'You stupid woman!' Tough Gig at Trains Not Tolls Rally Leafleting MCG

Cathy and Mike sharing a laugh

'You stupid woman,' a well-dressed football supporter, who looked like he was en route to the Members' stand, shouted back over his shoulder at Cathy, rejecting her smiling offer of a leaflet. Cathy dealt with this with her usual grace, and then went on to laugh and chat, also as usual. This supporter's response was extreme, but overall, observing the reactions of the crowd to our leafleters at the Hawthorn versus Collingwood match, I was struck by the general indifference of most people to the important issues we were promoting.

Rosie in the thick of things

I can only think that it is true that sport is the Australian religion. And of course the MCG is its high temple:

Maybe supporters are just so focussed on what they are there for that everything else, like the destruction of Royal Park or the abomination of the Tunnel itself, feels inconsequential. All that matters is that Collingwood defeat Hawthorn or vice versa.
But for me whoever wins the football match today, the real champions are the leafleters. So strong are their convictions, that they just kept on smiling, stepping forward, ignoring the rebuffs and extending their leaflets.

Greta

They will all go home hoarse after their marathon of verbal invitations: 'Save Royal Park', 'Trains Not Tolls', 'More Trains', 'No Tunnel', 'Save Victoria's Heritage'. What surprised me was that not even: 'Stop the Destruction of Collingwood' provoked a response in supporters draped in Collingwood colours. I could only think that maybe they no longer connect the suburb of that name with the birthplace and home of their beloved team.

Keith allowed himself the occasional: 'Carn Collingwood!' 

With the rally on next weekend, we are beginning to wind down our promotional activities. But just in case you have been on Mars and have missed the details of the Trains Not Tolls rally, it is on next Saturday 28 June at 1pm outside the State Library. 
And Keith wants to let you know that there will be an After Party on Saturday at the Lienster Arms, 66 Gold Street Collingwood, where between 4pm & 7pm pots will cost a mere $3. ALL WELCOME.