An estimated 1000 people marched through Wagga's CBD on Friday, demanding government action on climate change.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Though attended by many adults also, the climate strike was primarily led by students.
The Department of Education had warned in the lead up that students risked suspensions for attending the strike, which was held between 12pm and 2pm.
Niamh Marsh, aged 17, Juliette Gamble and Amelia Ross, both aged 18, left their classrooms at Wagga High School to be there.
Speaking with The Daily Advertiser, the teenagers said they wished to empower fellow students to demand action on climate change.
"We're here because something needs to be done," Amelia said.
"It's so easy to feel like we're too young to make a difference, that we can't do anything," said Niamh.
"We can do something and we're doing it now."
The crowd congregated outside Riverina MP Michael McCormack's office in Fitzmaurice Street, however, he was interstate.
Instead, in his role as acting Prime Minister, Mr McCormack addressed reporters in Melbourne.
"I think these sorts of rallies should be held on a weekend where it doesn't actually disrupt business, it doesn't disrupt schools, it doesn't disrupt universities," he said.
"I think it is just a disruption."
Though the strike brought the cause into the public arena with a multitude of loud voices, the young protesters spoke of small and private actions that have the greatest impact.
"So many people our age are just wasteful, they buy clothes for every occasions, we could reuse a lot and cut down on that waste," Juliette said.
"It's easy to think nothing we can do will make a difference, but if everyone thought that, no one would ever do anything."
Related:
Despite the fact they have not yet voted in any previous elections, the Wagga High School students spoke of their ability to be involved in the political process.
"You can get involved in politics at any age, even when you're young, you can do it," Niamh said.
"If the government is of the people then it's time to step up and do something to help," Juliette said.
"I only recently turned 18, so I haven't voted yet, but I know of so many people in the last election that didn't take it seriously.
"Vote for what you believe in, not just [who] you think your parents would vote for, or which party you think is cool. This matters."
The protesters marched down Baylis Street before looping back to the council chambers and then back to Fitzmaurice Street.
Upon their return, Lily Hamilton, a year 11 student at The Riverina Anglican College, addressed the crowd.
"As children, we're used to putting our trust in adults but they're letting us down as they're not leading on the fight to address climate change," said the incoming school sustainability captain.
"In the year 2050, I hope to be telling the story to my children about how I was involved in the protest that changed the world."