Knitting Nannas joined a feisty rally outside the Federal Court in Sydney today to express our solidarity with the Gomeroi custodians of the Pilliga forest. The Gomeroi appeal against the Native Title Tribunal’s decision to over-ride their rights in favour of the Santos Pilliga Gas Project is being heard over three days this week.
The rally brought together Gomeroi, representatives from trade unions, the Student Strike for Climate, Sydney Climate Coalition, XR and the Nannas. The speeches all stressed that there can be no climate justice without First Nations justice and that the Minns’ government can and must stop Santos destruction in the Pilliga. Nurses & Midwives Association speakers highlighted the health risks associated with gas, and the risks to the Great Artesian Basin if this huge gas project goes ahead.
Suellyn Tighe sent this message to the rally:
Yaama from Gamilaraay country. My words have travelled across many 1st Nations to reach you today. I pay my respect to each Nation and the lands on which you gather today.
Thank you for the strength and support throughout this battle to save The Pilliga Forest. Our struggle has not yet ended. We face greedy multinational fossil fuel companies and State and Federal Governments who continue to speak with lies on their tongues.
Today, is the 86,035th day since the landing of the 1st Fleet. Each of those days has seen our trees cut down, country dug up and eco systems decimated. All for the pursuit of greed.
We have had enough of the double speak and the green washing which only serves to destroy our culture, climate, water systems, lands, animals, nature.
We, as human beings will continue to also suffer the consequences if this wanton destruction disguised as economic growth continues unchecked.
It is our shared voices which reach across generations, races, and religions. Yet, the present and previous governments and fossil fuel magnates choose selective deafness and greed above reason, science and environmental stability.
Today the Gomeroi Nation stares the environmental monsters in the eye in the Federal Court of Appeal. We do not and will not cower in their presence.
We stand resolute
Yours in Solidarity
Suellyn Tighe Gamilaraay Woman
Always Standing on and Speaking Strong from Gamilaraay country.