They turned up in droves united by the same cause.
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Hundreds of people descended on Taree's Fotheringham Park on Friday, September 20 for a strike as part of the School Strike 4 Climate movement.
The strike was organised by year 11 St Clare's High School students Lani Bedforth and Ellie Rourke.
"The purpose of today was to get students and community members to come together and strike for climate action," Lani said.
"Climate change is a massive problem, the biggest threat to people I reckon," Ellie added.
"It's estimated by 2050, there will be 250 million refugees from rising sea levels and natural disasters so we're here to encourage our council to take action, declare a climate emergency and come together and celebrate the environment."
Among the crowd were school students, climate advocates and groups, such as Extinction Rebellion Mid Coast, Young Farmers Connect Mid Coast and the Knitting Nannas.
Some waved banners and signs emblazoned with pro-change slogans while chanting 'we want climate action'.
This drew the attention of many drivers who honked their horns in appreciation.
But it wasn't everyone's cup of tea. One driver rolled down their window and yelled 'get back to school' at the group.
One of the key speakers at the strike was Cundletown Public School student Evie McGuire.
The 11-year-old criticised politicians such as Prime Minister Scott Morrison, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and The Nationals' Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead about their parties' stances on climate change.
She highlighted the work of Greta Thunberg, a Swedish climate activist who sparked the global strike movement.
"People may criticise us for not being here instead of at school but we are doing the right thing so ignore the taunts," Evie said.
"We are part of a movement that is happening all over the world and I am proud to be here.
"We need leaders who understand the importance of generations to come.
"In 2108, I'll turn 100 but I'll have to live in a drastically different world if we don't change our way of life right now."
She's behind My Last Petrol Car; a pledge for residents to stay with their current car until they can afford a 'greener alternative'.
Musical performances at the strike included Wingsong Choir, Matt Zarb and Dingo Creek Street Band.
People may criticise us for not being here instead of at school but we are doing the right thing so ignore the taunts.
- Evie McGuire
Councillor Peter Epov addressed the crowd, encouraging them to "maintain the rage".
A march to the MidCoast Council Taree chambers followed.
Mayor David West was presented with a wishing tree outside the chambers.
Accepting the tree, Cr West said the young people in attendance were standing up for their generation and generations to come.
"I accept your tree with the greatest of honour," Cr West said.
"This is not a gift to council, it's a gift to the planet. We're killing the planet and if it doesn't live we don't grow.
"It takes more than trees, it takes what's happening here now (the strike)."
Cr West said the tree will be planted in a place the group will be able to watch it grow.