The Rising Tide “People's Blockade” of the world's largest coal port began on November 19.
More than 300 people have joined the action already in defiance of attempts by the state government to prevent it from going ahead. Thousands are expected throughout the week.
Aunty Theresa conducted a smoking ceremony to welcome participants.
Rising Tide organisers recounted the attempts by police, the state government and the Port Authority to prevent or restrict the People's Blockade at a briefing session to participants.
Alyssa from Rising Tide told the crowd that it was a “massive win” that the state government felt compelled to go to the Supreme Court to try to prevent the action “because it shows that we are becoming extremely threatening and powerful”.
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The City of Newcastle has agreed to give access to the Foreshore Park to the People's Blockade.
The People's Blockade will go ahead with activities planned all week.
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See more photos on the Green Left Facebook page.