The Ngara Institute’s annual Activist of the Year award was shared by the Knitting Nannas Against Gas, whose creative and persistent nonviolent strategies have been so important at blockades and protests, and Annie Kia, who developed the hugely successful “neighbour to neighbour” community engagement process for Lock the Gate.
The award was presented on June 30 at Ngara’s annual lecture in Mullumbimby, presented by former Human Rights Commissioner Gillian Triggs.
Founding Nannas Clare Twomey and Lindy Scott were on stage to accept the award and a $500 cheque to advance the Nannalution.
Nanna Clare explained how the movement began as a “guerilla surveillance group” who kept an eye on gasfield workers while knitting to defuse tension and create a peaceful vibe.