Pilliga Converge

During the night I woke up several times to check that the riot squad vehicles were still in the motel car park. They were still there when we drove out to the protest site in Old Mill Road. We were one of the first vehicles to arrive. Two police cars were parked across the road and we were told the road was blocked for a police operation. We turned around and parked on the side of the road. More and more people arrived and parked their cars. A large oval of people formed on the road for a smoking ceremony. After this a meeting was called and it was decided to walk 20 metres into the forest or along the fence to the gates. We followed a bagpiper along a track near the fence where a very nice policeman held back a bush so we could pass.

Banners covered the gate and fence into Santos’ Leewood site. There were several security from Santos and about six police. They were tolerant, polite and courteous, showing none of the aggression I had heard about at other protests in the area. They knew that the protesters had planned to walk onto the site and they were confident that they had thwarted the plan.

The protestors formed another circle and some of the first people, farmers and environmentalists said a few words. One reminded the group that this was happening around the world and the strong action taken by this group would give hope to others. Then the crowd started chanting, louder and louder, the piper started up and then suddenly the fence into the Santos compound came down and people ran through. I hesitated, told my friends I was going, but in that short time the surprised police and Santos security had gathered themselves together and were starting to push the fence back in place and push away anyone trying to get in. The sharp edges of the wire fence where it had been cut caused me to back off.

I soon realised that Anne and Neil Kennedy, farmers from Coonamble and my brother had gone through the fence. When Neil and Don had previously locked onto the gates they had not been arrested – we assumed because they were local farmers. I wanted a photo of the local farmers with their Akubra hats for the local paper and The Land because I knew many of the farmers at the protest were some of the most respected, successful farmers from Coonamble. Photographs were taken of all the farmers and their wives – there must have been about 40 people. It showed that the protesters were a very diverse people. Santos denies that locals are against CSG saying that locals have not been arrested, but we know that locals are deliberately not arrested.

Not long after this photo session everyone was allowed to leave the compound. They marched out to cheering from those left behind. One farmer stood at the gate and counted 57 just as he would count stock while drafting. No one was arrested but the black cars of the riot squad followed them at a discreet distance. We left, along with many others as the sun was so hot and lunch in air conditioning at the RSL club seemed like a good idea.

The club was nearly empty, the dining room totally empty, and we were seated near the lit up tree. Bingo was being called in the distance. We heard thunder, rain on a tin roof and the blue ceiling above lit up, rain fell, a frog croaked and we fell about laughing.

Later, looking at Facebook, I read that after three years of protesting Dan had finally been arrested. I suppose someone had to be arrested to save face as Santos and therefore the police knew that protestors planned to walk onto the site and they did not stop it. Dan is highly regarded by this diverse but united group of protesters. He is one of many community leaders who have found their voice, and other skills during their fight against CSG. It will be interesting to see the direction taken by him and others in the future.