SASS' DIARY : DAY TWENTY TWO

Day Twenty Two
Kakadu

Woken at 4:30 this morning, looking out of the tent to the starry still night sky.. We weren’t sure whether it was ok to go to the women’s action because we hadn’t been inducted we ended up going to offer support as observers. The action was mostly silent, low energy and felt sad (perhaps reflecting the feeling in camp – as direct arrestible actions have ceased for a while because Gunjami are disturbed by the violence / police reaction) - they stood, white clad, facing workmen coming in spelling out URANIUM FREE ZONE< letter written on ties on their stomachs – holding candles. Then tey did spontaneous group movement led by women in the corners, then Joanna Macy’s Om Dance (Chernobyl).. in the circle they then sang as a group, then individuals with guitar (and acapella). During the standing moment, there was some quiet chanting and a woman, Bindi, played the harp. There were a few photographers there – one from National Geographic (I have heard there’s been lots of positive press lately – addressing the blockade camp, uranium in general, the issue of “feral protesters” – on the ABC-NT, The Age, SMH, etc).

We had a group Peace Bus meeting in the afternoon which was somewhat good, if also frustrating – I’m sick of meeting! There are leadership and gender issues coming up – to do with dominant personalities and power dynamics within the group but its very much an unspoken thing in meetings – it’s all behind the scenes though I’ve said it should be discussed.