australia with insights into how fiprinol and insecticides are being used against our bees.
• Peter Aubort and Currumbin Valley community leaders - Representing Currumbin Valley community effected by the fire-ant team poisons.
• Hugh Carter - Lawyer - Know your rights when they come to your home
  
• Dr Washington - Water Expert - Exposes how they dumped toxins in a creek system and found record toxicity levels.
• Jai Love - Formerly Australian Bat Clinic and bee specialist
• David Warth - Wildlife expert and Byron Bay councillor
• Cathy Osborne Burleigh resident/ Libertarian candidate for the seat of Burleigh in the Queensland Government elections on October 26
• More experts to come

MCs on the night will be Gold Coast-based media personalities: Aldwyn Altuney and Erin Connor. Aldwyn, aka Media Queen, is the founder of Animal Action Events, which has been raising awareness, appreciation and respect for animals annually on the Gold Coast since 2007. With 40 years of media experience, she is the director of AA Xpose Media. Erin is an actress, MC and TV host, who has appeared in many films including The Last Zombie, Anno 2020 and Occupation.

WHY: Because our community has become the epicentre and a testing ground for one of the largest blanket poisoning events in the world. Our community has grave concerns about the long-term effects of blanket spraying by helicopters, drones and soon coming purpose-built fire-bait distribution aircraft.

As well, officers on the ground are forcing their way on to properties against people’s will, threatening them with $15,000 fines if they decline. The program currently covers 2 major cities, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and is expanding rapidly. So know your rights.

Currumbin and surrounding communities have reported deaths and serious illnesses of their pets (including dogs and cats) as well as cows, horses, birds and bees. Many people have also reported common insecticide symptoms learn the symptoms to look for. 

The community is divided and particularly perplexed about the $10M advertising campaign and lack of research going into such a major operation. Join us as a community, get informed and empowered, and share your experiences and concerns. Most of all, bring a smile on your dial as this will be an empowering community gathering where we all rise and take action together.

As a free event, there will be donations and raffles at the door. All donations and proceeds will go to Save the Bees Australia and selected charities. Meanwhile, get a sneak peak of The Pulse of Life by checking out the trailer here. While there, subscribe to her channel as more great films are coming:

https://youtu.be/seqMVRaspfg?si=vLzKGVhOEG9LMB_9