Palm Sunday rallies are being held on Sunday 2 April 2023 as an important moment to come together to speak out for justice for people seeking asylum.
On Palm Sunday we remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and the celebration of God's kingdom drawing near – a kingdom in which those who are poor, persecuted and mourning find hope and a home.
We invite you to join with thousands of others, Christian and non-Christian alike, who are standing together this Palm Sunday to call for justice and dignity to be shown towards refugees here in Australia and for people seeking asylum around the world.
Since the change of Government in Australia, we’ve been grateful to see more compassion applied to our nation’s policies regarding people seeking asylum. We know the difference that will be made by moving almost 20,000 people off temporary visas onto permanent ones, where they are now free to pursue a safe, stable and dignified life here in Australia.
However, more needs to be done.
More than 150 people remain detained in immigration detention in Nauru and Papua New Guinea – not because of wrongdoing on their part, but as a deterrent to others who would seek to arrive here by boat.
This Palm Sunday, join Common Grace in prayer and action, standing in solidarity with our refugee neighbours and add your voice to advocate for dignity, compassion, justice and welcome in these lands now called Australia.
Below is a list of events confirmed for 2023. Stay tuned as we will be updating this list regularly over the next weeks - adding in-person rallies happening across the country:
Sunday 2 April
Adelaide: 2pm-4pm. Churches Together for Peace & Justice - Walking in Unity
Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square)
Webpage here
Brisbane: From 1pm. Palm Sunday Rally for Peace and Refugees
King George Square
Facebook event here
Canberra: 1pm - 2:30pm. Palm Sunday Rally: Refugees – Permanent Visas for ALL
Garema Place
Webpage here
Perth: 3pm. Palm Sunday Walk for Peace and Justice for Refugees
St George's Cathedral
Facebook event here
Melbourne: 1:30pm - 4pm. Walk for Justice and Freedom for Refugees (Refugee Advocacy Network Australia)
State Library, Swanston Street
Webpage here
Sydney: From 2pm. Palm Sunday rally - Permanent visas for refugees, Call for peace
Belmore Park, near Central Station
Facebook event here
Newcastle: 2pm - 3pm. Palm Sunday Peace Rally.
Gathering at Civic Park, King Street in Newcastle
Webpage here
Wonthaggi: 2pm-3:30pm. Walk for Justice and Freedom for Refugees
Wonthaggi Mine Whistle
Facebook event here
If you are unable to make it to a rally or event, you can find more information on how you can take action or participate with your faith community on the Australian Refugee Action Network webpage.