When
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Rising Tide warmly invite you to a screening of The Bentley Effect.
Enjoy a night with friends celebrating an inspirational people power victory against the fossil industry.
When the coal seam gas industry staked a claim on the Northern Rivers shire of Australia, alarm bells rang out. A critical mass of people from all walks of life – farmers, landowners, mums, dads, activists, scientists – organised themselves to rally against the unconventional gas invasion.
Despite the enormous public opposition, the gas industry and the State Government were determined to see their gas plan through. A series of dramatic blockades ensued, before the final battle lines were drawn in the peaceful farming valley of Bentley. Thousands of people flocked to the site to stare down the threat of 850 riot police, ordered in to break up the protest. What happened next set an historic precedent.
Filmed over five years, The Bentley Effect documents the highs and lows of the battle to keep a unique part of Australia gasfield-free. This timely story of a community’s heroic stand shows how strategic direct action and peaceful protest can not only overcome industrial might and political short-sightedness ... but it can also be a lot of fun! Something we want to repeat in the Peoples Blockade 2024 and in years to come.
It celebrates the non-violent ‘Eureka Stockade’ of our time and chronicles one of the fastest growing social movements we have ever witnessed.
This will be a fun night to connect with others who care about our environment. Bring a friend, or come alone, and get ready to be completely inspired by The Bentley Effect.
6pm: Vegan curry by donation
6:45pm: Movie
8:15pm: Optional discussion