It's a troubling time with COVID-19 on the top of everyone's minds. We encourage everyone to support each other in any way they can and reach out for help if they need. We can get through this together.

Throughout this time, we're continuing to advocate for a more sustainable and equitable transport future. We're working to make sure our campaigns to Stop the North East Link and build Melbourne Metro 2 continue to grow despite this trying time.

For those who missed it, here’s an update on what we've been up to so far in 2020:

Coronavirus (COVID19):

Keep your eyes peeled for a comprehensive collection of support links and info from Friends of the Earth, with resources on building community and strength. This will be published soon.

In the meantime:

Here's a template of how to set up your own mutual aid community.

Check out these Facebook groups to find/offer support:
- Northside Melbourne CoronaVirus Outreach
- Westside Melbourne Coronavirus Outreach
- Eastside Melbourne Coronavirus Outreach
- Southside Melbourne Coronavirus Outreach

Bushfire solidarity:

We send our love and support out to all those who face the ongoing impacts of the terrible bushfires.

• Jan 8: Friends of the Earth painted a bushfire solidarity banner to thank first responders and show support for affected communities. The banner was hung off the Smith Street front of our Collingwood home base.
• Jan 12: Friends of the Earth organised a Bushfire Fundraiser, raising funds for First Nation communities and Survive Goongerah with a Studio Ghibli film screening day.
• Jan 17: we came to support the School Strike for Climate Vigil for fire victims and survivors.

Banner drops:

Over the summer staunch community members continued to spread awareness of the negative impacts that the North East Link would bring to our city, with weekly banner drops over the Eastern Freeway – including banner drops on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day!

• Jan 16: our banner drops were featured on the Herald Sun online.
  
• Jan 27: was a full day of banner painting and strategic planning for our Stop the North East Link campaign.

Come along to our next meeting!

Stop North East Link campaign progress:

Thanks to all of the volunteers who have been putting pressure on councils by leafleting, attending council meetings, calling and emailing councillors and MPs, liaising with media, and holding community actions and events. Banyule, Boroondara, Whitehorse and Manningham councils announced that they would take legal action against the North East Link toll road! However, this is just the beginning, we must keep up the pressure to ensure this megaroad does not go ahead. 

• Feb 24: we spent the morning flyering outside the Transport Infrastructure Summit where Minister for Roads Jaala Pulford presented.

Film screenings:

In February we hosted screenings of Tunnel Vision and Rocking the Foundations. Both films document successful campaigns with strong community involvement and were great opportunities to learn and get inspired for our own work together! The nights were a massive success and we thank everyone who helped make them a reality.

Fundraiser success:

In February we launched a fundraiser to help keep our campaigns going! Your contributions helped us raise $11,899 which was matched by a generous donor making an impressive total of $23,798 towards the fight for better public transport!



Get involved!

Ally support and other events:

• Jan 26: we joined thousands of people, taking to the streets for the Invasion Day rally to mark this day of mourning for First Nations peoples and protest against the ongoing violence of colonisation and colonialism.
• Feb 3: We were a part of Friends of the Earth info night
  
• Feb 20: We supported Friends of Banyule's Protest against the North East Link: Tunnel NOT Trench
  
• Feb 29: We supported Friends of Banyule's Protest against the North East Link: Picnic on Borlase reserve

It's been a massive start to the year. 

COVID-19 will change the way we campaign, and we'll need to adapt. Join us for our next meeting (via Zoom) to be a part of a community staying together to get through this tough time. Let's continue to build our campaigns and speak out on important transport issues.

To all of our committed community, campaigners and supporters, thank you - we couldn't do it without you.

RSVP to our next meeting!