Many gather in Shepparton for National Day of Climate Action.

The crown that gathered at Shepparton's
 Victoria Park Lake for the 'National Day of
 Climate Action' organized by GetUp!

More than 100 people gathered at Shepparton’s Victoria Park Lake today (April 17) to be a part of the “National Day of Climate Action”.

A petition from the event signed by nearly 120 people will be delivered to the office of the Federal Member for Murray, Sharman Stone tomorrow at 11:00am.

Using John Pettigrew’s utility as a podium, speakers stood at a lectern made from a workshop vice stand bringing a sense of formality to what was Shepparton’s role in GetUps! national event.

John introduced the principal organizer of Sunday’s Shepparton gathering, Nickee Freeman, who expressed delight at the number who turned up express their demand for more action on climate change.

Nickee was eager that the enthusiasm present at the lake should not dissipate and urged all those who attended to talk with others there about the reasons for joining the rally and what they could do to ensure enthusiasm illustrated at the lake maintained its vibrancy.

Others speakers included Victoria’s Sustainability Commissioner, Professor Kate Auty, who was also the master of ceremonies and who talked about leadership saying that all who attended had displayed leadership simply by turning up.

Indigenous people and the Yorta Yorta nation were represented by Aunty Rochelle Patten and Lee Joachim; Caitlin Bigbnold, of Kyabram, brought the views of a 15-year-old; local activist, environmentalist and long-standing member of the Goulburn Valley Environment Group and former board member with Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Nick Roberts, discussed solar opportunities in the area; Undera farmer and foundation board member of GV Community Energy, Ian Christoe, discussed the difficulties climate change was creating for farmers; and former Shepparton News editor, Robert McLean, about the threat climate change would bring for his grandsons.

All at the rally walked around the lake, carrying their banners declaring the need to action on climate change and at the encouragement of Nickee, occasionally chanting about the urgent need for action from our Federal Government.

Brigette Meneghetti brought an especially beautiful and light touch to the rally with her singing and guitar playing.

Nathalia artist, Bill Kelly, had been invited to speak at the rally, but being unable to attend he condensed the essence what he would have said into one sentence –

 

“If we truly love others and if we truly love our children and grandchildren we will work to give them a world which is beautiful, healthy and in which their voices and laughter are part of the poetry of the earth”.