Tens of thousands of young Australians left their classrooms on Friday morning, took to the streets and demanded politicians take action on climate change.
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Politicians think about money and just tell us to go back to school.
- High school student Minka Warratah
Students and pupils from primary schools and high schools across Bega took part in the action, the town's second School Strike 4 Climate in just four months.
Fifteen-year-old Minka Warratah was one of the core organisers of the strike, and said she hoped politicians would take notice of the voices of Australians too young to share their opinion at election ballot boxes.
"Politicians think about money and just tell us to go back to school," the Tathra resident and Bega High School student said.
"I think they have stuck to doing what's easiest, and because they've ignored the issue for so long they don't want to admit that they're wrong."
She said all the striking students had the support of their families, and some teachers who could not publicly share their stance.
"It is really inspiring to know other people care, and if there is enough of us we will make a change," she said.
"It is important for everyone to show their support.
"We can see the effects of climate change already with drought and the reef is dying."
She said a visit to the Great Barrier Reef as an eight-year-old, showed her the fragility of the natural world.
"It makes me so sad that it's dying," she said
"All the animals are dying everyday. We can see the effects and if the world does warm then they'll be in trouble."
Matthew Gibbs is a member of the high school's representative council, and said he was pleased there was an increase in student numbers from those who striked in December last year.
"Climate change is something that's real," he said.
"It is a bigger turn out today from my school, which is good."
Sixteen-year-old Brydie Condran said social media had helped the students organise support for the strike.
"This protest isn't just happening here, it is happening all over the world.
"Being here gives you pride in your generation. It proves how much of a big deal this is.
"We've been debating about climate change since 1912, but it's real. Why are we working against our planet and not with it?
"We need to act."
Ten-year-old Alina North-Andrew was also a core organiser of the strike, and completed a climate action workshop at Sydney University in January.
She said young people are planning holding a monthly strike until politicians take notice.
"We want to tell the community about it and protect our future," she said.
"I just want to protect the planet and its resources.
The movement was created by Swedish schoolgirl Greta Thunberg who raised the awareness of climate issues at the Swedish parliament last year.
Alina said Greta has become a hero to many students around the world.
"She just speaks the truth," she said.
Seventeen-year-old Sam Jolley said rising sea levels will impact the entire globe, potentially displacing millions of people.
"It's going to be bad for all people," he said.
"It seems to be scientifically correct, so I hope the politicians acknowledge that and do their research."
Djiringanj and Ngarigo Elder Aunty Colleen Dixon was in Littleton Gardens during the strike and threw her support behind the students.
"I think it's great. We need more young people getting out there, because the government isn't listening," she said.
"It's really nice to see young people getting out and sharing their voice. They are the future when we are dead and gone.
"I'd like them to work with our people. Our ancestors were the doctors and scientists who looked after the land.
"When I was growing up this place was beautiful, now there's plastics and pollution everywhere.
"There are things that can be done to bring back the balance between the water and the land
"They are sending a clear message to the government.
"Everything comes from mother nature, but it's changing because of the destruction."