Words: Serena Everill. Images: James Healey

The Sybil Disobedients from Central Vic Climate Action crew took part in the Daylesford New Years Eve parade.

The “ Sybils” were devised by Extinction Rebellion in Central Highlands NSW in response to COVID.

The costumes ensure physical distancing and the slow gliding /spinning choreography draws attention to the slogans on the skirts.

The gentle performers create another opportunity for people to talk, think, and feel about the terrifying ecological and climate issues we face, and imagine how to resist it.

Mathew from the “ Sybils” said he was prepared to give up his New Years Eve party this year to encourage people to take more visible action. He said it was also fun!

Central Vic Climate Action members and Central Victorian locals have participated in a week-long December Rebellion in Melbourne, with their Red Rebels leading marches and members of the group arrested.

Red Rebels are an international activist performance troupe, who silently participate in climate actions. Red Rebels primarily from Castlemaine were leading two of the marches during the week.

The first march on December 6 was to MP Peter Khalil’s office, to draw attention to the federal government’s refusal to put an end to new coal and gas projects.

“Red stands for love for our planet and our rage about our current climate breakdown. Our silence represents our lack of voice as an everyday person compared to the powerful fossil fuel industry and the politicians who support them,” said Serena Everill, who supported the Red Rebels during two events.

“Red draws attention from people on the street. Their white faces spook the police and shows the mortality we all face on a dead planet.

“The December Rebellion was organised by Extinction Rebellion and the week-long event created disruption throughout Melbourne to bring attention to the destruction of our planet.

“The final event of the week was the Slow March and Mass Arrest on December 10.

Over 300 people participated (along with) a motorised effigy of a burning koala. Two of the 77 arrests on this day were CVCA members. Mass arrests are a potent form of democratic protest.”

CVCA members will support the next Extinction Rebellion series of events in March. Minister Khalil did not return email queries from The Local by press time.

Words & image: Contributed

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