Tainmuntilla (Botanic Park), opposite the Friends Gate, Plane Tree Drive

Learn to organise defensive contingents with interstate comrades to defend against the Fascist threat.

Training is open to all anti-fascist activists and requires only moderate fitness. Exercises will equip comrades to build and coordinate defensive formations, such as line teams, speaker defence, and block contingents.

Participants should bring shoes or boots, water, sun protection and face masks.

About the trainers: Community Defense Marshalling System (CDMS) is a collective of experienced and emerging activists providing front-line defense and training for events in Naarm/Melbourne. Their training and approach has been developed through hundreds of deployments at weekly Palestine rallies, pickets, and anti-fascist actions.

The 2025 People’s Blockade is going to be huge, as people from around the country travel to Newcastle to make waves at the world’s largest coal port! However, this is not the end, it’s a jumping off point to continue our fight for an end to new coal and gas projects and a phase out of coal exports.

Whether or not you made it to the 2025 People’s Blockade, this picnic is an opportunity to debrief the exciting stories from the Blockade with people in your area, get involved in Rising Tide, and plan and stay connected as we continue the action in 2026.

Snacks and non alcoholic drinks will be provided. Please RSVP below so we can cater for everyone.

This is a family friendly event so bring along your kids and leave any alcohol at home.