FAQs
November 19-28, 2024
Protestival: Fri 22 - Sun 24
People’s Blockade & Canberra Wave
The People’s Blockade + Canberra Wave
The People’s Blockade will take place on the unceded land and water of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, at Muloobinba (Newcastle, NSW)
The Canberra Wave will take place on the unceded land of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri Peoples
Things to Note
Book your accommodation early in Newcastle if you’re not planning to join the Blockade Camp.
Sort out your travel arrangements. Some Rising Tide Hubs will help organise group transport, contact them here.
Try to attend a Nonviolent Direct Action training in your region, else online. We’ll let you know details by email!
Keep an eye out for important emails!
We’re all in this together
The People’s Blockade and Canberra Wave are beautiful and colourful family-friendly events, but we must remember - at their core, they are frontline protests with an important purpose.
The volunteer organisers will work tirelessly to create a memorable, inclusive and safe event - but it’s important to understand that protest camps come with uncertainty, and challenges may be encountered, both before and during the mobilisation, which we will face together. The People’s Blockade is not a festival, where you pay your entry and you’re a consumer - you too are part of this creation!
The People’s Blockade is not a festival where you pay your entry and you’re a consumer - you too are part of this creation!
We are still in negotiations with Newcastle Council & police about access to the adjacent parkland for the Blockade Camp, and the police for our permit to hold our 50 hour protest to stop the ships.
As per the 2023 People’s Blockade, we may not be able to confirm where the Blockade Camp is, nor that we have a permit, until much closer to the event and we cannot guarantee where the camp will be, nor the quality of facilities. In 2023, it was all confirmed in the week prior! We are working hard to secure the campsite and permissions and will keep everyone updated with our progress.
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No! Come for an hour, come for 10 days!
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The People’s Blockade
The Protestival (8am Friday - 10am Sunday) will be held at Horseshoe Beach, Muloobinba/Newcastle. This is very close to Newcastle city and public transport.
The Blockade Camp, where we will sleep (if you decide to camp), plan, prepare, debrief and celebrate, will be established in adjacent parks, pending Newcastle Council and police permission (see ‘Accommodation and Meals’).
The Canberra Wave
The Canberra Wave will be… well, in Canberra! The ongoing action will take place at and around Parliament House.
We are honoured to have permission from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy for Canberra Wave participants to camp at the historic tent embassy in front of the Old Parliament House.
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YES! - if you plan to camp at the Blockade or Canberra Wave Camps and/or participate in meals, please register as early as you can and before Sunday 10th November.
This is a massive event, and your early registration really helps the many volunteer organisers out and helps us secure and pay for infrastructure in the lead up.
If you’re not planning to camp or participate in meals, please still register, even if you are only joining us for a day. This will help the volunteer organisers plan a great and safe event!
The Protestival (8am Friday - 10am Sunday) is on a public beach, so we will be welcoming everyone, but we will encourage on site registration for those who didn’t register in advance.
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People’s Blockade:
It’s going to be a really big event, and lots of dogs in a crowded area can create problems, therefore:
We would prefer that you do not bring your dog:
If they are not well socialised
To the ‘protestival’ Friday-Sunday (except dogs joining in the Climate Dog Parade!)
If you do bring your dog:
Keep them on a leash in the park at all times (this is council bylaw)
Keep them on a leash on the beach Friday-Sunday (despite it being an off-leash dog beach)
Carry poop bags and diligently pick up after them.
Canberra Wave:
Please do not bring your dog, if possible
If you do bring your dog, keep them on a leash at all times and make sure you pick up after them.
The Basics
Inclusivity!
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Affinity groups are groups of about 5 - 15 individuals that are known to each other and/or share a common identity or interest. We see them as a way to embed mutual support, autonomy and resilience into the Blockade and our movement.
Some examples of shared connection Affinity Groups could be based on are: geographic location, a shared identity, a group of friends, or a role in a direct action.
You are strongly encouraged to self-organise your own Affinity Group before you come to the Blockade from your established local networks.
Space will also be created at the Blockade during the preparation phase (Wednesday and Thursday) to create Affinity Groups. If you are interested in coordinating (e.g. setting up) an Affinity Group, let us know when you register as we hope to have online training and resources prior to the Blockade to help you feel confident in this role.
Space will also be facilitated during the blockade for those Affinity Groups that are interested in having more people join their group.
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Rising Tide has established a permanent People of Colour Caucus (PoCC) to help create a culture of community care within the movement, and increase the safety and inclusion of First Nations, Pasifika, and People of Colour at Rising Tide events.
There will be a dedicated space at the Blockade where People of Colour can come together in mutual support.
If you are a Person of Colour and would like to be kept in the loop about the PoCC at the Blockade then you can note this in your registration.
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Rising Tide is focused on making our events welcoming for under 18s and young adults. We support under 18s with a dedicated under 18s tent, especially those who attend without parental supervision, and have rostered adults who are focused on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of under 18s.
Under 18s are also invited to join an under 18 Affinity Group, where small groups of under 18s plus an adult supporter can stick together and support each other during the blockade.
If you are aged 14-17 please fill out your own registration even if you are being accompanied by a guardian/parent. We don’t want finances to be a barrier, and you can choose your contribution (which can be free!) when you register.
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This is a very family friendly event. In the past, parents and carers have taken their kids out on the water and they have a great time!
There’s also lots of fun to be had on the beach and, like 2023, we will have a kids space set up and some special programmed entertainment for the kids too.
Kids are free, and you don’t need to fill out a separate registration for your children under 14.
Helping out at the Blockade / Canberra Wave
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The People’s Blockade and Canberra Wave are 100% volunteer organised. We build it together and its success depends on people pitching in!
We encourage everyone who is staying for more than one day, and in particular those that will be at the Blockade/Canberra Wave Camps to take on one or more volunteer shifts.
There are many ways you can help, from chopping or serving food, driving, community care to kids activities.
If caring for yourself and yours whilst there is a victory for you, that’s OK - we celebrate that too!
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There are a number of roles during the Blockade/Canberra Wave that will need people with experience in those roles, such as photography, first aid, trainers and liaisons. You can nominate your areas of expertise when you register, and we will do our best to fit the right people to the role.
Please note, if roles are already filled, with thousands of people registering - we likely won’t be in touch - we hope you understand! So be sure to put your name down to fill some other volunteer roles!
Nonviolence Training
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The People’s Blockade and Canberra Wave are family-friendly events, however we will always take the opportunity to upskill our movement in Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA)!
NVDA training helps to build a strong culture for safe, peaceful and effective protests.
This training is for everyone! Direct Action can take on many shapes and forms, and whilst many Direct Actions have components of civil disobedience (e.g. intentionally breaking a law), many do not - and need not.
Training will be offered prior to the mobilisation, and we encourage everyone to participate in these if at all possible to help reduce the number of participants being trained during the Blockade / Canberra Wave.
The People’s Blockade
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With so many people joining the Blockade, we encourage you to bring your own vessel and/or life jacket if you can. A successful blockade flotilla needs things that float!
We will hire sit-on-top 2-person kayaks and life jackets for general use, there will be lots of personal kayaks to share, pontoons to dance on and there may be the odd unicorn floating around too.
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To create a diverse and colourful flotilla, bringing what you can, including:
A homemade raft or anything that floats!
Flotation devices: Surfboards or paddleboards
Small paddle craft: kayaks, canoes etc.
Wind powered vessels: yachts, catamarans, etc.
Tinnies, and other small powered vessels
Vessels of larger sizes help us look more powerful and diverse and increase the visual impact of the event, so we really encourage you to go to the effort of bringing your boat.
If bringing a tinnie - please be aware that you likely won’t be able to beach it when it's not in use (e.g. it would need to be anchored just offshore, or taken out of the water at the boat ramp).
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Yes! Larger vessels can be helpful in taking on a role during the Flotilla. If you are interested in first learning ways you and your vessel could help the event, then let us know when you register.
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On Saturday at 2pm, you can join hundreds of local Newcastle surfers on their boards in the great big Surfers’ Paddle Out - a massive moment, where surfers will come together in solidarity for the protection of our oceans from the effects of climate change.
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There will be a process where you can identify your vessel as being able to be used by others, or not.
People will leave their small vessels on the beach overnight, where we will basically take over the public space. We have never had an issue with theft before and it seems unlikely, but we cannot guarantee the safety of your vessel. If you want to be sure, you can carry it with you to the campsite (500m away) or perhaps figure a way to lock it up.
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No! The sit-on-top kayaks are extremely sturdy and don’t require prior kayaking experience.
Other kayaks range in stability, usability and sturdiness. You don’t need prior experience for these, but it would help.
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Yes, in the water at Horseshoe Beach on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov 20-21, times TBC.
And, be sure to LIKE Rising Tide on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date on the many upcoming Rising Tide events in your region - maybe your nearest Hub will offer a kayak training before the Blockade!
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We will have fast boats on the water, with trained and experienced crew, dedicated to supporting the safety of participants - day and night.
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There are rules in respect to lifejackets, not being under the influence and the use of torches at night here, in the Blockade’s Participants’ Agreement.
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We heard it over and over - the Night Flotilla was a highlight of the 2023 People’s Blockade - and this year we will have two!
There will be an electronic sign up at the Blockade, where you can sign on to an overnight shift. Last year the shifts were 2 hours, but many people stayed for much longer!
If you plan to be on the water at night - you MUST have a white torch (preferably a head torch) with you at all times on the water, so don’t forget it and some fresh batteries.
Bring a poem, a deck of cards or some stories to share!
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Yes! There will be pontoons on the water where you can hang out on the water without needing to paddle!
The Flotilla Blockade
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Not at all! Showing your support from the beach is important. Most of the program will occur on land, it will be like the land-based rally of the accompanying flotilla blockade.
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As we did in 2023, we are seeking a permit to undertake our protest. Yes, that’s right - in the biggest flex of our right to disruptively protest, we will have permission to hold our Protestival, camp and safely stop the ships for 50 hours.
It is legal to gather and protest in Australia and to paddle and swim in the harbour. It is not legal to obstruct a vessel, but, with our permit - the harbour will be closed to all ships. As long as we are on the water, the ships will not move.
This event has been held 12 times in the past, with thousands of participants overall. With the exception of the 2023 People’s Blockade - where 109 people intentionally undertook civil disobedience after the end of the protest - only one fine has ever been issued and one other person was charged and received a caution in court.
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Yes! To ensure the People’s Blockade is a safe, inclusive and fun event for everyone - from the moment you arrive, to the moment you depart, you are agreeing to this Participants’ Agreement.
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You can:
Join the big Blockade Camp in adjacent parkland, for the full experience! You will need to bring your camping gear.
Book your own accommodation (we advise you do this as early as possible)
Billet with a local host if possible: e.g. a spare room or a mattress on the floor.
Sleep in your campervan/caravan - but you will need to arrange a site yourself as there will be no van sites at the Blockade Camp. There are some local caravan parks and Maitland Showgrounds that can be used.
Please note: we are still in negotiations with Newcastle Council about access to the adjacent parkland for camping.
As per the 2023 People’s Blockade, we may not be able to confirm where the campsite is until much closer to the event and we cannot guarantee where it will be, or the quality of facilities. We are working hard to secure the best option, but please remember this is a protest camp, so there may be exciting challenges that we overcome together!
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Whether or not you are camping or visiting for one day or eight (Tuesday Nov 19 - Tuesday Nov 26), you are invited to join the daily meals.
BYO refillable water bottle and snacks.
If you plan to participate in a volunteer catered meal, you must register. Food will be mostly vegan/vegetarian with GF options for every meal.
Meals will be available, either from the volunteer run kitchens (which you could help in!) or from food vendors.
The meals covered by the volunteer run kitchens, and covered in your registration financial contribution, are:
Tues 19: DINNER (Setup, Welcome)
Wed 20: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER (Prepare, Skill up + Build our Movement)
Thurs 21: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER (Prepare, Skill up + Build our Movement)
Fri 22: BREAKFAST (Protestival)
Sat 23: BREAKFAST (Protestival)
Sun 24: BREAKFAST, DINNER (Protestival ends; Debrief + Build our Movement)
Mon 25: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER (Celebrate + 2025 Plans)
Tues 26: BREAKFAST (Pack Up, Wrap Up + Canberra Wave departs)
The meals that will be covered by food vendors, and at extra cost, are:
Fri 22: LUNCH, DINNER (Protestival)
Sat 23: LUNCH, DINNER (Protestival)
Sun 24: LUNCH (Protestival ends; Debrief + Build our Movement)
Please note: we will have back-up volunteer-kitchen meals for those in need.
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We don’t want finances to be a barrier. There is a sliding scale to cover the event costs, where we invite people to choose what fits their situation best.
For those who would like to ‘pay it forward’, you can also make an optional additional donation.
To help cover the costs associated with meals (if you opt in) and putting on such a massive event (e.g. marquees, toilets, stage, musicians and kayak hire) we encourage a financial contribution using this guidance:
Comfortable: $35/day with volunteer meals; $20/day without
Concession: $25/day with volunteer meals; $10/day without
Pay as you can: Free + Donation of your choice
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Some of the Rising Tide Hubs will be helping organise public transport and carpooling.
This support ranges from an organised bus, group public transport bookings, to Facebook Groups dedicated to people self-organising their carpooling.
Adelaide: Check out this comprehensive summary of transport options to and from Newcastle & Canberra. Ready to choose a transport option - book here. Any questions before you book? Email adelaide@risingtide.org.au
Brisbane: Has a carpooling Facebook group here and also has a Google form for people to provide their travel intentions with information on trains & drive distances.
Melbourne: Has a carpooling Facebook group here.
Canberra is offering group bookings from Canberra to Newcastle via train (and return) and can be made by registering here. Please register ASAP to secure your place (as these seats are, of course, available to the general public).
Northern Rivers: Check out this comprehensive public transport guide for getting to and from Newcastle from the Northern Rivers. There is also an offer of kayak/camping gear transportation from the Northern Rivers for anyone for whom this would be a barrier to attending (or if it would enable you to take public transport). For information on this and carpooling options head to our Transport to the People’s Blockade NR Facebook group
Hub members may be in touch later in the year with those who have registered from their region if they haven’t already signed up for group public transport bookings.
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Parking around the protest area is very limited, and is generally short term parking. So we encourage people to carpool / use public transport where possible. Children can often travel free on NSW regional trains
Logistics
The Canberra Wave
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Come for an hour, come for 3 days - you decide!
Tuesday 26 - Travel, Setup + Welcome 5pm gather at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Move to Parliamentary Lawns to start the occupation.
Wednesday 27th - Occupation continues. Mass rally at 12 noon with speakers and music
Thursday 28th - Occupation continues, including actions reinforcing the message to Albo ‘when will you stop approving new coal and gas projects?’
Friday 29th - Pack up + Departure
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This is a family friendly event - the intention is for all activities on the Parliamentary Lawns to be within the law. Actions outside the Parliamentary Lawns will be organised separately and involve informed people who intentionally decide to be involved.
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For those travelling to the Canberra Wave from the People’s Blockade, there are a number of transport options. We will assess transport needs closer to the time and will sort out ride-sharing at the blockade.
In the registration form we capture your transport preferences, to help us understand if there are transport gaps (e.g. we may need to hire a bus or ramp up use of public transport).
The transport options for those joining from the People’s Blockade are:
Public transport (6-7 hrs ~$40-$60/person depending on concessions): RT Canberra is offering to make group bookings for people travelling by train from Sydney to Canberra: click herefor the registration form. But you need to register as soon as you can or the public may get the tickets first.
Travelling by car / carpooling (5-6 hrs)
If there is sufficient demand, a coach may be hired by Rising Tide (5-6 hrs ~$60). It will only be hired if there is sufficient demand that can’t be met with other transport options.
We will not be directly organising transport home from Canberra, but we will facilitate car-pooling and Canberra is very well connected to public transport options.
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Parking around Parliament House (and the Aboriginal Tent Embassy) is limited and generally short term parking - although there is longer term parking in walking distance.
There will be some limited parking available for campers (only) at the campsite.
For the rally day (Thursday 27 November), depending on rally numbers, there may be road closures around Parliament House, with only disabled parking available close to the Parliament Lawns.
We encourage people to carpool/use public transport where possible.
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You can:
Join the big Canberra Wave Camp. We are honoured to have permission from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy for Canberra Wave participants to camp at the historic tent embassy in front of the Old Parliament House.You will need to bring your camping gear.
Book your own accommodation
Billet with a local host if possible: e.g. a spare room or a mattress on the floor.
Sleep in your campervan/caravan - there is likely to be limited space at the Canberra Wave Camp for vans (no utilities available). When we have a better understanding of the level of people bringing vans and the overall level of demand for the camp site, we will contact those who have registered saying they are bringing a van, to let them know whether there is room at Canberra Wave Camp for vans.
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Whether or not you are camping or visiting for a day or an hour (Tuesday Nov 26 - Thursday Nov 28), you are invited to join the daily meals.
BYO refillable water bottle and snacks.
The meals will come from the volunteer run kitchen (which you can help in!), and will be covered in your registration financial contribution. The meals available are:
Tues 26: DINNER (Travel, Setup, Welcome (+Action TBC)
Wed 27: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER (Canberra Action)
Thurs 28: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER (Canberra Action)
Fri 29: BREAKFAST (Pack up + Departure)
If you plan to participate in meals, you must register. Food will be mostly vegan/vegetarian with GF options for every meal.
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We don’t want finances to be a barrier. There is a sliding scale to cover the event costs, where we invite people to choose what fits their situation best.
For those who would like to ‘pay it forward’, you can also make an optional additional donation.
TTo help cover the costs associated with meals (if you opt in) and putting on the event (e.g. camping fees, toilets) we encourage a financial contribution using this guidance:
Comfortable: $20/day with volunteer meals; $5/day without
Concession: $10/day with volunteer meals; free without
Pay as you can: Free + Donation of your choice
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If you are planning to travel from Newcastle and prefer to travel by car (or coach if this eventuates), please travel light to help fit people in cars!
To help with your packing, you can find the full list for the People’s Blockade here, which, after you exclude the obvious things like kayaks and marquees, is also applicable to the Canberra Wave.
Nothing additional/special is needed for the Canberra Wave.