The battle for Tecoma is heating up as the Dandenong community continues its struggle against the might of international fast food corporation McDonalds with the help of Garry Muratore, popular printing industry identity and Print21 columnist.
The long-running battle to prevent Maccas locating a 27/7 hamburger joint in the township against the wishes of the community has fired up Muratore. The well-known colour specialist is proving to be a masterful campaigner when it comes to winning the fight for hearts and minds.
As part of the community action Muratore has helped the anti-Maccas campaign go global across the internet, throughout the local and international media, making the battle for Tecoma into a cause célèbre. Radio, television, internet blogs and even a rock video document the progress of the battle over the course of almost two years. CNN has broadcast an account of the struggle in the USA.
Sit-ins, community gardens, court cases and street demos have focused attention on the normally sleepy Victorian village. So far the giant multi-national shows no sign of backing off. Muratore believes it is afraid of setting a precedent if it caves in under community pressure.
The colourful graphic arts professional says he is committed to the fight no matter how long it takes. Here’s his latest blog on The Guardian.