The 350 members of the Coonabarabran community who gathered in solidarity against the Narrabri Gas Project on Saturday 14 January from 5-9pm say that their common commitment is stronger than ever.

The gathering at the Coonabarabran Number 1 Oval aimed to showcase culture and create discussions about the environment, after the Native Title Tribunal ruled in December 2022 that Santos could continue its multi-billion-dollar project in the Pilliga Forest against the clear opposition of the region's First Nations people.

The day included traditional dance performances, poster making and speeches by Gomeroi Elders, Australia Green members and other passionate locals. 

Coonabarabran-based Gomeroi woman and activist for fifteen years Suellyn Tighe said the gathering showcased how many people have been impacted by the Tribunal's decision.

"The gathering was a huge success. Everyone participated, making posters, listening to speeches and the dances even danced into dusk.

"We had Gomeroi Elders, Gomeroi peoples, non- Aboriginal people, local councillors, Government members, Unions members, farmers and members of other Indigenous Nations come to the gathering. We even heard of people travelling from South Australia, Queensland, Victoria and all across New South Wales - which is huge," Ms Tighe said.

 ABOVE: Traditional dancers danced until dusk, showcasing the Gomeroi Nation's connection to culture. PHOTO: Kodi Brady.

A 'Coonabarabran Declaration' was also spoken and signed by most members of the community, which included reviewing and changing the Native Title legislation.

"Once it has been read and signed by a few that missed the gathering, the Coonabarabran Declaration will be sent off to the Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibrsek," Ms Tighe said.

"For so long the Aboriginal voice has not been heard, and it is more than not being heard, we have simply been ignored. I think it is time as First Nation's people, as rural First Nation's people and people in general that we send them a strong message.

"We are no longer going to be ignored, and politicians and big companies are going to start to listen. Our voices and our opinions matter and should be valued."

ABOVE: Posters decked the Coonabarabran oval as over 350 people participated in the Gomeroi Gathering. PHOTO: Knitting Nannas.

The gathering was supported by the widest cross-section of Coonabarabran and beyond including local Aboriginal-owned business, the Yaama Café who provided food and drinks for the large crowd throughout the evening.

"Everyone has shown us so much support. The community has really come together. The support from local businesses has been second to none and it speaks volumes. It just shows what you can do in a small town," Ms Tighe said.

The Narrabri Gas Project includes drilling 850 wells across over a coal seam gas field that will cover 95,000 hectares, with 1,000 hectares to be used for the operations in and around Pilliga without the consent of the local Gomeroi people.

They say the risks posed by coal seam gas to their unique local environment, priceless water sources and the global environment are a deal-breaker that cannot be ignored.

"All I can say is that climate change doesn't discriminate. It doesn’t care about your social status, where you come from, or the colour of your skin. Climate change affects everybody," Ms Tighe said.