Once upon a time Nannas did their knitting at the footy on a cold winter’s day, a warm blanket over their knees.
Or sitting in plastic chairs watching a grandchild play junior cricket in summer.
But now, Nannas of the world have joined forces in using their knitting prowess to protect their communities.
They have even written a “Nannafesto’.
At present they are protesting against coal seam gas mining and that’s why they call themselves Knitting Nannas Against Gas (KNAG).
Yesterday members from one of their nearby branches, Illawarra – so it’s IKNAG – brought their unique form of protest to the northern border of Macarthur country.
Blessed with a Nanna Knit-in outside their Oxford Road offices from 11am, Anoulack Chanthivong, State member for Macquarie Fields, and Laurie Ferguson, Federal member for Werriwa, were gracious in their welcome of the Illawarra knitters/agitators.
Adam Searle, the NSW opposition Industry, Resources and Energy spokesman, was also on hand to face the Q&A from the Nannas of IKNAG.
The Nannas asked all three politicians whether they would support and move legislation to protect our drinking water from the risks of CSG mining.
There was some pollie prevarication, but Nanna Cherry Hardaker, like the proverbial Aussie kelpie rounding the sheep, would not give up until the answers were forthcoming.
In line with his CSG moratorium bill awaiting debate in the Legislative Council, Mr Searle’s responses were in the affirmative, as his bill includes a clause for core water catchment “no go’’ areas.
Mr Ferguson, who has a track record of supporting communities in their stance against CSG mining, was unable to say he would move legislation.
The Nannas responded: “The security of our water is a national issue. It is our Federal politicians’ responsibility to protect it.
“The most effective protection is to pass Federal law.”
IKNAG says all the responses will be published before the Federal election.
On a lighter note, the Nannas were thrilled to hear a passerby say he was reminded of Fiji as the knit-in proceeded to the sound of Stop CSG songs, strumming ukuleles and clicking Nanna needles.
“Notable in the lively discussion with Ingleburn community members, was concern for the residents in Camden who it seems are faced with another seven years of the risks of CSG drilling close to their homes,’’ said the Nannas in a media release after the knit-in.
“Perhaps a job for people power and the Nanna-lution.’’
‘We annoy all politicians equally’
KNAG says on its website that is not affiliated with any political parties – “we annoy all politicians equally’’.
If you visit their website, be sure to read their “Nannafesto’’, which is titled Knit the Dream, and starts:
“We peacefully & productively protest against the destruction of our land, air, and water by corporations and/or individuals who seek profit and personal gain from the short-sighted and greedy plunder of our natural resources.
To read the entire Nannafesto, visit KNAG’s website here.
