Pro Palestine protest may close Sea Cliff Bridge
Organisers of a protest planned for Wollongong’s famous Sea Cliff Bridge in a fortnight are hoping hundreds will rally in support of the people impacted by the war in Gaza
Organisers of a protest planned for Wollongong’s famous Sea Cliff Bridge in a fortnight are hoping hundreds will rally in support of the people impacted by the war in Gaza. The local Friends of Palestine group has sought police permission to close the bridge on the afternoon of Sunday, 7 December, as a show of solidarity for the Palestinian people.
At last Monday’s Wollongong Council meeting, one of the event organisers, Megan Guy, appealed to councillors to support the protest.
“There are not enough words in the English language to describe the situation that the Palestinians in Gaza have been subject to for the last two years, suffering under a systematic campaign of genocide,” Megan told the Council meeting.
Megan said the death toll is now being estimated as 69,179 people.
“To put that into perspective, imagine if the entire populations of Wollongong, West Wollongong, Mangerton, Figtree, Fairy Meadow … Gwynneville, North Wollongong, Berkeley and Port Kembla were erased within a two-year span.”
Megan said even with the cease fire in place, at least 242 Palestinians have been killed. "Now, as winter sets in, Gaza remains a desperate place for food and everyday supplies."
The Sea Cliff Bridge march is planned as part of a nationwide campaign on 7 December seeking justice and an end to the hostilities in Gaza.
“Why Sea Cliff Bridge?” Megan asked Council. “It's an iconic monument. It's instantly recognisable. It's been closed 27 times for commercial filming activities for companies like Ferrari, free of charge, and it was the site of a major protest against coal seam gas in 2011."
Megan said the group has the backing of the South Coast Labour Council and is calling on councillors and the community to support the demonstration.
Megan Guy asked councillors to support the protest at Sea Cliff Bridge. Photos: Anthony Warry, supplied
NSW Police say they are aware of the protest plans and a Form 1 requesting the right to protest has been submitted.
“The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly, however the first priority is always the safety of the wider community,” a NSW Police statement said.
If it proceeds, the rally will start at 1pm on 7 December in Leeder Park, Coalcliff, before heading south across the bridge, ending at Rube Hargrave Park in Clifton. Organisers expect the road might be closed till about 3.30pm depending on numbers attending the protest.
Young activist Fatima Rayyan addressing the CommUNITY for Humanity fundraiser. Photos supplied
Meanwhile, a fundraising community event in support of the people of Gaza, held on Saturday, 15 November at the Gala Cinema in Warrawong, raised over $12,000.
Saeid Choghari, who spoke on behalf of the charity, Al-Ihsan, said the money would go towards their winter campaign in support of the Palestinians impacted by the war in Gaza. This would helping to provide hot meals, food packs, tents, clothes and fresh water.
CommUNITY for Humanity event organiser Bénédicte Henry said: “Our hearts are truly full after achieving the two objectives we had set: raising as much money for our sisters and brothers in Gaza, and gathering our local community in its diversity for a meaningful and beautiful moment in a safe and inviting space.”
