Apart from a protest or two, this was the first time I’d ever been involved in nonviolent direct action. The first day we arrived was a day to hang out, share a meal, prepare some banners, and get to know one another. I had the pleasure of creating a banner which said ‘Blessed are the Peacemakers’ with my new friend Alan from the U.K., who’d recently been over in London showing his support for Julian Assange (currently taking refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy). Later on, we had time to learn about what was happening over in Afghanistan, about Australia’s involvement in the war, and the significance of the Swan Island military base.

The next day involved training and preparation. One thing that both surprised and delighted me was just how much planning, organisation, and training goes into a successful nonviolent action. A local Uniting Church had kindly let us use their premises to hold workshops on nonviolence – the principles behind nonviolence, the tactics we were going to use, and practice. One of the most important things I took away from the training was that to truly cultivate a nonviolent lifestyle – and be involved in nonviolent action – we must first deal with the violence in our own hearts. At one point in the workshop, we had the opportunity to stand by a quote which impacted us most – from people such as Martin Luther King Jr, Ghandi, Dorothy Day, and Malcolm X – and share why it did. I remember standing by a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. Though I don’t remember the exact quote, I remember what the main idea behind it was: that love is the foundation of nonviolence. At the core of nonviolence, we act out in love; exposing the injustice being carried and hoping to turn our enemies into friends. We don’t seek revenge with our enemies, or overcome injustice with more violence. No; we hope to see oppressor and oppressed reconciled, and chains of injustice broken, through love in action.

The next day, we were up early to start the blockade. Candles were placed across the road, banners were up, and we stationed ourselves in front of the entrance, singing and sharing. It wasn’t long before the police came, and military personnel started lining up in their cars. After a number of failed attempts to move us out of the way, due to our persistence in continuing to block the entrance with our bodies, the police gave up and we had successfully blocked the base. After a victory song in John Farnham’s ‘You’re the Voice’, we set up camp out the front of the entrance. Picnic rugs, games, handball, kicking a footy, and hanging out together as a peaceful community: embodying the alternative to the systems of violence and domination that exist in our world.

Throughout the rest of the day and into the next, we managed to continue blocking the base, until we made the decision on Wednesday afternoon to end our blockage with a peace march through the streets of Queenscliff. Earlier on Wednesday, some of us gathered together to plant a vine and fig tree by the entrance to Swan Island, to act out an ancient prophecy found in Isaiah 2 and Micah 4 of the Bible –

“They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken.”

We then shared the Eucharist (or ‘communion’) together, reflecting on – for us as Christians – the peaceable Kingdom that is breaking into our world; the Kingdom we strive to embody through inclusive, authentic community. Later that night, we had an opportunity to Skype the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers (http://www.youthpeacevolunteers.org/); a grassroots movement of young Afghani’s seeking a life of nonviolence and non-military solutions for their country. For me, this was such an important moment. It served to give me perspective – along with the Eucharist and the planting of the vine/fig tree. These were the reasons why I chose to put myself ‘in the way’, and do my little part to non-violently ‘drive a spoke’ (as Dietrich Bonhoeffer would put it) into the wheel of injustice that is the war machine. Many Afghans are calling for us to stop ‘intervening’ in their country. They’re calling for another way to progress forward, that doesn’t involve war. They’ve had enough of living under the constant terror of war and poverty. And the presence of foreign forces there isn’t helping. Have we not yet learned that the situation isn’t improving; with the thousands of civilian deaths, hundreds of our own casualties, and recent ‘green-on-blue’ attacks? The people of Afghanistan are calling out for a better future: one in which they can work towards a more peaceful future. Things haven’t improved, and we’ve just passed the 11^th anniversary of the start of this unjust, unwinnable war.

As Martin Luther King Jr said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” As a follower of Jesus, I can’t sit idly in my own comfort and choose to turn a blind eye, knowing what I now know about Afghanistan. Just as I hope to work to end injustice through caring about issues of extreme poverty, the environment, homelessness, or the oppression of our own Indigenous people, I too hope to challenge injustice through non-violently resisting the war. And I will continue to do so, as I truly believe that a day will come when peace will flood the earth. As Robert F. Kennedy once said –

“Each time a man stands for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

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 and heard about last year’s one, gaged that it was a protest against war and concluded that it was probably something I’d be interested in.

I only really understood what the whole thing was about when I actually got there. I didn’t really know much about the war in Afghanistan, the Swan Island Military Base and this whole US alliance business. After some informative sessions and great conversations, I was briefly worded up, as much as you can be in a short period.

A word that was repeated on the facebook page, in the sessions and in discussion was one that I had only quite briefly dived into. I had always been intrigued of the idea, but never quite explored it. That word being; non-violence. Over the course of the week this idea was everywhere, and the beautiful thing about it was it was for each individual to understand for themselves. I came into the first session on non-violence expecting to learn all about it and how to be some amazing non-violent person. Expecting to gain knowledge on the ‘how to’s’ and the ‘step by steps’, but to my surprise, this wasn’t how the session went about. It was up to me to figure out where I draw the line between what is violent and what isn’t.. What it means to be non-violently resistance and what is just negative resistance. Having this approach provoked much internal dialogue and initial thinking for the days to come.

On the ‘big day’ of the blockade I was very excited, it felt a bit surreal… probably because 5am doesn’t exist to me normally. But this wasn’t like any other protest I’ve been too, there wasn’t any ‘when do we want it!’, no angry chanting or any form of aggression at all really. It was all very peaceful and calm, and still had a lot of passion, emotion and heart. I felt very focused on the purpose at these gentle moments, it was hard, for me anyway, to get carried away with commotion… Until however… Cars started pulling up… The first chunk of being instructed by police.. I was a bit uncertain with myself, didn’t completely know what I personally wanted to do in this situation.. It took a little while for me to connect why I’m here with how that will make me react to the circumstance at hand. And when I made that connection, moving off the road wasn’t an option.

I approached the whole police thing quite honestly… I simply told them that I don’t want to move because the war machine needs to be disrupted. And when they listened and .. to my surprise.. left me on the road.. Everything just felt more right. Of course as the day progressed, the police got more determined to.. do their job.. which led to many a manhandling. The first time I got carried off the road I felt very dehumanized and as if my dignity was diminished. I understand that it was my choice .. That thought doesn’t really have a conclusion, but I just found it interesting.

We repeated the blockade the next day, and I grew more confident to do whatever it took.. the care for myself lessened and this insistence to resist grew. As I said earlier it was up to me to figure out where the line between what is violent and what isn’t lies. In the beginning I was struggling with this thought, and therefore uncertain as to what my actions should entail in the blockades. Was it violent to stay on the road and therefore indirectly force the police to act violently? Was it violent to resist being taken off the road? These were some of the questions I was asking myself. As the convergence went on, I learnt through my choices and actions, and altered them to what I felt was right as I went along. I felt that this idea of ‘non-violent resistance’ is just as it’s name states, non violent resistance. We were resisting, without violence. We were standing, sitting, singing, holding banners.. peacefully.

I’ve spoken a bit about the blockades, but I quickly want to share a few thoughts on one of the nights when we had the privilege to skype call some Afghani youth. What an experience, and a learning process! – We were able to ask them some questions, and they were able to ask us some questions. Something that stuck with me and gave me so much encouragement was a response to the question “What can we do to help you, how can we in Australia help the situation over in Afghanistan?” – Here I was thinking, right, blockading an army base for a few days, ok it would delay bits and pieces, but not really do much in the bigger picture. Get this, we tell them what we’ve already done and they respond with “Why would you do that? Why would you try and stop a war so far away from you?” – It was such encouragement for them, they couldn’t believe that there were people in Australia that cared that much! In response to our initial question of how we can help, they simply said, to just keep in touch, keep these conversations happening and continue to encourage them in their efforts. So really, what I thought wasn’t such a big thing, was a massive encouragement to the Afghani youth. That was such an empowering thing to know.

These few days were very enriching, enlightening and thought provoking for me. It not only was great in advocacy, action and protest, but also in my personal growth and learning. I learnt within myself, with the guidance of the sessions and conversations with others, what it means to be a non-violent person. I personally think we should all be ‘non-violent people’, it feels so right, just and Christ-like.

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 trained here in Swan Island, need to come home now and allow Afghans to start rebuilding their own country” stated Reverend Simon Moyle, one of the organisers and a participant in the blockade.

Whilst a lot of the activities were planned and lead by Baptist Reverend Simon Moyle, those who gathered to help slow down the Australian/US war machine varied in their beliefs, age, occupation and area of residence. Participants haled from Darwin, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong, and there were two participants who travelled directly from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London where they were supporting Julian Assange.

Occupationally wise, there were nurses, teachers, ex-police, and ex-military. With some having decades of experience with non-violent direct action and for others this was their first time participating in such an event.

To start off the week, participants got stuck into banner making and did a letter box drop around Queenscliff about why they were there and what they planned to do throughout the week. They also attached “WAR” stickers in red and white to STOP signs, so that each sign around the centre of Queenscliff read “STOP WAR”.

Sunday night participants watched a 14min documentary by Fairfax media titled ‘Australia’s Quiet War’ which detailed some of what the SAS training facility is being used for. This was followed by a discussion about the various groups using the training facility.

The groups mentioned were the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), Special Air Service (SAS), Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Additionally the facility is used as an intelligence communications hub, for debriefing SAS troops returning from Afghanistan and other countries, and for intelligence seminars for Foreign Affairs and other bureaucrats from Canberra.

Monday was a day for learning. Workshops were held at the Queenscliff Uniting Church on non-violent direction action, and the group explored ideas of what violence and non-violence entailed. Members of the group shared some of their experiences participating in non-violent direct action and together they discussed if such experiences were Principled or Pragmatic/Reformist or Revolutionary. Participants were introduced to the work of Gene Sharp, who has researched and catalogued 198 methods of non-violent action.

Later on in the afternoon participants returned to the church to plan the blockade of the bridge to Swan Island. Everyone introduced themselves and stated how they were feeling in regards to the planned blockade. The general feeling seemed to be mixed emotions of anxiety and excitement for the following morning. It was then demonstrated how to lock on to others, and the various formations, ie. In a line, back-to-back etc.

At 5.15am Tuesday morning, participants proceeded from their accommodation (which luckily was a 5min walk) to the gate to Swan Island. Candles in jars were placed across the road, forming the initial blockade, followed by some sitting down holding photos of Australia soldiers and Afghanistan civilians who have died so far in the 11 year “War on Terror”. Behind those sitting down were banners reading “KEEP THE SAS OUT OF ASSASSINATION”, “NO US WARS NO BLOOD FOR OIL”, “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS”, “END THE AFGHANISTAN WAR” and “AFGHANISTAN WISHES TO LIVE WITHOUT WAR”. The last banner was created by the children of those who were participating in the blockade.

The police managed to clear bodies twice to make way for a few cars, with some being turned away and told to come back at 8am. At 8.15am the cars were backed up Bridge Street and around the corner on to Wharf Street. The sound of breaking glass echoed around the street as frustrated police began disposing of the candles laid across the road. They then attempted to once again clear bodies off the street. Those holding banners stepped to the sides willingly however roughly 25 protestors had to be physically dragged or carried off the street. Once dragged off, blockaders continued to come back and sit or lie in front of cars, again and again. Until one frustrated police officer was clearly heard saying “This isn’t working.”

It was then explained to each car that the road could not be cleared, as the police were unwilling to resort to harsher means of keeping bodies off the road, or arrest. All cars were turned around, and those who were determined to get to the base, were boated across from the main wharf. By 8.30am, it was time to celebrate and all participates loudly sang and danced along to ‘You’re the Voice’ by John Farnham until the police relayed a noise complaint.

The gate was declared theirs’ and they were told by police that they had won. Participants of the Swan Island Peace Convergence maintained a presence at the gate throughout the night, until they were joined by the majority to repeat the action on Wednesday. In a show of good will blockaders allowed 4 cars through, who were greens keepers of the Golf Course on Swan Island. The Golf Course had been closed for the duration of our stay at the say so of the Department of Defence (DoD).

It was believed that the Police were directed by the DoD to down play the situation as much as possible by not making arrests. Unlike the previous year, there were no mounted police, even though those blockading had doubled in number for the previous blockade.

The irony, as participants discovered that night, was that our efforts (despite those of the police to avoid media attention) made the Channel 10 news on Tuesday night, with the coverage of the day’s events being rather positive. “Not bad for a nonviolent protest with no arrests…” Reverend Simon Moyle posted on Facebook along with the Channel 10 coverage of the event.

All those who participated in the blockade, are to be commended for their resolve in being non-violent throughout the blockade. Even when sleep deprived, dehydrated and sun stroked by day two. The police also handled the situation well, apart from one officer who was over enthusiastic about moving blockaders off the road, who was put on other duties after complaints were made.

Jessica Morrison, the police liaison, was vital in keeping the communication going between police and those participating in the blockade. “Nonviolent discipline has been spectacular. First-timers especially impressive. Courageous and tenacious.” Was tweeted by Reverend Simon Moyle on Tuesday morning.

Participants finished the week’s activities with a march down the main street of Queenscliff to the old Fort, then back down the main street to their accommodation. The march was met with an equal measure of applause and frowns as participants were lead down Hesse Street by a Highway Patrol car.

To view footage from the week’s events please visit the Swan Island Peace Convergence channel on YouTube www.youtube.com/user/swanislandpeace

There are also photos as well as comments from those who participated in the event on the Swan Island Peace Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanIslandPeace , and on the official page www.swanislandpeace.org

I have always had a strong stance against war, and an even stronger stance for non-violence. I have never been afraid to voice it. But to act on it is another thing. I have participated in small protest at Pine Gap, but this was something different. I never imagined myself to be a part of a blockade and to feel completely comfortable and confident.

One of the things I learnt is that age does not matter. As it was getting closer to the Peace Convergence I was getting quite nervous. I thought that I would be too young and maybe even naïve; too small to be able to make a difference. I haven’t been to University, I haven’t been to a war-torn country and I haven’t had the experience of blockading. But there were people of all ages and we all had our part to play. I learnt that age, gender and size do not matter.

I learnt so much about working together; that together we can change the world, one small step at a time. Whether we changed the hearts of a few locals. Whether we made some of the military workers question what they are doing, even if only for one moment. Maybe some of the golfers who we let through, started to think about what really goes on at Swan Island. We will never know the real effect we had.

Being surrounded by like-minded people, I felt a sense of courage. We were able to give our all to the cause, through the encouragement and trust of fellow companions. We successfully blockaded Swan Island through non-violent actions. This is such a great achievement.

Before the protest I thought I’d be scared. But it was not scary at all. Knowing that what we were doing was helping to prevent the training of Military personnel; knowing that we were disrupting it for a day, and helping to bring peace. This made me so sure that what we were doing was right, and that nothing could stop us.

the sad news is that currently Jim Dowling does not appear to be eligible to join the Victorian Police Force

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 its military base with a golf course.

Shortly after, four cars seeking access to the military base were turned away after activists were not able to be kept off the road by police.  No other cars sought access to the military base on Swan Island.

At 10.30am the group held a vigil for Bradley Manning and Julian Assange, and then planted a grapevine and figtree to seek to embody the prophesy in the Book of Micah in the Hebrew Scriptures, where people will study war no more.

After lunch at the blockade, we walked through Queenscliff singing our peace songs.  We met many supportive locals, many musing that they remember marching against the Vietnam War many years ago.  We also met some people who seemed less excited by our presence…

Videos of our peace walk

More to photos and videos to come soon…stay posted

By 6:15 am ten cars were waiting, during which time the Rev Simon Moyle gave an address about the forgiveness of two afghan children who had chosen to forgive the troops who had killed their father.

After a group of around 20 police broke the blockade to allow the cars through, the activists re-established their human barricade.

By 7 am over 30 cars were backed up, and police were forced to turn cars away, declaring that access to the military base would not be possible for the day. Good relations between police and protestors were evident, with no arrests. Several locals voiced their support.

5 am. Carrying candles to the base

Laying candles on the road, while others set up in front of the gates at Swan Island

Police watch as 200 candles are laid across the road.

Police move protestors from the gate

The blockade is re-established

Having fun at the base

The police gave us a cordial reception.

Cars backed up down the street

But like a tree, we would not be moved.

And then it was time to party!

One of the things raised in conversation today is that nonviolent protest is open to all. You don’t need to be particularly fit or strong; children and adults, boys and girls, men and women all have an equally important part to play.

Some people carried printed images of Afghan children who have died in the war. The Afghan war has claimed 38 Australian lives and over 40,000 Afghan lives.

Getting ready

Approaching the gate

The children led us with words about resisting war.

Some members of the procession held pictures of Afghan children.

Time to go home.

All images © Jon Osborne