PEACEFUL protesters, many armed with placards, took their anti-federal government message to the foreshore yesterday.
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The Port Macquarie March in March was part of a campaign of events across the country to protest against the federal government's policies and decisions.
Marchers here opposed the federal government's stance on issues from asylum seekers and the disability pension, to its approach to the national broadband program, and climate and energy.
March in March Port Macquarie co-organiser Marissa Whitcomb estimated about 450 people took part.
"It was absolutely wonderful to have so much support," she said.
People marched from Westport Park, with a stop in front of Lyne MP David Gillespie's office, to the Town Green, where some of the marchers spoke about their concerns.
Miss Whitcomb said people were starting to unite more and have their voices heard.
"I hope it [March in March] will inform people to be more united about knowing our rights and having a voice," she said.
Lyne MP David Gillespie supported people's right to have a say.
Dr Gillespie said the biggest march was to the polls was last September.
"They gave an emphatic message for us to deliver the programs that we campaigned on," he said.
Melissa Egan travelled from west of Kempsey to attend the Port Macquarie protest march and to find out more about the issues.
"I don't like how many policies he [Prime Minister Tony Abbott] has changed since he has been in," she said.
Nathan Jones of Port Macquarie said the federal government assumed to know what was in people's best interest.
"People are here for their own reasons but united as a common cause," he said.
Kempsey resident Denise Payne joined the march.
She said it was a political march in they were talking about the ethics of this federal government but the marchers did not necessarily share the same political backgrounds.
"We are hoping the government takes notice of the issues and doesn't just brush it under the carpet," he said.
Climate Change Australia president Harry Creamer confirmed at least 30 members of the group took part in the march.
He said members marched with regret as they would rather be celebrating gains on climate and energy rather than having to point out the problems of the current policy.
Meanwhile, Miss Whitcomb acknowledged the other organisers of the Port Macquarie event.
