Latest news with #RisingTide
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
‘Make them pay': Algal bloom storm grows
Environmentalists have tried to enter the Adelaide headquarters of oil and gas giant Santos, demanding millions of dollars in compensation for South Australia's growing algal bloom disaster. The Rising Tide protesters chanted 'make them pay' and sang songs before carrying a box of letters from South Australians impacted by the bloom to the front door of the corporate giant's office. The letters were intended for Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher, but the protesters were blocked from the front door and then moved to a side street door, but were blocked again by a security guard. 'Tacit consent has been removed, you are not allowed to come inside the building,' the guard informed the two-dozen protesters as they moved to the side street door. A protester asked if Mr Gallagher was 'refusing' to come down and meet with the protesters. The guard replied he could not speak for Mr Gallagher, but the protesters were not permitted to enter the building. 'You were hi-vis all the time but you're invisible today, Kevin,' a protester shouted out. Rising Tide credit fossil fuel companies for climate change, which they believe in turn has caused rolling waves of toxic algae bloom to wash up along South Australia's coastline. Rising Tide protesters blame Santos for South Australia's algal bloom event. RoyVPhotography Credit: News Corp Australia The two-dozen protesters chanted 'make Santos pay' on the street outside the company's head office. RoyVPhotography Credit: News Corp Australia The bloom can cause short-term skin or eye irritation, and is having a sharp economic impact on the state's $500m fisheries industry. Rising Tide member Indi Wishart, speaking outside the office on Wednesday, told NewsWire Santos and other fossil fuel companies should pay out to help clean up the bloom. 'Last year Santos paid over $700m to their shareholders alone, I think it's easy for them to contribute a portion of that towards dealing with climate disasters,' the Adelaide local said. 'This won't be the only algal bloom, there will be more climate disasters, so we're going to need as much money as we can from these big polluters to start dealing with the crises they are causing.' Wishart said government intervention should 'force' fossil fuel companies to pay and all major industrial and energy companies should face levies. The bloom has likely been caused by three interconnected factors, the South Australian Department for Environment and Water has said. Santos is a major South Australian company with a market capitalisation of some $25bn. RoyVPhotography Credit: News Corp Australia First, a marine heatwave, starting in September 2024, has warmed sea temperatures about 2.5C more than normal. Second, the 2022-23 River Murray floods washed extra nutrients into the sea, and third, a cold water upwelling in the summer of 2023-24 pulled nutrient-rich water to the surface. The bloom could last for months, the department warned. Santos is South Australia's star corporate entity with a market capitalisation of some $25bn. It boasts large-scale operations and projects in South Australia, WA, Papua New Guinea and Alaska. It is currently the subject of a $30bn takeover bid from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Santos has been contacted for comment on the protest. South Australian Greens member Robert Simms, meanwhile, said on Wednesday afternoon he would propose a new 'fossil fuel levy' to the parliament. 'We need a fossil fuel levy in South Australia to make polluters like Santos pay for the damage their products cause,' he said. 'It shouldn't be up to everyday taxpayers to foot the bill.'
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Rising Tide protesters demand money from Santos for South Australia's toxic algal bloom event
Environmentalists have tried to enter the Adelaide headquarters of oil and gas giant Santos, demanding millions of dollars in compensation for South Australia's growing algal bloom disaster. The Rising Tide protesters chanted 'make them pay' and sang songs before carrying a box of letters from South Australians impacted by the bloom to the front door of the corporate giant's office. The letters were intended for Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher, but the protesters were blocked from the front door and then moved to a side street door, but were blocked again by a security guard. 'Tacit consent has been removed, you are not allowed to come inside the building,' the guard informed the two-dozen protesters as they moved to the side street door. A protester asked if Mr Gallagher was 'refusing' to come down and meet with the protesters. The guard replied he could not speak for Mr Gallagher, but the protesters were not permitted to enter the building. 'You were hi-vis all the time but you're invisible today, Kevin,' a protester shouted out. Rising Tide credit fossil fuel companies for climate change, which they believe in turn has caused rolling waves of toxic algae bloom to wash up along South Australia's coastline. The bloom can cause short-term skin or eye irritation, and is having a sharp economic impact on the state's $500m fisheries industry. Rising Tide member Indi Wishart, speaking outside the office on Wednesday, told NewsWire Santos and other fossil fuel companies should pay out to help clean up the bloom. 'Last year Santos paid over $700m to their shareholders alone, I think it's easy for them to contribute a portion of that towards dealing with climate disasters,' the Adelaide local said. 'This won't be the only algal bloom, there will be more climate disasters, so we're going to need as much money as we can from these big polluters to start dealing with the crises they are causing.' Wishart said government intervention should 'force' fossil fuel companies to pay and all major industrial and energy companies should face levies. The bloom has likely been caused by three interconnected factors, the South Australian Department for Environment and Water has said. First, a marine heatwave, starting in September 2024, has warmed sea temperatures about 2.5C more than normal. Second, the 2022-23 River Murray floods washed extra nutrients into the sea, and third, a cold water upwelling in the summer of 2023-24 pulled nutrient-rich water to the surface. The bloom could last for months, the department warned. Santos is South Australia's star corporate entity with a market capitalisation of some $25bn. It boasts large-scale operations and projects in South Australia, WA, Papua New Guinea and Alaska. It is currently the subject of a $30bn takeover bid from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Santos has been contacted for comment on the protest. South Australian Greens member Robert Simms, meanwhile, said on Wednesday afternoon he would propose a new 'fossil fuel levy' to the parliament. 'We need a fossil fuel levy in South Australia to make polluters like Santos pay for the damage their products cause,' he said. 'It shouldn't be up to everyday taxpayers to foot the bill.'
STV News
5 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Portobello residents threaten legal action over parking charge plan
Residents in Portobello are threatening court action over proposals for a controlled parking zone scheme. Edinburgh City Council plans to introduce the zone from King's Road to Joppa, operating from 8.30am-5.30pm seven days a week. Residents would pay for parking permits to be able to park in or near their street and others would have to use pay and display machines. Locals say people will be put off visiting the area if the charges go ahead. Jane Grant owns art Gallery The Velvet Easel on the high street. She said: 'People who want to have a fairly low-cost day at the beach, you won't be able to. You'll have to pay for four hours and then move your car. 'I think this will certainly hit the poorest people the worst. 'Portobello is one of those areas where people don't just come to buy a loaf of bread – they come to spend the day in Portobello.' STV News Michelle Mielnik opened the Rising Tide café in February. She says business is doing well but is worried that the proposed controlled parking zone could change that. She said: 'What we are really worried about is that most of our business comes in at the weekends. We have visitors come out with Portobello. They come here because it's easy to park. 'How are we going to run a business? How are people in Portobello going to run their businesses if it's a seven-day charge? It just feels an unfair tax.' The City of Edinburgh Council's traffic regulation order sub-committee convener, councillor Margaret Graham said: 'We've received a letter from this group and will now take the time to consider its contents. 'The proposed Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) for Portobello is intended to ease parking pressures in the area. The Traffic Regulation Order advertising period ended in late May 2025 and all objections to the proposals will be presented to a future TRO Sub-Committee. 'Members will consider all the available evidence before coming to a decision on the scheme.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Advertiser
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Majority of Novocastrians back Rising Tide's push for People's Blockade, poll shows
YOUGOV polling commissioned by Rising Tide shows an "overwhelming majority" of Novocastrians support its push to hold the 2025 People's Blockade. City of Newcastle councillors will decide whether to approve or deny the group's application for an event licence to hold its 2025 People's Blockade at Richardson Park and Camp Shortland at an extraordinary meeting next month. The polling showed that of 310 Newcastle residents surveyed, 66 per cent supported the application, 21 per cent were opposed, and 13 per cent were undecided. Rising Tide spokeswoman Alexa Stuart said they expect the council to listen to the community and approve the application. "This polling shows that in a progressive town like Newcastle, people understand the role of protest in fighting for a better world, and see our protestival as an important cultural institution," she said. Ms Stuart said Greens, Labor and independent voters "overwhelmingly" support the event. "Even among Liberal voters, there is more support for our application than opposition," she said. "We suggest that deputy lord mayor Callum Pull would be well served to engage more actively with his constituents rather than continuing to use his office to broadcast his personal views on this issue." Liberal Cr Pull has been vocal in his opposition to the event, publicly urging the council to say no to what he has called "another series of damaging, dangerous and costly stunts". Cr Pull said Newcastle residents should be sceptical of the reported results of the polling. "The polling question that was put to respondents included absolutely no mention of the illegal activity, which has become the problem," he said. "For two years in a row, they have defied police orders and affected their own credibility. "I'll be keen to see what they have to say ... and whether they're going to try and con the councillors with the same false or empty promises that they promised the lord mayor last year." NSW Police have told Newcastle council the 2024 event was the "most dangerous event to public safety" since the People's Blockade began, resulting in 170 arrests and "stretching" police resources across the state. Participants in the poll were told Rising Tide conducts an annual protestival, which combines headline musical acts and non-violent protest at the port to pressure the government to fund local jobs as part of the transition away from coal. The poll then asked whether participants thought the council should approve the application "subject to appropriate conditions that would apply to a similar event", if they thought it should be rejected, or if they were not sure. The survey was conducted online between July 3 and July 10. According to the poll report, a majority of voters of all parties in the 2025 federal election supported approval. The report said that of those surveyed, 66 per cent of Labor, 49 per cent of Liberal, 86 per cent of Greens, and 64 per cent of others were in favour of the application being approved. Rising Tide and NSW Police will go head-to-head at a public briefing today with an opportunity to state their cases for and against the event licence application before the council makes its decision next month. A report to councillors ahead of the briefing said NSW Police and Transport for NSW opposed the council's decision to approve an event licence last year, seeing it as "inadvertently enabling illegal activity" and "contravening" a NSW Supreme Court ruling. YOUGOV polling commissioned by Rising Tide shows an "overwhelming majority" of Novocastrians support its push to hold the 2025 People's Blockade. City of Newcastle councillors will decide whether to approve or deny the group's application for an event licence to hold its 2025 People's Blockade at Richardson Park and Camp Shortland at an extraordinary meeting next month. The polling showed that of 310 Newcastle residents surveyed, 66 per cent supported the application, 21 per cent were opposed, and 13 per cent were undecided. Rising Tide spokeswoman Alexa Stuart said they expect the council to listen to the community and approve the application. "This polling shows that in a progressive town like Newcastle, people understand the role of protest in fighting for a better world, and see our protestival as an important cultural institution," she said. Ms Stuart said Greens, Labor and independent voters "overwhelmingly" support the event. "Even among Liberal voters, there is more support for our application than opposition," she said. "We suggest that deputy lord mayor Callum Pull would be well served to engage more actively with his constituents rather than continuing to use his office to broadcast his personal views on this issue." Liberal Cr Pull has been vocal in his opposition to the event, publicly urging the council to say no to what he has called "another series of damaging, dangerous and costly stunts". Cr Pull said Newcastle residents should be sceptical of the reported results of the polling. "The polling question that was put to respondents included absolutely no mention of the illegal activity, which has become the problem," he said. "For two years in a row, they have defied police orders and affected their own credibility. "I'll be keen to see what they have to say ... and whether they're going to try and con the councillors with the same false or empty promises that they promised the lord mayor last year." NSW Police have told Newcastle council the 2024 event was the "most dangerous event to public safety" since the People's Blockade began, resulting in 170 arrests and "stretching" police resources across the state. Participants in the poll were told Rising Tide conducts an annual protestival, which combines headline musical acts and non-violent protest at the port to pressure the government to fund local jobs as part of the transition away from coal. The poll then asked whether participants thought the council should approve the application "subject to appropriate conditions that would apply to a similar event", if they thought it should be rejected, or if they were not sure. The survey was conducted online between July 3 and July 10. According to the poll report, a majority of voters of all parties in the 2025 federal election supported approval. The report said that of those surveyed, 66 per cent of Labor, 49 per cent of Liberal, 86 per cent of Greens, and 64 per cent of others were in favour of the application being approved. Rising Tide and NSW Police will go head-to-head at a public briefing today with an opportunity to state their cases for and against the event licence application before the council makes its decision next month. A report to councillors ahead of the briefing said NSW Police and Transport for NSW opposed the council's decision to approve an event licence last year, seeing it as "inadvertently enabling illegal activity" and "contravening" a NSW Supreme Court ruling. YOUGOV polling commissioned by Rising Tide shows an "overwhelming majority" of Novocastrians support its push to hold the 2025 People's Blockade. City of Newcastle councillors will decide whether to approve or deny the group's application for an event licence to hold its 2025 People's Blockade at Richardson Park and Camp Shortland at an extraordinary meeting next month. The polling showed that of 310 Newcastle residents surveyed, 66 per cent supported the application, 21 per cent were opposed, and 13 per cent were undecided. Rising Tide spokeswoman Alexa Stuart said they expect the council to listen to the community and approve the application. "This polling shows that in a progressive town like Newcastle, people understand the role of protest in fighting for a better world, and see our protestival as an important cultural institution," she said. Ms Stuart said Greens, Labor and independent voters "overwhelmingly" support the event. "Even among Liberal voters, there is more support for our application than opposition," she said. "We suggest that deputy lord mayor Callum Pull would be well served to engage more actively with his constituents rather than continuing to use his office to broadcast his personal views on this issue." Liberal Cr Pull has been vocal in his opposition to the event, publicly urging the council to say no to what he has called "another series of damaging, dangerous and costly stunts". Cr Pull said Newcastle residents should be sceptical of the reported results of the polling. "The polling question that was put to respondents included absolutely no mention of the illegal activity, which has become the problem," he said. "For two years in a row, they have defied police orders and affected their own credibility. "I'll be keen to see what they have to say ... and whether they're going to try and con the councillors with the same false or empty promises that they promised the lord mayor last year." NSW Police have told Newcastle council the 2024 event was the "most dangerous event to public safety" since the People's Blockade began, resulting in 170 arrests and "stretching" police resources across the state. Participants in the poll were told Rising Tide conducts an annual protestival, which combines headline musical acts and non-violent protest at the port to pressure the government to fund local jobs as part of the transition away from coal. The poll then asked whether participants thought the council should approve the application "subject to appropriate conditions that would apply to a similar event", if they thought it should be rejected, or if they were not sure. The survey was conducted online between July 3 and July 10. According to the poll report, a majority of voters of all parties in the 2025 federal election supported approval. The report said that of those surveyed, 66 per cent of Labor, 49 per cent of Liberal, 86 per cent of Greens, and 64 per cent of others were in favour of the application being approved. Rising Tide and NSW Police will go head-to-head at a public briefing today with an opportunity to state their cases for and against the event licence application before the council makes its decision next month. A report to councillors ahead of the briefing said NSW Police and Transport for NSW opposed the council's decision to approve an event licence last year, seeing it as "inadvertently enabling illegal activity" and "contravening" a NSW Supreme Court ruling. YOUGOV polling commissioned by Rising Tide shows an "overwhelming majority" of Novocastrians support its push to hold the 2025 People's Blockade. City of Newcastle councillors will decide whether to approve or deny the group's application for an event licence to hold its 2025 People's Blockade at Richardson Park and Camp Shortland at an extraordinary meeting next month. The polling showed that of 310 Newcastle residents surveyed, 66 per cent supported the application, 21 per cent were opposed, and 13 per cent were undecided. Rising Tide spokeswoman Alexa Stuart said they expect the council to listen to the community and approve the application. "This polling shows that in a progressive town like Newcastle, people understand the role of protest in fighting for a better world, and see our protestival as an important cultural institution," she said. Ms Stuart said Greens, Labor and independent voters "overwhelmingly" support the event. "Even among Liberal voters, there is more support for our application than opposition," she said. "We suggest that deputy lord mayor Callum Pull would be well served to engage more actively with his constituents rather than continuing to use his office to broadcast his personal views on this issue." Liberal Cr Pull has been vocal in his opposition to the event, publicly urging the council to say no to what he has called "another series of damaging, dangerous and costly stunts". Cr Pull said Newcastle residents should be sceptical of the reported results of the polling. "The polling question that was put to respondents included absolutely no mention of the illegal activity, which has become the problem," he said. "For two years in a row, they have defied police orders and affected their own credibility. "I'll be keen to see what they have to say ... and whether they're going to try and con the councillors with the same false or empty promises that they promised the lord mayor last year." NSW Police have told Newcastle council the 2024 event was the "most dangerous event to public safety" since the People's Blockade began, resulting in 170 arrests and "stretching" police resources across the state. Participants in the poll were told Rising Tide conducts an annual protestival, which combines headline musical acts and non-violent protest at the port to pressure the government to fund local jobs as part of the transition away from coal. The poll then asked whether participants thought the council should approve the application "subject to appropriate conditions that would apply to a similar event", if they thought it should be rejected, or if they were not sure. The survey was conducted online between July 3 and July 10. According to the poll report, a majority of voters of all parties in the 2025 federal election supported approval. The report said that of those surveyed, 66 per cent of Labor, 49 per cent of Liberal, 86 per cent of Greens, and 64 per cent of others were in favour of the application being approved. Rising Tide and NSW Police will go head-to-head at a public briefing today with an opportunity to state their cases for and against the event licence application before the council makes its decision next month. A report to councillors ahead of the briefing said NSW Police and Transport for NSW opposed the council's decision to approve an event licence last year, seeing it as "inadvertently enabling illegal activity" and "contravening" a NSW Supreme Court ruling.
The Advertiser
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'She spoke up, she spoke out': Sinead Francis-Coan remembered as tireless advocate for family and city
Sinead Francis-Coan, the late Greens councillor of Newcastle, has been remembered as a fierce advocate, a tireless campaigner of countless causes close to her heart, and an indefatigable force in both her family and her city. The freshman Ward 3 councillor, who served only eight months in office, died suddenly of a ruptured aortic aneurysm on Monday, June 23. She was 40. At a memorial service at City Hall on Saturday, July 12, attended by Ms Francis-Coan's surviving family, colleagues at the City of Newcastle, and various community and activist organisations she touched, mourners heard of her industrious spirit and commitment to the public good. "She spoke out against injustice, against violence, against racism, against discrimination of all kinds," her mother, Lyndall Coan, said. "She spoke out about workers' rights, women's rights, Indigenous rights, refugee rights, LGBTQI rights. And she did love that megaphone." "I have been extremely proud of the work she was doing as a councillor, and I had the opportunity to tell her that just three days before she died." In emotionally poignant eulogies, Ms Francis-Coan's sisters, Roisin and Ciara, spoke of their sister's love for her nieces and nephews, her commitment to family, and her relentlessly active spirit. "When I asked how she was doing, she would usually list everything she had done that week," Ciara said. "I understand now how much time, love and energy she gave to causes and to people. I think I finally get it - why listing her busy schedule was her way of answering how she was. I think she felt good about being so active." "I'm devastated to lose her, but comforted to know that she has been recognised and respected for the amazing person she was." Ms Francis-Coan was elected to the city council on the Greens party ticket in October. She had previously run for office in 2021, missing out by a mere 80 votes. She worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. She was a staunch unionist, progressive campaigner, environmentalist and an advocate for issues of equality, diversity and fairness. She was arrested in November, last year, after participating in the blockade of the Newcastle harbour, orchestrated by the protest group Rising Tide. When NSW Greens upper house member Cate Faehrmann mentioned her activism during her eulogy, a resounding cheer rang through City Hall, led by a sea of blue Rising Tide shirts filling the right wing of the floor. "We would be hard pressed to find anybody else who showed up so consistently on such a broad range of issues," Ms Faehrmann said. "She always had a smile to share and was warm and friendly to everyone she encountered. She was an extraordinary person and her loss will be sorely felt in the Newcastle community." Hunter Workers' women's committee president Teresa Hetherington described Ms Francis-Coan as a 'shining light' who "left an indelible impact on the workers of the Hunter." "Even when you first met her, you instantly felt close to her. If she wasn't already, she would soon be your friend." City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath described a councillor of seemingly limitless potential, and an advocate who thrived on a commitment to civic duty. "Between October and June, Sinead led council debates on the local environment; Lambton Park; shark nets; the privatisation of Newcastle's public transport system; the loss of state government funding for the Active Stronger, Better program; the need for a special entertainment precinct here in the city; the need for a dedicated-use space in Hamilton; better or improved maintenance of our inland swimming pools; and the preservation of green space in New Lambton," he said. "She was busy." "While the subject matters were many and varied, there was one consistency in how she spoke to each of these issues. Her approach was always respectful, her position was always evidence based and most importantly, her words were always delivered with kindness, passion and enthusiasm." "At the end of one particularly long council meeting last year, I walked up to Sinead because she was the only one who had two eyes still open and I said, what is your secret?" "She laughed, and replied that she just loved being a councillor. In eight years, I have never heard anyone say that." Ms Francis-Coan's family spoke of their love for their daughter, sister and aunt. Mrs Coan, who like many other speakers, regretted that she felt she could not wrap such a life into so many words, said her daughter's voice was as powerful as her pen. "Many of you have said you have no words and I too am struggling, but Sinead had words," she said. "She spoke up and she spoke out." "If she disagreed with you, she said so. She was a talker, and also a good listener." "We must have words for Sinead." Ms Francis-Coan was born on August 20, 1984. Her childhood was marked by health struggles, including undergoing heart surgery at four years old to repair a narrow aorta. She was also diagnosed at three weeks old with Turner Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects women and girls, characterised by the absence or partial absence of one X chromosome. "That is why she was so short," Mrs Coan said lovingly. "She also had a spatial reasoning learning difficulty. This enabled her to see the world from different angles, but not always the ones expected of her." "Sinead faced many challenges, but she rose to them and they shaped the amazing person you all knew and loved." Ms Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote against the front-running challenger Sonia Hornery. Her sister, Roisin, described her as a leader even in childhood; a "serious" child who was always "hanging out with the adults". "Our parents raised headstrong women, each walking their own path," she said. "And she was certainly walking hers." "I'm glad she put her argumentative skills to good use, fighting passionately for the things she believed in." Her close friend, Mairtin Mag Uidhir, closed the ceremony with a blessing in Irish Gaelic, describing the culture's understanding of death as going on the "way of truth". "They go ar sli an fhirinne - on the way of truth," he said. "For an incredible woman like Sinead, she was always searching for that truth long before she left us." "May you find tranquility, peace and calm on this next journey. May we sing again at the top of our voices together on the other side of eternity." The Newcastle People's Chorus closed the ceremony with a rendition of the unionist anthem Solidarity Forever, as the amassed crowd stood and many raised their fists in memory. Ms Francis-Coan's seat on the city's council, being left vacant fewer than 18 months since the September 2024 election, will be filled by a count-back to elect a new councillor. Long-term Newcastle Greens members Siobhan Isherwood and Anne Rooke-Frizell stood No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, under Ms Francis-Coan on the Greens' ticket for ward three. Sinead Francis-Coan, the late Greens councillor of Newcastle, has been remembered as a fierce advocate, a tireless campaigner of countless causes close to her heart, and an indefatigable force in both her family and her city. The freshman Ward 3 councillor, who served only eight months in office, died suddenly of a ruptured aortic aneurysm on Monday, June 23. She was 40. At a memorial service at City Hall on Saturday, July 12, attended by Ms Francis-Coan's surviving family, colleagues at the City of Newcastle, and various community and activist organisations she touched, mourners heard of her industrious spirit and commitment to the public good. "She spoke out against injustice, against violence, against racism, against discrimination of all kinds," her mother, Lyndall Coan, said. "She spoke out about workers' rights, women's rights, Indigenous rights, refugee rights, LGBTQI rights. And she did love that megaphone." "I have been extremely proud of the work she was doing as a councillor, and I had the opportunity to tell her that just three days before she died." In emotionally poignant eulogies, Ms Francis-Coan's sisters, Roisin and Ciara, spoke of their sister's love for her nieces and nephews, her commitment to family, and her relentlessly active spirit. "When I asked how she was doing, she would usually list everything she had done that week," Ciara said. "I understand now how much time, love and energy she gave to causes and to people. I think I finally get it - why listing her busy schedule was her way of answering how she was. I think she felt good about being so active." "I'm devastated to lose her, but comforted to know that she has been recognised and respected for the amazing person she was." Ms Francis-Coan was elected to the city council on the Greens party ticket in October. She had previously run for office in 2021, missing out by a mere 80 votes. She worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. She was a staunch unionist, progressive campaigner, environmentalist and an advocate for issues of equality, diversity and fairness. She was arrested in November, last year, after participating in the blockade of the Newcastle harbour, orchestrated by the protest group Rising Tide. When NSW Greens upper house member Cate Faehrmann mentioned her activism during her eulogy, a resounding cheer rang through City Hall, led by a sea of blue Rising Tide shirts filling the right wing of the floor. "We would be hard pressed to find anybody else who showed up so consistently on such a broad range of issues," Ms Faehrmann said. "She always had a smile to share and was warm and friendly to everyone she encountered. She was an extraordinary person and her loss will be sorely felt in the Newcastle community." Hunter Workers' women's committee president Teresa Hetherington described Ms Francis-Coan as a 'shining light' who "left an indelible impact on the workers of the Hunter." "Even when you first met her, you instantly felt close to her. If she wasn't already, she would soon be your friend." City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath described a councillor of seemingly limitless potential, and an advocate who thrived on a commitment to civic duty. "Between October and June, Sinead led council debates on the local environment; Lambton Park; shark nets; the privatisation of Newcastle's public transport system; the loss of state government funding for the Active Stronger, Better program; the need for a special entertainment precinct here in the city; the need for a dedicated-use space in Hamilton; better or improved maintenance of our inland swimming pools; and the preservation of green space in New Lambton," he said. "She was busy." "While the subject matters were many and varied, there was one consistency in how she spoke to each of these issues. Her approach was always respectful, her position was always evidence based and most importantly, her words were always delivered with kindness, passion and enthusiasm." "At the end of one particularly long council meeting last year, I walked up to Sinead because she was the only one who had two eyes still open and I said, what is your secret?" "She laughed, and replied that she just loved being a councillor. In eight years, I have never heard anyone say that." Ms Francis-Coan's family spoke of their love for their daughter, sister and aunt. Mrs Coan, who like many other speakers, regretted that she felt she could not wrap such a life into so many words, said her daughter's voice was as powerful as her pen. "Many of you have said you have no words and I too am struggling, but Sinead had words," she said. "She spoke up and she spoke out." "If she disagreed with you, she said so. She was a talker, and also a good listener." "We must have words for Sinead." Ms Francis-Coan was born on August 20, 1984. Her childhood was marked by health struggles, including undergoing heart surgery at four years old to repair a narrow aorta. She was also diagnosed at three weeks old with Turner Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects women and girls, characterised by the absence or partial absence of one X chromosome. "That is why she was so short," Mrs Coan said lovingly. "She also had a spatial reasoning learning difficulty. This enabled her to see the world from different angles, but not always the ones expected of her." "Sinead faced many challenges, but she rose to them and they shaped the amazing person you all knew and loved." Ms Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote against the front-running challenger Sonia Hornery. Her sister, Roisin, described her as a leader even in childhood; a "serious" child who was always "hanging out with the adults". "Our parents raised headstrong women, each walking their own path," she said. "And she was certainly walking hers." "I'm glad she put her argumentative skills to good use, fighting passionately for the things she believed in." Her close friend, Mairtin Mag Uidhir, closed the ceremony with a blessing in Irish Gaelic, describing the culture's understanding of death as going on the "way of truth". "They go ar sli an fhirinne - on the way of truth," he said. "For an incredible woman like Sinead, she was always searching for that truth long before she left us." "May you find tranquility, peace and calm on this next journey. May we sing again at the top of our voices together on the other side of eternity." The Newcastle People's Chorus closed the ceremony with a rendition of the unionist anthem Solidarity Forever, as the amassed crowd stood and many raised their fists in memory. Ms Francis-Coan's seat on the city's council, being left vacant fewer than 18 months since the September 2024 election, will be filled by a count-back to elect a new councillor. Long-term Newcastle Greens members Siobhan Isherwood and Anne Rooke-Frizell stood No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, under Ms Francis-Coan on the Greens' ticket for ward three. Sinead Francis-Coan, the late Greens councillor of Newcastle, has been remembered as a fierce advocate, a tireless campaigner of countless causes close to her heart, and an indefatigable force in both her family and her city. The freshman Ward 3 councillor, who served only eight months in office, died suddenly of a ruptured aortic aneurysm on Monday, June 23. She was 40. At a memorial service at City Hall on Saturday, July 12, attended by Ms Francis-Coan's surviving family, colleagues at the City of Newcastle, and various community and activist organisations she touched, mourners heard of her industrious spirit and commitment to the public good. "She spoke out against injustice, against violence, against racism, against discrimination of all kinds," her mother, Lyndall Coan, said. "She spoke out about workers' rights, women's rights, Indigenous rights, refugee rights, LGBTQI rights. And she did love that megaphone." "I have been extremely proud of the work she was doing as a councillor, and I had the opportunity to tell her that just three days before she died." In emotionally poignant eulogies, Ms Francis-Coan's sisters, Roisin and Ciara, spoke of their sister's love for her nieces and nephews, her commitment to family, and her relentlessly active spirit. "When I asked how she was doing, she would usually list everything she had done that week," Ciara said. "I understand now how much time, love and energy she gave to causes and to people. I think I finally get it - why listing her busy schedule was her way of answering how she was. I think she felt good about being so active." "I'm devastated to lose her, but comforted to know that she has been recognised and respected for the amazing person she was." Ms Francis-Coan was elected to the city council on the Greens party ticket in October. She had previously run for office in 2021, missing out by a mere 80 votes. She worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. She was a staunch unionist, progressive campaigner, environmentalist and an advocate for issues of equality, diversity and fairness. She was arrested in November, last year, after participating in the blockade of the Newcastle harbour, orchestrated by the protest group Rising Tide. When NSW Greens upper house member Cate Faehrmann mentioned her activism during her eulogy, a resounding cheer rang through City Hall, led by a sea of blue Rising Tide shirts filling the right wing of the floor. "We would be hard pressed to find anybody else who showed up so consistently on such a broad range of issues," Ms Faehrmann said. "She always had a smile to share and was warm and friendly to everyone she encountered. She was an extraordinary person and her loss will be sorely felt in the Newcastle community." Hunter Workers' women's committee president Teresa Hetherington described Ms Francis-Coan as a 'shining light' who "left an indelible impact on the workers of the Hunter." "Even when you first met her, you instantly felt close to her. If she wasn't already, she would soon be your friend." City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath described a councillor of seemingly limitless potential, and an advocate who thrived on a commitment to civic duty. "Between October and June, Sinead led council debates on the local environment; Lambton Park; shark nets; the privatisation of Newcastle's public transport system; the loss of state government funding for the Active Stronger, Better program; the need for a special entertainment precinct here in the city; the need for a dedicated-use space in Hamilton; better or improved maintenance of our inland swimming pools; and the preservation of green space in New Lambton," he said. "She was busy." "While the subject matters were many and varied, there was one consistency in how she spoke to each of these issues. Her approach was always respectful, her position was always evidence based and most importantly, her words were always delivered with kindness, passion and enthusiasm." "At the end of one particularly long council meeting last year, I walked up to Sinead because she was the only one who had two eyes still open and I said, what is your secret?" "She laughed, and replied that she just loved being a councillor. In eight years, I have never heard anyone say that." Ms Francis-Coan's family spoke of their love for their daughter, sister and aunt. Mrs Coan, who like many other speakers, regretted that she felt she could not wrap such a life into so many words, said her daughter's voice was as powerful as her pen. "Many of you have said you have no words and I too am struggling, but Sinead had words," she said. "She spoke up and she spoke out." "If she disagreed with you, she said so. She was a talker, and also a good listener." "We must have words for Sinead." Ms Francis-Coan was born on August 20, 1984. Her childhood was marked by health struggles, including undergoing heart surgery at four years old to repair a narrow aorta. She was also diagnosed at three weeks old with Turner Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects women and girls, characterised by the absence or partial absence of one X chromosome. "That is why she was so short," Mrs Coan said lovingly. "She also had a spatial reasoning learning difficulty. This enabled her to see the world from different angles, but not always the ones expected of her." "Sinead faced many challenges, but she rose to them and they shaped the amazing person you all knew and loved." Ms Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote against the front-running challenger Sonia Hornery. Her sister, Roisin, described her as a leader even in childhood; a "serious" child who was always "hanging out with the adults". "Our parents raised headstrong women, each walking their own path," she said. "And she was certainly walking hers." "I'm glad she put her argumentative skills to good use, fighting passionately for the things she believed in." Her close friend, Mairtin Mag Uidhir, closed the ceremony with a blessing in Irish Gaelic, describing the culture's understanding of death as going on the "way of truth". "They go ar sli an fhirinne - on the way of truth," he said. "For an incredible woman like Sinead, she was always searching for that truth long before she left us." "May you find tranquility, peace and calm on this next journey. May we sing again at the top of our voices together on the other side of eternity." The Newcastle People's Chorus closed the ceremony with a rendition of the unionist anthem Solidarity Forever, as the amassed crowd stood and many raised their fists in memory. Ms Francis-Coan's seat on the city's council, being left vacant fewer than 18 months since the September 2024 election, will be filled by a count-back to elect a new councillor. Long-term Newcastle Greens members Siobhan Isherwood and Anne Rooke-Frizell stood No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, under Ms Francis-Coan on the Greens' ticket for ward three. Sinead Francis-Coan, the late Greens councillor of Newcastle, has been remembered as a fierce advocate, a tireless campaigner of countless causes close to her heart, and an indefatigable force in both her family and her city. The freshman Ward 3 councillor, who served only eight months in office, died suddenly of a ruptured aortic aneurysm on Monday, June 23. She was 40. At a memorial service at City Hall on Saturday, July 12, attended by Ms Francis-Coan's surviving family, colleagues at the City of Newcastle, and various community and activist organisations she touched, mourners heard of her industrious spirit and commitment to the public good. "She spoke out against injustice, against violence, against racism, against discrimination of all kinds," her mother, Lyndall Coan, said. "She spoke out about workers' rights, women's rights, Indigenous rights, refugee rights, LGBTQI rights. And she did love that megaphone." "I have been extremely proud of the work she was doing as a councillor, and I had the opportunity to tell her that just three days before she died." In emotionally poignant eulogies, Ms Francis-Coan's sisters, Roisin and Ciara, spoke of their sister's love for her nieces and nephews, her commitment to family, and her relentlessly active spirit. "When I asked how she was doing, she would usually list everything she had done that week," Ciara said. "I understand now how much time, love and energy she gave to causes and to people. I think I finally get it - why listing her busy schedule was her way of answering how she was. I think she felt good about being so active." "I'm devastated to lose her, but comforted to know that she has been recognised and respected for the amazing person she was." Ms Francis-Coan was elected to the city council on the Greens party ticket in October. She had previously run for office in 2021, missing out by a mere 80 votes. She worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. She was a staunch unionist, progressive campaigner, environmentalist and an advocate for issues of equality, diversity and fairness. She was arrested in November, last year, after participating in the blockade of the Newcastle harbour, orchestrated by the protest group Rising Tide. When NSW Greens upper house member Cate Faehrmann mentioned her activism during her eulogy, a resounding cheer rang through City Hall, led by a sea of blue Rising Tide shirts filling the right wing of the floor. "We would be hard pressed to find anybody else who showed up so consistently on such a broad range of issues," Ms Faehrmann said. "She always had a smile to share and was warm and friendly to everyone she encountered. She was an extraordinary person and her loss will be sorely felt in the Newcastle community." Hunter Workers' women's committee president Teresa Hetherington described Ms Francis-Coan as a 'shining light' who "left an indelible impact on the workers of the Hunter." "Even when you first met her, you instantly felt close to her. If she wasn't already, she would soon be your friend." City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath described a councillor of seemingly limitless potential, and an advocate who thrived on a commitment to civic duty. "Between October and June, Sinead led council debates on the local environment; Lambton Park; shark nets; the privatisation of Newcastle's public transport system; the loss of state government funding for the Active Stronger, Better program; the need for a special entertainment precinct here in the city; the need for a dedicated-use space in Hamilton; better or improved maintenance of our inland swimming pools; and the preservation of green space in New Lambton," he said. "She was busy." "While the subject matters were many and varied, there was one consistency in how she spoke to each of these issues. Her approach was always respectful, her position was always evidence based and most importantly, her words were always delivered with kindness, passion and enthusiasm." "At the end of one particularly long council meeting last year, I walked up to Sinead because she was the only one who had two eyes still open and I said, what is your secret?" "She laughed, and replied that she just loved being a councillor. In eight years, I have never heard anyone say that." Ms Francis-Coan's family spoke of their love for their daughter, sister and aunt. Mrs Coan, who like many other speakers, regretted that she felt she could not wrap such a life into so many words, said her daughter's voice was as powerful as her pen. "Many of you have said you have no words and I too am struggling, but Sinead had words," she said. "She spoke up and she spoke out." "If she disagreed with you, she said so. She was a talker, and also a good listener." "We must have words for Sinead." Ms Francis-Coan was born on August 20, 1984. Her childhood was marked by health struggles, including undergoing heart surgery at four years old to repair a narrow aorta. She was also diagnosed at three weeks old with Turner Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects women and girls, characterised by the absence or partial absence of one X chromosome. "That is why she was so short," Mrs Coan said lovingly. "She also had a spatial reasoning learning difficulty. This enabled her to see the world from different angles, but not always the ones expected of her." "Sinead faced many challenges, but she rose to them and they shaped the amazing person you all knew and loved." Ms Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote against the front-running challenger Sonia Hornery. Her sister, Roisin, described her as a leader even in childhood; a "serious" child who was always "hanging out with the adults". "Our parents raised headstrong women, each walking their own path," she said. "And she was certainly walking hers." "I'm glad she put her argumentative skills to good use, fighting passionately for the things she believed in." Her close friend, Mairtin Mag Uidhir, closed the ceremony with a blessing in Irish Gaelic, describing the culture's understanding of death as going on the "way of truth". "They go ar sli an fhirinne - on the way of truth," he said. "For an incredible woman like Sinead, she was always searching for that truth long before she left us." "May you find tranquility, peace and calm on this next journey. May we sing again at the top of our voices together on the other side of eternity." The Newcastle People's Chorus closed the ceremony with a rendition of the unionist anthem Solidarity Forever, as the amassed crowd stood and many raised their fists in memory. Ms Francis-Coan's seat on the city's council, being left vacant fewer than 18 months since the September 2024 election, will be filled by a count-back to elect a new councillor. Long-term Newcastle Greens members Siobhan Isherwood and Anne Rooke-Frizell stood No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, under Ms Francis-Coan on the Greens' ticket for ward three.
