News headlines //
7:15AM // Rin Mcardle is a Naarm/Melbourne-based multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer. In September, she released her new single 'Strings', which waxed lyrical on the silence of the music scene when it comes to Palestine. All proceeds from this single went to Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA) Foundation. She joined us now to chat about music, advocacy and the upcoming fundraiser gig for PARA (find out more @theoldbar on Instagram). You can find Rin’s music at rinmcardle.bandcamp.com and more information on PARA at para.org.au
7:30AM // This interview on violence against sex workers has a content warning: If you need someone to talk to, please call 1800 RESPECT at 1800 737 732, 13YARN at 13 92 76 or QLIFE at 1800 184 527. Bee and Ishtar on International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers as well as the vigil and rally taking place later today. Bee is a migrant sex worker, outreach peer support worker for women of cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds for Vixen and AMSWAG (Asian Migrant Sex Worker Advisory Group) under the Scarlet Alliance. They are also a member of Justice for Our Sisters. Ishtar is a member of the Renters and Housing Union.
7:45AM // Keryn, CEO of Queen Victoria Women's Centre (QVWC), on the celebration of the centre’s 30th anniversary and the launch of their Conservation Appeal last Thursday. Keryn reflects on the work of this space for women and gender diverse people in 2024 and beyond.
8:00AM // Jing Xuan Teo and Marina Sano, on starting the country's first bookstore specialising in books by BIPOC authors. After beginning online in 2020, Amplify recently opened their first bricks and mortar store in West Melbourne at 55 Peel Street. Amplify aims to help readers diversify their bookshelves and to tackle issues of representation in the publishing industry.
8:15AM // Yara, a Palestinian Naarm-based soul singer-songwriter and producer, on the complexities of creating art while witnessing genocide and experiencing loss and grief, as well as the importance of creating and finding community during these times. Yara released her EP, Lonely Love Affair in 2023 and it features hits such as Back of the Uber and Lonely Love Affair. Yara has also been publicly speaking out about Israel's genocidal attacks on Gaza and raising money for her family and friends in Palestine.
Songs:
Ivka, Frances, Kannagi, Phuong
