Out of the classroom for climate action

TWO weeks into the final term of another pandemic-disrupted school year, students took to the Bendigo Library gardens last Friday to demand Federal Government action on climate change.

In total, some 100 people stopped by over the course the protest, signing a banner and leaving a flower to show their support.

Year 11 Girton Grammar School student Ildi Clemens said walking out of classrooms to make young voices heard on climate issues was necessary.

“Unfortunately, we do have to come out here and miss school even though we’ve barely gone to school at all because we need to get the Government’s attention,” she said.

“We shouldn’t have to be out here, but we have no choice because the Federal Government is not acting fast enough or setting ambitious enough targets like net zero by 2030.”

Year 9 Bendigo South East College student Lilly Correll said she was happy with attendance at the event, which included City mayor Cr Jennifer Alden and State Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards.

“We want to continue to put that pressure on the Federal Government to act,” Ms Correll said. “Even though this is, what we would say, quite a small demonstration, they all matter.

“We’re not just aiming for youth, we’re wanting everyone from all different backgrounds, nationalities and genders to stand up for the climate and we’re so happy to see that turnout.”

Frances Leach, also a Girton Grammar School student, said the event was making way for a larger-scale strike which could mirror previous collective action.

“This strike is a smaller strike leading up to a big one next year where hopefully we’ll be able to do more of a rally like we did last year and in May,” she said.