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AROUND 400 people gathered to voice their concerns about climate change at a day of action held in Bathurst yesterday.
The city was one of 130 across Australia to observe National Day of Climate Action.
Bathurst man Jim Lavis put his hand up to host the event in support of action on climate change.
Mr Lavis, who has spent 30 years building and renovating, also has a degree in science from the Australian National University, and is passionate about climate change.
As the large crowd converged adjacent to the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon yesterday, Mr Lavis was smiling from ear to ear, saying the turnout was “wonderful”.
Among those participating in the event were about 30 members of Orange-based group ECCO (Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Orange), who travelled to Bathurst specifically to support the event.
Mr Lavis said the message he wanted to put out was for people right across the political spectrum to join in action on climate change.
“A lot of people who don’t vote for Labor or the Greens are feeling disenfranchised,” he said.
“My suggestion [for a solution] is we call for a truce across the political divide at a local level, and leave unrelated issues aside.”
Mr Lavis said Bathurst was one of 130 “catch-ups” planned across Australia yesterday, with others being held in Albury and Wagga.
He was especially happy so many people travelled from Orange to join in the event.
One of the 30-strong Orange contingent, ECCO member Janelle Bicknell, said the day was about raising awareness and showing policy makers that “we are serious about action on climate change”.
“The people here are from all different walks of life. There are kids, young people, mums and dads, and people from the older generation – and everyone here is concerned about climate change,” she said.
Mr Lavis said he was very keen to address service groups, the Bathurst Business Chamber, schools and colleges about the issue, and get as many people involved as possible.
“This is really about building momentum,” he said.