December 13th, 2025Rising Tide blockade
About 40 Central Victorian activists from Castlemaine, Ballarat, Bendigo, Kyneton, Elphingstone, Chewton and more, travelled to Newcastle for the Rising Tide People’s Blockade from Wednesday 26th November to Tuesday 2nd December, joining about 8,000 other activists from around Australia and beyond.
The weekend’s actions on Saturday and Sunday were successful in turning back three coal ships – which was the focus of the Blockade, but also cancelling any further boats for the weekend. Of the 30 ships supposed to load up and move out over the weekend, only two managed to make it through.
From the Central Vic contingent, about 5 brave paddlers and swimmers were arrested.
There was a Community Care tent providing support, rest and sunscreen. Other tents provided activities for kids, legal advice, and information on many activist groups around Australia.
Activists mostly camped on site, joining a huge contingent of activists from all around Australia.
Participants volunteered for various jobs around site including washing dishes, keeping the site clean, marshalling, driving, security, arrestee support, etc.
On Sunday 7th December, the group met up for a post Rising Tide picnic at the Castlemaine Gardens to reflect, tell tales and think about the future.
Details: centralvicclimateaction2@gmail.com.
