Byron rally in solidarity with bushfire victims January 10

Paul Bibby

The Byron Shire community will stand in solidarity with the victims of the country’s bushfire crisis and work toward regeneration and meaningful change at a rally in central Byron on Friday January 10.

Organised by a coalition of locals including school students, participants will rally in Railway Park at 10am and then march to Main Beach.

There will be a series of speakers and musicians, as well as opportunities to donate to the regeneration effort and to connect with like-minded people wanting to do something about the crisis.

‘This rally symbolises the union of community standing in solidarity for the people whose lives have been devastated by the bush fires and the half a billion animals whose lives have been lost,’ said co-organiser and local student, Mia Thom.

‘We are living in unfathomable times. Our sacred lands are burning. As the custodians of these lands, it is shattering.

‘Never before has the climate crisis felt so present, so all consuming.

‘It is no longer our future it is our reality. And in the midst of this crisis, we are witnessing an awakening as Australians realise the depth of this nightmare and are being mobilised into action.

‘This rally symbolises that we are not alone, and that we will continue to stand up in solidarity, and fight for a safe present and future.’

The four key points of the rally as follows, though organisers wish to stress that the different views of every participant are welcome.

• Raising funds to support emergency relief and support for communities affected by fire
• Improved consultation and increased funding for the RFS
• Rallying for an immediate pledge to decrease carbon emissions
• Seeking immediate action for forest regeneration and habitat repair

For more information go to the event’s Facebook Page https://facebook.com/events/s/community-for-climate-action-n/2830296973704802/?ti=icl