FEATURE - All ages, one mission

Age is irrelevant when it comes to standing up for our planet and all living things. June (85) and Luke (18) are two local examples of this, and have even been arrested for their non-violent protests with the group Rising Tide.

by Victoria McGuin

Rising Tide was one of the first grassroots climate groups in Australia, active from 2005 until 2012 in Newcastle, with community campaigning and ground-breaking nonviolent direct actions, such as blockading the coal port and railways with small and large groups of people.

As their website states, Rising Tide members are prepared to take whatever peaceful actions are within their power to defend the climate. Their mission statement is:

“To build a powerful, non-violent movement to stop coal and gas corporations from destroying our planet, ignited by a landmark struggle at the world’s largest coal port.”

The growing public concern over our climate, and the need for targeted action and commitment to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, has led to the revival of Rising Tide. 

I recently spoke with June Norman, 85, who is involved in an elder part of the Rising Tide movement called 'Oldies Rising', and Luke, 18, who is part of the youth faction.

“I was married at 19, and have five children, eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren,” shared June.

“I became a peace activist after returning in 2005 from three-and-a-half years as a volunteer in East Timor to discover the Australian and American military were ‘playing War Games’ on our Great Barrier Reef.

“Appalled that our government could openly call war a ‘game’ led me to join a group of activists to protest. At that time I believed that the exercises may lead us into a war, and I didn’t want my grandchildren to ever go through what those beautiful Timorese children went through.

“The following years found me becoming more aware of issues that influenced me to become involved. “

In 2008 June joined Footprints for Peace, on a walk from London to Geneva, 1700 kilometres. Since then she has walked 10000 kilometres, mostly in Australia, for peace, and a nuclear-free sustainable future, and has attended the last three Rising Tide events. 

“The 2024 Rising Tide Protestival was one of the largest, peaceful and eventful actions I have had the pleasure of attending. Mornings started with a briefing. This let everyone know what was happening for the day and make suggestions    

“Another meeting was held at 5pm where the highlights were shared and the next day’s events outlined.”

Things took a dramatic turn for June at the 2024 event.

“I was arrested at the Canberra Wave, I was sitting in the rain in a kayak on the road in front of Parliament House. The action itself was only one hour, but I was sitting in the police bus then in a solitary cell at the police station for nine hours. I was not allowed a phone call and was only offered a white bread sandwich and tea. 

“That discomfort was worth it if it prevents my great grandchildren and their generation trying to eke out a living on a dead planet.”

“I pleaded not guilty at my court case in September and I feel the Magistrate understood my feelings as she did find me guilty but I only received a 6 month good behavior bond, with $50 surety.”

Maleny local and filmmaker, Luke Dunlop, was also involved in the 2024 event. I asked what his experience was like compared to June’s.

“I'd decided to attend after following the 2023 blockade on social media. I had a new year's resolution to be more involved in activism and making a difference, so lobbying my parents to let me go was my project for the year,” said Luke.

“I've always been climate conscious, but as the effects became more and more apparent (bushfires in the Range, unpredictable weather patterns) I decided I had to do more.”

Luke carpooled from Brisbane with a relative stranger also bound for the blockade, his daughter, and Luke’s best friend. 

“We arrived Friday night and I took part in the night flotilla. Saturday was the big day of festivities, where we saw Peter Garret, Angie McMahon, and John Butler performing live. This was an extremely fun day - there were activities and dancing at the beach and it shows how family-friendly the event is.”

Sunday was the day of mass action. In the morning Luke attended briefings and spoke with a lawyer about the possible risks, before meeting with other under-18 kayakers to pair up. 

“We all wrote the numbers of Rising Tide's lawyers on our arms to call if we were taken into custody. I strapped a school GoPro to my chest to record the arrest, and pocketed my license to identify myself to the police.”

Entering the water was legal, but a series of yellow buoys a few of hundred metres out marked the shipping channel. 

“We paddled to the edge of this line, where the Greenpeace boat was stationed. Police vessels assembled on the other side of the line and began warning us as some drifted closer to the line. On the Greenpeace boat, someone had a megaphone: 'If you have come here today to take further action, now is the time. Go go go go!' 

“We paddled forth. Tumahn and I were picked up in a matter of seconds - a jetski swerved in front of us and a riot police boat picked us up from behind. We climbed in to avoid any impression of resisting arrest and were shoved to the floor, so we couldn't see. 

“The boat picked up a few more protesters and we arrived at a wharf where the police had set up a temporary processing centre. My GoPro was confiscated. For the next few hours, we waited under a bindi-laden marquee, chanting, and applauding as more boats came in with more arrestees.”

Being a minor at the time, Luke was offered a formal caution, which he accepted. No criminal record. 

“The lawyers persuaded the police to send some of us kids back to the camp early - including a 12-year-old boy. So six of us were shown to a police van and after a half-hour drive, we arrived at Foreshore Park and strode into the camp, hand in hand.” 

In total, 7000 people attended the blockade and at least 170 were arrested. Luke said for the vast majority, it was a fun weekend of music and dance and contagious optimism that if we stand together, a better future is possible. 

“This year's blockade will continue the inclusion and festivities, although I've heard there will also be greater focus on direct action as the government continues to support fossil fuels. Of course all actions are optional, and there is no expectation to get arrested!

“Rising Tide is asking for the end of new coal and gas projects, and to run the current ones until end-of-life or there are enough renewables. Our coal exports should be taxed and the money used to fund the transition for coal workers and unions.

“It’s achievable and it has to happen. It’s just a matter of doing it before it’s too late.”

For more information about this year’s event from November 27 – December 2, visit risingtide.org.au