Students Rally for Better Climate Policies

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Thousands of students across the Hunter have rallied today in a call for action on climate change.

Children walked out of their classes to attend the protests as part of a global movement started by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, whose work on the movement has seen her nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.

The Newcastle School Strike 4 Climate saw students gather at the city's Civic Park at midday before students later marched to Federal MP Sharon Claydon's office.

Ms Claydon welcomed the action, saying students should be congratulated for getting active on the issues that matter.

In the Upper Hunter, students and their supporters gathered at 10am outside Dungog Town Hall for a four-hour rally.

The Fridays For Future movement started by Ms Thunberg has faced wide criticism, with politicians and commentators suggesting children should show they care by attending rallies in their spare time rather than during school hours.

School Students at Friday's Event. Image: Hollie Hughes/2NURFM News

Students Strike on Climate Change

BY KYLE CARROLL

Dozens of Newcastle students have put on a display of activism today, after striking at 12 and gathering at Sharon Claydon's office.

Students read speeches, played music and chanted slogans about the urgency of climate change, increasing pressure for the Government to respond.

Newcastle High Student, Miette Xenith says as young people they will deal with the lasting effects of climate change.

"It's our planet, if we destroy it, there's no going back," she said.

"It's one of the most important things we can do," she continued, "we're not old enough to voted or participate in politics, so what we can do is go on strike," she said.

Hundreds of school students in 25 towns across Australia including Canberra, Cairns, Byron Bay, Perth and many more also participated in the strike today, over the political inaction on climate change.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has supported national action on climate change by students saying she supports the right of students to engage in peaceful protest.

“These kids are an inspiration. They’re not sitting back and accepting what adults are doing – they’re making their voices heard,” Ms. Claydon said.

A smaller number gathered at the same time at State MP Jenny Aitchison's office in Maitland.

Students gathered outside Sharon Claydon's office in protest. Photo: Half Nelson