Every Sunday afternoon for the past 34 weeks, hundreds have rallied in the Wollongong Mall, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict in Gaza, and an end to the growing humanitarian catastrophe that’s continuing to unfold. 

The latest local rally, organised by the Wollongong Friends of Palestine, invited the 2023 Wollongong Citizen of the Year, Sally Stevenson, from the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre to speak, and she delivered a stinging rebuke of the Federal Government and the University of Wollongong.

Sally called on the people of the Illawarra to do whatever they can to support the innocent victims of the current conflict.

“I work at the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre and I know I’m usually expected to speak about women and children, and I’m acutely aware of the disproportionate killing, maiming and starvation of women and children in Gaza."

She also said she wanted to draw attention to the men of Gaza who have been "killed and maimed and traumatised" during the conflict.

"My heart breaks for them. Let us not forget them,” Sally told the Wollongong rally.

Following the speeches and chanting "Free Palestine, Free Palestine" the protestors marched to the top of the mall, encouraging Sunday shoppers and onlookers to join their campaign for peace.

The Wollongong Friends of Palestine rallies will continue every Sunday in the mall at 2pm until the conflict in Gaza ends.