THERE has been a surge of civic activism in the Peel region in the past six months.
From a one-man hunger strike for the Lakelands train station, to the biggest rally in Mandurah’s history, residents are increasingly taking a public stand to affect societal change.
Earlier this year were the high-profile vegan activists fronting Mandurah Magistrates Court. Activists trespassed on local farms in an effort to draw attention to animal rights.
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In June, Meadow Springs resident Ahmed Zilani went on a 12-hour hunger strike to put pressure on the State Government to build the Lakelands train station.
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In August, hundreds showed up for the Rally for More Police in Mandurah. It was the biggest rally ever held in the city, with huge support from the community.
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Related to this movement, residents’ action groups formed to address crime and anti-social behaviour.
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Retirees who lost money in the Sterling First Fiasco have held several rallies in Mandurah. Their demands included compensation and a Royal Commission into Sterling Group.
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Last week Erskine residents gathered and signed a petition for an enclosed park and community garden in the southern suburbs.
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Curtin University lecturer and researcher Sky Croeser said increased activism could be linked to social media allowing residents to promote their cause.
“Activism often comes in waves,” she said.
“Sometimes seeing other people take part in activism has a flow-on affect because it becomes normalised.
“People may feel like it is an effective tactic.”
Dr Croeser said there might also be some overlap and crossover, with the same activists being involved in different causes.
“It could be the same people organising some groups,” she said.