As yet another smoky day dawned in the Bellingen Valley, some of the younger members of our community staged a pre-school protest outside Bellingen Public School.
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The students' action was part of a larger action (NSW Parents demand emergency response to climate change as bushfires and air quality worsens) simultaneously staged in Sydney by primary school students from Marrickville West Public School, Balgowlah Heights Public School, Orange Grove Public School and Bondi Beach Public School.
When asked why they felt the need to make this stand, a number of students were forthcoming:
For 12-year-old Olivia Fairbanks said she wanted people to know that there was not enough help being offered to communities that were surrounded by fires.
"And the smoke is so bad - people with asthma are really suffering," Olivia said.
Her friend Echo Divola said it was important for "Scott Morrison to fully fund the firefighters because the smoke is so unhealthy, for everyone".
Jethro Murano, 10, said he wanted people to realise that the economy was not the right tool to save the planet.
"Money is blocking the views to see what really needs to be done," Jethro said.
And eight-year-old William Garnett had this to say:
"People shouldn't let the fire spread. People are losing their homes - we need to stop it."
Parent Jude Barker said she had supported her child's action because she believed that positive action helped the children take some control over the fear and uncertainty they were seeing around them.
"It is really important that our kids have some agency over their future," Jude said.
Melissa Murano said living with the fear and threat of fire was stressful and feelings of despair were not uncommon.
"Taking action helps overcome that sense of despair ... because right now we are feeling pretty abandoned by our leaders," Melissa said.
Robin Ellis said as a grandparent she understood the government was trying not to create a sense of panic about the emergency but the fact of their denial was increasing young people's anxiety and trauma.
"The actions of politicians right now are not instilling any confidence at all," Robin said.
"Children need to know their country is supporting them and their parents."
The co-ordinated action at the schools by parents and children wants: "an urgent response to the climate crisis from Gladys Berejiklian and Scott Morrison, for the sake of our kids across NSW, from the bush to the city."
The group support the following:
- Declaration of a National Health and Climate Emergency
- Action from the Department of Education to prevent air pollution inhalation for children in NSW schools including clear policy based on air quality data rather than the current discretionary approach;
- Full funding for fire services across NSW from the NSW government, including re-employing sacked fire management officers;
- The demands of the Australian student climate strikers which are : No new coal, oil and gas projects, including the Adani mine; 100% renewable energy generation & exports by 2030; Fund a just transition & job creation for all fossil-fuel workers & communities.
- Major rally calling for federal government action today (Thursday) at 5.30pm at Sydney Town Hall.
Also making the news:
Ute Schulenberg
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
Journalism was always my plan but plans being what they are, I did not get to realise it until my early 40s ... and have loved every minute since. For me community journalism is the most intimate and honest place to be in this field - telling the stories of people I live with, side-by-side, every day. It is an honour.
