GRAFTON NANNAS' ACTIVITIES - KNIT-INS FROM APRIL TO NOVEMBER 2021

After beginning the year very quietly the Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas and Greed have managed to hold a number of  knit-ins despite the wet weather and floods. 

The second 2021  knit-in was held on April 8 outside the Prince Street premises of our state member, Chris Gulaptis.  This dealt once again with the plight of koalas and the NSW Government’s failure to ensure their protection. Sadly Mr Gulaptis has been one of the prime movers in the National party for weakening koala protection.

 

 Nannas knitting for koalas outside the office of MP Chris Gulaptis April 8

 

 At the next knit-in on Thursday 22^nd April the Nannas joined in a community campaign – Fund Our Future Not Gas – in the lead-up to the 11^th May Federal Budget. 

Those participating in this campaign included Nannas from around the state, 350.org and GetUp.  The aim was to raise awareness about the folly of the federal government’s gas led recovery and highlight what budget money should be spent on to improve the lot of all Australians – not just the polluting fossil fuel companies which the Government plans to shower with largesse.

Surveying passers-by about budget funding (22 April)

 

Interested passers-by were asked what they thought should be in the budget.  Among the suggestions were improved funding for aged care, hospitals and health, education, the NDIS, public housing, Closing the Gap, the ABC, renewable energy, and climate action. 

The Nannas wrote to Kevin Hogan about these suggestions and other comments they received as well as calls for an effective Federal ICAC.

The Federal Budget did not take the issue of climate change seriously and was the focus of the next knit-in - also outside Mr Hogan's unattended Prince Street office - on May 27.

 

May 27 Knit-in

 

Following the May 27 meeting the Nannas  hibernated for over five months.

The climate crisis and the approaching federal election (likely to be held in March or May next year)  have stirred them into action again with a knit-in being held outside Hogan's office on November 18.

 

GRAFTON NANNAS START KNITTING AGAIN

After a long COVID-induced break the Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas & Greed have started campaigning again.  On Thursday March 4 a group of refreshed Nannas set up outside the Prince Street office of our federal MP Kevin Hogan. It was great to catch up with Nannas Sarah and Deb as well as to welcome a new Nanna recruit. As usual it was  a lively social occasion with plenty of interesting conversation and laughs.

The theme for this knit-in was climate change. The Nannas are dismayed that the Federal Government, despite all the scientific evidence, is still failing to take effective action to reduce our carbon emissions. 

This was the first time the Grafton Nannas have held a morning knit-in and it was a great success.   Prince Street was very busy and the Nannas enjoyed chatting to many passers-by  and were pleased at the positive feedback received from many of them. The Nannas were also delighted that one of the passers-by was Emma Pritchard, the Grafton-based journalist of "The Independent" who asked about our activities and took a photo of the group.

 A serious Nanna discussion

The Nannas also discussed their latest letter to Mr Hogan which highlighted their concern about the Federal Government's lacklustre performance on climate change.  One of the key points made in this letter was the  concern for today's young people who will inherit a world which is set to be irretrievably damaged by the selfishness and folly of the current Federal Government.

This was emailed to Mr Hogan later that day.  The Nannas will be very interested in his reply - if indeed we do receive a response from him.