Another busy week for Sydney Knitting Nannas with a variety of actions and events to suit the different specialties of our Nannas.
Social Media Team weekend
Nannas everywhere are ramping up our social media activities, some of us finding that keeping up with changes to the platforms and the latest crazes can drive you nuts. Sydney Nannas media team had a weekend away to talk about improving our are Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We looked at how different kinds of messages work on different platforms, and have different audiences. We knew that reels are the latest craze so we learnt how they are made, and how looking ”real” rather than staged is the key to getting a good response. So we carefully staged one together to look real! A couple of other things we learnt: make Instagram posts on your phone, rather than tear your hair out trying to make them on your computer, and also keep in mind that Facebook has changed and you need followers to comment and share rather than just like to push a post out to anyone new. That’s a hint, dear followers.
An Evening with Bob Brown – hosted by Rising Tide Newcastle
Nannas enjoyed the online event last Monday with Bob Brown on the topic “what it takes to build a national disruptive campaign that has the power to win.” Bob Brown reflected on the long campaign to stop the damming of the Franklin River in Tasmania in the early 80s, and the creativity and persistence of the four-month blockade of the river. He also talked about the other strategies the campaigners used, including lobbying the ALP shadow cabinet about supporting the campaign to help them win more mainland seats and win government in March 1983. Labor supported the campaign and it worked for both the Franklin campaign and for the ALP. Stopping the project was one of the first actions of the Bob Hawke Labor government.
Bob Brown expressed his strong support for the Rising Tide campaign to close the Newcastle coal port by 2030, and signed the pledge to help however he could.
The webinar also covered plans for the Rising Tide events from 24-26 November at Newcastle port. The Nannas at the Watch Party held in Newtown said it was good to watch with other people and have discussions later. There will be another gathering of Rising Tide supporters in Sydney in August, date and venue to be advised.
Meanwhile please check out the pledge to make a commitment to yourself and others to join a civil resistance movement in defence of our planet, a safe climate, and life as we know it. Rising Tide hopes to get 10,000 signatures.
CommBank Action
Sydney Knitting Nannas joined the continuing campaign of 350.org.au to get the Commonwealth Bank to stop funding fossil fuel projects. CommBank makes a decision in August. Lots of good energy, humour and singing with beautiful props – CommBank ‘heads’, money bags and walking gas bottles. See the Insta reel. Outside CommBank HQ in Darling Square is an ideal location for activities. Many passers-by took leaflets. Everyone was fired up by the NAB win last week when the bank said no to renewing their $1 billion loan to Whitehaven Coal.
Banner Making for Chris Bowen knit-in at Fairfield
Greenpeace has offered environmental groups a space in Rosebery to produce big banners. Last week friendly Greenpeace staff helped Sydney Nannas set up and redesign a banner using their data projector and magnetic wall. The banner is now covering Nanna Bron’s dining table for finishing, ready for the big reveal this week.
WELA event
A couple of Sydney Nannas attended the first event hosted by Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) in Sydney on Thursday 20 July. WELA trains, funds and connects women and gender diverse changemakers to better respond to Australia’s environmental and climate crises. Five women who are environmental leaders reflected on their lives and what they would say to their younger selves.
Letter to Tanya Plibersek – Time is short to save the Murray Darling Basin
Sydney Knitting Nannas writing team emailed a letter to Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek on the Murray Darling Basin with copies to the state ministers involved.