teddy bears were used as barricades making for confused police and motorists. traffic came to a halt when a woman in a wedding dress gave birth to a cream and jam sponge cake. of course, mobile sound systems provided a range of music to get down to and punk bands saluted the sydney town hall by thrashing it on the street in front.

the only problems with the police related to a band of sexy nurses who's provocative behaviour with dildos and whips was deemed to much for the saturday crowds. the lack of interferance by police could probably be attributed to some kind of experiment on thier part. in recent years sydney RTS has been part of some ugly scenes with police over-use of force being quite an issue. this is the second strait party which has proceeded to its intention without incident.

also the RTS crew has also been experimenting with police negotiation. allthough locations are not given in order to assert the right to assemble without permission, a liason team for the last two parties has approached police in the weeks leading up to the event and secured disscussions about protocol with the commander and negotiator.

this has proceeded suprisingly well with as of yet no brickwall tactics and even clear evidence of de-esculation by senior police on the day. once again it seems to be an experiment of sorts. no where else in australia can an RTS proceed without riot police making for a violent day. as it was the event knocked out major roads, was extreemly creative, and got good coverage on local mainstreem media. this coverage was of a rather sympathetic nature commenting on the antarctic melting etc.

see the photos, stories and video at
 http://www.cat.org.au/rts/newweb/webcastdec1.php