Around The Bay on 8/01/08
The night of 8/01/08 surrounding Port Philip Bay in South Eastern Australia, people gathered in groups, in small clusters, familes and some alone, to hold a Vigil of Light for their beautiful Bay sanctuary. They shared their dismay at the proposed dredging of the bay as part of a greater plan to restructure Melbourne into a major Industrial port.
These are some of their stories and their pics.
Brighton
”We had a great time, with much intent focussed on thursday’s Court Case. Love and light and clear water, Paul & Pam“
“We had a group who initially met in Brighton and due to the wind that we experienced we decided to stay there and have fish and chips, hoping that the wind would subside. At the same time it gave us a chance to watch 7.30 report which really got everyone talking before we went down to the Brighton beach under the bathing boxes. A group had already formed by the time we got there at about ten past eight.
We set about laying out two big hearts of light just in case we got any aerial views. They looked terrific. The twins Pam and Jenny were there with their entourage and had already settled for the night. They were happy to have our group arrive.
At about ten past nine we lit the lanterns and camp gas lights that surrounded us and it looked great. There was much camaraderie and many of the people communicated. Michael Norris, a real environmentalist came over to me and suggested we say a few words.
Soon after that I kept my promise to Bruce and Phil of 3AW and called them. They were interested to give me a few minutes to describe the night as we perceived it. Jenny and Pam grabbed there crew and sang a few bars from the song ‘All we are saying – is give the Bay a Chance’. I think that went over well. Ask John, apparently he heard it whilst he was driving, as he was on to Pam a couple of minutes latter. I have just heard the news grab on AW that he must have done last night.” Andrew
*[ yes, I heard those zany gals singing on 3AW this morning . Yay! hilary]
McCrae
”Many Blessings & Gratitude for the Bay Vigil Happenings. Saw a cloaked ufo pass over, only the stars reflecting on the front of the disc gave it away.” Jewelz, Crispin and friends.
[*Now hold on to those reactive hats folks - this is about diversity of experience and perspective ?! I have included this comment to - by extension - be inclusive of the many. Hilary]
Elwood
“We had a very enjoyable time at Elwood. About 50 people gathered. Everyone said hello, shared their disgust at what might be about to happen to the Bay, and sat around. Our mood was aided by “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”, “Big Yellow Taxi” and home made gems “Freeway Through the Bay” (Neil Blake) and “The Bay Song” (Michelle Howe). Dogs and kids added the perfect touch, and most of the big kids enjoyed sucking on their (several) lollipops. As night fell, we moved about, some got a circle dancing briefly in the sand, then photos. People had come from Coburg and North Melbourne as well as more locally. Our gathering was possibly sedate but all had positively chosen Elwood, so all were happy, including the visitors from England who are going home next week. Everyone likes the beach and the Bay just as they are now. Unanimous sentiment! Patsy.”
Sydney
Lone Vigil by a PP Bay Lover in Sydney
Willamstown
”There were about 50-60 people at Williamstown Beach. We merged the two groups together. Everyone is sad and angry about the imminent death of our bay, which serves no purpose but the greed and benefit of a few. The POMC seems to assume it has the right to do this, that they are above nature, above other businesses that rely on a a clean bay, that containers and shipping are more important than dolphins and penguins and weedy seadragons. I pray for the bay.
Here’s a ritual idea….I did this some time ago, as did a friend of mine. We wrote ‘port of melbourne corporation’ on a piece of paper and put it in the fridge. Maybe if we all did this, as a kind of symbolic gesture, the cumulative energy would halt them in their tracks. Pics to follow. Michele Finey.”
[*note from hilary: whilst this is a creative idea, and I did chuckle for a while, I'd rather we give them the space to awaken and join us in practical and intelligent love of the Bay. The song is a gem - Chaser's?]
Port Arlington
[Screenshots from GoTV segment]
”All went well at Portarlington, except that I would have been happier to see more people participating. We estimated that we had about 50 humans, plus several dogs! An internet TV organisation based in Geelong – GO TV – attended and I did an interview with them, but I don’t imagine it will be seen by many. It requires broadband. The Geelong Advertiser rang during the event and interviewed me by phone. They ran a report in today’s paper about the activities around the bay, made mention of Portarlington, and quoted some of my words from the telephone interview.
Overall, I was a little disappointed with the result of our efforts, but satisfied that we tried hard and received good support from a few stalwarts.
We all forgot to take photos until after the event when most people had gone home. This photo shows some of the local stalwarts including several from the Portarlington Community Association.
We did get questions from passers-by and people who were on the pier fishing, most of whom showed genuine interest and sympathy for the cause. By going around the shops in previous days with flyers, I received some worthwhile feedback. Whilst most of the shopkeepers are essentially only interested in the amount of business they are currently doing – especially if they are not residents in the town – I was pleased to find several who were surprisingly supportive of the protest, but didn’t/couldn’t attend the Vigil.
Thanks for all your help, and let us hope that Thursday brings some joy.”
Peter Cowden
[There is an impassioned plea for sense and 'tell it like it is' interview with Peter on the Go TV channel. The coverage is beautiful to watch and captures the essence of the Bay Vigil of Lights in a Bayside town: Geelong Go Tv ]
Edithvale
”We had a great turn out at Edithvale last night, over 300 people, all feeling very concerned about the devastation of the Bay. Too big a crowd to address or get a total group thing happening, but everyone focused their lights on the water and we had a few boats stop by and wave. There was a helicopter in the distance, but nothing overhead for us. Great discussion ensued – everyone keen for further action and I have contact details for 140 people. Warm wishes.”
Philippa Bailey
Mornington
St.Kilda
”We had good TV news (ABC and Channel 10) and ABC Radio present. Photographer from the local Leader was there too. ABC radio put people numbers at around 200. I thought there were around 150 people who arrived specifically for the vigil, but another 50 or so were there to see the penguins anyway (the vigil you have when you didn’t even know there was one).
Jo gave a most eloquent speech and there was a great feeling of solidarity among the crowd.” Neil Blake
Frankston
”Whilst the kids played in the sand and explored the shoreline for jellyfish, we chatted on the beach for a while and answered many questions from onlookers and passersby, before a slow walk down to the end of the pier where these last 2 photos were taken. Whilst there was a sense of ‘anxiety’ about the PoM’s plans, there was also a great sense of community spirit, as 50 likeminded people gathered to ‘channel’ their positive spiritual energy about Port Phillip Bay and it’s inhabitants, into the universe (and hopefully into the conscience of the PoMC and State Government!).”
Catherine Manning
[Southern Victoria Community Action Group Inc.]
Flotilla!
Flotilla takes to water for the the Bay Vigil
“We saw many single and some double lights along the beach front on the way back to Patto River and another small gathering at the mouth of Patto River…just wonderful….
The guy from the Age took heaps of Pics so we may get a mention in the Age sometime. We had 11 vesels participate..9 were from small (one with family of 4 ) to large boats 7/9 mtrs and two huge cruisers at around 45 mtrs…brillant. Most of the boats are in the pics..not mine as I did the pics bit….
All were happy to be “in it” and we had a good time too….strong wind came up again around 9Pm so we had to head home..
the beach pics are of the gathering of good souls on the beach at Edithvale!
Stay well…until we meet one day…stay happy.”
Cheers,
John Lawler
Blairgowrie
Photos by Theo Paterakis: ‘ a picture tells a thousand words….’
[Pics taken at Cameron's Bight, Blairgowrie]
and from John…
Safety Beach
“Our Vigil was very peaceful. We were a party of 20 people and there were several other individuals dotted along the beach.
It was reassuring to see the lone flash lights in the dark.
We were visited by the journalist from the Leader Newspaper and between us we hope we covered all areas of concern ie : toxic waste , dessicration of corals, sponge beds, unique and marine species and
in general our beloved haven and childrens playground.
Today my thoughts will go out to the court, and will be sending love and light for a just decision.
Angels Guard. ” Annette
Frankston (Long Island)
”A group of about 20 of us from Central Long Island, Frankston shone our torches, lights and our love of the Bay tonight.
We were disappointed that a helicopter or plane did not fly over.
We could see other lights shining along the beach towards Frankston Pier in the south and towards Seaford in the north.
We wish Blue Wedges every success in the court case on 10th January.
We hope our lights can be counted.
Good Luck!” Jenni Alexander
[* Every light counted - so many small groups, couples, families and loners - we all connected together and created a loving awareness for the Bay and for each other. Yes, to look both ways and see lights dotted everywhere ... yes, it would have been wonderful if someone could have filmed it all from a plane. Pity Mr Fox wasn't part of it. This world doesn't always realise the truly rare and beautiful events that happen. But we know, and the Bay knows. Hilary]
Seaford
”We at Seaford beach, (opposite the Riviera Hotel) had a wonderful evening. There were about 40 of us present, along with almost as many dogs! We highlighed a big heart and the word ‘Bay’, in lights, and it looked so beautiful. We shared some of the things we love about the Bay with each other. And we sent well wishes to the Bay and to Blue Wedges for their court case. Some of us finished off the evening with a swim – it was just divine!
Long live a healthy, vibrant Bay!”
Sophie Small
Ocean Grove
”Our vigil at Ocean Grove. We had about 16 people attend, and about 7 businesses in the town supportive. A great start!”
Annie
Mt. Martha
”We had a wonderful evening at Mt Martha LSC. There were several hundred people with lanterns and torches , all very concerned about the future of our Bay. We could see another large group of lights along the beach at Mt Martha South, and a group at Birdrock Beach to the North, as well as lots of other smaller groups dotted along the coast. It was a very still, beautiful evening without a breath of wind so I was surprised to read about the wind elsewhere. We managed to write “SAVE OUR BAY” in 2m tall letters in Christmas lights on the sand. A big “thank you” to Craig Hood and everyone at Mt Martha LSC for their help on the night.”
Jenny McCraken
[* Would have been a beautiful night time pic from overhead. Hilary ]
Port Melbourne
”Numbers at the Rotunda at the end of the boardwalk nr Station Pier built up during the night, including some prominent concerned politicians. The Bay enjoyed quality more than quantity turnout, despite the bracing winds after sundown – sure the sealife appreciated it ! “
Jane Tombs
McCrae
(Car Park): “Over a hundred people gathered and enjoyed a peaceful evening. Lots of sharing of information and learning about the Bay”.
Dee Robinson
McCrae Lighthouse
“The ‘Save the Bay’ marquee was positioned on the beach in front of the biggest light I could think of … Mc Crae lighthouse!
The inside of the marquee was lit up by a portable camping fluorescent light, creating a bright pool of light in the darkness, like a beacon itself!
Large ‘Save the Bay’ paintings were spotlit and the colours glowed.
All the way down looking toward Rye, lots of twinkling lights emerged from the coastal vegetation and made their way to the beach.
It was a beautiful peaceful evening and the breeze was warm. Lots of curious people emerged from the darkness to see what was attracting others to the marquee and found two trestle tables with letters and the Peoples’ Mandate to sign, ‘no channel deepening’ stickers and leaflets. People stayed to chat, gather information, swap stories and anecdotes with those they had only just met.
A group of lovely ladies sang beautifully.
Two members of the local constabulary dropped by, commenting on how peaceful the atmosphere was, and how unhappy they were about the dredge coming. Look for their vehicle with the red sticker..
Dredging will affect so many from all walks of life. The Bay is the unseen cord that binds so many of us together in spirit.”
Susanne Beveridge
[*Susanne has just been appointed to the Mornington Peninsular Shire Council. It is good to know we have thoughful representation, devoted to the Bay, on the local Council. Hilary]
Mt. Martha 2
Birdrock Beach: There were about 30 – 40 people at Birdrock Beach. It is a small bay with middens. Next to it is Fossil beach. Each little Bay seemed to have its little groups. People must have been finding their own spots.
Looking towards Mt. Martha from the rocks at the edge of Fossil beach, there was a whole string of lights. Then there was a lot of lights at the LSC.
I chose this spot because I love to come here. I love this Bay. I feel terribly sad that it may be dredged. It’s an awful feeling. I stood on the cliff tops on a midden and I understand a little bit of what it must have felt like for the aboriginals when they saw the white sails of the ships coming into the bay.
This Vigil was beautiful because we could go to the favourite place we love. People didn’t do this for show – it was a response to grief. It was comforting and bonding to see other people around just being there on their own as well.
It’s a private thing.”
Jill Stanzus
Aspendale
“Outside my beach hut not far from Aspendale Lifesaving club on vigil night. It was a great vantage point. Could see the lights all round the bay. People were walking past carrying torches and fluro lights. What a wonderful idea!”
Philippa Rayment
[Kingston Boatshed Assoc]
Queenscliff
Catherine Jones
Point Lonsdale