More than 140 events were held for the National Day of Climate Action across Australia and the Bega Valley hosted three of these in Tathra, Merimbula and Bermagui.

Organisers believe over 60,000 attended events in cities, towns and regional centres.

In Tathra, over 150 people gathered on the beach in bright red and orange colours, asking for the government to “respect the science and aim for stronger, meaningful climate action”.

“Our government is putting our economy, our health and our environment at risk and we want them to represent us and aim higher,” Bega resident Ali Rodway said.

“The gathering acknowledged the traditional owners of the area and stood in silence to appreciate the remarkable place in which we live.” 

People signed the GetUp climate action petition via text messages or later visited the GetUp website to sign. 

“To make real change happen on this issue we need to keep listening to the people who don’t think like us,” Ms Rodway said.

“It’s often fear that causes people to deny that a problem exists and listening well can help turn this around. 

“We all need to rise above politics on this one and get on with fixing it.””

People made the most of the beach and the great weather and stayed on to share picnics, have a chat and cool off with a swim.

In Merimbula approximately 100 supporters converged on Ford Oval for its event. 

“We wanted to send a message to federal and state governments as well as local authorities that immediate and urgent action is required in order to limit the effects of global warming,” Merimbula event host Bernard Lagarenne said.