Kirki 10th Anniversary
By Maritime Union of Australia
The Greek registered tanker Kirki broke up off Cervante on the
western coast on July 21, 1991. To mark the the 10th anniversary,
WA activists committee, the ITF and the branch developed three
major events designed to promote awareness of the dangers of FOC
shipping on the Australian coast and the consequences of another
shipping disaster.
The WA Long Board Association was invited to activists meetings
and over three months helped organise two surfing competitions.
Firstly the MUA and ITF jointly sponsored and promoted the Kirki
Cup and the Kirki Invitational. These international surfing events
attracted over 200 competitors including MUA members Glen Harrison
and Al Leavey from WA, Gary Colwell and I from Port Kembla.
The competition generated enormous media attention nationally
with the focus on 'slick the oily surfer' alias MUA activist Cai
Wernblom.
Then on July 25 the MUA held a forum in Cervantes, drafting the
Cervantes Protocol. WA Assistant State Secretary Dean Summers
addressed the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and subsequently
hosted the forum. Among those present were Dee Marget, Greens,
Mark McGowan, representing the WA Premier and representatives
from the rock lobster and tourism industries, local government
and community leaders.
The protocol is now a valuable weapon in the fight to expand our
industry. WA activists are to be congratulated on the work put
into organising these historic events. Relationships borne out
of the committees activities have reached deep into the community
and generated enormous support for the union.
Mick Williams,
Port Kembla
|
