No - not to enjoy the many tourist delights of the region! - thousands came to show our government that action must be taken to address the climate emergency and that the people of Australia will no longer accept complacency and denial of the truth.

They gathered on the lawns outside Parliament House in a People's Climate Assembly. They came from all walks of life and presented a united front against the ignorance shown by our government in the face of this climate emergency, and to demand that they step up and do something.

The demands were simple - that the government: Tells the truth; Declares a Climate Emergency; Acts now according to the science; Implements a just transition to a renewable and sustainable future.

How hard can it be? The evidence is clear from all scientists, and there are many well thought out responses to these demands by other countries eg Last year New Zealand passed 'The climate response zero carbon bill'. Communities around the world are already implementing transition strategies in co-operative undertakings.

Those who attended the People's Climate Assembly heard from a range of passionate, informed speakers including the irrepressible Dr Karl, Uncle Bruce Shillingsworth, United Firefighters Union President Greg McConville, John Hewson, Adam Bandt, Father Rod Bower, Sophie Taylor Price (Bob Hawke's grand-daughter), Bob Brown and others.

Check out the event for yourself: https://www.facebook.com/peoples.climate.assembly/ and https://www.peoplesclimateassembly.org/

Don't get left behind! These groups are all involved: