December 23rd, 2023Red Rebels in action

Central Vic Climate Action members and Central Victorian locals have participated in a week-long December Rebellion in Melbourne, with their Red Rebels leading marches and members of the group arrested.

Red Rebels are an international activist performance troupe, who silently participate in climate actions. Red Rebels primarily from Castlemaine were leading two of the marches during the week.

The first march on December 6 was to MP Peter Khalil’s office, to draw attention to the federal government’s refusal to put an end to new coal and gas projects.

“Red stands for love for our planet and our rage about our current climate breakdown. Our silence represents our lack of voice as an everyday person compared to the powerful fossil fuel industry and the politicians who support them,” said Serena Everill, who supported the Red Rebels during two events.

“Red draws attention from people on the street. Their white faces spook the police and shows the mortality we all face on a dead planet.

“The December Rebellion was organised by Extinction Rebellion and the week-long event created disruption throughout Melbourne to bring attention to the destruction of our planet.

“The final event of the week was the Slow March and Mass Arrest on December 10.

Over 300 people participated (along with) a motorised effigy of a burning koala. Two of the 77 arrests on this day were CVCA members. Mass arrests are a potent form of democratic protest.”

CVCA members will support the next Extinction Rebellion series of events in March. Minister Khalil did not return email queries from The Local by press time.

Words & image: Contributed