An environmental activist group has setup a new faction north of Wollongong, but instead of using outlandish tactics to get their point across they're opting for family-friendly events with music and art.
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Extinction Rebellion (XR) Northern Illawarra is preparing for their first "protestival" on Saturday March 20 with free live music across the day, a "graveyard" sculpture installation and guest speakers such as one of Australia's leading writers on climate change, Professor Tim Flannery.
The group are taking over WF Jackson Park in Thirroul and encouraging the public to come along, bring their chairs and picnic rugs and settle in to "camp out for the day".
Event organisers told the Mercury the relaxed protest was about "giving people the space and time to bond as a community and connect", while pushing their point to end coal mining in the local region beneath the water catchment, "which not only threatens our climate, but our clean drinking water".
They also want the federal government to declare a climate and ecological emergency and commits to zero net emissions by 2030.
"I'm an ordinary Australian that was driven to help set up XR Northern Illawarra due to my frustration over not enough being done to address the emergency we face," said Trent Jansen of Thirroul.
"As a father concerned about my daughter's future, I cannot face telling her that I didn't try my hardest to protect what she's inheriting. Emissions continue to escalate, biodiversity is being obliterated, and yet those put in charge remain committed to mining interests, not the people they serve."
Dozens of mud brick "tombstones" will be made on the day and installed as a "graveyard" to mark species now extinct because of climate change.
Some of the musicians on the lineup include Jodi Phillis, The M1, Les Femmes Fatales, Melanie April. The group will also run a letter writing station along with children's activities.
Last year a number of Wollongong XR activists staged a "guerilla planting" exercise to challenge the government to prioritise tree planting and retention, donning gorilla masks and planting around 30 trees and shrubs in Thirroul.
This Saturday's event kicks off at 9am and is free, though people are being asked to register via Eventbrite to ensure it is COVID-safe. www.eventbrite.com.au/e/camp-out-for-climate-registration-142799803055
Desiree Savage
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
