Here’s a link to the Nanna News from the festival. Scroll down to see all
Over 50 Knitting Nannas from many loops are expected to be at the Rising Tide Protesival, part of the People’s Blockade in Newcastle from Thursday 27 November – Tuesday 2 December. This page will be updated with information for Nannas leading up to the event.
The People’s Blockade Guide 2025
Register for The People’s Blockade
Nanna locations
Nanna Gathering Saturday 8.30 – 9.30am
Best day to arrive
Day Trip from Sydney
Nanna program
Singing
What to bring
Spokespersons
Communications & Affinity Groups
Accommodation
Nanna Locations
Nanna Central will be located in Foreshore Park near the Kids Tent:19. A Nanna will be rostered on at Nanna Central to be ready to talk to anyone with questions about the Nannas, about how they or a friend can join an existing loop, or about starting a new one. A whiteboard will display their name.
- One gazebo for Nanna information on what we do and how to join
- One gazebo for Nanna Care – offering sunscreen, Band-Aids etc. First aid will be located elsewhere.
- A shaded area with chairs for tired Nannas.
- An area for people to leave their belongings
A Nannadome will be on Horseshoe Beach for Nanna Care, shade and a place to leave belongings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Narrabri Lateral Pipeline gazebo will offer submission writing help as this project went on public exhibition on 20 November and closes on 18 December. This pipeline connects the Narrabri Gas Project (NGP) to the Hunter Gas Pipeline (HGP). This is how the Nannas started in 2012, fighting coal seam gas in NSW because we had seen what happened in Queensland. Guide here.
Nanna Gathering
Nannas from all over Australia will gather at Nanna Central for breakfast/ morning tea on Saturday 29 November at 8.30am. A photo will be taken promptly at 9:30am so Nannas can get to their volunteer commitments. BYO morning tea and thermos of tea or coffee. This will be a group photo opportunity too.
Best day to arrive
Saturday and Sunday are the days not to miss. The Hunter Nannas will set up on Thursday and there is a lot on during Friday. So best to arrive Friday ready for Nanna gathering on Saturday morning at 8.30am.
Day Trip from Sydney
The train from Sydney to Newcastle ends near the light rail which goes to the beach. It’s a very easy way to go for a day.
Nanna Program
Thu 27 Nov – First Nations opening and set up
Fri 28 Nov – Prepare, skill up and build the movement
8.30 – 915am – Learn songs to sing at Blockade with Suze Pratten in the Muster marquee
Sat 29 Nov – 8.30am Nanna breakfast/ morning tea and photo shoot promptly at 9.30am at Nanna Central so Nannas can get to their other commitments
– 11am Main flotilla launch, Main stage, paddle out 11:30
– Around lunchtime – Red Rebels performance
– 1.15pm Paddle out for Palestine – water crafts provided
– 7.10pm The Herd – Mass Singing led by Suze Pratten on the main stage
– Climate Concert
Sun 30 Nov – Blockade Flotilla
10.00am – Big paddle out
4.00pm Sydney Nanna choirmaster Penny singing in concert with Martenitsa Choir at Hamilton Uniting Church Hall at 4pm
– 7.30pm Kids Space showing Future Council in the Protest Pavilion
Mon 1 Dec – Debrief, 2026 planning, After Party
Tue 2 Dec – Wrap up pack up
Singing
Knitting Nannas Rising Tide Songbook 2025
Backing Tracks
Bye Bye Coal
We Will Stop You
These Gates are Made for Lockin’
High Voltage
Sydney Nannas will pop up in places to sing our songs.
Singing with Suze Pratten
Fri 28 Nov – 8.30 – 915am – Learn songs to sing at Blockade with Suze Pratten in the Muster marquee. Also same time on Saturday, but we have our Nanna gathering then.
Sat 29 Nov – 7.10pm The Herd – Mass Singing led by Suze Pratten on the main stage
Listen to this 3-minute sample of the 6 songs
Learn lyrics and harmony parts or create musical accompaniments using the resources put together by Suze.
What to Bring
- A small sign with your loop’s name on it to decorate the tent
- A nametag – prize for the most creative
- Hat
- Water bottle and keep cup for tea and coffee
- Spare hats and water bottles to give away
- Don’t feel obliged to bring chairs (no room for 50 chairs) but if you need a comfy chair bring it
- Swimmers, rashie and life jacket if you have one and intend to go paddling
- Knife, fork and spoon to donate
- Sunscreen, sun and rain protection
- Charging device
- Cash
- Snacks and treats
Spokespersons
Narrabri Lateral Pipeline, Narrabri Gas Project, Hunter Gas Pipeline – Kathy (Thu – Sun)
Forests – Bron (Sat-Sun)
Coal – Marie
Knitting Nannas – Who are we? Carol (?), Janet (Sat)
Tracey – Palestine and anti-armaments, no coal to Israel.
Communications & Affinity Groups
How to manage Affinity Groups and Communications
Each loop to nominate a Nanna to be their loop’s spokesperson and to vote on behalf of their loop at morning affinity group briefings. It does not have to be the same Nanna each day. After the meeting, the Nanna spokespeople get together to post brief notes of the meeting on Signal Nannas Blockade 2025.
These are the signal channels we will use.
- Nannas blockade 2025 for important notices for all Nannas at the blockade (NO CHAT)
- Media Nannas for people to post reports, photos and videos (NO CHAT)
- Cranky Nannas for chat
Sydney Nannas Affinity Spokespersons
Thursday 3-4pm for training Anne W
7-8pm First Spokescouncil
Friday 8.30-9.15am Camp Spokescouncil – Jackie
Saturday 8.30-9.15am Camp Spokescouncil – Jackie or Anne McK
Sunday 8.30-9.15am Camp Spokescouncil – Alex
Monday 8.30-9.15am Camp + Next steps Spokescouncil – Alex
Anne McK standby.
Accommodation
Newcastle Council have approved camping at Foreshore Park but last year Nannas intending to camp decided against it when they saw how crowded the camping area was. Book accommodation if you like your comforts.