George Schmidt further papers relating to the Down to Earth Confest, 1976-2012

MLMSS 10035

fonds

1976-2012

9585930

0.16 metres of textual material (1 box)

Down to Earth is a non-profit cooperative society with a concern for people and the environment and which aims to foster a more fulfilling, balanced and peaceful lifestyle, in harmony with nature and fellow human beings. Down to Earth runs ConFest, an alternative bush campout festival held annually in south-east Australia. The first ConFest was held in 1976 at the Cotter River near Canberra. It was initiated and organised by the then Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Dr Jim Cairns, his private secretary Junie Morosi and David Ditchburn. It was intended to bring together the various subcultures of the alternative movement, and was billed as "An Exploration of Alternatives".
George Schmidt is a former director of Down to Earth who was involved in organising of the first ConFest.
Reference: Library correspondence file

Papers of George Schmidt relating to the Down to Earth ConFest including, correspondence, minutes of meetings, articles, reports, pamphlets, handbook, and material relating to a trademark application by George Schmitt. Includes:

Article 'Flower power loses its bloom' by George Schmidt.
Article 'The name ConFest and D 1.E.' by David Cruise.
Handwritten report re S.C A.L. group meeting 11-10-1976.
Article 'Cairns free land vision dies in Bredbo dust' by Lisa Samuels.
Article 'More feedback' - in D.T.E News of May 1990 by George Schmidt.

'Mt Oak assaults Wyuna member Jailed' article in the Canberra Times of 16 July 1986.
'Earthaven ConFest', letter to shareholders re registration of the name.
2 pamphlets promoting the Earthaven Festival 31-03-1997.
1 pamphlet promoting the Earthaven Festival at Wodonga, January 1996.
Speaker notes by George Schmidt on topic 'Alternative Lifestyles' for lectures at Hawthorn Teachers Centre (24-04-81) and Prahran Tafe (09-06-1981).

The Victorian Network 1981 Meeting report 14 June 1981.
A.I.P.O. Notification of Lodgement and Allocation of Trademark application of the name "Earthaven", 1996, applicant George Schmidt.
Material covering :
a) 'Special Meeting' called by David Cruise,
b) formation of trademark 'Earthaven'
c) proposed festival at Mallacoota 29-01-1982
d) article by David Spain on healing the differences D.T.E. versus 'Earthaven'
e) Jim Cairns' reply 'A Turning Point'
f) 4 photographs of Cotter River ConFest 1976, The Glenlyon 1982 ConFest handbook

Book of poems 'Rain Forest Musings' by Hugh Skinner
'Falling Down To Earth', book by Brian Lavery.
21 page thesis, 'Alternative Festivals and Australian Culture: ConFest' by Graham St. John.
File on D.T.E. with letters from Jim Cairns
Report on development of a structure for D.T.E. called 'Action at Lang Lang' compiled by George Schmidt.

Only surviving copy of the D.T.E. 'Office Circulation File'
Filo with 20 various items mentioned on the cover of file.

Copyright restrictions may apply:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

The contents list is adapted from an inventory compiled by George Schmidt