A number of school students in Parkes plan to join tens of thousands of others across the country this Friday in the first national school strike since Covid-19.
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The School Strike 4 Climate, which is demanding the Morrison Government says no to funding dangerous gas and coal projects, and instead invest in clean renewable energy, secure jobs and 'First Nations solutions to protect Country', will be taking place in Cooke Park between 2.30pm and 4pm.
In an announcement released by a Parkes contingent involved, this strike marks the biggest climate protest since Covid-19, with dozens of strikes taking place in capital cities, regional centres such as Dubbo and country towns.
The day has been organised by the School Strike 4 Climate network, with support from First Nations communities, unions, parents and everyday Australians.
The Parkes strike will feature Wiradjuri elder and leader of the Parkes Wiradjuri Language Program Geoff Anderson and councillor and member of Farmers for Climate Action Neil Westcott as speakers, along with primary and secondary students.
There will be an opportunity for attendees to send messages directly to local federal member, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack through a temporary art/pledge installation.
Parkes Year 12 student Elizabeth Hoyle is among those taking part in Friday's strike.
"The Morrison Government could be protecting our climate, land and water, and creating thousands of new jobs by growing Australia's renewable energy sector and backing First Nations solutions to protect Country," she said.
"But they are choosing not to.
"Instead, they are lining the pockets of multinational gas companies, which are fuelling the climate crisis, devastating our land and water, wrecking our health and creating very few jobs.
"On May 21, we're striking to tell the Morrison Government that if they care about our future, they must stop throwing money at gas."
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Christine Little
I love sharing people's stories, particularly local stories that are special and important to the people of Parkes. If there is one thing I have learnt in my 10 years of community journalism, it's that stories are everywhere. All it takes is a good story teller to make it worth reading. Email: christine.little@parkeschampionpost.com.au
I love sharing people's stories, particularly local stories that are special and important to the people of Parkes. If there is one thing I have learnt in my 10 years of community journalism, it's that stories are everywhere. All it takes is a good story teller to make it worth reading. Email: christine.little@parkeschampionpost.com.au
