The election is days away and soon we’ll know the outcome. A few more days to chat with people about the big issues and the ins and outs of the voting system. Then all we can do is hope and plot. Here’s what we’ve been up to this week.
Stall at Lane Cove Plaza
A bunch of Nannas joined our friends from Lane Cove Coal and Gas Watch (LCCGW) at their stall at Lane Cove Plaza on Saturday, 19 April. Our knitted koala story banner was admired, and the koala umbrella and puppets were great conversation starters with parents and kids.
LCCGW created a quick quiz about renewable energy for the occasion, and it worked really well with passers-by testing their knowledge about Australia’s renewables transition. Some were surprised to find out how far along we are. It was good to share good news, such as that nearly 40% of our total electricity is now generated by renewables.
We enjoyed working with LCCGW, and they told us later that “the Nannas really helped provide a positive message about Australia’s clean energy future – without the need for nuclear, coal and gas! – and hand out all the flyers for the Bennelong Candidates Forum. The ACF score card got some good attention too.”
ANZAC Day Reflection
Several Sydney Nannas joined with the Marrickville Peace Group gathering at the Peace Park to remember the nation’s service men and women who lost their lives during many foreign wars. Speakers also questioned past military tragedies and how to minimise them in the future.
The same group has organised a Free Concert for Peace, Justice and the Earth at Petersham Town Hall on Thursday, 1 May from 6.30-9pm.
The Blue Mountains Peace Collective held an inaugural alternative Anzac Day Reflection, inspired by Marrickville’s long-standing event. There was a hugely positive response. It was held in the appropriately named Peace Park featuring the work of Tom Coley.
What’s coming up in May
Tuesday 6 May – Stand with Gomeroi against Santos Gas Project in the Pilliga – 8.30am at Queens Square outside the Federal Court
This event will be a couple of days before the National Native Title Tribunal delivers its ruling on the Gomeroi challenge to the Santos gas mining in the Pilliga. We’ll gather at the court and later go to Parliament where Gomeroi people will deliver a letter calling on the parliament to reject the Santos project, regardless of the NNTT decision. This will be the first day back for NSW pollies. All welcome! Facebook event
Saturday and Sunday, 17-18 May –Tour of Wollar coal mines and Mudgee
The tour will include the huge coal mines surrounding Wollar, including Moolarben, where all of them are wanting to expand. There will also be a visit to the Great Dripping Wall, which is threatened by the mine, and a chance to have a look around Mudgee.
Nannas are hoping to catch up with members of the Mudgee Regional Health Alliance who are still fighting Bowden’s lead, silver and zinc mine at Lue.
Mudgee is an important region for clean industries in spite of the massive mines and takeover of land by mining companies. If you’re interested in meeting up with locals and seeing some of the sights, watch for more details from Save Wollar Action Group.
Friday to Sunday, 23-25 May – Pat’s Tag-along Tour of the Pilliga
National Parks Association, Armidale Branch invite you to join Pat Schultz on a tag-a-long tour of the culturally and ecologically significant Pilliga Forest. The proposed program is flexible and depends on numbers attending and weather conditions. See Pat’s Tag-along Tour on our Events page for more information.
Election 2025
Nanna Kathy wants us to see how recent floods and fires exacerbated by climate change have damaged roads, housing other essential services in her community. We can’t ignore the link between climate and cost of living.
Build a Ballot helps people who aren’t very engaged with the election to decide how to vote. First check which electorate you are in. Answer a few quick questions to discover which candidates and parties you are aligned with, then create and save your very own how-to-vote card for election day. There is also lots of good information about the voting system on Build a Ballot’s website.
LOMA is a platform that connects voters, politicians and community groups to make democracy more transparent and politicians accountable and action driven. It not only shows who is standing in your electorate, but also what bills are coming up in Parliament, how MPs vote, and you can vote on them too. It gives information about politicians and parties, margins, etc.
You can log in as an individual or as a group/community. Individual’s information is private while a group’s is shared to give their community an opportunity to follow them.
Volunteering – Several Nannas have been handing out leaflets and knocking on doors for candidates in their electorate or in marginal seats.
We recently found out that 70% of people worldwide want stronger climate action, but only 40% of people think that others are pro-climate. This election is a good time to get the word out – heaps of us care and it’s time to really get moving.
Australia’s mini and micro-parties: how to avoid a vote you might regret in the Senate. (The Guardian)
Whitehaven Coal
Anna Christie, research officer at the Narrabri-based Wando Conservation and Cultural Centre gave us a short update on Whitehaven Coal court cases at our weekly Zoom meeting. A separate report on this and an update on actions will be published during the week.
Save Wallum, Brunswick Heads – Monday, 28 April and further court dates
This case is resuming in the Federal Court in Phillip Street. The remaining hearing dates are scheduled from 28 April-2 May 2025 (inclusive), with closing submissions set for 26 and 27 May. The hearing is being live streamed via the Federal Court of Australia’s YouTube channel and members of the public in Sydney are welcome to attend in person at the Federal Court of Australia on Phillip Street.
Nannas are reading
Election Conversation Guide: How To Talk About Climate & Energy (Climate Council)
Win for the Macquarie Marshes as Mining Application Withdrawn (National Tribune)
Up to 60% of Campbelltown koalas hit by vehicles. Research has demonstrated it only takes 3% of a koala population to be struck by vehicles each year to drive decline. (Sydney Basin Koala Network)
Propaganda War How right-wing lobby group, Advance became a force for disinformation in Australia. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Forthcoming Events