The Equity Foundation is thrilled to invite financial Equity members to an out of the ordinary Sunday evening with performer Richard E Grant. Join Tara Morice as she hosts this performer to performer discussion and find out just what makes this most entertaining of performers tick! From 6pm sharp on Sunday, November 9 at the Wharf 2, Sydney Theatre Company, Pier 4, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay NSW. Join us for a drink before or after, as a cash bar will be available from 5.30pm. Places are limited so make sure you reserve your place by emailing Melissa McAllister 

The Media Alliance has been contacted by a number of freelance members advising they have unpaid invoices from Pol Publishing. As you are already aware, Pol Publishing has closed its doors and is no longer trading.  Though it is only early stages, it is safe to say that the prospects for having those invoices paid are fairly bleak. However, it is important that all freelancers who are owed money take all reasonable steps to recover unpaid invoices.

Join leading local and international casting experts, such as VP of Casting for CBS Paramount TV, Matt Skrobalak, at Equity’s unique and intensive casting workshop this November. Hothouse will take place over two and a half intensive days from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November at at Fox Studios, Moore Park, Sydney, supported by Screen Australia and AFTRS. The aim is to make Australian actors as competitive as possible when they audition. Keep reading for full details.

Equity has filed applications with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission this week for allowance increases to the federal awards that cover theatre, dance, ballet and opera performers.

Fairfax management announced last week it would be axing 110 to 120 positions at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, in its latest round of cost-cutting. The company also admitted it is targeting all staff, including sub editors, reporters, designers and photographers. The Alliance and the Fairfax House Committee will meet with the company again this week before stop-work meetings with all staff to discuss our response. Read more at the "Fair Go, Fairfax" website.

A number of issues were finalised during collective agreement negotiations with the Sydney Dance Company last week, including a system whereby dancers can elect to take TOIL or be paid overtime for additional hours worked, taxi allowances, per diems and accommodation standards. Issues still being negotiated include wages and superannuation increases, a long service leave sabbatical and a recording and broadcast agreement.

The Alliance has written to Home Affairs Minister Bob Debus to protest the Australian Federal Police raid on the home of Philip Dorling, the national affairs correspondent for The Canberra Times. The Alliance said the raid is an attack on press freedom, adding that it undermines the Rudd Government's election promise to enact shield laws that adequately protect journalists and their sources.

The winners of the Queensland Media Awards were announced at a gala presentation dinner over the weekend, following the Alliance’s Brisbane Future of Journalism conference. The Townsville Bulletin’s John Andersen received Queensland media’s highest honour; the Most Outstanding Contribution to Queensland Journalism Award for his “mentor qualities, commitment to the Code of Ethics and contribution not only to journalism but to his community.” The Australian’s Tony Koch was also singled out for a special mention, taking home the coveted Journalist of the Year Award. Read more.