The Lucky Country

Tuesday 3^rd of September the George Revival Cinema in Fitzroy will run an exclusive debut screening of the documentary; The Lucky Country. The film, born out of the grass roots activism from Sole Parent social media sites and produced by Diane McAlpine, stars sole parents: Regina Brindle, Kate Borland, Vikki Plant, Kerry Arch, Barbara Williams and Diane McAlpine, and will provide an important record of the strength and resilience of single mothers.

With commentary from Eva Cox, leading feminist author and community activist; Adam Bandt, Deputy Leader of the Greens; Professor Barbara Pocock, Director of the Centre for Work + Life at the University of South Australia; Kerry Davies, Council of Single Mothers and their Children; Sue Bolton, Socialist Alliance Councilor for Moreland; and Terese Edwards, CEO, National Council of Single Mothers and their Children & Board Member of ACOSS, the film will further explore the lives and difficulties faced by Single parents struggling through the stigma of their situations as well as, social, financial and personal hardship including mental health problems and domestic violence.

After the documentary, there will be a facilitated discussion about the effects of the Parenting Payment to Newstart policy put in place by the Gillard Government, and how the changes have impacted on Welfare Agencies.

65,000 Single Parents, many already working part time, were affected when they were shifted off parenting payments and onto the Newstart Allowance in January this year. Many were left between $60 and $100 a week worse off. The maximum rate of payments for single parents dropped from $683.50 a fortnight to $573.80. This documentary will allow candidates for the federal election to share what their parties intend to do and will raise awareness about the impact of this decision.

Running from 7pm-10pm at 133-135 Fitzroy Street, The Lucky Country, premiered thanks to the generous support of the Reichstein Foundation, will captivate audiences with its strong and poignant narrative. If you are interested in attending and joining in the discussion please RSVP to dianemcapline62@gmail.com.