A vocal and colourful group of women chanting and brandishing placards forced the first ordinary meeting of the newly formed MidCoast Council to be abruptly abandoned this afternoon.
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The short-lived meeting was scheduled to be held at 2pm this afternoon (May 25) in council's Great Lakes chamber offices, Forster.
Wearing Canary and black coloured clothing the Knitting Nannas Against Greed (+ Gas and Fossil Fuels) began their protest just as MidCoast Council administrator John Turner was declaring the meeting open.
Despite a microphone Mr Turner was drowned out by the constant chants of 'out out out', 'you have not been elected', and 'we want democracy'. Placards featured the photo of newly appointed administrator John Turner and along the bottom the words: We didn't vote for this guy.
With no let-up, interim general manager Glenn Handford adjourned the meeting for 15 minutes asking protestors to consider other members of the gallery.
However, he was forced to close the meeting when Taree's Katrina Pearson took over the administrator's chair continuing to chant and urged fellow members to continue their protest and to hold their banners - many featuring John Turner's face - high.
The meeting was moved into closed session with all items - except forfive which had been listed for discussion - passed.
Background: Great Lakes, Taree and Gloucester councils merged...full story
Bromhead defends the appointment of John Turner as MidCoast Council administrator despite links to mining industry...click here
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