XRSA April Newsletter

Greetings Rebels,

Welcome to the April XRSA newsletter. We hope this email finds you safe and well.

The recent state election has resulted in a change of government and a commitment for a Climate Emergency Declaration by Susan Close MP. Bringing us closer to achieving our first demand.

As one election passes rebels prepare for the next with postering, reverse graffiti and weeks of action taking place outside MP offices. Meanwhile rebels continue to turn up the heat with a traffic stopping ‘Burning Beds’ action capturing the attention of Santos, the media and Midnight Oil.

The momentum is building. Let’s do this together.

Next Steps for New Rebels

Watch the Heading for Extinction Presentation (upcoming event, recording)
Get trained in non-violent civil disobedience (more training available soon)
Hit the streets! Join us as we take action (details below).
Join us for our All-In Meeting this weekend
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok!
If possible, support us through a once off or recurring donation.

Fund Solutions Not Pollution Campaign Updates

In the lead up to the federal election rebels have been staging actions at MP offices as part of the national Fund Solutions Not Pollution campaign.

Watch Livestream | View Photos

On April Fools day, rebels visited the office of Rachel Swift, the Liberal candidate for Boothby. With banners, chalk and political face masks in hand rebels declared that there is no room for Fossil Fools in the next parliament. Rebels received strong support from passing motorists.

In an escalation of rhetoric, Swift labeled the action as an ‘extremist attack’. They attempted to fundraise off the action by claiming the washable spray chalk used was ‘vandalism’. You can read our response here.

View Photos

The following week rebels brought both Climate Action and Disco to Mark Butler’s office in Port Adelaide. Dressed in their finest disco outfits they danced to The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive”.

We’re facing both a health and climate crisis. Mark Butler’s health portfolio places him in a direct position of responsibility and care for enacting policies that ensure the health and wellbeing of all Australians.

These lively and colourful actions are part of our Friday Fiestas for the Future series. On Friday afternoons from 4:30pm we’ll be targeting MPs and candidates in a different electorate each week. We’ll be joined by students and parents, bring your friends and family too.

Join us this Friday at the office of Sturt MP James Steven and then the following Friday at Senator Simon Birmingham’s office in Hilton.

Meanwhile, ask your friends and family to contact their local Federal MP and Senators by sharing this link:

https://fundsolutionsnotpollution.good.do/MP/email/

Beds are Burning

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

In the lead up to Midnight Oil’s Adelaide concert, rebels used “burning” beds to block traffic outside the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER) office. This office is connected by bridge to the Santos building. A physical manifestation of how the state is captured by the oil and gas industry.

Amidst bollards, banners, and smoke emitters, rebels Andrew and Eugene, dressed as Angus Taylor and Scott Morrison, were parodying this abhorrent relationship to the music of Midnight Oil. Both were arrested and are facing court next month.

Later in the day rebels were outside the concert connecting with fans about the climate and ecological crisis. Inside Midnight Oil flashed up a photo from the action while giving a scathing condemnation of Santos.

Climate Emergency Declaration Commitment

Watch Livestream | View Photos

In late March, the new Deputy Premier, Susan Close MP committed to a climate emergency declaration during SS4C’s Global Climate Strike. As acknowledged by Close, this is just the first step. We must swiftly reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero and halt biodiversity loss.

Life in the Balance – Mai at Court

View Photos

Earlier this month, Mai faced court receiving no conviction or penalty for taking direct action last October in Adelaide during the COP26 climate summit. In a spectacular action, rebels Mai and Ronny scaled a tripod and blocked peak hour traffic. The action drew attention to the Federal Government’s criminal climate behaviour, which did not escape the world’s notice at the COP26.

Public Mending for a Fashion Revolution

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On Wednesday rebels lined Rundle Mall in a public clothes mending action for for Fashion Revolution Week. Seated in a line of chairs stretching from H&M, a face of fast fashion, rebels mended clothes and engaged with passersby in an act of ‘joyful disruption’.

By learning to make our clothes last longer we can address our addiction to fast fashion and begin to curb the 5 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions caused by the clothing industry.