SASS' DIARY: DAY TWENTY THREE

Day Twenty Three
Kakadu
Sat 25 July

Oppressive heat – dehydration – flies .. went to a segment of the camp general meeting – reworking their decision making process, moving from affinity groups to break off groups during meetings – a faster process probably more in tune with the dynamic structure of the camp and its numbers – also talked about liasing with Gundjami – rep report backs – interesting to peer in on this evolution . The camp energy seems to be in a weird space – quiet, frustrated, sad, confused – not able to physically block the mine though they are so near – feeling somewhat distanced from their purpose.
I hear a lot of the long term (and direct action focused) crew have fled to Darwin. Each morning outside ERA there is a “presence” action – I believe they were chanting, standing about, kicking balls. Yesterday after the women’s action there was a cricket and soccer match outside – the ERA water truck came out and sprayed all of the hot kids … the focus is on ‘creative” actions – but I wonder with the “presence” and ‘Sport” – What are we communicating? What is our point? “We’re still here”?

In the afternoon we received out induction – talked about politics with the camp, camp energy, hygiene, working groups, legal issues, NVDA … a girl also spoke about how the campaign is functioning outside the camp – Amnesty and the NT police powers / court functions, media and parliamentary mentions and involvement.

Late afternoon we drove to Ubirr – amazing rock paintings and gorgeous rock clusters and panoramic views over the floodplains, forest and other rocks. Inspiration for what we are fighting for.

Realised that more than anything I should be prioritising collecting information and educating myself here … I keep almost crying, it’s all rather sad…