Knitting Nannas from around NSW attended the fourth annual Nanna Conference in Newcastle from 7-9 September. The conference was hosted by the Hunter Loop, Central Coast Loop and the Mid Coast Loop.
Included in the program were updates on:
- Lock the Gate's Hunter region transitioning away from coal campaign,
- the NSW Government's changes to forestry regulations which will lead to clearfelling and biodiversity loss in the state's north,
- the Acland coal mine expansion in Queensland and the threat to Bimblebox further north,
- protest law and the Knitting Nannas in NSW and Lancashire in the UK
These speakers gave us a great deal to be concerned about. There is, without doubt, a great deal more for the Nannas to do to ensure that, as our Nannifeesto states, we leave "this land better than we found it, for our children, grandchildren and future generations. They deserve to have a future with a clean and healthy environment, natural beauty and biodiversity."
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| Nannas nattering in the dining area |
The conference gave those attending the chance to network with Nannas from other loops as well as to workshop issues to assist them in their campaigns. In addition the Nannas were able to admire the craft work of some very talented Nannas and to buy items such as jewellery and Christmas decorations which were available for sale.
On Sunday the Nannas left the conference venue for an action at Bar Beach which gave a great opportunity for the display of their many banners and placards as well as the chance to talk with some of the beach-goers and walkers who were in the area on that sunny, but windy, day.
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| One of the banners blowing in the wind above Bar Beach | | | | |
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| Nannas with banners and signs above Bar Beach |
After a picnic lunch the Nannas carpooled to one of the many coal loaders in the area for a photo opportunity. This gave the non-local Nannas the chance to get some idea of how much coal was awaiting shipping from the port.
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| Nannas near the coal loader |
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| Some of the coal - and only a small amount in this photo - waiting to be shipped. |
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The host Loops gave us a wonderful conference. It was a well-organised event with interesting and informative speakers in a very pleasant venue. The meals, which were fully catered for by the organising Nannas and some impressive Nanna chefs, were great. The raffle prizes, particularly the beautifully-decorated Nanna chair, were eagerly sought after. And Nanna Louise from Lismore again donated one of her beautiful Chooks Against Gas for a lucky door prize.
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| The wonderful Nanna chair and some of the other raffle prizes |
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Well done Nannas from the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid Coast.
