The Enmore Theatre in Newtown’s Entertainment Precinct was the hub of an anti-CSG wheel on Sunday as Sydney-siders and visitors from across the country gathered to Rock the Gate.
The entire area came alive as more than 70 performers across eight venues united to create the inaugural Sydney Rock the Gate spectacular, Australia’s biggest music event to date to raise awareness about the dangers of fracking.
Produced by the UPLIFT Festival in collaboration with Lock the Gate, the event was a huge success in helping raise awareness of the issue of CSG mining in the Sydney surrounds and beyond.
The all-star show at The Enmore Theatre began with a stirring Welcome to Country by Wiradjuri Elder and Harvard University alumni Aunty Norma Ingram.
The Black Cockatoo dancers followed, setting the tone for the mega line up of Australian and international artists such as Pete Murray, Ash Grunwald, The Herd, Nahko Bear, Diesel n’ Dub and Natalli Rize of Blue King Brown.
Throughout the show there were interviews and speeches honouring those who have been a part of this crucial campaign, such as 92 year old Kokoda veteran Bill Ryan, who only six weeks ago was locked on to a gate in Gloucester in an attempt to slow down the fracking currently underway in this beautiful region.
Hundreds of performers sang, spoke and inspired the crowds to get involved in the campaign to protect our land our water and our future. Knitting Nannas, drag queens, dancers, comedians, farmers, musicians and activists came together in a united voice to oppose the toxic legacy of CSG.
Nick Hanlon of Rock the Gate said the event was an amazing example of the community spirit and support we all have for each other in the campaign.
‘Everyone donated their time and talents so generously’, she said. ‘We want the people in rural Australia trying to stop CSG mining to know they are not alone in their brave fight to protect Country. Together we are strong and we will prevail.’
The show will be available to watch online as a fundraiser for the Lock the Gate Alliance, payment by donation at: www.upliftconnect.com.
~ Photos Eve Jeffery & David Lowe
