Anti-war campaigning intensifies

Issue 

BY LESLIE RICHMOND

ADELAIDE — As the US and Australian governments' drive for a war against Iraq intensifies, so too does people's incredulity, anger and willingness to act.

The Network Opposing War And Racism (NOWAR) has organised several rallies and public events since September, but in recent weeks there has been a flurry of anti-war activity initiated by groups and individuals around South Australia to accompany the constant deluge of anti-war letters to local newspapers.

A group of concerned citizens based in Clare, 180km north of Adelaide, have organised an anti-war march and rally for February 8. Leaflets advertising the rally, with the theme of "No war on Iraq, give peace a chance" have been widely distributed in the area, and it was featured in a story in the local paper, the Northern Argus.

One of the protest organisers, Karen Pick, said she had been inspired by the huge anti-war rallies that have taken place around the world, and hoped that by organising locally more people would get involved in the anti-war movement. She believes that the rally in Clare will inspire people from the mid-north of SA to attend the Adelaide anti-war rally on February 16.

A February 16 rally and march is also being organised in the south eastern regional centre of Mt Gambier, with protesters assembling at Vansittart Park gates before moving off at noon to march to Cave Gardens.

In Adelaide, public opposition to the war is continuing to become more apparent. At a recent meeting, Mitcham City Council passed a motion condemning the war, to loud applause from the gallery. The University of South Australia Students Association has also adopted a motion opposing a war on Iraq, and pledging support for the anti-war movement.

For more information on anti-war activities contact: Clare, Karen Pick on (08) 8842 3139; Mt Gambier, Phil Argy on 0419 24 7 775; Adelaide, NOWAR on 0414 773 918; or visit<http://www.nowar-sa.net>.

From Green Left Weekly, February 5, 2003.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.