Our movement was engulfed by grief last week when we heard that Chinchilla farmer George Bender had died.

George could no longer find the reserves within himself to fight with Origin Energy and the Qld Government, who were determined to turn his productive cotton farm into an industrial gasfield against his wishes. George was exceptionally brave and honest. A warm man and a wonderful farmer. He asked for nothing more than to quietly grow food and fibre for Australia.

We are devastated to have lost him, and heartbroken for his family.

We will be holding vigils across the country this week to pay our deepest respects to George and his family, to honour his memory, and to say ‘never again’. Please visit here for full details of the events near you.