On the one hand, as the protesters point out, we each have a responsibility to contribute to the effort to help protect the environment for our children and their children.

The increase in recycling programs over recent times and the fact the introduction of an emissions trading scheme is well supported is evidence enough of this shift in attitudes.

But the point of view of Helensburgh residents, some who challenged the protesters, is also understandable.

They are from families who do not go out of their way to draw attention and certainly didn't ask to host the event.

Many have brothers, fathers and grandfathers who have spent their lives underground in order to put food on the table. That they worry about the future for the suburb is perfectly reasonable.

What the weekend's events show is that there is a great deal of responsibility in the hands of our leaders, who will have to lead the way to a greener future.

But unless they put the work in to prove to the people of this region that the Illawarra can have an economically viable and more environmentally-friendly future, they will never gain the absolute support of the workers.