Fantastic Rally
It was a hot day by the Bay at Rosebud Foreshore. Over 1500 people gathered to to share their anguish and anger at the imposition of a major “highway through the our Bay”. Speakers included Jenny Warfe of Blue wedges, Michael Moorhead Solicitor, Martin Dixon State Liberal MP, Sue Pennicuik State Greens MP, Local Council representatives, Dr Jo Samuel King and some of the kiddies who are pretty annoyed! Mark spoke about the adventures of the intrepid Operation Quarantine team and what really happens out there at the front line.
Yes, folks, there she is, the Queen of the Netherlands in the background.
So many headed for the water anyway, paddling and swimming, keeping cool.
I stood out on the sandbank and mentally connected from Westernport around Flinders and Point Nepean, all the way around the Bay to Port Arlington and Queenscliff, through Point Lonsdale to Ocean Grove and down to Apollo Bay. Three times I circled the Bay, saying the names of the towns quietly with the gentle ripples of the sea, connecting us all as I watched the dredge and felt the company and collective passion of so many. The sun sparkled on the water. The people celebrated their beach.
The pier was decorated in banners. Yachts and kayaks sported their own messages.
The kiddies made weedy sea dragons which they paraded around the foreshore later with the BIG Weedy seadragon.
People made their own messages, sang their own songs, shared their feelings and thoughts and hundreds signed letters and took pics, banners and car stickers.
An afternoon of sharing: we enjoyed music, the company of people who cared … and the Bay.
A fantastic day, thank you Sophie, Rose and team; Blue Wedges, and Operation Quarantine.
The Bay knows.
* Sea of red, the Age.
Fabulous pic by Yanni Dellaportas: Yanni has been part of the Campaign for yonks - he was out there at the heads to greet the Queen. He is with us and for the Bay - his love comes through in his artwork. His book of gorgeous pics is out now, details on his site.