Strong turnout for School Strike for Climate | Photos

"The turnout, around 800 people, made one point startlingly clear - the people of Margaret River want climate action, we want it now, and we will not back down until we achieve climate justice," said Maia Sheridan-Hulme.

"When we arrived early on Friday to set up we had little indication of what the turnout would be like, so seeing the crowds swarm into Reuther Park was motivating and encouraging.

"The demographic of attendees was diverse, from babies in prams to primary school students to teenagers, to working adults, parents, business owners, grandparents and more. Climate change will affect all ages and this was reflected in the wide range of ages present, who were all concerned, distressed and frustrated.

"Similarly, there was a welcomed diversity in attendees from different backgrounds and cultures.

"Wayne Webb opened with a powerful and moving Welcome to Country, reinforcing to all present that there can be no climate justice without also addressing the systematic oppression against our First Nation's peoples, who will too be on the frontlines of the climate crisis."

Ms Sheridan-Hulme said feedback from attendees showed the protest was about more than complaining.

"I had so many students walk up to me and tell me that whilst they knew climate change was important, they hadn't been aware of what they could do to help.

"They told me that coming to the rally, and being a part of so many millions worldwide showed them that they could use their voices, that they could make a difference.

"From the adults present, many of whom have been activists their entire lives, we received praise and gratitude, there was a sense that this mobilisation and the future events to come may finally be the tipping point."

Ms Sheridan-Hulme said the global push for climate action was impossible to ignore.

"Around the world, our voices were clear and strong, over 4 million students, parents, workers, businesses and other individuals, from all walks of life, came together to unite over one common cause - to demand climate justice for all.

"Whilst the Australian government's inaction, and Scott Morrison's absence at the UN Climate Emergency Summit on Tuesday, is disappointing, frustrating and embarrassing, we will not stand down.

"These strikes are putting unprecedented pressure on our governments for climate action. We have the people and with people, as history has shown us, we have power."

Shire President Pam Townshend said protests, strikes and marches were a legitimate and democratic right of citizens to help bring about change.

"The coal mine in Margaret River was stopped by locals protesting loudly, as were the protests that brought about the right for women to vote and the ending of the Vietnam War," Cr Townshend said.

"This issue is urgent and vitally important for our children's futures and I sincerely hope that world leaders listen to our voices and get on with the job of reducing greenhouse gas emissions."