Environmental protests
In our collections
Leigh Henningham, Protester holding a placard that reads, Our Future is in Your Hands, during the School Strike 4 Climate rally, Melbourne, 21 May 2021, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2956718607
Leigh Henningham, Protester holding a placard that reads, Our Future is in Your Hands, during the School Strike 4 Climate rally, Melbourne, 21 May 2021, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2956718607
Australia has a rich history of environmental activism, and our collection offers a fascinating glimpse into many of these movements. From iconic, historical moments to more recent campaigns, the Library’s resources capture the diverse voices and powerful images of protest. These materials document key moments in environmental activism, offering valuable insights into the social and political forces that shaped the movements.
Just getting started?
For general sources and search tips to navigate our collections on protest, participation and dissent in Australia, go to our protest and dissent research guide.
Climate action protests
Climate action protests are another environmental movement that has seen an increase over the past decades, with the impacts of climate change becoming more visible. It is important to remember that historically where there has been action in relation to social and environmental change, researchers can also typically find evidence of counter protest in response.
Greg Power, Extinction Rebellion Red Brigade protesters during Dark Mofo, corner of Barrack and Macquarie streets, Hobart, Tasmania, 2019, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1744683320
Greg Power, Extinction Rebellion Red Brigade protesters during Dark Mofo, corner of Barrack and Macquarie streets, Hobart, Tasmania, 2019, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1744683320
Key sources
Information about Climate Action protests can be found in the Library’s collection, with materials from as early as the mid-nineteen nineties to as recent as this year.
The most notable interesting material for these protests come from our pictures collection. We hold a range of photographs and posters that were created out of the different climate action protests. Some of this material can be found online on Trove, alongside with climate change archived websites found on the Australian Web Archive.
For example, in 2011 the public opposition to the introduction of carbon pricing scheme in Australia culminated in an Anti-Carbon Tax rally at Parliament House. The National Library has original photographs of protesters and their placards from the:
Search tips
Use keywords to search by title, author or subject in the catalogue or Trove.
Try these search terms:
- School Strike 4 Climate
- Extinction Rebellion
- Climate Action Now
- Climate Action
Franklin Dam blockade
From December 1982 to March 1983, protesters gathered to stop the damming of Franklin River in Tasmania; known as the Franklin Dam Blockade. The National Library holds some interesting material from and about the Franklin Dam Blockade.
Peter Dombrovskis, Morning mist, Rock Island Bend, Franklin River, Tasmania, 1980, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-148634972
Peter Dombrovskis, Morning mist, Rock Island Bend, Franklin River, Tasmania, 1980, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-148634972
Key sources
Through these sources you can gain an understanding of the conflicting social and political views at the time, alongside the rising importance of environmental matters to government.
- Audio recording: Tim O'Loughlin and Angie McGowan were participants in the protest and were amongst those who were sent to jail for blocking construction. Listen to their interview with Rob Willis now.
- Photographs: Peter Dombrovskis photos. One taken around the time of the protest became known as the ‘photo that saved the Franklin River’. Explore the archive of photographs.
- Songbooks: Songbooks from Franklin Dam protestors. Including one produced by the Tasmanian Wilderness Society, the Franklin River blockade songbook. Vol. II.
Search tips
Use keywords to search by title, author or subject in the catalogue or Trove.
Try these search terms:
- Franklin Dam Blockade
- Franklin River protests
- Peter Dombrovskis Franklin River
- Save Franklin River
- Ephemera Franklin River
Anti-mining protests
Opinions about mining in Australia have changed greatly over time and have become one of the most contested topics in the nation. Because of this, we have collected various materials created for anti-mining protests.
Dean Sewell, Blockade of the Narrabri Gas Project site at Leewood by the Pilliga Push anti-CSG group, New South Wales, 2016, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-726588310
Dean Sewell, Blockade of the Narrabri Gas Project site at Leewood by the Pilliga Push anti-CSG group, New South Wales, 2016, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-726588310
Key sources
Two of the most prominent movements in our collection are that of the ‘Stop Adani’ and ‘No Coal Seam Gas’ protests.
- Stop Adani Alliance webpage on the Australian Web Archive: Most useful on the Stop Adani Alliance page is the news tab, which give context to the events relating to the protest. Check out the Stop Adani Alliance webpage.
- Photographs: Dean Sewell is an Australian photographer who is famous for his documentation of social issues across the world. The Library holds a great collection of his photographs, many of which feature an opposition to coal mining and fossil fuels. Explore the Dean Sewell collection on Trove.
Search tips
Use keywords to search by title, author or subject in the catalogue or Trove.
You can use broad search terms, or more narrow. Try these:
- No Coal Seam Gas Australia
- Stop Adani
- Carmichael coal mine
- Dean Sewell
For more search tips, go to our protest and dissent research guide.
Get help with your research
Our specialist staff can help you with your research, to locate resources and to use our microform and scanning equipment, but they cannot undertake extensive or ongoing genealogical, historical or other research on your behalf.
Find out more in our Information and Research Policy.