Supporters rally around a life-sized Humpback Mum and Calf on Manly beach, to say no to shark nets!

The Gold Coast Nets Out Now rally is next on 10 December 2022, but seeing so many people mobilise to attend the Manly rally last Saturday, 3 December 2022, was inspiring.

People were motivated to be involved and contribute to the rally. The community wants their views against shark nets to be taken seriously by politicians. People of all ages and artistic abilities attended the Manly rally. Spirits and participation were high, leaving no doubt that the community knows shark nets have no place in the modern world.

Efforts and excitement are building for the Burleigh Beach rally starting at 9.30am on Saturday. The community there, undoubtedly, mirrors the sentiment of the Manly community (and Australians in general) that it's time for nets out now!

Community action on this issue is essential because it shows politicians that it's the community driving these protests and the opposition to shark nets. Loud and clear, local communities want the nets replaced with proven non-lethal technologies.

Ministers responsible for the shark net programs in both QLD and NSW have backed themselves into a political corner. We need to drag them out of their corners, and that's why rallies such as the one in Manly last weekend and the one coming up this Saturday [10 December 2022] on Burleigh Beach at 9.30am, are so important.

Just as important as attending rallies is for you to contact the politicians in charge of the shark net programs and coastal MPs to let them know you don't support using shark nets! This action is particularly timely in NSW as things start to hot up for the March 2023 election.

Australian people's opposition to shark nets must capture the full attention of politicians because it's a political issue. That's why it's so crucial for people to take action against the use of shark nets, whether it's attending a rally, sending an email to a politician, making a phone call to a local MP or all of the above.

For politicians to be motivated to modernise shark net programs, it will take many actions from many people, and you are one of those people. The time to act is now.

Amity is a 16-year-old activist and the Burleigh rally local coordinator. Amity and local volunteers have worked hard to make Saturday's rally this weekend an inclusive event for the whole community.

"Change starts with us. The Australian community. If we want real protection in the water. If we want to ensure the survival of our threatened and endangered Australian marine species. We must rally together to call for change. Hold our banners high and stand strong. Together we will demand the removal of the barbaric, ineffective and archaic nets and drumlines plaguing our waters". - Amity, Gold Coast Rally Coordinator

The rally is an important opportunity for all in the community to come forward and show the Queensland government that it's time for a modern approach to beachgoer safety.

The best way to receive updates on the Burleigh Beach rally, which we fondly refer to as 'Amity's rally', is for you to RSVP at netsoutnow.com.au or the Facebook event.

Amity will be at the Burleigh Beach rally on December 10 from 9:30am, and is looking forward to seeing you there!