The People’s Blockade
of the world’s largest coal port
FAQ
-
PROTESTIVAL: Flotilla Blockades + Festivities
Sat Nov 29 + Sun Nov 30
Horseshoe Beach + Camp Shortland -
PROTESTIVAL: Climate Concert
Sat Nov 29
Camp Shortland -
PROTEST CAMP
Thurs Nov 27 - Tues Dec 2
Foreshore Park
The Basics
-
The People’s Blockade is held in Muloobinba/Newcastle and is close to Newcastle city and public transport.
The Protestival is at Camp Shortland, and our flotilla is launching from adjacent Horseshoe Beach.
Climate Concert is at Camp Shortland.
Protest Camp, where we will sleep (if you decide to camp), eat, plan, prepare, debrief and celebrate, is at adjacent Foreshore Park.
-
This is a MASSIVE event, and your early registration or RSVP really helps the many volunteer organisers plan and helps us secure and pay for infrastructure in the lead up.
Protest Camp: registration is essential (and includes your Climate Concert ticket and Protestival RSVP)
Protestival + Climate Concert RSVP: is strongly encouraged, so we can understand our numbers in respect to our safety management plan, and to gratefully receive any financial contribution you can make to ensure the event's success.
-
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, from Protest Camp to Climate Concert, you are agreeing to this PARTICIPANTS AGREEMENT - People's Blockade
-
We want to make the People’s Blockade as accessible as possible, and we recognise that people have different needs. If your participation in the People’s Blockade is dependent on us meeting an accessibility need - we’d love to hear from you.
While we cannot guarantee that we can provide everything needed, we will do our best. Please fill out this form to let us know your needs. Your information will be kept strictly confidential and only within the Accessibility working group.
-
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.
-
Rising Tide has established a permanent Queer Caucus to help create a culture of community care within the movement, and increase the safety and inclusion of Queer people at Rising Tide events.
There will be a dedicated space at the Blockade where Queer people can come together in mutual support.
If you identify as Queer and would like to be kept in the loop about the Queer Caucus at the Blockade then you can note this in your registration.
-
Rising Tide is focused on making our events welcoming for under 18s and young adults. We support under 18s with a dedicated under 18s space, especially those who attend without parental supervision, and have rostered adults who are focused on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of under 18s. All adults in this role will have a valid Working with Children check.
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 joining Protest Camp: please fill out your own registration. We don’t want finances to be a barrier, and you can choose your contribution (which can be free!) when you register.
-
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 previous Blockades, we will have a kids space set up and some special programmed entertainment for the kids too.
Children under 14 should be accompanied by a parent/guardian but do not need to register for Protest Camp (even if sharing in meals).
-
With the exception of Assistance Dogs, Newcastle Council have stipulated that The People’s Blockade (which is on Council land) is a dog-free event. This covers the Climate Concert, Protest Camp and any festivities in the park.
Horseshoe Beach is an off-leash dog beach, however, as Saturday and Sunday will be incredibly crowded, we’d prefer your dog stays on a leash.
-
Some of the Rising Tide Groups will be helping with transport. This support could range from an organised bus and group public transport bookings, to Facebook Groups dedicated to people self-organising their carpooling.
Groups will email all registrants in their region when they are ready to start helping people with transport support! This may not be until much closer to the Blockade. A perfect reason to keep your eye out for upcoming events in your region to get along and meet your local Group!
The Groups are still in the preparation phase and not all information is locked in yet! For now we have:
Adelaide: Will be organising a 50 seater coach for the Protestival weekend and likely mini buses for the whole event. You can book your seat here!
Melbourne: Will set something up, and at a minimum a carpooling Facebook group.
More to come!
-
-
We are currently working on our COVID19 policy. There will be protocols in place at the event that we will ask you to adhere to. These may be guidelines, or they may be ‘enforceable’ through inclusion in our Participant’s Agreement. We will ensure we communicate the policy to all registrations.
Please do not come to the event if you have COVID-19 or Flu-like symptoms. These are: cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath and a runny nose. For some people the symptoms can be very mild, but others might also experience fatigue. There are many infections that can cause similar symptoms, and these can usually also be passed on to other people.
The Basics
Financial Contribution
-
We don’t want finances to be a barrier.
There is a sliding scale for financial contributions, we invite people to choose what fits their situation best.
This is a massive event, and any contribution you can make is gratefully received.
Event contribution covers things like marquees, toilets, power, stages, musicians’ costs and building our kayak fleet for our rapidly growing movement!For those who would like to ‘pay it forward’, you can also make an optional additional donation.
Protestival
The Protestival is family-friendly, drug and alcohol-free, and open to all ages. Delicious food will be available from a variety of local vendors for lunch on both days, and dinner on Saturday night.
Climate Concert (Sat 29)
A powerful celebration of live music, community, and collective action. A dynamic and diverse lineup of Australian artists will come together to stand up for the future of our planet.
There will be dancing, joy, and connection – a festive expression of community resistance and hope.
Flotillas and festivities (Sat 29 + Sun 30)
Join thousands of people coming together for festivities on the beach and a powerful flotilla blockade on Newcastle Harbour.
BYO or borrow a vessel to join the peaceful and disruptive flotilla at the world’s largest coal port, including Saturday night!
With lots to do on land and water; with speeches, paddling, kids activities and live music - climate action has never been so joyous and powerful!
-
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 that accompanies the flotilla blockade.
-
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.
This event has been held 13 times in the past and thousands of people have participated with no legal consequences, with the exception of two minor incidents and 109 and 173 people at the 2023 and 2024 Blockades respectively, who intentionally decided to undertake civil disobedience and be arrested.
-
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 have a Rising Tide fleet of inflatable kayaks, and life jackets for general use. There will also be lots of personal kayaks that people are happy to share.
-
To create a diverse and colourful flotilla, bringing what you can, including:
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 you’ll be bringing a tinnie - please be aware that you won’t be able to beach it when it's not in use.
-
There will be a process where you can identify your vessel as being able to be used by others, or not.
We will clear the beach on Saturday night, with everyone taking their kayaks back to Protest Camp (or home).We haven’t had an issue with theft before, but we cannot guarantee the safety of your vessel, you will need to take responsibility for your own vessel.
-
No! Our inflatable kayaks and participants' sit-on-top kayaks are extremely sturdy (e.g. they won’t tip over easily) and don’t require prior kayaking experience.
Other kayaks range in stability, usability and sturdiness. If you don’t have kayaking experience, you should keep away from kayaks that have a sit-in cockpit as they are more likely to capsize.
-
Yes, in the water at Horseshoe Beach, likely before Saturday, TBC.
Some Rising Tide groups may do kayak training sessions before the Blockade. The best way to stay in the loop is to sign up to our email list here.
-
We will have fast boats on the water, with trained and experienced crew, dedicated to supporting the safety of participants - day and night (for those rostered on for the night flotilla).
-
There are mandatory rules: for life jackets, not being under the influence and the use of torches at night - all here in the Blockade’s Participants’ Agreement.
-
We hear it over and over - the Night Flotilla is a highlight of The People’s Blockade!
There will be an electronic sign up at the Blockade, where you can sign on to an overnight shift. In previous years the shifts have been 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!
-
Parking around the 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.
Please note: unlike last year, there are no free all-day car parks in the event area. There is free parking for up to only 4 hours and you can pay for a limited all-day spot.
There is longer term parking available in nearby suburbs Broadmeadow and Carrington, which are walking distance to the train station.
Protest Camp
Protest Camp will be a powerful six-day gathering of community and resistance.
Whether you join for a single day or stay for the full experience, camp or visit daily, Protest Camp will offer a unique opportunity to connect deeply with others, build skills, and grow the collective power of our climate defence movement.
We recommend you come for as long as possible to immerse yourself in the experience and maximise your volunteer contribution to our thriving community.
-
Expect a vibrant and welcoming space where you can meet like-minded people, share delicious vegan meals, join volunteer crews, and join an affinity group to participate in spokescouncils to help shape our movement and action together.
Throughout Protest Camp, there will be training sessions to prepare for nonviolent direct action, as well as legal briefings, workshops and panel discussions. This will be more than just a camp – it will be a place to build lasting friendships, get practical experience and strengthen the networks to drive climate justice.
-
You can:
Join the big Protest Camp in adjacent Foreshore Park, for the full experience! You will need to bring your camping gear.
Organise your own accommodation (we advise you do this as early as possible)
Billet with a local host (we will do our best to match you!).
Sleep in your campervan/caravan - but you will need to arrange a site yourself as there will be no van sites at the Protest Camp. There are some caravan parks in surrounding towns (e.g. Stockton, Belmont, Maitland) that can be used. Please note: there are no longer any free full-day car spots at Horseshoe Beach.
Sleep at home and travel each day!
-
The People’s Blockade is 100% volunteer organised. We build it together and its success depends on people pitching in!
We encourage everyone joining us at Protest Camp, and who is staying for more than one/two days, to join a team.
There are many ways you can help - such as chopping, serving food, driving, helping kayaks launch, community care and kids activities.
Some roles will be supporting Protest Camp and some the Protestival. There will be many shifts to fill, and we strongly encourage you to dive into this! The carrots won’t chop themselves!
We will be filling volunteer teams and shifts before the Blockade, and you will be asked at registration time to identify the teams you are interested in volunteering with.
If caring for yourself and yours while at the Blockade is a victory for you, that’s OK - we celebrate that too!
-
There are a number of roles that need people with qualifications or experience, 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 you to the right 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!
-
Meals will be available, either from the volunteer run kitchens (which you could help in!) or from food vendors for some of Saturday / Sunday meals.
If you are joining Protest Camp (whether camping or not), you are invited to participate in the meals prepared in our volunteer kitchen.
If you plan to eat a volunteer catered meal, you must register for Protest Camp.
Food will be vegan/vegetarian with every meal having a vegan, GF and DF option. If you have a concerning allergy or a specific food need, then the safest bet is for you to self-cater (no cooking is permitted by Newcastle Council at Protest Camp). With thousands joining us, we are unable to meet specific dietary requirements.
The meals covered by the volunteer run kitchens are:
Thu 27th: LUNCH + DINNER (Setup, Welcome)
Fri 28th: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER (Prepare, Skill up + Build our Movement)
Sat 29th: BREAKFAST (Protestival: Flotilla, festivities, Climate Concert)
Sun30th: BREAKFAST, DINNER (Protestival: Flotilla Blockade, festivities)
Mon 1st: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER (Celebrate, Debrief + 2026 Plans)
Tue 2nd: BREAKFAST (Pack Up, Wrap Up)
The meals that will be covered by food vendors (at your own expense), are:
Sat 29th: LUNCH + DINNER (Protestival: Flotilla Blockade, festivities, Climate Concert)
Sun30th: LUNCH (Protestival: Flotilla Blockade, festivities)
-
The People’s Blockade is a family-friendly event, and 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 in person and online before the mobilisation, and we encourage everyone to participate in these to help reduce the number of participants being trained during the Blockade.
-
Affinity groups are groups of about 5 - 15 individuals who 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 that 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 or join an event hosted by your local Rising Tide group. The best way to stay in the loop is to sign up to our email list here (or register for Protest Camp).
Space will also be created at Protest Camp to create and grow Affinity Groups.
-
There is very limited charging capability, and for campers only.
Bring sure to bring your device charging cable / personal solar charger and battery pack.
-
Parking around the 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.
Please note: unlike last year, there are no free all-day car parks in the event area. There is free parking for up to only 4 hours and you can pay for a limited all-day spot.
There is longer term parking available in nearby suburbs Broadmeadow and Carrington (where you can park for days), which are walking distance to the train station. A shuttle service will also be available to help people get camping gear to Protest Camp.