100 DAYS IN THOMPSON SQUARE
Community Action for Windsor Bridge is celebrating. One hundred days of occupying the historic Thompson Square have seen the group grow to a roster that has, to date, called on around ninety ‘occupiers’, with many more on the group’s data base awaiting their turn in this historic event.
The Occupation is organised around six, four-hour shifts, daily. Pete Reynolds a long-term member of CAWB points out the group is not camping, “No one sleeps during their shift.” He adds “We are simply sitting in the park, enjoying the company, the history, the location.... for as long as the Government needs to be reminded that our community needs, deserves and demands a genuine river crossing solution.”
The group is appalled the Government proposes to waste $65 million on a bridge that replaces a still-functional bridge. They are also angry the township is being denied relief from almost 20,000 vehicles a day. “Every other town in NSW gets a bypass; Rouse House gets a bypass,” says local, Harry Terry “and we get the arterial road through the oldest town square in Australia.”
CAWB Chairman Mr Dail Miller declares the Occupation an extraordinary success and notes that at least four and half thousand people have approached the occupiers and asked to sign a letter to the Premier. The letters protest against the Government’s current plans to demolish the historic Windsor Bridge and bulldoze a new arterial road into the Square to connect with the proposed new, modern concrete bridge.
Mr Miller says “We believe our occupation is unique in the Hawkesbury,” adding, “I am not aware of such an occupation ever happening before and it certainly amazes many of those who come by to talk to us.”
Since the Occupation commenced the group has organised three “Cinema in the Square” film nights, most recently screening Fern Gully, which families attending agreed was a resounding success.
Occupiers are also playing a role in local tourism, cheerfully providing information and advice to tourists. The occupiers admit they are amazed by the number of visitors coming from other parts of Sydney and beyond especially to support the cause.
This Saturday supporters will again gather for a picnic in the park. They will formally mark their 100-day milestone with birthday cake and speeches, celebrating the selfless spirit and determination that has achieved this remarkable milestone and no doubt, will carry the Occupation through whatever journey lies ahead.
Community Action for Windsor Bridge is celebrating. One hundred days of occupying the historic Thompson Square have seen the group grow to a roster that has, to date, called on around ninety ‘occupiers’, with many more on the group’s data base awaiting their turn in this historic event.
The Occupation is organised around six, four-hour shifts, daily. Pete Reynolds a long-term member of CAWB points out the group is not camping, “No one sleeps during their shift.” He adds “We are simply sitting in the park, enjoying the company, the history, the location.... for as long as the Government needs to be reminded that our community needs, deserves and demands a genuine river crossing solution.”
The group is appalled the Government proposes to waste $65 million on a bridge that replaces a still-functional bridge. They are also angry the township is being denied relief from almost 20,000 vehicles a day. “Every other town in NSW gets a bypass; Rouse House gets a bypass,” says local, Harry Terry “and we get the arterial road through the oldest town square in Australia.”
CAWB Chairman Mr Dail Miller declares the Occupation an extraordinary success and notes that at least four and half thousand people have approached the occupiers and asked to sign a letter to the Premier. The letters protest against the Government’s current plans to demolish the historic Windsor Bridge and bulldoze a new arterial road into the Square to connect with the proposed new, modern concrete bridge.
Mr Miller says “We believe our occupation is unique in the Hawkesbury,” adding, “I am not aware of such an occupation ever happening before and it certainly amazes many of those who come by to talk to us.”
Since the Occupation commenced the group has organised three “Cinema in the Square” film nights, most recently screening Fern Gully, which families attending agreed was a resounding success.
Occupiers are also playing a role in local tourism, cheerfully providing information and advice to tourists. The occupiers admit they are amazed by the number of visitors coming from other parts of Sydney and beyond especially to support the cause.
This Saturday supporters will again gather for a picnic in the park. They will formally mark their 100-day milestone with birthday cake and speeches, celebrating the selfless spirit and determination that has achieved this remarkable milestone and no doubt, will carry the Occupation through whatever journey lies ahead.