DISQUIET about the future of the country will come to a head tomorrow during a coordinated rally in the CBD.
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Some 15 speakers will take to the Belmore Park rotunda to air their concern on social, environmental and political issues under the theme “where are we going?”.
Goulburn Mulwaree Council Mayor Geoff Kettle will feature among the speakers; who include President of Goulburn Labor Jason Shepherd, Swiss foreign correspondent Urs Walterlin, NSW health practitioner Jane Cotter, Mulwaree High School student Agata Nabaglo and IT director Alex Ferrara.
Member of the organising party Bill Dorman told the Post the protest was organised to provide a public platform to voice widespread concerns.
He said while protest rallies had been labelled as aggressive in the past, the Goulburn meet would be family-friendly.
“It’s going to be people of the grassroots community, political or non-political, that are likeminded in the direction the country is headed,” Mr Dorman said.
“One of the most important things is that it is family friendly, we don’t want there to be rude speak, we want people to come to think about the things they are disappointed in or what they would like to see changed in a positive and friendly sort of way.”
Speeches on the day will run around two minutes each on topics from welfare, climate action, youth, activism, unions, green spaces, NBN, governance, Medicare, health, rail services, education, homelessness and the worldview of Australia.
The rally, dubbed March Goulburn, is being organised under the March Australia banner (previously March in March Australia).
March Australia began as a series of national protests held over 32 locations across the country in March this year. The wider movement was organised by named members of the public and is not associated with any political party or organisation.
While some speakers at the local march are politically aligned, organisers say there is no right or left-wing agenda.
Liberal MPs Angus Taylor and Pru Goward have been invited; neither will attend due to prior commitments.
“We aren’t trying to march on anyone and shout at them. It’s for a community to get its point across, because the politicians aren’t listening,” Mr Dorman explained.
“Saying we won’t do anything because our little bit doesn’t count is stupid. It’s the same as saying I won’t pay taxes or I won’t vote because it doesn’t count or one cigarette isn’t going to hurt me – as a collective they are wrong.
“As a collective we need to take responsibility.”
The rally starts at 11am.
