Local women keen to do their bit for our planet are invited to join a newly formed not-for-profit climate group – the ‘Mount Alexander Knitting Nannas’.
The group will be holding its first official gathering at Castlemaine Community House tonight (Wednesday February 19).
Convener Kirsty McIntyre said Knitting Nannas was an organisation better known in New South Wales than Victoria.
“They initially formed in the Northern Rivers area when there was a movement called ‘Lock the Gate’, fighting against coal seam gas projects (also called ‘fracking’),” she said.
“This new local group is mainly aimed at older women, giving us a social outlet to use our past experience, our skills and abilities, our wisdom, to fight for things worth fighting for – our planet.
“Come along to the meeting to find out more about the Knitting Nannas, meet with other older women, learn more about environmental issues and have some fun! You don’t have to know how to knit and you don’t have to be a nanna! You just have to care about the planet and want to do more to fix things. We’d love to see you there.”
The Knitting Nannas have a lot of fun too, doing craft activities, singing, dancing and doing flash mobs. It can be an empowering experience to spend time with other older women.
“This group doesn’t take on too many causes and more effort is invested in a small number of issues to achieve sensible goals,” Kirsty said.
“People can choose their own level of involvement and their own interest; just coming along to our meetings or an event occasionally. Others might be interested in helping to organise an event, helping to make some food, play an instrument, sew a banner, knit a scarf or put up posters.
“Some women might like to lead discussions, research a topic and present it. Some people might like to join other women from other groups and join a campaign, rally or protest.
“Being part of a group like this helps people and feel more connected, knowing that other people share our sense of disappointment and anger with what is happening in our country and around the world. It is about being a part of a bigger whole, joining a community of like-minded people, so that we feel less alone, less desperate.
“As well, we have a sense of purpose in working together to try to achieve something important; to help to make the planet a more sustainable place for our grandchildren,” Kirsty said.
The Mount Alexander Knitting Nannas’ first meeting will take place in Room 2, at Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton Street, Castlemaine from 7pm-8.30pm. All are welcome to go along and help shape the development of this new group.
To find out more about how to get involved, email mountalexanderknittingnannas@gmail.com
