As part of the Global BreakFree mobilization, Australians blockaded Newcastle coal port on Mother's Day, May 8. The protest drew more than 2000 people to Horseshoe Beach, one of the largest climate protests against coal in the NSW regional city of Newcastle. Activists set sail in a flotilla of kayaks and canoes, sail boats, catamarans, and even surfboards to make a line across the harbour. Others laid their bodies on train tracks or locked themselves to coal terminal equipment. More than 60 people were arrested.

Over a dozen ship movements had been scheduled for the port, but none attempted to pass the blockade. Shipping schedules were adjusted so that no coal or other cargo ships moved in or out of the port for the day. Costs for the shipping delay have been estimated at about $20 million.

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