Students who are worried for their future and the future of the planet are back to have their say.
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A School Strike 4 Climate rally in Taree is taking place today at Fotheringham Park, Taree from 10am.
This year, the Taree School Strike 4 Climate has been organised by Finlay O'Connell, a year 12 student from Taree High School.
"We are protesting the government's inaction and refusal to acknowledge climate change as an issue that needs immediate action," Finlay said.
"I just want people to know this is not a way for kids to get off school. A lot of people are very passionate about it and it's a major issue.
"We just want the government to listen to us."
This is the first time Finlay has organised the action, but climate change is a cause that has been dear to her heart since she was a little child. So much so, she wants to study politics and film when she finishes her HSC.
The Knitting Nannas, who are experienced in organising political rallies, helped Finlay organise the event.
"They have been very helpful," she said.
Finlay said there were a lot of logistics into making the event happen, such as organising permission from police.
People attending are gathering at the park at 10am to hear students giving speeches on why they feel it is necessary to take such action. There will also be musicians at the rally in the park.
I just want people to know this is not a way for kids to get off school. A lot of people are very passionate about it and it's a major issue.
After the speeches and musical items, the rally will march up the road to Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie's office. Students and others attending will then return to the park for the event to finish at around 12pm.
The Taree rally is part of a nation-wide event, with protests happening around Australia today.
School Strike 4 Climate Australia was started in October 2018 by three teenagers from Castlemaine, Victoria sparked by climate activist Greta Thunberg's weekly strikes outside Swedish Parliament. It has grown to be a huge movement since then.
School Strike 4 Climate Australia demands three things: no new coal, oil or gas projects, 100 per cent energy generation and exports by 2030, and funding a just transition and job creation for fossil-fuel workers and communities.
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