The Spirit Rises: The Photography of John Napper Inside Australia's Protests
While mainstream journalists around the country continue to ignore the biggest story of their lifetimes, Australia's independent media is on fire.
Thousands of people from all around Australia are converging on Canberra as part of the Canberra Convoy protests.
The protests are both chaotic and glorious, and the burgeoning campsite on the outskirts of Canberra is daily demonstrating a remarkable cohesion and goodwill amongst people from hugely disparate backgrounds.
All great movements are born of chaos and extremity, just like life itself.
Thus it is proving in Australia's national capital.
There are frictions and personality clashes; but there are also repeated and heart warming displays of kindness, cooperation and camaraderie. Here are some images from one of Australia's leading photographers John Napper, who, amongst many others, is now lending his professional expertise while documenting a profound turning point in Australia's history.
John Napper writes:
The amazing thing about this convoy is the diverse types of people who are here. Someone from every race, background, economic circle and employment base.These people are not a small bunch of crazies.Doctors, lawyers, elite athletes, mums, dads, grandparents, police, fire brigade, paramedics, farmers, lawyers, maccas and woolies workers, photographers, you name it and they are here.
A call goes out for a plumber and one is here. The same for website designers, electricians, security....
This is a true representation of Australia.
We are one but we are many......
Everyone here is on the verge of losing everything.
PROTESTOR
We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We'll share a dream and sing with one voice
"I am, you are, we are Australian"I'm a teller of stories
I'm a singer of songs
I am Albert Namatjira
And I paint the ghostly gums
I'm Clancy on his horse
I'm Ned Kelly on the run
I'm the one who waltzed Matilda
I am Australian
To see more of John Napper's striking photography and important documentation of this profound turning point in Australian history go to his Facebook page here.
To see the official newly established Convoy to Canberra website here.
To see live streams and follow developments go to the Australian Free Independent Press Service here.
