By Alana Mitchelson
THE politically controversial Emerald bus shelter may have been demolished, but it has not subdued protesters’ determination to continue their pro-refugee campaign.
Residents gathered outside the Emerald Community House (ECH) near the site of the old shelter, armed with paper dolls symbolic of those who suffered from abuse and trauma as detailed by the recently leaked Nauru incident reports.
Their vigil, at 1.30pm on Wednesday 17 August, was part of the national #NauruFiles campaign calling for the immediate closure of offshore immigration detention centres.
ECH manager Mary Farrow said many motorists honked as they drove by in a show of support.
“It was reminiscent of the bus shelter protest,“ Ms Farrow said.
“Scores of people were honking as they drove by, in recognition that we were taking action again.
“We have become a respected site for those that hunger for a better world and are ready to challenge injustice. This was another opportunity for people feeling marginalised to participate in the democratic process.
“There were many families with young children who came along. I think young families begin to relate to people with children in detention who are at risk, and it gives them an expanded empathy for others.“
The ECH runs regular workshops and events for community development in Emerald.
