Franklin River 25th Anniversary

[tas-man]

Coverage of last night's Franklin River 25th Anniversary event in Hobart was extensive in our local news. For those outside the Launceston area I have attached copies of the Examiner's coverage for you to read. The website for this event has more information and links to Wilderness Society video footage on youTube of the Franklin River blockade. http://franklin25th.com/multimedia.htm Click on the images and zoom in to read.

[shanehugh]

Thanks for posting the article Tas-man. A truly inspirational stand by a group of dedicated individuals. Some of the footage reveals the impact that the impending destruction of this unique place had upon the protesters. The strong bonds they formed with each other and the area itself will likely last their lifetimes. Hats off to you all!!!

[frank_in_oz]

This almost brings tears to my eyes....

We were a young couple travelling around Tassie for the first time when the blockade was on. We went into Strahan and showed visible support for the blockade and were not treated well by the locals (spat on, not served in shops etc) On return to Victoria we galvanised family and friends into opposition of the dam. We even got my father in law - a distant mate of Malcolm Fraser and a staunch Liberal voter to write a protest letter.......

That trip to Tassie started our love affair with the place and we have been back many time in the last 25 years. Often taking the kids on holidays and, more recently, hiking with one of them. Our next trip back will be in December to hike with our youngest son, the second of three to do an extended bushwalking trip in Tassie with us.

Our eldest daughter is rafting the Franklin in December as her final activity for her Outdoor Ed degree. How proud are we that this will occur in the 25th anniversary year and that she has a wild river where she can !!!

[Chris]

http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/200 ... ite=hobart
has the on-line version of a report on the dinner, including parts of several speeches, as broadcast on local radio the morning after.
Haven't heard it yet myself, but am told it's well worth hearing. Probably less infuriating than youTube for those who don't have a very quick connection.

[tas-man]

Thanks Chris for the ABC Link. Just had a listen and was greatly impressed in particular with Richard Flanagan's "5 minute" speech, he took a bit longer to finish due to the standing ovation he received in the middle of his talk. There are some amazing insights into the people and events of 25 years ago.