The small disruptive protests that make everyone upset are what we use to build these events, it's a confusing strategy from the outside but as we have demonstrated, it is effective as hell when given the chance to evolve.

That said, blockade Australia basically does this sort of stuff on a small scale all the time. They're out there blocking coal trains that supply ports like this, and I have nothing but the greatest respect for them.

Except for the fact that people keep getting arrested for them. Thats a big detterent for most and is often a display of governmental/corporate power. We are always told protest it if you don't like our policies then they put you in cuffs when you try to make your voice heard.

Small edit: RT's insta is covering all of this in fabulous detail

That's me! Let me dump the important info here:

I was one of three people arrested yesterday (Saturday 23 Nov), the first taken into custody by police as part of the peoples blockade in Newcastle New South Wales Australia, the world's largest coal port.

Today, a further 170 passionate people from all walks of life were arrested. Children, great grandparents, doctors etc, everyone was represented on the water. This was the largest civil disobedience action in Australian history.

5000 people were in attendence, and we have generated 2840 news articles (so far), almost all are positive.

We have a right to disrupt corporations who are burning our children's futures to the ground all in the name of profit, and we will be heard. We have sent an intensely strong message today to the New South Wales and Australian governments, we want an end to coal exports and mining with a 78% tax on current coal mines.

We have overturned their attempts to illegally stop our protest, both in court and on the water.

For me, this was about the children. I was able to grow up thinking my future was bright, and the children of today have a right to the same. I will fight for them, and I feel much of Australia is on our side.

I've had to watch today online due to my bail conditions, but I'm so fucking proud of all my friends up there, they're making a huge wave and that will now be carried to Canberra where the protest will continue at the federal parliament.

No, this is an annual event that's just about demanding the Australian government stops opening new fossil fuel extraction projects and starts taxing current projects at 78% in order to fund job transitions for the current fossil fuel industry workers.

The whole thing is a protest and a festival all rolled into one, it was a lot of fun.