hey dude, I'll try and get something together, but I am pretty bruised, sore and exhausted as you may imagine.
For me to do this on home turf made it the most inspiring thing ever.
dunno if I can rummage 500 clear words, here is something... requesting from others too.
In Melbourne yesterday the huge, shopping, gambling, hotel and conference centre called CROWN CASINO was completely surrounded by protesters where the World Economic Forum - Asia Pacific Summit was being held.
The WEF-asia-pacific summit is a meeting of a thousand of the world biggest business representatives and heads of state, the idea for the World Trade Organisation sprung from the meetings of the WEF, and the discussions held focussed on the ' new leverages of growth 'with a focus on the asia pacific region.
People from diverse radical groups such as anarchists, ' feral ' forrest blockaders, direct action groups and socialists blocked all entrances and turned back delegate busses, horses and cops. The complex was surrounded by a 9 foot, concrete and metal fence and 2000 cops. ( graffiti of the day was ' WEF Zoo, do not feed the animals, and ' Pigs in cages, theres an idea ' ) The blockade on the first day from various rough reports meant that less than 50 % of delegates had managed to attend. ( This was told to me by Doctor Vandana Shiva - Indian activists who attended as a dissident, when i met her at the tram stop on the way home ) These 50 % were mainly staying in the complex.
Number estimates are difficult but personaly felt that the number was 10-15 000.
Spokes-council meetings ran all week leading up to the event and numerous convergence centres were opened around melbourne, were inter-stater / internationals and locals got legal briefings, medical training, scouted the area, ate great food not bombs food, learn't about indymedia, scouted the city, trained in affinity groups, practiced de-arresting, prepared puppets, learnt skills in picketing and lockon's ...
Affinity groups and individuals descended upon the CROWN from before 5am, in pouring rain and wild gails. Groups and clusters of affinity groups had assigned themselves to areas and entrances and blocked entrances and roads banking up traffic around the city. They were supported by awol medics, bicycle communication couriers, legal observer teams.
There was a anarchist black block of about 60 at its strongest that held blockades, participating in turning back vehicles and busses , grabbing back commrades from the police and participating in facing of against horses. Outside of the block there were alot of grassroots and anarchist inspired groups and individuals and despite the efforts of the left political parties people organised autonomously, leaving them looking rather silly with newspapers in hand.
The black block and other groups played cat and mouse around the complex offering assistance were needed and causing confusion for the cops by charging the barricades and charging police with dumpster bins. The entire complex was covered in anarchist and radical graffiti.
Injuries and arrests were minimal, although at least one cop was crushed and broke all ribs ( ha ).
There were numerous events, music, street theatre and beautiful moments threw the day. marching bands, a reclaim the streets party at one of the back entrance, a chain of women almost encircled the casino there was a huge puppet parade,and colorful costumes everywhere. The history of activism in Australia for me is forever changed, we rock down under.
We definately won this day and hope that our action will be an inspiration for those in Prague.
there are still two more days to go. 5000 unionists are also attending , but have distanced themselves from the protest, reflecting the reserved nature of the australian unions.
Anarchy and Solidarity
More information
http://www.antimedia.net/s11awol
http://www.s11.org
http://melbourne.indymedia.org