It was a matter of their future at stake for the students who gathered in Bendigo to call for action against climate change from politicians.
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About 100 high school students, primary students, parents and even grandparents were among those who gathered to support action in the next federal election.
Co-organiser Emilia Vellacott said the students didn't enjoy skipping school, but wanted to draw attention to what was happening.
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"The climate's important, we want a future," she said.
"It's how we live. If we don't have a climate, we don't have a planet, we don't have a place to live.
"You can't ignore 25,000 students in the street skipping school."
The rally, organised by Bendigo students, was among 70 taking place throughout Australia.
The students called for the Adani mine to be stopped, no new coal fired power stations and Australia to be fully powered by renewable energy by 2030.
After speeches in Rosalind Park, the students marched to Lisa Chesters' office to present her with a petition.
Non-school-student Bronte Spicer had brought her three young children along to the march.
"It's really inspiring to see these younger kids taking a stand," Ms Spicer said.
"I myself have really been coming a lot more aware if what I'm doing has been really in line with looking after the future of the planet."
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