Community stands together to show support for ‘Ban the Bang’:
The sheer terror that animals experience when fireworks are set off, as well as unnecessary injuries and even death, has prompted a group of like-minded individuals to band together and form a committee to ban the use of fireworks in Newcastle’s suburban districts..
The Anti-Fireworks Newcastle committee recently approached the Newcastle Advertiser to discuss the purpose of this campaign, as well as the reasoning behind the alleged need for amended bylaws regarding the use of fireworks.
The committee is led by Rob Russell.
He explained that they would be submitting a motion to Council to prohibit the sale and use of fireworks.
“People are unaware of the widespread destruction that loud bangs have on not only animals, but also people and the environment. We have a petition that residents of Newcastle can sign if they want to support this cause,” he said.
When asked what inspired them to start the movement, he simply said there were too many people sitting in their homes, venting about the havoc wreaked by the fireworks, and taking to social media to rant and rave about it.
“However, we took the initiative and decided that it was past time for someone to take decisive action to address this situation; thus, a committee was formed, and these people are working tirelessly to take action.”
Russell’s hope is to eventually have the vast majority of Newcastillians sign the petition, in order to strengthen the case when it was presented to the municipality.
“Many people from all walks of life in our town, doctors, lawyers, religious leaders, housewives and white collar workers are currently involved with the initiative. A committee was formed under the leadership of Miss Alet Oberholzer, and they have managed to involve a few businesses as well. We also hope to eventually involve the schools as well,” Russell explained.
According to Russell, he will submit the petition to council by March 30.
He also confirmed there was a procedure that had to be followed in order to achieve their goal of prohibiting the use of fireworks.
“First and foremost, even if the submission to Council is favorable to us, there is still a process to be followed. Overall, we hope to complete this by the end of May at the latest. Meanwhile, we would like to encourage people to begin educating and teaching their children at a young age that fireworks are not only dangerous, but also have a negative impact on society.”
The ‘Ban the Bang’ Committee will be hosting a variety of campaigns over the next two months to raise awareness around the damage that fireworks cause to animals.
They will also be explaining how the petition works and will offer assistance to those wanting to get involved with the campaign.
The campaigns will take place as follows:
- February 19 – o’ Crusty’s Pick n Pay in Pioneer Park from 10:00 to 12:30
- February 26 – Amajuba Mall from 10:00 to 13:00
- March 5 – Arbor Park Lifestyle Market (Still to be confirmed)
- March 12 – Newcastle Corner Spar from 10:00 to 13:00
- March 21 – O’ Crusty’s Pick n Pay from 10:00 to 13:00.
For more information on the campaign, visit the Facebook page at Anti-Fireworks Newcastle #Voiceless or contact Alet Oberholzer on 081 549 4994 or Rob Russell on 083 774 0972.
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