maccas update @ 6 july - day 6

I was pleased to be invited to welcome community members
to the Say No to McDonalds in Tecoma walk.

Today there were a couple of activities underway for community members to participate in. The ongoing protest and community picket line at the McDonalds site in Tecoma continued, there was also a Say No to McDonalds in Tecoma Walk held at the 1000 steps at the Dandenong Ranges National Park in Upper Ferntree Gully.

The issue got a run in today's Herald Sun,
love the cartoonist perspective.

A very popular tourist destination, locals had a great response from visitors to the 1000 steps who were not keen to see a McDonalds built in Tecoma.

These visiting tourists were keen to take flyers and
do more to assist the campaign.

Many tourists thought it was a bad idea, they didn't think it was the right fit for the Dandenongs.

A group of around 50 locals joined in a community walk in the national park, enjoying what we love about the Dandenongs, our beautiful natural environment.

After the walk I visited the protestors in Tecoma.

This is the community picket line the CFMEU have
committed to not crossing until community concerns
are addressed.

Linda from Belgrave Heights dropped down with toasted
cheese sandwiches for all on site.

Shane has been a long standing protestor on the roof.

Today Indi Film Maker Rod Neason took this footage of local girl Emily who was being interviewed by Channel 7.

These hardy folk were happy to maintain the community
picket line through rain and hail.

Cathy from Rowville brought freshly cooked muffins
for people to enjoy, still warm from the oven.

Tamara from The Patch brought freshly brewed
home made chai to warm up protestors.

The weather got gloomier and gloomier but that did
not stop protestors at the front of site, buoyed on
by support from passing motorists.

Janine and Mark accept warm cups of tea from
supportive community members.

Even into to the night and in atrocious weather conditions
community members kept their vigil at the front of the site.

Community members remain strengthened in their resolve to maintain a presence at the site and there was much support from passing drivers and pedestrians.