Hi everyone, its Vanessa here! And I’ve recently joined Kate as her new co-directing buddy! While still adapting to the freezing Melbourne conditions from the tropical climate of Indonesia, I’ve been warmly welcomed by Kate (and Ange), the new management committee AND thanks to the great guys down at Human Powered Cycles, I’m back on my (now) trusty, wheeled steed, cycling the wintry streets of Melbourne and feeling the warmth flow back! Thanks Bill, Joel and Lewis! You amazing humans you! As I ride the streets and smile at my fellow Melbourne riders, bypassing traffic and happily puffing up hills, I feel the fire of possibility burn within me. I’ve only been away a year, but I’m heartened to see some positive ‘sustainable’ changes in Melbourne. With new bike lanes  being added and old bike paths being upgraded, and Bicycle Victoria hosting its second annual Bike Futures Conference http://www.bv.com.au/bike-futures/  in October this year, Melbourne continues to build itself as biking city and is making cycling safer and more accessible for more people! Yay, go Melbourne!  WOOT WOOT! Over the last couple of weeks Kate and I have been talking tours, fundraisers and workshops and we have a few exciting developments to announce...

• 2011 Tour Announcement – It’s been decided!
• TOUR COORDINATOR ADVERTISEMENT
• OTESHA PARTNERS
• MELBOURNE SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOPS - Looking for volunteer workshop presenters

2011 Tour Announcement - It's been decided!

Firstly, we have decided upon a new 2011 tour. Drum roll.... The next Otesha (Aus): Cycling for Sustainability tour is heading to... the Capital. Yep, Canberra watch out, because here we come! Armed with passion, perseverance and a whole lot of peddle power we’ll be cycling from Melbourne to Canberra from the end of April to the end of June 2011. Stopping in at various regional towns and centres along the way, we’ll be spreading the word about sustainable living through our fun and inspirational Otesha skit and workshops; so if you haven’t done a tour before maybe this is the one for you!

NEXT EVENT: The Otesha Trivia and Dinner Night - Friday September 3 To celebrate the beginning stages of a new tour (and raise some funds for insurance!), thank Ange for all her hard work and devotion to Otesha over the last 5 years and for me to meet some of you Kate and I have organised a not to be missed event. Put your thinking caps on, put your iPhones away, and choose your company wisely, because it’s time for The Otesha Trivia Night! The Otesha Trivia and Dinner Night - the deets!

Raising Funds for:      Insurance Costs for The Capital City Tour: 2011 When:             Friday 3rd September 2010 Time:              6.30pm - late Where:            Loophole Community Centre, 670 High St, Thornbury Cost:               $10 for Trivia; $10 for dinner and a drink RSVP:            Kate at kate@otesha.org.au or Vanessa at ness_j@hotmail.com Here’s your chance to see how you stack up against your fellow Oteshaites, but don’t be fooled, this won’t be any ordinary trivia night. Interactive, frivolous, but most importantly FUN, the Otesha Trivia Night will challenge your every part of your brain, and will cater to all learning styles! So grab some mates - if you want to be strategic about it we’ll be including a host of different subject areas and activities - give yourselves a name and secure a starting place. We’re looking at having 8 - 10 teams of between four and six people. There’ll be a prize for the winning team as well as a lucky door prize. We’ll have a raffle on the night for some cycling related stuff and you’ll be able to purchase some home made treats. Trivia is compulsory, dinner is optional; but once you step through the door and smell our amazing pizzas and vegetarian curry I can guarantee you’ll be watering at the mouth and wishing your stomach wasn’t full! There’ll also be yummy drinks like organic chai and also some locally brewed beer and organic wine - by donation.

If you’d like to lend a helping hand we’d love to hear from you! Amazing Ania from the last Otesha tour has already offered to help source food and cook - thanks Ania! We’ll also need people to help set up the space, help Ania with food prep, cooking and serving, and people to make some yummy treats to sell on the night. If you’re keen to do any of the above or you can think of another way to help please drop Kate or myself an email.   TOUR COORDINATOR ADVERTISEMENT Now that we have a tour confirmed we’re looking for two passionate people to take on the tour specifics as our Tour Coordinators. We’re seeking applications from people that can help us out with preparing the logistics for our Capital City Tour. For a full job description and to apply please go to the Environmental Jobs Network. www.environmentaljobs.com.au OTESHA PARTNERS Our fabulous friends down at Human Powered Cycles have continued to support Otesha throughout 2010 and are continuing take 10% off all service parts for Otesha members and supporters. I can personally recommend Bill and his crew for making sure your bike is in ship shape condition and getting you back on the road. If you’re in the market for a new bike, or you’re a brand new convert (congratulations!) they’ll help you find your perfect commuting, touring or sporting companion.  www.humanpowered.com.au MELBOURNE SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOPS - Looking for volunteer workshop presenters Thanks to all of Anna’s hard work in getting Otesha’s Melbourne Sustainability Workshops up and off the ground, we have had two bookings from secondary schools in Melbourne for workshops in August on Consumerism and Climate Change. We’re looking for volunteers to deliver future workshops to high school students. Otesha will provide full training and assistance in presenting workshops about Consumerism and Climate Change. This is a great opportunity to develop presenting skills and spread the word about living sustainability! If you or someone you know is interested in becoming part of the Otesha education team please email or call Vanessa at vanessa@otesha.org.au or on 0425 856 666.