It was a cold and drizzly morning, but that didn't stop kids from taking a stand against climate change.
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With strikes happening across the nation, students from across the Highlands stood in solidarity with one another to protest the government's stance on climate change.
The protest, which attracted a crowd of more than 300 people at the last count, was held at Corbett Gardens, Bowral at 10:00 am on March 15, 2019.
Students rallied together and demanded local politicians take a firmer stand against climate change.
The protest was the brainchild of 10-year-old Josh Mckay, who felt powerless to stop climate change. After a discussion with his parents, Darren and Kristine Mckay, Josh decided to strike for climate change.
His father, Darren, was proud of his son and his decision to take a stance against something he was passionate about.
"We talk about it a lot and worry about it a lot and it's a really positive thing for them to doing and showing everyone, particularly our politicians, what we want to happen," he said.
Kristine McKay was equally proud of her son and supported her son in the protest.
"He really wanted to be a part of the action and stand up and say 'we need to get our parliament to do something for climate change', she said.
While they were initially thinking of going to the protests in either Sydney or Wollongong, it was Josh who wanted to do something in the Highlands.
"He said 'mum there are so many young people in the Southern Highlands that are so passionate about this and would love to do something here' and they did it," she said.
"Within a couple of weeks, we've got this fantastic turn out. I'm so proud of them. It's wonderful to see so many people here today, so many students and so many other parts of the community here supporting them."
When asked how they spread the word around, the answer was simple, "it was word of mouth and social media"
"They should all be proud of what they did today, they don't have an opportunity to make a vote in the upcoming weeks like we do, so this is their opportunity to stand up.
"They're very active global citizens and I think they will make incredible leaders in the not so distant future."
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