A few weeks ago, from the 23rd-27th of September, I flew down to Melbourne to join up with the Swan Island Peace Convergence. After much time discovering, talking about, and being convicted about the nonviolence at the core of my own Christian faith – and what it means to follow in the footsteps of a… (read more)
from Jade Leigh
Last week I went to the Swan Island Peace Convergence in Queenscliff, I stayed for the whole thing, 4 nights, and overall had a fantastic time. I must admit, I didn’t have the clearest idea of what I was coming into.. My friend Daniel encouraged me to come along, I had seen it on facebook… (read more)
Citizens blockade SAS training facility on Swan Island
by Sarah Hathway From Sunday 23rd to Thursday 27th of September, roughly 40 concerned citizens opposed to the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, and Australia’s role in said conflict, gathered in Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula (30km from Geelong) to blockade the only entrance to the Island. “We believe that all troops, including the SAS troops… (read more)
from Jasmine Pilbrow
It has been an incredible, indescribable few days. I have learnt so much from inspirational and dedicated people. Peacemakers who have been doing this kind of work for years and those who are new to this, like I am. I have always had a strong stance against war, and an even stronger stance for non-violence…. (read more)
The ‘beep test’
Is the name the police give their fitness tests….we were talking about them with the police on the line at the blockade yesterday…and the next thing we knew…… the sad news is that currently Jim Dowling does not appear to be eligible to join the Victorian Police Force
2 Days of Peace
I spend an awful lot of time lamenting the troubles of the world. Once after I visited an asylum seeker in a detention center his story and the hardships he went through actually kept me up all night- I couldn’t sleep. I spend a lot of my time reflecting on activities and asking myself “Is… (read more)
Day 4 – update
Some of our group stayed overnight at the gates of Swan Island, and before dawn this morning the rest of us joined them – reforming our human blockade. At 6:30 am, protestors allowed access to four golf course labourers in a spirit of goodwill and recognition of the importance of local business. Swan Island shares… (read more)
Day 3 – Videos from the blockade
6:00am Update – Swan Island Peace Convergence 6:45am Update – Swan Island Peace Convergence 8:00am Update #1 – Swan Island Peace Convergence 8:00am Update #2 – Swan Island Peace Convergence 8:15am Update – Swan Island Peace Convergence And by mid-morning @ Swan Island
Day 3 – Protestors Successfully Block Swan Island
At 5:15 am today 40 activists spread 200 candles across the road in front of the military base at Swan Island. Grouped in front of the gate to the military base, they locked arms, providing a blockade to traffic on the island. By 6:15 am ten cars were waiting, during which time the Rev Simon… (read more)
Day 2 – Candlelit Vigil
This evening we were part of a candlelit procession, led by the children. They created some text around resisting war which they read when we arrived at the gate, and we were also lead in song. One of the things raised in conversation today is that nonviolent protest is open to all. You don’t need… (read more)