CAWBmobile UNVEILED AT THOMPSON SQUARE
On Tuesday July 21, CAWB commenced its third year of continuous, protective occupation of Thompson Square, Windsor with a new occupation ‘tent’.
On Saturday July 25 this remarkable milestone was marked with the unveiling of CAWB’s new weapon in its battle to save Thompson Square. To excited cheers from the huge group of community members who had gathered in the Square to enjoy the pop-up ‘museum’, a ‘magic lantern show’ and other Victorian-inspired entertainments, the new CAWB vehicle was revealed.
The CAWBmobile marks an exciting new chapter in the community campaign to save Thompson Square, as CAWB literally takes their battle to the streets. CAWB Chairman, Pete Reynolds says the new van presents a unique opportunity to further communicate CAWB’s message that only a bypass represents real progress for the Hawkesbury. Pete says he is looking forward to hitting the streets to spread the word.
The new vehicle, a vintage Mercedes campervan, certainly provides the team with an opportunity to mobilise the protest and reach a wider audience.
The van’s graphics, designed by a CAWB supporter, feature slogans such as “Drive Progress. Bypass Windsor.” a message integral to the campaign.
The van’s unveiling was set against a glowing, imaginative community event that tapped into the Square’s historic significance. Trees within the Square’s parkland were bathed in a rich red lightshow. A massive spotlight, cleared with both the RAAF and civil aviation authorities, added sparkle and excitement and pop up activities kept supporters and visitors entertained.
Silhouettes illustrating some of the darker tales of the Square formed the basis of heritage tours, a Victorian ‘standee’ created by a supporter was the perfect picture opportunity with friends and partners and wire ‘ghosts’ drifted under the Square’s massive pine tree.
For two years the team of dedicated community members has continuously staffed an occupation ‘tent’ in Thompson Square in opposition to a project that will see the destruction of the oldest town square in Australia.
The current plan represents a failure in strategic planning and will permanently cement the town’s current traffic woes. The CAWBmobile is already out and about in the Hawkesbury and a schedule is being prepared for attendance at future events.
