Pro-Palestine protesters crossed Commonwealth Avenue Bridge in Canberra on 9 August. Photo: Palestine Action Group Canberra.
Pro-Palestine protests are planned for the ACT and across South East NSW this weekend as part of what organisers hope will be the country’s largest rallies calling for action to end the war in Gaza.
The Nationwide March for Palestine will be held on Sunday (24 August) in more than 20 towns and cities across Australia, including Canberra, Tathra and Moruya.
The marches will call for Australia to impose sanctions on Israel and to stop dealing arms with the country.
Nationwide protest organiser Josh Lees said protesters made history when they marched on the Harbour Bridge earlier this month and would make history again this Sunday by flooding the country with marches for Palestine.
“If you’ve watched in horror as mass starvation grips Gaza, and as our government continues to arm Israel, this is the moment to join the movement in the streets,” he said.
Palestine Action Group Canberra committee member Diana Abdel-Rahman said their last major rally, in which protesters walked across Commonwealth Avenue Bridge in the ACT, drew around 5000 people.
She said that march had been amazing and the numbers exceeded their expectations.
“I think a lot of Canberrans are really appalled by what they are seeing on their phones, of a genocide unfolding before their eyes,” she said.
“I think it’s reached a point where the dam has broken, how we have to stand up and be seen … to be clearly standing on the right side of history.
“There’s a big swell of a real sense of desperation that our government hasn’t done anything, and we expect the government to abide by the international laws we are signatories to.”
ACT Policing said it was aware of the planned protest activity and that any traffic disruptions could be communicated through its social media channels.
“A planned protest march is expected from noon on Sunday (24 August 2025), beginning in the City before moving along London Circuit, then Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and will finish at Parliament House,” a statement read.
“Minor traffic disruptions may occur as the march moves from the City to Parliament House. Drivers are asked to consider their route if they do not want to be delayed when driving nearby.
“ACT Policing supports the right of people to peacefully protest; however, the disruption of business activity or other criminal activity will not be tolerated.”
Region contacted NSW Police for comment.
The Nationwide March for Palestine will be on Sunday (24 August).
- Canberra: 12 pm from Civic Square, Civic
- Moruya: 12:30 pm from the north side of Moruya Bridge
- Tathra: 11 am from the Tathra Beach Bowling Club.
