R-est, R-elaxation and R-ain at today's tunnel picket (Friday)

Centre Court Tunnel Picket

We started the day at the Alexandra Parade and Wellington Street junction picket with leisure activities uppermost in our minds. With Emergency Services Minister, Kim Wells, spending the day at the tennis last week while Victoria burned, Bill suggested that maybe we are going about things the wrong way. Perhaps to attract State parliamentarians to our cause we need to stage some tennis matches. I wondered if we could try some other enticements as well. After all tennis is not the only thing we have to offer:

There is juggling

And great conversation

 But whatever it takes, we are determined to get our message across:

Out of the mouths of babes

This junior picketer left passing motorists in no doubt of her convictions. In fact she is so passionate in her opposition to the Tunnel that she has convinced a worker at her Holiday Programme to join the protest. Here she is advising Antony:

Hearing from the younger generation

As the drilling was already underway at the site, there was little we could do today to actively oppose it. So we grabbed the opportunity to rest and relax:

Protestors, and police, letting down their guard

And also to talk a bit about Picketer Self Care:

Preethi with satisfied customer, Rosie

Preethi, a young osteopath, inducted into the street medics today, suggested: 'When you are standing stationary for long periods in the picket line, don't sway from side to side to relieve your back or legs. Instead, stand with your legs apart and feet grounded. Then simply bend both knees simultaneously for a while before straightening up. Repeat this action regularly.'
Self care advice is just one of the many services provided by our wonderful group of Street Medics.