Before our meeting at Customs House on Friday, the Nannas did a photo shoot near the Opera House. Many Sydney visitors also took a photo of us so we will be seen all over the world.
Rising Tide Retreat 9-11 February
Around 70 people primarily from Newcastle and Sydney met to discuss strategy and goals for expanding Rising Tide and the climate movement in general.
Organisations present included: Move Beyond Coal, XR Sydney, Green Left Weekly, Knitting Nannas, Sydney Climate Coalition and others. Knitting Nannas from Sydney, Hunter, Gloucester, Central Coast and Mid North Coast attended.
It was a joyful and action-packed weekend of plotting and planning with like-minded activists of all ages (under 25’s and over 55’s dominated). Nannas made new friends, contributed their skills and experience, and shared some delicious meals in a gorgeous bush environment on the NSW central coast. On Saturday night we were entertained by the folk music group Seize the Day (UK), and those attending with an open mic session. Great fun for all ages.
The focus/goal of the event was to expand RT so that it is a national movement with shared aims, goals and values capable of organising focused direct actions targeting those responsible for coal extraction and export in various locations. The main event is a blockade of Newcastle Port involving 10,000 people over 10 days in November 2024.
Various workshops were held on the setting of RT values and goals and how they are to be achieved, decision making, leadership, RT organisational strategy and needs. Discussions included the role of media, communication, activist climate anxiety and grief, how to expand membership, various roles and skills of those present. Similar events will be held in Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide in the coming weeks.
Responses to Letters
Writing letters and submissions is an important part of Nanna work. Not all of us can be out on the street. Our letter writing team has been extremely busy of late.
The team from the office of Alex Greenwich MP responded to one of our letters by sending an email with a link to questions he has asked the Environment Minister on the fires in the Pilliga. Responses are due 14 March. Nanna Loretta delivered some flowers to his office to show our appreciation and here she is outside. The EPA has also responded.
We intend to keep up pressure on the government to ensure Santos’ operations in the Pilliga are monitored, that they are complying with conditions and regulations, and that the EPA, the gas regulator, is enforcing it.
Mobilising Opposition to ‘AUKUS’, for Peace, not War
There’s lots of opposition in Newcastle and Wollongong to having a US nuclear submarine base. The communities won’t know if any nuclear weapons are on board. Unions are very opposed to this and want windfarm jobs instead. The Guardian
Events
More events at https://knittingnannas.org/
Bob Brown Foundation: NSW forest vigils: 12-1 pm Wednesdays 21 and 28 February. Top of Martin Place at Macquarie Street near NSW parliament. On 21 February Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty and the CEO of Forestry Corporation will be witnesses in a Budget Estimates hearing in the Preston Stanley room in parliament house. Check the schedule if you’d like to attend.
Other Budget Estimates hearings coming up in Parliament
These hearings can be interesting for understanding our action topics related to the NSW government. The public can attend, but clothing with political slogans aren’t permitted. Nannas are planning to attend these hearings:
Tuesday 27 February 9.15am Planning & Public Spaces – Minister Scully (koalas, coal, housing)
Thursday 7 March 9.15am Climate Change and Energy – Minister Sharpe (coal, gas, environment)
Thursday 7 March 9.15am Natural Resources – Minister Houssos (coal and gas)
Friday 8 March – Next in-person Nanna meeting at Customs House
Also International Women’s Day
Thursday 14 March – 8.30am Lock the Gate “Ghostbusters” event at parliament house
Friday 15 March – Craftivism Parade
Darling Square Library, 10 minute walk from Town Hall Station, 5 minutes walk from Chinatown Light Rail. See map
11am – 12.30pm – Part of the Seniors Festival
We’re showing off our best and quirkiest pieces, by parading past a seated audience and relaying the story behind each work.
Please click on Going on the Facebook event if you are coming to the event and encourage your friends to come too. Here’s a link to our page on Seniors Festival.
Nannas are watching
Nemesis An ABC series taking you inside the recent Coalition government in a revealing tale of politics, ambition and power. Key players tell all in riveting no holds barred interviews.
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