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More than 150 residents of the Bellingen Shire attended a series of training workshops ahead of proposed logging activities in the Kalang valley.
Locally-born activist and professional trainer Kai Wild spoke about Martin Luther King's Six Principles of Non-Violent Direct Action (NVDA), and emphasised the importance of respect, compassion and love in the face of injustice.
Residents learned about responsible behaviour at logging protests, including how to prepare for arrest, how engage with forest workers, and how look after each other.
"The Kalang Headwater Forests have been in the media and on everyone's lips because of their unique biodiversity, beauty, and significance to the community. NVDA is a keystone all of Bellingen Environment Centre's campaigns," long-time Kalang resident Catherine Jones commented.
Kai Wild said he looked forward to running more workshops.
"I was very impressed by the level of drive and energy shown by shire residents to protect the forests and their commitment to non-violence," he said.
Bellingen Environment Centre chairperson Dave Pfister said the BEC supports the NVDA campaign and the call for the NSW government to add the Kalang Headwaters to the Baalijin Nature Reserve, safeguarding the headwaters of the Kalang and the Bellingen River and the Bellinger estuary in perpetuity.
"BEC is currently working with other local groups and local people to produce a Charter for Peaceful Protest and a Code of conduct based on NVDA principles. Since 1990 BEC have been dedicated to democratic, peaceful protest to protect our land and water," he said.