XRSA November Newsletter

Greetings Rebels,

Welcome to the XRSA November Newsletter. We hope this email finds you safe and well.

As COP26 kicked off yesterday we saw acts of rebellion staged across the country.

In Melbourne rebels dressed as politicians, emblazoned with the logos of their fossil fuels sponsors, torched the Australia flag in a symbolic action capturing how the political class are burning the nation. In Brisbane rebels locked onto a kayak and splashed bright blue paint as they blocked a major intersection causing peak hour traffic disruption. Meanwhile lone rebels simultaneously disrupted iconic and strategic locations across NSW, WA and VIC as part of a global Rebellion of One action.

Locally we have been holding a series of escalating actions (see below) resulting in a flurry of media attention and disruption. We do this while building solidarity amongst local climate and climate adjacent groups through such acts as the Festival of Climate Action.

There is a mounting sense of anger and sheer disbelief as the government, captured by fossil fuel interests, continues to drive us off a cliff. In such times the choice becomes simple: Extinction or Rebellion?

Next Steps for New Rebels

Watch the Heading for Extinction Presentation (upcoming event, recording)
Get trained in non-violent civil disobedience (more trainings soon).
Hit the streets! Participate in an action (see below).
Join us for our end of year celebration (All-In meetings to resume next year)
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
If possible, support us through a once off or recurring donation.

Recent Actions

100 Pairs of Children’s Shoes

Rebels have been collecting pairs of children’s shoes as part of a poignant art installation. 100 pairs have been laid in various locations. Each pair represents the journey of children towards the future and begs the question: what will the future hold for our children?

Watch Reel | Watch Action Video | View Photos

For the first installation a line of shoes led into Simon Birmingham’s office. Alongside them rebels spray chalked tiny foot prints. They also chalked the message: “Simon you have a Duty of Care” on the office windows.

The second installation occurred on the lawns of Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square) during the Festival of Climate Action. The shoes were accompanied by children’s drawings and witnessed by the Red Rebel Brigade.

Watch Action Video | View Photos

The third installation was on the steps of Parliament House on October 27th. It was expected that the Climate Emergency Motion brought forth by Susan Close MP was to be debated in the House of Assembly. Unfortunately this has been delayed to a later date (there’s still time to contact your local MP).

Watch Reel | View Photos

Future for our Kids

On the final day of Environment Minister Sussan Ley’s appeal of the Federal Court ruling that she has a Duty of Care to protect Australian children and youth from climate harm rebels staged a road block in Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square).

In view of SA’s District, Supreme and Magistrates courts, eight rebels locked and glued themselves to a line of prams, blocking peak hour traffic. Annie, Cate, Margaret, Paul, Cathy, Dharma, Sarah and Trish were arrested and have been released with simple bail conditions and charges for obstructing the path of traffic.

Watch Livestream (Part 1 / Part 2) | View Photos

Life in the Balance

The Monday before last rebels erected, scaled, and locked onto a bamboo tripod blocking traffic by Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square).

Ronny and Mai declared that “life is in the balance” as they hung from the tripod while rebels Anna, Eugene and Jenny locked themselves onto the bamboo poles. A banner sitting across the tripod read: “Climate Code Red. 2050 is too late”.

After several hours police removed Ronny and Mai from the tripod. They were both arrested and charged with hindering police and remaining on a road longer than required.

Jenny was also arrested and is facing charges of obstruction after refusing to unlock herself while Anna and Eugene have received expiation notices.

Watch Livestream: Tripod / Ground (Part 1, Part 2)
View Action Video | View Photos

Don’t NAB Our Future

Rebels continue to keep the pressure on NAB with their new funding policy expected to be announced within weeks. NAB was recently found to be a top 10 global fossil fuel lender.

Regular actions continue at branches as rebels sing, chalk, sticker and engage with the public, customers and staff. The Up North ZigZag affinity group recently adopted the Nuriootpa branch.

Meanwhile Mary and Ian faced court on October 8th for their occupation of the NAB Gouger Street branch. Their case has been adjourned until December 20th.

Rebels have begun to sticker ATM’s with web links to the hilarious new NOB videos created by The Chaser and Market Forces. Check them out. They’re a treat!

Fundraiser and Court Dates

As rebels prepare to face court in December they have prepared their own fundraiser to assist in covering legal fees. Please donate generously.

Rebels will be appearing in court on the dates below. They’ll be joined by supporters who will have a strong presence in front of the courts. Stay tuned to our social media pages and emails for updates regarding how you can join supporters.

December 9th – Jenny, Ronny and Mai (Life in the balance)
December 17th – Annie, Cate, Margaret, Paul, Cathy, Dharma, Sarah and Trish (Future for our Kids)
December 20th – Mary and Ian (NAB Occupation)

#IStandWithPeri Social Media Action

In a recent ABC Radio interview the state Environment and Water Minister, David Speirs, launched an outrageously shocking attack on South Australia’s leading salt marsh ecologist, Peri Coleman.

Stand with Peri. Demand that David Speirs apologise.

Personal attacks on our scientists at this crucial time need to stop!

Babes on Bikes – A Protest Parade

Saturday, November 6th from 10am
Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square)
View on Facebook

This action is run by Middle Ground Motherhood, Bike Adelaide and Australian Parents for Climate Action. It’s not an XRSA action but we will be providing some support.