Tecoma is a small community in Australia fighting McDonald’s from being built in their town.
Nine out of ten residents are opposed to it; they want to preserve their town, with a platypus and lyrebird population, and bordering a National Park.
They believe they can win and they are determined, passionate and committed. Can they do it? Is it possible for a grassroots campaign to fight a global giant?
SIGN THE PETITION: http://www.change.org/petitions/mcdonald-s-australia-leave-tecoma-and-the-dandenong-ranges-alone?utm_campaign=friend_inv
Watch the Video Here:
"After an unprecedented number of objections, unanimous Council refusal to grant a planning permit, McDonald’s went to an independent tribunal with more money than them, and not surprisingly, won.
Here we pick up the story; …and then the most amazing thing happened. We were angry (so angry) that democracy had failed us, but did we yell, did we break things, did we get depressed and withdraw? – No. Suddenly our community spontaneously rallied, and four days later we gathered to build a community garden. ‘Reclaim Tecoma’ on 18 October was an amazing day, as 750 people came together to vent, to talk, to plant and to create our own space – this was our defining moment to stand as one! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1wDZZDboZM&feature=player_embedded And the feeling of that day has continued with a grassroots campaign of peaceful passionate community activism – 7,500 signatures on a petition, over 5,000 likes on a facebook page, messages of support from Jamie Oliver, Stephanie Alexander, Vandana Shiva and Peter Cundell, a meeting with the Planning Minister, extensive media coverage, a continuous letter and email deluge, stunning videos and photos, poems, placards, signs, orange ribbons and numerous campaign songs. And the determination has not waned. This is a battle that will be WON." - Melinda Carey from NO McDonalds in The Dandenong Ranges
