Inner-Sydney locals seek living lanes

SYDNEY — Two thousand people successfully reclaimed local lanes in Newtown, Sydney, on February 13. "A city is its people", they publicly proclaimed. We want "living lanes" said spokesperson David Bentley.

The highly creative and musical event created a groundswell of community support. A large conga line wove its way through back lanes, ending in a park party. A techno-beat soundtrack was provided by beat-box bins.
Although not billed as a protest, the message was clear: lanes should not be rubbish dumping grounds. "They should be celebrating art and music. These forgotten, dead spaces can be public places of creativity", Bentley said.
The event, with its "Department of Ambience" marshals, included family activities that were a kaleidoscope of colour and fun.

From GLW issue 828