Size does matter!

Louisa L.

When it comes to creating change, size matters. Last weekend Sydney-siders huddled under trees or umbrellas to beat the belting sun in the Domain, one of 2,000 climate action protests around Australia and the world.

Organisers had called for 'a colourful, family-friendly event, with art, music and dance creating a vibrant and united display of people power', and they got it! Those in Paris were banned from protesting, but we gathered for them. Paris had empty pairs of shoes, but here over 40,000 pairs of soggy feet  sank in the mud of newly laid turf.

Everywhere handmade signs or giant banners of landscapes threatened were held aloft. There were coral reefs on communal heads, complete with clown and puffer-fish, while a sinking lighthouse hat topped with pipe-cleaner keeper was a solo effort.

Pacifika peoples gathered in numbers, their wealth of culture displayed with both dignity and flamboyance. Most came straight from church, a compelling force now roused.

Josephite nuns flanked Latin American troupes and unions, while a 'fossil-free train'  brought over 400 people from Wollongong, entertained by local musicians. Others came from further afield.

Unstoppable truth

Good will enveloped people. Some chatted, some focussed on the speakers. All were riveted by music symbolising the march's spirit. Deni Hinds, Darren Percival, Ursula Yovich, Wendy Matthews and choir invoked past struggles in powerful voice, “There ain't nobody goin' turn me round!”
When it came time to march, drummers beat rhythms as protesters danced, slogged or just marked time, by now at least in blessed shade. Bands and choirs serenaded. Giant Turnbull and Abbott puppets covered their ears with huge hands as the march poured its message past.

It took almost an hour and a half for the last of the marchers to make it to nearby Macquarie Street, the closest road to the Domain, but by then, even though the first marchers had long dispersed, the whole of Circular Quay right up to the Opera House was filled to capacity. Nothing on Macquarie Street moved. 

Spontaneity unleashed by organisation and clear demands make a mighty force. Country-wide, worldwide, these were the biggest climate marches in our history. After all the lies and deliberate disinformation, truth rises, unstoppable.

And 60.000 marched in Melbourne on Friday 27th November: