The village played host to one of 40 Rise for Climate events across Australia, the tip of the iceberg among 95 other countries involved in the movement.

Taking a stand inside Carey’s Cave, people from as far as Sydney, Canberra, Bundanoon and Wollongong gathered to sing songs such as You won’t be fracking long and Drip Drop, by environmental choir Ecopella.

The choir takes its political and satirical songs to the front lines of environmental issues all over, most recently to drought and mining-affected areas, according to Ecopella member Dallas De Brabander.

On Monday September 10 – amidst one of the worst droughts in Australia’s history – farmers stood outside of Parliament House, calling on politicians to take action on climate change, in particular saying no to new coal mines.

This comes just days after the government announced it would ditch its National Energy Guarantee.

Ms De Brabander, who travelled from Bundanoon for the Wee Jasper Rise for Climate event, said the choir believes the government is “doing less than it should.”

“We’re pretty concerned about where Australia is heading in terms of climate policy. It’s very difficult for us to keep our hopes up. All we can do is stick together and sing as much as we can to influence people.”

Wee Jasper resident Geoff Kell said he’s seen rainfall patterns change in the 26 years he’s been managing Carey’s Cave.

“People think it’s not going to be their problem, but big things are already happening in countries as a result… drought and deforestation,” he said.

“The science is there, despite what some of our politicians say.”