MOVING MOUNTAINS knitting nannas against gas - the scenic rim loop

Iron fists in fluffy yellow gloves

The Knitting Nannas Against Gas - KNAG - is a disorganisation of mainly mature women concerned about saving the land, air and water for the kiddies.

They follow a declaration known as the ‘Nannafesto’, with the apt acronym KNAG, they promise to nag all politicians equally. 

This motley band of crafty women knit, crochet, stitch and create mainly in yellow and black, the trademark colours of the Lock the Gate movement with which they are affiliated. 

They are loosely knitted together in ‘loops’ around Australia and internationally, with loops formed to protest fracking in the UK, USA and Asia. 

Their exploits have been recognised in the Australian Parliament and some are documented in two award-winning documentaries by filmmaker Rani Brown: Knitting Nannas ** and the short film Courage for the Long Haul **, which celebrates the Nannas being co-awarded Activist of the Year in 2018 by the Ngara Institute. 

The Knitting Nannas were founded by Clare Twomey and Lindy Scott, as they spent time observing the activities of gas company Metgasco at a site near Casino in Northern New South Wales in July 2012. 

They decided to knit to pass the time and the concept of the Knitting Nannas bearing witness was born. 

The Scenic Rim loop first began knitting in solidarity during Linda Weston’s pipeline walk just a few weeks later. 

The Southern Downs and Scenic Rim loops hooked up shortly after this and the Queensland Knitting Nannas Against Gas was formed. 

QKNAG have since supported many families and communities under threat.

 Chanting Knit one, Purl one, Knot the Gate they lift spirits with their quirky humour in often tense situations. They sit, knit, plot, have a yarn and a cuppa, and bear witness to the war against those who plan to rape our land and divide our communities. 

A message from the Nannas to activists everywhere: 

Add a little humour, try a little craftivism, but always remember to keep it fluffy!

You can read more about the Knitting Nannas on their website. 

** The Art of Craftivism with the Knitting Nannas 

@ the Centre, Beaudesert, Saturday 12 August

Knit-In and Have a Yarn 

10am - 11.30am 

followed by two Knitting Nanna films at 12.30pm

The Knitting Nannas, 2014, 23 mins, and 

Courage for the Long Haul, 2018, 15 mins

Everyone's welcome, and it's FREE, including refreshments