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.

 

NANNAS BACK TO REGULAR NEEDLE FLASHING

The Grafton Nannas are back to regular knit-ins.  This week we returned to knit outside the lair of our federal MP, Kevin Hogan,  after last week's knit-in outside the state MP's office.  When we resumed knitting after our long nanna break, we decided we should share our presence equally with these pollies. No favouritism from us! After all, we have to remember that part of the Nannas' credo is to annoy all politicians equally.

This is the second knit-in where we've displayed Lynette's new banner for our loop.  What a talented person she is!

 

 

 

Ann's bicycle was the ideal place to hang the the new banner

The group found it very intriguing to see just how much Donna could fit into a medium-sized Nanna bag.  She's obviously prepared for every knitting eventuality.

What the well-equipped Nanna takes to a knit-in

NANNAS CONCERN ABOUT LOCAL DAIRY INDUSTRY

Norco milk bottles on display at the knit-in

At its knit-in on 17th May outside the office of Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis, Nannas from the Grafton Loop expressed their concern about the decision of the State Government to award a milk supply contract for fifteen local health facilities to foreign-owned Queensland Dairy Farmers instead of the Norco.

Nanna Susanna with our new blackboard & banner

The Nannas were incensed because Norco is a local company processing milk from dairies on the North Coast. This local industry, both in production and processing, provides jobs for North Coast locals and makes a significant contribution to the local economy.

Just after the Nannas had strung up their empty Norco  milkbottles and had settled into their chairs, "The Daily Examiner's" reporter Jarrod arrived and gave us the good news that the Government had reversed its decision.  Norco once again would be the provider!!!

Obviously, the government had been receiving a great deal of flak from industry and locals and realized it had been a very silly decision.  Isn't it wonderful when the community (in other words  PEOPLE POWER) can force change.

We Nannas believe there should be much, much more of this!!!

GRAFTON NANNAS CAST ON AGAIN

The Grafton Nannas had another long break over the hot summer. This was  a summer in which the impact of climate change was obvious to us Nannas as well as to many other community members - but apparently not to many of our political leaders. So sad, as another political leader from another nation might say in his interminable tweets on twitter!!

Today some re-energised stalwarts from the Grafton Nannas cast on outside the Grafton office of our federal member Kevin Hogan. 

Why there?   Well the Grafton Nannas are concerned that the leader of Mr Hogan's National Party - one Barnaby Joyce, the Member for New England - is pushing to have CSG and unconventional gas mining expanded throughout the nation. 

Will our local member be prepared to cross the floor to support his constituents?

Mr Joyce, unlike the Nannas, obviously does not understand what a threat this invasive industry is to the environment and the health of local communities.  He is claiming that we need more gas produced because we will soon have a domestic gas shortage.

We Nannas know only too well that the claim of a gas shortage is a furphy.  There is only a shortage because all of the plentiful gas being extracted in this country is being exported. And Mr Joyce and others in government know this but they are suddenly waking up to the issue of ENERGY SECURITY and they are claiming that gas supply is an important component of this.

We Nannas would like to know why, when they have been at the wheel (so to speak) since 2013, this important matter has only just occurred to them.  As a result we are obviously in for a period of prolonged knee-jerk reactions and boringly predictable policy-on-the-run.  Again - so sad!

Mr Joyce is proposing that farmers who have gas  wells on their land receive 10% of royalties.  He claims this will lead to acceptance of the industry and allow it to expand throughout the nation.  He seems to be forgetting that it is not only landowners who potentially have wells on their properties who oppose this invasive industry.  It also impacts on their neighbours who would not be getting the 10% bribe and others in the local community.  And what is a bribe worth when the long-term impacts are considered?

The Nannas have written to Mr Hogan about their concerns and presented their letter at his office.

After enjoying their knit-in (a great social occasion with many laughs) and chats with passers-by,  these doughty women are re-energised for further knit-ins and lobbying on gas and energy security and climate change.

An amazing Nanna accessory

GRAFTON NANNAS BACK INTO REGULAR KNITTING - THE LATEST TWO JAUNTS

The Grafton Nannas are well and truly back into their regular weekly flashing of the pointed sticks.  They now knit on a Thursday afternoon.

At each knit-in now they brandish their knitted chains - a symbol of outrage at Premier Baird's draconian protester laws.  (Interestingly, while these chains may not be much use for chaining Nannas together  - other than symbolically - they are quite useful as scarves.)

Last week the Nannas had a change of venue - moving up Prince Street to station themselves outside the Grafton office of federal MP Kevin Hogan, Member for Page.  The Nannas really enjoyed knitting in this pleasant spot and chatting to the passers-by.  It's not the proximity to the federal MP that makes this spot so appealing to these doughty women.  It's the space, the tropical palms, the seating -  and the proximity to the pedestrian crossing.

A pleasant spacious area for a knit-in

Nannas pose outside Mr Hogan's office

This week the Nannas returned to their old haunt outside the office of our state MP, Chris Gulaptis, Member for Clarence.

This week we were delighted to welcome back three Nannas who had not been at knit-ins for some time.  So we had lots of catching up to do.  We nattered non-stop and discussed all sorts of nannerly subjects including patterns and yarns, the best way to make chains, and the oh-so exciting federal election campaign.

This Nanna loves the old-style crochet patterns

 

 

 

This Nanna is knitting a square for "wrap with love"

This Nanna is knitting for her grandson

GRAFTON NANNAS PROTEST AGAINST NSW GOVERNMENT'S NEW PROTESTER LAWS

After a long rest the Grafton Nannas have returned to the street fired up about the draconian laws Premier Mike Baird and Resources Minister Anthony Roberts have legislated.  These laws are designed to discourage the community from protesting against mining - particularly CSG and unconventional gas mining.

The Nannas met today at the usual spot outside the office of local MP, Chris Gulaptis, Member for Clarence.

 
To emphasise their point about the threat these laws pose to civil liberties in NSW, the Nannas chained themselves together using knitted chains.  As one tired Nanna pointed out, "It's not easy knitting these chains.  I've been so busy the last few days that I haven't had any time for nanna naps.  I'm tuckered out and just want to get back to some straight knitting!!"

Part way through the knit-in the Nannas were greeted by a very unusual visitor who claimed his name was Neville Bogan.  Neville, who claimed to be an "old mate" of our local member (which the Nannas doubted),  kept the rather astounded Nannas entertained with some unlikely tales and cheeky banter before he  disappeared around the corner.

Neville Bogan, itinerant entertainer!

Some time later the Nannas were joined by a visitor from The Daily Examiner who was interested to hear why we had returned to knit outside Mr Gulaptis' office.  As well as discussing their concerns, the Nannas told him that they were delivering a letter to Mr Gulaptis which clearly stated why they were there.

The Nannas enjoyed the  outing and decided that the government's attack on civil liberties meant that they needed to return to regular knit-ins.  As one Nanna said sadly as they packed up before heading to the coffee shop, "These politicians are really very slow learners.  You'd think they would have worked out by now that gas-mining was a no-go because of community opposition.  But here they are introducing fascist-type laws to stop protesters.  Shows they still think they can foist gas-mining on us."

SHIRT SIGNS

NINETY-FIVE YEAR OLD NANNA STILL CLICKING THE NEEDLES

The Grafton Nannas have been knitting every week in their usual spot outside Chris Gulaptis' Prince Street office but, as the Nannablogger has been cruising elsewhere, their exploits of the last few weeks have not been recorded in the blog.

This week the Grafton Loop was joined by a visitor - Anna's mother.  We were  delighted to meet Val who at 95 still wields a mean pair of needles and is very supportive of the Nannas' cause.

Val with her knitting - and she's spot-on with the colours!

Suzanne was finishing her colourful scarf for her grandson who had helped in the design and Donna showed her interesting neckwarmer/poncho which Sarah modelled for us. 

Donna was showing off her collection of bamboo needles which, seeing she has so many,  some of us suspect she might be going to hire out. (Perhaps she will heed our federal treasurer's call and "Have a go" setting up a new business - Nannas Knitting Needle Hire!)

GREENS CANDIDATE MEETS WITH GRAFTON NANNAS

The Grafton Nannas were pleased to meet with Greens candidate Janet Cavanaugh at their knit-in on Tuesday March 3.  Janet has a wealth of knowledge about the gas industry as she has been a CSG campaigner ever since the industry reared its ugly head in our area.  She played a prominent part in the many information sessions which the Clarence Alliance Against CSG conducted around the Clarence Valley some years ago and she continues to be a strong campaigner against this invasive industry.

A happy bunch of Nannas with candidate Janet Cavanaugh.

The Nannas were also eagerly discussing their upcoming Nanna Conference.  They viewed the presentation Lynette has put together of the Grafton Loop's two plus years of campaigning, a presentation our Nannas are taking to Lismore for the conference.

Jay joins the Nannas in checking out Lynette's Nanna history

And we welcomed Jay who filmed Dorothy's reading of her Nanna poems. And a great job he's done in recording the two poems.  The most recent of these poems is a celebration of the Grafton Loop's birthday.  And Dorothy's reading of this will form part of our presentation at the conference.

Nannas have fun at knit-ins but sometimes there are serious matters to discuss!

Nanna poet Dorothy knows how to flirt with a fan!

A knitted Knitting Nanna

A VERY INTERESTING KNIT-IN

The Grafton Nannas left their usual venue outside MP Gulaptis' office (and we're sure he missed us!) to set up outside the Link, further up Prince Street.

This is a much busier part of the main street and gave us a marvellous opportunity to greet old friends and to chat with other passers-by.  And we received plenty of approving comments.  It's great to know that the awareness-raising of our little Nanna Loop  - along with all our Nanna compatriots elsewhere - is contributing to the community's general understanding of the threat that gas-mining poses to our way of life and the future of our children and grandchildren.

As well as the venue change, two things made this knit-in special.  We were delighted to welcome back our two down-river Nannas  and to have our three Poppas all with us.  The Poppas - Barry, Brent,and Steve - were awarded their supporter badges (Nanna Groupie badges!).

The Grafton Loop's Poppas

Another feature was the launching of Lynette's new Grafton Loop sign.  Really impressive!  Once again our designer-extraordinaire Lynette has done a great job.

Another event made this knit-in very interesting.  The Link, outside which we were knitting, is an arcade owned by Shoppingworld, the large shopping centre behind Grafton's main street.  A member of the Shoppingworld management staff requested that the crocheted banner "We want a gasfield ban not a gasfield plan" be removed from the window  (their property).  It was  removed but this staff member put in a complaint to Council about our presence. 

A Council officer arrived and had some discussion with Nanna representatives about our presence on council land - the footpath out the front.  As a result the Nannas (respectful elderly ladies  that we are) moved on as requested.

GRAFTON NANNAS START THEIR 2015 KNIT-INS

The Grafton nannas enjoyed a long rest over December and January.  Now greatly refreshed - and energised by the up-coming state election - they've pulled out their wool and brandished their needles.  They met outside MP Chris Gulaptis' office on February 3rd and compared notes on their holidays and had a hilarious time discussing the political shennanigans in Queensland and in the federal sphere.

Lynette showed how busy she has been over the break creating some wonderful new crocheted banners.  We all particularly love - and heartily endorse - the banner I WANT A GOVERNMENT THAT'S NOT FOR SALE.  Needless to say, we think the one about the gasfield ban rather than the dubious  gas plan is also great.

Nannas display Lynette's new banners

A chook against gas ready to take off and campaign!

 

 

Dianne tries on her new jacket made by Dorothy

ANOTHER LETTER TO OUR LOCAL MEMBER

After a quiet period the Grafton Nannas shook out their yarns and returned to knit-in outside the Grafton office of Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis. At their latest knit-in on Tuesday December 2, they delivered a letter to Mr Gulaptis about the State Government's latest plans to change one of its State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPP) relating to gas mining.

The text of the letter is below:

"The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas is shocked that the NSW Government is proposing changes to gas mining regulations to remove the requirement for a full EIS for six or more gas wells,  This will make the process less transparent and will give the community less opportunity for input into the planning process.

"The Nannas are shocked because the Chief Scientist's Report emphasised the need for transparency in the government's dealing with the gas mining industry.

"It seems to us that the Government has not learnt anything from the difficulties it has had over the past few years inrelation to gas-mining.  It obviously still believes it can ignore community concerns and continue to pander to the big mining companies.

"We understand that Santos and AGL support these changes.  Hardly surprising!

"These proposed changes should be abandoned."

 

Dorothy's Tea Cosies

Anna's Pattern

THE KNITTING GOES ON IN GRAFTON

Grafton Nannas are continuing their knit-ins outside the office of Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis.  Numbers have been down as many nannas have been away but each week a few stalwarts have been clicking their needles, flashing their crochet hooks or winding their french knitting dollies.  And the nannas have enjoyed having supporters join them.

RECENT  KNIT-INS

Dorothy returned from a northern sojourn looking after a grandson with two nearly complete vests-of- many-colours which she was commissioned to crochet.  Wonderful colourful jackets - just the thing for a nanna knitter to go out on the town in!

Supporter Steve has been entertaining the nannas, and startled passers-by, with his remote car which was recently joined by Tweetie Pie.