ASEN Victoria Training Camp

Victoria ASEN is organising a training camp to kick start 2024 - a red hot activist skill-share and political education camp with a series of workshops and activities. We'll share knowledge and skills, build important connections, get our hands dirty with some art projects AND kick back around the fire in the evenings getting to know our fellow comrades.

It'll be hosted by Camp Eureka, a property a bit over an hour out of Naarm / so-called Melbourne, from the 14th to 17th January 2024. 

This event is open to all who want to learn, if you treat others and the space with respect. Join us in learning more about the history and future of environmental and Aboriginal rights movements, nifty new tricks-of-the-trade taught by current local and interstate anti-capitalist, anti-colonial and environmentalist campaigns, foundational organising skills and campaign strategy, and the chance to meet lotsa good like minded people! 

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Important: 

We acknowledge that Camp Eureka lies on the stolen land of the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay respect to Wurundjeri Elders, past and present, and recognise that there can be no climate justice without justice for First Nations people across the globe. Sovereignty was never ceded. 

This event will not tolerate racism, sexism, transphobia, ableism or other forms of discrimination or abuse. Camp Eureka is a dry space. Please be respectful and do not bring alcohol or other substances.

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Frequently asked questions:

• What is ASEN? What is ‘Training Camp’?

The Australian Student Environment Network is a national non-hierarchical network of grassroots activists and environment collectives who have organised for several decades against colonialism, capitalism and for environmental justice. We arose as a network out of the anti-uranium struggles of the mid 1990s. With political consciousness comes the obligation to continue these struggles, and join / start new forms of struggle for a better world.

In facilitating the building of radical networks and supporting campaigns, ASEN has traditionally held a Student of Sustainability Conference (“SoS”) and other training camps annually, alternating between states. These spaces are comprised of various workshops and activities that take place over a number of days. These events have been opportunities for people from all over the country to meet together, share knowledge and skills, build capacity and enliven the various struggles of which we are a part. 

• When and where?

Training camp will be held in January 2024 at Camp Eureka: 100 Tarrango Rd, Yarra Junction VIC 3797. Attendees are invited to arrive on the afternoon of the 14th (Sunday) to attend the entire camp. The event will officially begin on the 15th (Monday) at 9am with a welcome and plenary. Workshops and trainings will continue from then until midday Wednesday. However, you can come and go as you like.

• Tickets

Tickets for First Nations attendees are free of cost. The event is ticketed for non-Indigenous attendees to cover the cost of the camp (eg. food, facilities, supplies for camp). There is a free ticket option to be used for those who find all ticket pricing options a barrier to coming.

There is also an option to add some extra $ on top of whichever ticket type you purchase :)

• Facilities

There are two indoor areas, multiple outdoor but undercover gathering areas, hot showers, toilets (mix of composting and flush), as well as a creek nearby to swim in.

• What kind of accomodation is there?

Camping is available at Camp Eureka with multiple camping areas on the property. Tents and small camper vans are welcome.

There will also be a few beds in cabins with a bathroom, to provide more comfortable accommodation for Elders and people with accessibility needs. 

• Catering?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be prepared by volunteers and included in the cost of tickets. Please bring any additional snacks you may want. All meals will have vegan, gluten free and meat options (the latter prioritised for mob).

• Volunteering

We ask attendees to sign up for approx two volunteer shifts (mainly helping cook communal meals or clean up afterwards). Volunteering is done casually (likely whiteboard / blackboard sign up) -- if you need more information on the tasks or have any accessibility requirements please let us know.

• Public transport options

You can get to camp using public transport. From Flinders Street Station (in the cbd of Naarm / so-called Melbourne) you can get the Lilydale train line to Lilydale (approx 1hr10mins). You then board the 683 bus towards Warburton, and get off after 45 stops (approx 40mins) at Bleaches Lane & Warburton Hwy. It's then an 18 min walk to camp.

We recommend planning your public transport journey with PTV at least a week in advance in case there are planned changes to these services.

• Can you help me with transport to camp?

We can help put you in touch with people carpooling from your area and make sure you get a lift. When you register, you can say whether you’ve got a car and can offer lifts, or need help finding one.

Camp Eureka is about a 1-1.5hr drive from Naarm / so-called Melbourne. For First Nations attendees, we can fundraise to cover your costs to and from camp. Please reach out for support by emailing: victoria@asen.org.au

• I'm not that involved with activism or campaigning. Is this for me?

Yeah it is! If you care about building a decolonial, environmental and socially just world, this is for you. You don’t need to be involved in anything particular to come along, it’s a good chance to meet people, learn more and find out how to get involved. Many of us first went along to a training camp alone, as the very first “activist event”, and have ended up with a lifelong involvement in activism.

• I've been to ASEN training camps before. Will I learn different things this time?

For. sure. bucko! Each training camp offers a unique itinerary. We're gonna keep it fresh so please come along.

• Childcare

Under 18s are welcome but need a responsible adult as a guardian. Young children should be supervised (mainly by their guardian) at all times, especially near the creek. 

We're aiming to have child-friendly craft spaces and are hoping to provide some childcare services onsite to a small number of kids if needed. Many of us have working with childrens checks.

• Pets

We request dogs and other animals aren't brought unless they're support animals. We're aware some people struggle to be around dogs, and Camp Eureka's policy is to have dogs on a leash at all times (which seems unfair to the dogs themselves).

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Our contact details:

If you have any other questions, here are our contact details:

E-mail: victoria@asen.org.au | Instagram: @vicsen1312 | Facebook: https://fb.me/e/7tH6tbe27

Hope to see you there,

The VicSEN crew <3