Hands Across the Sand South Broulee Sat 11 May 2019 Photo: Alex Rea
It was a determined crowd that converged on a wind-blown South Broulee Beach on Saturday morning to demand action on climate change.
The event was organised by Tomakin resident Chantal Bradshaw, as part of a global event, ‘Hands Across the Sand.’
The global event is due on May 18, but due to the Australian election date was held a week earlier locally.
Ms Bradshaw said, “The aim was to join hands in silent solidarity to say no to fossil fuels and yes to clean energy”.
Families from as far afield as Canberra and Narooma joined dozens of locals in an effort to make politicians stand up and listen.
Ms Bradshaw said “With the Federal Election happening next weekend, Australians are getting in early to remind the parties that we are facing a climate emergency.”
The ‘Hands Across the Sand’ event was founded in 2009 by Dave Rauschkolb, a restaurateur from Florida and has grown into an international movement after the BP oil disaster in April 2010. People came together to join hands, forming symbolic barriers against spilled oil and to stand against the impacts of other forms of extreme energy.
The organisations’ aim is to “bring together like-minded individuals and organisations with the conviction to organise a Global movement to promote a clean energy future for our earth and end our dependence on Filthy Fuels.”
These gatherings bring citizens together on beaches and in cities in an effort to “draw metaphorical and actual lines in the sand; human lines in the sand against the threats Filthy Fuels pose to our present and future planet.”
In 2018, 124 events were held in the Global Hands Across the Sand, in 18 US states and seven countries.
Hands Across the Sand South Broulee Sat 11 May 2019 Photo: Alex Rea
Members of Climate Action Gilmore joined with 120 other people on South Broulee beach.
An alliance of four local environmental groups, Climate Action Gilmore has come together to lobby for climate action in the lead up to the upcoming Federal Election.
A spokesperson for local climate advocacy group 350Eurobodalla, said “it was inspiring to see community members coming together to organise and participate in these important global actions as they raise awareness of this important issue amongst all age groups.”
350Eurobodalla said “it was great to see young children standing hand in hand with their parents and grandparents in silent solidarity for this great cause.”
Hands Across the Sand South Broulee Sat 11 May 2019 Photo: Alex Rea
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