When
to
Where
Reclaimed Commons
50 Clyde St
Shed 8F (behind The Creator Incubator)
Hamilton North NSW 2292
Australia
Why
The decade-long fight against the destruction of sacred Gomeroi Country and the Leard State Forest from the Maules Creek coal mine in the north west of NSW near Boggabri is one of the most significant in our history.
Newcastle’s connection to this fight to protect the forest from coal mining started in 2015, when people from across NSW united with the Gomeroi community and farmers in the North-West to oppose the Maules Creek mine.The mine proceeded despite a gallant effort to stop it.
Right now, a proposed expansion to the mine out to 2044, would permit clearing of over 500 hectares of key foraging habitat in the Leard forest for the iconic and critically endangered Swift Parrot, despite only 500 of them remaining in the wild.
If Whitehaven Coal’s expansion plan is granted approval by the Independent Planning Commission this year, it will push the species closer to extinction at a crucial site for Swifties on sacred Gomeroi Country which must not be put at risk.
This is why we got together in January and built the Big Swiftie!
This giant, collaborative sculpture will “fly” across the state in 2026 to raise awareness of the threat posed by the expansion of the Maules Creek Coal Mine to swift parrot's habitat.
We need your help to get the Swifitie flying-fit for its big journey to the city, and then back home to Gomeroi Country and the Leard Forest - will you join us in Newcastle for The Big Swifite Returns on Sunday October 18th?
The Maules Creek coal mine is one of the big three expansions we face in NSW this year, alongside Hunter Valley Operations in the Hunter and Moolarben near Mudgee, that if approved will turbocharge dangerous climate change, destroy biodiversity, drain water resources and place the health and livelihoods of neighbouring communities and beyond, at risk.
We hope you’ll join us for the return of the Big Swiftie to Awabakal Country this October at the Reclaimed Commons for a day of crafting, painting, sewing, flying, movement and laughs to support the Big Swifties flight of regional resistance at this critical moment.
- Free, community event for the whole family or friends
- Light lunch provided
- Wear craft-friendly clothes and enclosed shoes
For updates check the Facebook event.
Contact
Lock The Gate Alliance
[email protected]
lockthegate.org.au
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