September 27th, 2023Red Rebels taking action on climate crisis

Central Vic Climate Action is hosting a number of events to encourage creative action in response to the escalating environmental crisis: a parade of Red Rebels, and screening of the film How to Blow Up a Pipeline.
Red Rebels from Melbourne, Castlemaine and Ballarat will gather in Bendigo on Monday, September 25 to support Castlemaine activists attending Bendigo Magistrates Court.
Red Rebels are an international performance activist troupe dedicated to illuminating the environmental crisis and supporting groups fighting to save humanity and all species from mass extinction.
“Red symbolises the common blood we share with all species, and shows our empathy with our surroundings,” said Serena Everill from Central Vic Climate Action.
“We are on the precipice of a catastrophic climate breakdown, yet National Australia Bank continues to drive us closer to the edge by funding fossil fuel projects.”
Red Rebels are supporting Central Vic Climate Action members Bernard Tonkin, Dean Bridgfoot and Laura Levetan, who were handcuffed in Bendigo’s National Australia Bank earlier this year, for refusing to leave NAB because the bank would not rule out funding a new coal mine.
Laura said they would be representing themselves and pleading not guilty “on the basis of sudden or extraordinary emergency”.
“Show of support at the Bendigo Magistrates Court on the morning of September 25 is very welcome.”
Opening on September 28 at 7.30pm, is the environmentalist action thriller How to Blow Up a Pipeline, presented by Central Vic Climate Action, Castlemaine Theatre Royal and School Strike 4 Climate.
The story follows a group of young people in their plan to blow up an oil pipeline and explores the moral validity of extreme actions in addressing the climate crisis.
“Members of Central Vic Climate Action are wanting to stir up the conversation about how we are responding to the status quo where our leaders and financial institutions continue to actively support the fossil fuel industry, in full knowledge that they are destroying the future of our planet,” Serena said.
“We are certainly not advocating the use of violence, but we are suggesting that we all need to step up and onto the street. We will be having a Q&A and proceeds of the night will go to Castlemaine School Strike 4 Climate.
“Central Vic Climate Action group welcomes all who want to get involved in local climate action.”
Email: Centralvicclimateaction2@gmail.com or check the Theatre Royal website for film details.
A NAB spokesperson said the organisation respected the right of people to protest. “However when these activities impact the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and customers we will call police.”
Words & image: Contributed