9 AUGUST 2008: Events around Australia commemorated the 63rd anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima (6 August 19450 and Nagasaki (9 August 1945).

Wednesday 6 August:

In Hobart, MAPW member Gerry McGushin led 10 students, including his son and 5 month-old granddaughter, in a “Target X” activity outside the Town Hall from 12:30 – 1:15. Many ICANi “foldouts” were given out to passers by. It was reported in the Mercury with a great photo and on the Southern Cross news that evening. After the “Target X”, the Lord Mayor introduced the silent vigil, organised by WILPFi, in memory of people who died as a result of the nuclear bombing. The "Mercury" the next day (page 35) had a good photo with a write-up that included chunks from my media release.

In Melbourne, around 40 people attended an early morning vigil outside St Paul's Cathedral, with banners and ICAN hand-outsreminding commuters passing this busy intersection of the Hiroshima bombing.

Saturday 9 August: -

A Forum, “Abolish Nuclear Weapons – is it possible?” was held in the THobart  own Hall from 3 – 5 PM. Speakers were Lisa Singh MHA (UNiAA), Dr Gerry McGushin (MAPW), Hon Duncan Kerr SC MP (ALP), Alderman Elise Archer (Liberal), Senator Christine Milne (Greens), Susan Austin (Socialist Alliance), Dr Margot Roe (WILPF) and Lord Mayor Rob Valentine (Mayors for Peace).

It was ably chaired by Deputy Lord Mayor Eva Ruzicka. Gerry emphasised the ICAN programme and the idea of a Nuclear Weapons Convention, while Rob highlighted the Hiroshima/Nagasaki Protocol to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.

The mood of the Forum speakers and audience was very positive for nuclear disarmament and eventual abolition. The Hobart City Council kindly provided the use of the Town Hall and refreshments for the audience of about 60 people. Southern Cross TV reported the Forum on the evening news.

-- Sydney and Brisbane held peace rallies last weekend. On Wednesday, early morning vigils in Melbourne and Melbourne, and a lunchtime gathering in Hobart will remember the bombings, while in Darwin, a film screening on the threatened radioactive waste dumps will remind people that health hazards of radiation remain a threat, in particular to Indigenous Australians.

A Melbourne rally, was followed by a peace concert organised by Japanese for Peace.

• Click on Photos at left, for Nagasaki and Hiroshima Day images.