Hundreds of locals marched through Byron Bay on Sunday to call for a ceasefire in the ongoing war in Gaza, and to raise funds to support the Palestinian people.
Meeting at Railway Park at 11am, the protestors marched down Jonson Street to Apex Park carrying banners and placards demanding peace and declaring their support for the Palestinians.
Speakers then addressed the crowd, including Bundjalung writer and activist Ella Noah Bancroft, Indi Grey from Student Strike for Palestine, and Greens candidate for Richmond Mandy Nolan.
Ms Nolan called for an immediate ban on military exports to Israel.
‘From hand grenades to nuclear weaponry, modern weaponry relies on aluminium-based technology,’ Ms Nolan told the crowd
‘In the months since war in Gaza began Australia continues to be one of the biggest suppliers of aluminium to the region.
‘Since 017 we have exported $60m in aluminium and bauxite ore to Israel. But it’s not just the exports.
‘We have signed or received $300 in Israeli weapons since Albanese came into government in 2022.’
There were also a number of live music performances and art and craft activities.
The war in Gaza has been a divisive issue within the Byron Shire, with protests held by groups representing different sides of the conflict, and a diverse range of views expressed.
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