Being part of the WACRA community is fantastic. To be part of its diverse community activist programs is exciting but also very meaningful at a personal level. I feel connected to our community through WACRA.
Professional photographer Fernando Gonçalves in action
Being part of the community Alan Goldsmith
My partner and I joined the local residents’ association around the same time as the Save Our Beaches protest began, as we were alarmed by the news that a rock groyne was to be built out to sea at West Beach. We had been shocked and dismayed by the new development that had been built at the bottom of Anzac Highway, blocking the glorious view of the sea that had previously been enjoyed by the thousands driving towards Glenelg each day. So in 1997 we attended several public meetings at the Henley Town Hall and were impressed by the passion and intelligence of the speakers. In an audience of about 500 people we learned more about the ecological damage a stone wall construction could trigger on our shores. It struck us that the Henley and Grange Residents’ Association was well able to mobilise a community protest. We were among 400 others who signed up to Save Our Beaches/No Boat Harbour and we were rostered to maintain a vigil around the clock at the Barcoo Outlet site. While it was difficult as we were both working, we tried to help whenever we could. It went on for months. An amazing tree phone system was set up for contacting each member using landlines. At that time the use of mobile phones was limited. All generations took part in the protest, including children who came with their parents before and after school. In 1998 a blockade was organised. All else had failed. This part of
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