February 5th 2013

Various Gnomes factions from across Victoria and the Dandenong Ranges gathered together yesterday for what they’re calling their “day of reckoning”. Seen pictured here at McDonald’s headquarters in Collingwood, the Gnomes let their voices be heard as they took a stand in solidarity and unleashed Gnomeageddon on the McDonald’s Corporation.

Click here to view footage of Gnomeageddon

Gnomeageddon protest at McDonald’s headquarters in Melbourne

Chants of “All we are saying is give Gnomes a chance” and “What do we want? No McDonald’s! When do we want it? NOW!” could be heard, whilst some more vocal gnomes yelled “We will no longer stand in silence!” Rolf Gnomington, Spokesgnome for the group, attempted to speak with McDonald’s management but his pleas were met with silence. He has advised that further protests will continue until McDonald’s agree to meet with the Gnomes and ultimately retract their intentions to build in Tecoma.

The Gnomes of the Hills were not content with just targetting McDonald’s HQ with their protest. They later moved on to the Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne’s CBD to take their message to the people of Melbourne.

Gnomes gathered in Melbourne’s CBD to spread the word

The Gnomes were given the opportunity to share their plight with local Melbournians and tourists alike. Many a photo was taken, with a number of people never having seen a Gnome out of their natural habitat.

A number of Gnomes chose to break from the group in order to share their story far and wide. One gnome will be taking news of this story internationally, having joined forces with an Air Hostess who has promised to share photos of their travels and international Gnome gatherings with the rest of the Gnome faction. Another chose to assist the Age newspaper with further updates on the campaign and accompanied a journalist back to their head office. Yet another Gnome has also visited Ten News headquarters in Melbourne in order to ensure the station receives up-to-date coverage of all gnoming activities. 3CR radio also received a visit from a Gnome who has chosen to stay on at their office to assist with further Gnome related broadcasts.

The Gnomes would like to thank the kind humans at Channel 10 News, Channel 9 News, The Age Newspaper and 3CR Radio for bringing attention to their plight.

Stay tuned for further Gnome updates…

You can also keep up to date with future gnoming activities and protest actions by subscribing to their Facebook page Gnome Maccas in Tecoma

Wow…what an amazing day! Brilliant performers, fantastic speakers, and an enormous crowd of passionate Hills residents and friends from all over Melbourne who came to support the cause and “March Against Maccas”.

We’re all still a bit stunned at the size of the turnout with estimates sitting at approximately 3000 in attendance! This was by far the largest Rally the Hills have ever seen. I think we just blew McDonald’s claims that they have “very clear support” in Tecoma completely out of the water. You can see from the photos that there are people for as far as the eye can see.

Click here to see more amazing photos of the March taken by local Hills resident John Weeks

Thanks to all who attended, and once again to everyone who gave so much of their time and energy to make this event a success. We’re all lucky to be part of such an amazing and passionate community.

The following short film of the March, created by talented Hills film maker Tim Smith with music by Rebellious Bird, says it all.

So McDonald’s, if you’re reading this (which I have a feeling you are) is this enough for you? You’re an unwelcome, unwanted and uninvited gatecrasher in our town. The people have spoken and it’s about time you listened, and showed some of the “community mindedness” you hold so dear, by retracting your intentions to build in Tecoma. The people of the Dandenong Ranges will not be bullied into submission, we will NEVER give up and NEVER give in.

Last Friday, campaign spokesperson Garry Muratore spoke to Sydney talkback host Kel Richards. Garry was able to give a great overview of the campaign and the way our community is being bullied by the McDonalds corporation. Murmurs however have reached Sydney of the growing signs of a Gnome Maccas in Tecoma uprising . Kel was very interested to hear all about this. Hope some Sydney gnomes were tuned in too!

A recent Gnome sighting