On 3 July 2008, the NSW Anti-Death Penalty (ADP) Network held its first major event, an inaugural public seminar at the University of Sydney Law School entitled The Death Penalty: Why Should Australians Care? The aim of the seminar was to highlight continuing issues raised by the death penalty, both for Australians and for everyone around the world.

Every year, in the lead up to NAGM, Amnesty’s younger activists come together for the Youth Summit with the aim of not only to encouraging and acknowledging youth participation in the movement, but also equipping young activists with the necessary campaigning tools to promote Amnesty’s message.

The Sydney Great Firewall Launch started with a bang when we erected a 20 metre yellow wall in Martin Place to mark the 10-day countdown to the Beijing Olympics. With blue skies and constant streams of people, the two day event could not have run more smoothly. Successful lunchtime events were held on both days, spurred on by inspiring commentary of MC Michelle Engelsman. As an Olympian speaking out about human rights, Michelle reaffirmed the positive message of the Firewall launch: to embrace the Olympics as an opportunity for China to improve its human rights record.

On 22 July, over 100 people enjoyed hearing different perspectives on law and human rights in China at a public seminar hosted by law firm Freehills.

Get your nominations in for the Branch Committee in the run-up to the Branch AGM.

Watch the LGBTQ network's Defending Love video

Manly had a year full of successful events and campaigning. It saw the beginnings of our new monthly letter writing stall, some new members and also two new convenors for the group.

Lane Cove activists joined with the Joint Action Committee for a Democratic Burma to mark Human Rights Day with moving talks, performance and burmese cuisine

The Amnesty International float organized by the LGBTQ Network for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, held on March 3, was a great success.