“It was a privilege to walk with Nannas yesterday and hear praise and thanks from so many people, young, old and otherwise, for the great work and play of Nannadom,” said Nanna Jacqueline.
According to Rising Tide 8,000 people attended, there were 181 arrests, 10 coal ships rescheduled and three turned around. It was well organised and there was lots to do. The vibe was friendly, peaceful and uplifting.
Knitting Nanna Alley
Three different Nanna spaces alongside each other offered activities and a place for people to hang out for a chat and a seat in the shade.
Nanna Central was where 59 Nannas from all over NSW and Victoria signed on and spent time getting to know Nannas from other areas. Many potential Nannas signed up so they can join an existing loop near where they live or be sent our tips for starting a new loop if there isn’t one in their area. It’s a Nannalution!!
Nanna care was administered from Nanna Central too. Many donated hats were given out, sunscreen was provided, and questions answered with a smile. Bags were minded while people swam, and a change room was provided.
On Sunday another gazebo was set up on the beach to provide shade, sunscreen and bag/ phone minding.
A big thanks to the Hunter Nannas for arranging these spaces and for making everyone feel so welcome.
A Kids Tent was coordinated by Nanna Dom with help from other Nannas and volunteers. There was face painting and games to keep children engaged in a cool space out of the relentless sun and wind. Nannas brought materials and showed children how to make musical instruments and juggling balls. They also made beautiful lanterns which were a splendid addition to Saturday evening’s festivities.
The Submission Tent was organised by the Sydney Loop to show people how to get an account on the NSW Planning Portal and how to write a submission objecting to Santos’ Narrabri Lateral Pipleine. Over 20 people managed to write their submissions on their phones while sitting in the tent, and 20 more requested information be sent to them so they could do it from home.
Here’s a link to help you have your say on the Narrabri Lateral Pipeline
Naughty Nannas
On Saturday three Nannas Jules, Lynn and Diane, and Cathy the clown from Tassie launched into Newcastle Harbour in a 16ft tinnie. Diane was doing “extreme knitting” with giant needles when they powered through the marine exclusion zone and into the shipping channel.
Nannas watching from the beach called out “Go safe Nannas!” as a police jetski and a large black inflatable boat with a huge outboard motor gave chase. The tinnie didn’t stand a chance, and was quickly overtaken. After that the Nannas, clown and their driver complied with police demands. They were taken into custody and released without charge at Carrington. They had no money or phones so they headed to the nearest pub to ask if they could use the phone. When patrons at the pub heard about their plight, they called and paid for an Uber to take them back to the park.
The Nannas may yet get a fine although it wasn’t mentioned by the police. However, Paul, the driver of their tinnie, was charged and the tinnie was confiscated. Jules had inherited the tinnie from her late father.
“Paul was awesome,” said Nanna Jules, “it was hard for him not to comply. We just stayed silent which was awfully hard for a Nanna, especially me”.
On Sunday Nannas in kayaks Tracey, Wendy and Alex were arrested and charged. Tracey and Wendy were charged under Section 214A enter/remain on major facility.
“We were more afraid of our daughters than the police,” said Tracey. “I had to babysit my grandchild early the next day.” They’ll be back in Newcastle for court on 13 January.
Alex was charged under Section 18b of the Marine Safety Act – failure to comply with direction to leave exclusion zone. Nanna Fran from MidCoast Nannas was also arrested in a kayak on Sunday.
Paddle for Palestine
Knitting Nannas Sydney participated in the Paddle Out for Palestine as part of the Rising Tide People’s Blockade.
This paddling event called on the federal government to end all exports of arms and coal to Israel – exports that are fuelling genocide and ecocide in Palestine.
Actions Continue
The actions continued on Monday with 15 arrests during a surprise action that kept the story going. Sixteen activists locked on to coal equipment, disrupting coal exports for another day.
Rising Tide continues to call for the government to stop green-lighting coal projects and to tax coal export profits at 78 per cent to fund new industries and retrain coal workers and communities as the world transitions away from coal. It also wants an end to all coal exports from Newcastle by 2030.
‘Can’t afford to ask nicely anymore’: Why Myles locked himself to port equipment (SBS News)
Nannas meet Ben Pennings
At the People’s Blockade Nannas congratulated Ben Pennings (AKA Dad vs. Adani). At long last Adani has dropped their relentless court cases which have tortured Ben and his family for five years. They tried to silence him but now he can speak freely again.
Nanna Fun
Daniel Craig eat your heart out. Bond wouldn’t let climate villains ruin our grandkids future- and neither will Nanna Catherine. Put the sound on for this video clip.
See all the Nanna reports from the 2025 Blockade and see Wendy Bacon’s report on Michael West Media