Faces of the Rebellion: Denise Farrier

Extinction Rebellion (XR) is a global movement that uses controversial but non-violent direct action – such as blockading traffic in major cities – to make governments take climate action. What drives an ordinary person to join XR? Kristen McDonald introduces a local member

Denise Farrier is a long-time local, grandmother and passionate advocate for climate action, which is why she joined Extinction Rebellion (XR).

“My name is Denise Farrier and I have lived in this beautiful place for 26 years.

“I have been very interested in environmental issues since my children were small and now that they have children of their own, I am deeply concerned for their future if we cannot turn this climate crisis around.

“I joined the Northern XR group back in 2019 at the pop-up dance for the environment at Coledale Markets. I love this community and I was really drawn to their creative and inclusive ideas and actions.  The fact that so many young people are fighting for climate justice gives me great heart.  My eldest grandchild will be 33 in 2050. I want her, and those of her generation, to have a decent future, but I fear that won’t be possible unless we take some meaningful action now.

“For me, the Covid pandemic and the climate crisis are twin existential threats but while our leaders have listened to the science on the former, they ignore climate science and dilly-dally with the latter. There is no time for climate denial and you can’t fight a crisis with a single voice. That’s another reason why I joined Northern XR.

“What gives me hope is that so many new technologies now exist to implement our renewable energy needs and we have so much potential to develop these in Australia. My next car will be electric. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it could be manufactured in Port Kembla!”

Visit www.xrnorthernillawarra.org