Ringwood’s Eastland shopping centre location of climate change rally
More than 100 climate change demonstrators plan to converge on a Ringwood shopping centre during its peak lunchtime rush. But the organisers say shoppers won’t be affected.
Outer East
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More than 100 climate change activists are expected to converge on an eastern suburbs shopping centre for a silent rally.
Climate groups from across the east — Whitehorse to the Yarra Ranges — are involved in the demonstration at Eastland, to be held in solidarity with the Climate Crisis National Day of Action, which is being held in locations across the country this Saturday, including the CBD.
Families and members of more than five interest groups have planned to attend the silent rally at the Ringwood shopping centre’s Town Square starting at noon.
Hills Community For Climate Action spokeswoman Ellen, who did not want her surname published, said the demonstration would start with a song from the Yarra Ranges Climate Choir, followed by a silent demonstration.
“We want to send the message that it’s not just the ‘raging inner city lunatics’ who are concerned about climate change,” she said.
“The people out in the suburbs care as well.”
She said there was a perception climate action was a niche concern.
“It’s not,” she said.
“You have farmers for climate action, bushfires survivors for climate action, and business groups.
“It’s affecting more of the population than just the inner city greenies.”
She said shoppers and people having lunch would not be disturbed by the rally with participants planning to sit quietly on the grass throughout the demonstration.
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“We’ll start with a performance by the Yarra Ranges Climate Choir, then sitting in silence with masks on our faces to signify silence is no longer an option with our climate,” she said.
Hills XR spokeswoman Jackie Garton said the country was experiencing a climate and bushfire emergency.
“This crisis demands a united response across the community to call for climate action,” Ms Garton said.