Join us on Sunday 24 March 2024 as Christians and non-Christians alike, united by our shared heart for refugees and asylum seekers come together to speak out for justice.
On Palm Sunday the crowds cheered 'Hosanna!', laying down what they had to celebrate the coming of Jesus as the King who rode on a donkey. As we enter Holy Week for another year, in faith and hope, we continue to yearn and participate in God's kingdom drawing near.
We invite you to join with thousands of others, both believers and non-believers, who are standing together once again this Palm Sunday to call for justice and dignity to be shown towards refugees and people seeking asylum here in Australia and 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.
Dozens remain detained in Papua New Guinea, while the threat of deportation to Nauru remains active - not because of wrongdoing on the part of the detained, but as a deterrent. to others who would seek to arrive here by boat.
Conflicts across the world are also fueling unprecedented levels of displacement and humanitarian disaster. Almost 110 million are displaced worldwide and our hearts break at the tragedy and enormous destruction unfolding in Gaza and Israel, as well as ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We continue to pray for peace.
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 2024. Stay tuned as we will be updating this list regularly over the next weeks - adding in-person rallies happening across the country:
Saturday 23 March
Western Australia
Perth, Whadjuk Nyoongar Country: Saturday 23 March, 9am, Perth's Big Walk for Refugees
Hyde Park, Highgate WA
Facebook event here
Sunday 24 March
Victoria
Melbourne/Naarm, Wurundjeri and Bunurong Country: from 10:00am - 12:30pm. Walk for Justice and Peace (Speaking Up for Refugees)
Meet at Parliament Gardens, Spring Street
The program will commence at 10.30am with an interfaith segment and prayers for peace, followed by speeches/ presentations from 11am, and the Palm Sunday ‘Walk for Refugees’ concluding by 12 noon.
Facebook event here. More information here.
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra, Ngunnawal Country: From 1pm. Palm Sunday rally - Justice for Refugees, permanent visas now
Garema Place
Webpage here
New South Wales
Sydney, Gadigal Country: From 2pm. Palm Sunday rally - Peace not war, permanent visas for all refugees
Belmore Park, near Central Station
Facebook event here
Bowral, Gundungurra Country: From 2pm, Big Walk 4 Refugees on Palm Sunday, 24th March
Meet at Cherry Tree Walk, Mittagong Road Bowral. We will walk to Glebe Park and then return, a distance of approximately 3.6kms.
Organised by Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) Southern Highlands
Find out more on Facebook Events. Contact for information: [email protected]
Queensland
Brisbane/Meeanjin, Turrbal and Yuggera Country: From 3pm. Palm Sunday Rally for Peace and Refugees
King George Square
Facebook event here
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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.