Are you unsure about whether or not to visit the Leard Blockade camp? We have put together an outline of common questions and stuff people would like to know before deciding to come to camp.
If you would like to discuss specific things with someone from camp, please contact us.
Are you unsure about whether or not to come up to the Leard Blockade?
Is it because you’ve never protested before? You don’t have much or any money? Are you afraid of being arrested or being associated with criminals? Don’t want to damage the chances of getting yourself a job in the future?
These are all legitimate concerns, and we’ve had feedback that these are all reasons why people might not want to come up to the blockade.
Firstly, everyone is welcome here. Except spies (link to smh article). The blockade operates under a safer spaces policy, which essentially boils down to a lack of discrimination based on age, sexuality, capability or race. Everyone is welcome, accepted and can help out. There are lots of jobs to do around camp; including cooking, cleaning, painting, sewing, knitting, chopping wood, playing music and giving massages.
Will I be arrested just for coming?
No. Free speech and association means you have nothing to fear by coming up to camp. There is a possibility your car will be searched by police (link to document regarding police powers and search powers), but they cannot stop you getting here. There are actions carried out by the campaign that may involve varying degrees of arrestability, but these will all be fully briefed and explained before they happen, and you will never have to do anything which you are not comfortable doing. If you don’t want to be arrested, or don’t want to risk being arrested, you can still come up to camp and contribute positively to the campaign.
I haven’t really done any protesting before, will I be welcome at the Leard Blockade?
Yes. Everyone is welcome here. People of all ages, skills and sexualities are welcomed. The people at camp comprise people of all background, local farmers, international tourists, university students, skilled professionals and staunch campaigners with years of experience fighting logging, mining and corporate injustice around Australia. If you’ve never been involved in a protest or a campaign before, the Leard is an excellent one to start with. You won’t be alone. Even if you just want to pop in for a day and learn more about the campaign, we’d love to welcome and educate you by the fire with a cup of tea.
I don’t have any money, can I still come?
Yes. We suggest a $10 daily donation to cover the expenses of camp, but for whatever reason if you can’t make that there are plenty of other ways you can donate time and energy to the campaign that may be more useful than money.
If I don’t have any money, how am I supposed to get there?
Check out our getting to Wando page, and get in touch with someone up at camp or among your group of friends to organise a carpool. Ordinarily persons travelling from Melbourne, Wollongong, Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane shouldn’t have any troubles finding a lift within a week if they get in touch with us and are serious about it.
Will being part of the blockade negatively affect my future?
Some people might find this amusing but it is a genuine concern a lot of people have. Honestly, the way in which this campaign goes about fighting climate change and being a part of that, is only likely to improve your future. With regards to criminal records, as you won’t be forced or asked to involve yourself in arrestable actions without your consent all of those kinds of questions can be answered at camp.
What is life like at camp?
As the surrounding videos show, life at camp is wonderful. You will be surrounded by skilled and passionate people of all different backgrounds who share your vision to create a better world by stopping carbon pollution at its source. We do three meals a day from the communal kitchen, coffee and tea is all free for all, we do workshops and information sessions daily, everything from ecological surveys to hulla-hooping, tree climbing and social media.
What are the toilets like?
There is a daily cleaned portable toilet setup with as well as drop toilets on site.
Can I have a shower?
Certainly. We have two private showers that are cold by default but if you’re committed you can arrange a hot one. What we’d ask is that you don’t bring horrible synthetic soaps and conditioners, natural biogradegrable alternatives only as it all filters down into the water table we end up drinking so…