Over the past 3 years Tecoma and the Hills community has gained the respect of tens of thousands from around the world.
They recognise that your actions have been honest and from the heart. The media cannot help but love the creativity and spirit of this passionate Community.
What has not been shared widely is the incredible amount of restraint you have shown against the day to day intimidation that has been thrust into your lives.
This Community has maintained a peaceful protest when faced with incredible provocation and stress. You should be proud.
McDonalds lawyers have sued.
McDonalds trolls have harassed.
McDonalds security have intimidated.
McDonalds builders have taunted.
McDonalds Corporation have ignored.
And you have responded with poetry, art, music, ribbons, permaculture and gNOmes.
Soon you will be faced with ‘McDonalds Customers’ and ‘McDonalds staff’. Hopefully they will behave better than the individuals listed above.
The next few weeks may prove very testing for us all.
If you find you are not coping please continue to support each other and take time out if required.
Please familiarise yourselves with the updated ‘Action Code of Conduct’. Adjustments have been made at recent Community meetings to reflect the adjustment from a demolition/building site to a commercial premises. Copies of the Code will be available on site during the opening week.
ACTION CODE OF CONDUCT
The Dandenong Ranges Community will maintain a peaceful and creative presence around the site of the McDonalds Store
WE INVITE ALL PEOPLE WHO JOIN US IN SUPPORT TO RESPECT THE FOLLOWING PEACEFUL DIRECT ACTION GUIDELINES:
OUR PLEDGE:
• Our actions will be both verbally and physically nonviolent
• We will respectfully engage with each other, workers, customers, police, and the broader public, even if they are not showing us the same courtesy
• We will endeavour to keep the situation calm
• We will be mindful of each other’s physical and emotional welfare
• We commit to debriefing and following up with people who participate
• We will have designated roles with lines of responsibility (e.g: media and police liaison and legal observers) and ask for these to be respected.
ALSO:
• We will not consider an action over until every person has been released from police custody,or is free to leave.
• We will not consider this campaign over until any resulting court cases are completed
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
• Share everything on Twitter and Instagram –#Tecoma #burgeroff #NoMaccasintheHills
• Like & share on Facebook – No McDonald’s in the Dandenong Ranges
• Sign and share the online petition at www.change.org/burgeroff
• Get more information at www.burgeroff.org and www.activistsrights.org.au
We Said ‘NO’
• 1100 objections to the Shire of Yarra Ranges
• Councillors unanimously voted NO 3000 people attended a rally in Tecoma
• 9/10 Tecoma residents said ‘no’ in a door knock survey
• International news coverage thanks to CNN – our story has been seen in over 80 countries and by 10 million twitter users
