Lobby group Wannon Climate Action Now is leading the local March In March event at the Warrnambool Civic Green from 1pm, welcoming all interested in peacefully voicing their opposition to recent federal government policies.

Their call to action has described the march as a peaceful, non-partisan citizens’ rally which will signify “the people’s vote of no confidence in policies of the government that go against common principles of humanity, decency, fairness social justice and equity, democratic governance, responsible global citizenship and conserving our natural heritage”.

Wannon Climate Action Now convener Margaret Donoghue said she expected climate change and the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees to be the main issues discussed in Warrnambool.

“It’s a peaceful citizens’ rally to protest against current government policy decision,” the Mortlake lawyer said.

“We’ve decided we’ll call together people who are concerned and opposed to what the Abbott government is doing, to show even in Wannon, in little rural south-west Victoria, we can have our say.

“I think a line has been crossed and people are starting to realise how terrible the treatment of asylum seekers is.

“Even though climate change is a long-term and generational issue, people are starting to think this really is real and we need effective action, but we have a government turning its back on it.

“We’ll let people have the microphone for one-and-a-half minutes each so people who want to express their views about what’s going on can do that.”

Sydney’s leg of the March In March protests tomorrow will feature British singer/songwriter and political activist Billy Bragg. 

Bragg will speak alongside comedian and MC Mathew Wakefield as well as representatives from the Australian Fair Trade Investment Network, Community Action Against Homophobia and Refugee Action Coalition.