Margaret River Senior High School students were determined to have their voices heard when they joined a nationwide protest calling for climate change action on Friday. This was despite pressure from government figures, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who urged students to stick to learning. Organisers Maia Sheridan-Hulme and Remy Castan said the lunchtime rally was attended by between 50 and 100 students, with many making their own placards and signs. “We had a really positive turnout and there were also a lot of kids there who werent part of the action but who listened and took in what we had to say,” said Castan. “Most of the students who attended the Perth protest were from around the city, but we wanted to provide a platform for people in this area who couldnt make it up to the city. “There were around thirty regional strikes outside of the main city events,” said Sheridan-Hulme, who said organising the protest was an exercise in mediation and negotiation. There were policies in place as there are with any event, but the school was extremely supportive of us,” she said. “Weve had a lot of teachers being very supportive as well.” The duo said being a part of the action was empowering and inspiring for both of them. “One protest is one thing, but having 260 protests worldwide is amazing, thousands and thousands of kids.” Sheridan-Hulme said regardless of their political views, student involvement was key to a better understanding of their choices at election time. “I think a lot of people our age are ready to vote, but I also think events like this are making people take notice and think this is going to affect me, so how am I going to choose who I am voting for?,” she said. Castan agreed. “I think the rise of social media has made young people far more socially and politically aware. I think its important for kids to start thinking for themselves and what matters to them.” “In Year 9 and 10 in Politics and Law studies we look at the political parties, what each one stands for and how that affects us personally, not just our parents or friends,” said Sheridan-Hulme. Augusta Margaret River Shire Councillor and co-chair of the national Women's Climate Justice Collective Naomi Godden said she was very proud of the students. “Children and young people have the most at stake under climate change, and they will inherit the consequences of our action or inaction,” Ms Godden said. “It is their right to demand a safe and just future for people and planet. It is absolutely imperative that young people are listened to, respected, and fully supported to participate in climate decision-making. “Young people are brave, creative, and visionary, and we must enable young people, in all their diversities, to be front and centre in leading transformative action on climate change.” Parents Steven Castan and Michelle Sheridan said they were also inspired by the efforts of their children. “Theyre really aware of what the future is bringing – this gives them a real chance to have a voice that can be heard by parents, adults and politicians,” said Mr Castan. Read more & see the photos at www.margaretrivermail.com.au
Brave, creative and visionary students make their mark
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Preparing to vote: Students at Margaret River Senior High School add their voices to the national day of protest last Friday. Photo: Patrick Marzohl
Students sign the petition for climate change action on Friday. Photos Patrick Marzohl
Maia Sheridan-Hulme and Remy Castan address their fellow students during the campus protest.
Student-made placards demanded more attention to the issue of climate change from political leaders.
Margaret River Senior High School students were determined to have their voices heard when they joined a nationwide protest calling for climate change action on Friday.
This was despite pressure from government figures, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who urged students to stick to learning.
Organisers Maia Sheridan-Hulme and Remy Castan said the lunchtime rally was attended by between 50 and 100 students, with many making their own placards and signs.
“We had a really positive turnout and there were also a lot of kids there who werent part of the action but who listened and took in what we had to say,” said Castan.
“Most of the students who attended the Perth protest were from around the city, but we wanted to provide a platform for people in this area who couldnt make it up to the city.
“There were around thirty regional strikes outside of the main city events,” said Sheridan-Hulme, who said organising the protest was an exercise in mediation and negotiation. There were policies in place as there are with any event, but the school was extremely supportive of us,” she said. “Weve had a lot of teachers being very supportive as well.”
The duo said being a part of the action was empowering and inspiring for both of them.
“One protest is one thing, but having 260 protests worldwide is amazing, thousands and thousands of kids.”
Sheridan-Hulme said regardless of their political views, student involvement was key to a better understanding of their choices at election time. “I think a lot of people our age are ready to vote, but I also think events like this are making people take notice and think this is going to affect me, so how am I going to choose who I am voting for?,” she said.
Castan agreed. “I think the rise of social media has made young people far more socially and politically aware. I think its important for kids to start thinking for themselves and what matters to them.”
“In Year 9 and 10 in Politics and Law studies we look at the political parties, what each one stands for and how that affects us personally, not just our parents or friends,” said Sheridan-Hulme.
Augusta Margaret River Shire Councillor and co-chair of the national Women's Climate Justice Collective Naomi Godden said she was very proud of the students.
“Children and young people have the most at stake under climate change, and they will inherit the consequences of our action or inaction,” Ms Godden said. “It is their right to demand a safe and just future for people and planet. It is absolutely imperative that young people are listened to, respected, and fully supported to participate in climate decision-making.
“Young people are brave, creative, and visionary, and we must enable young people, in all their diversities, to be front and centre in leading transformative action on climate change.” Parents Steven Castan and Michelle Sheridan said they were also inspired by the efforts of their children.
“Theyre really aware of what the future is bringing – this gives them a real chance to have a voice that can be heard by parents, adults and politicians,” said Mr Castan.
Read more & see the photos at www.margaretrivermail.com.au
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