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On Sunday, 24th August 2025, I had the honour of attending the Nationwide March for Palestine, marching with the Magandjin People’s Pride queer contingent.
Originally, the rally, organised by Justice for Palestine Magan-djin, was planned to start at Raymond Park, where protesters would march across the Story Bridge and finish at Centenary Place, Fortitude Valley. It followed an incredible rally in Sydney, where approximately 100,000 protestors marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. These marches were done to show solidarity with Palestine and demand concrete action from the Australian Government.
However, this route was blocked by a Queensland court after the Queensland Police Service (QPS) claimed it would pose “a real and significant risk of safety”.
The route then changed, starting at Queens Gardens, marching across the Victoria Bridge, and ending at Musgrave Park.
This march was coordinated with others across the country. Nationwide, over 300,000 people attended these protests, with an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 here in Magandjin (Palestine Action Group Sydney).
I arrived a couple of hours before the rally was set to begin. The Greens had set up a line of tents where they were holding a free sausage sizzle and giving away slices of watermelon. Other political organisations had stalls set up, including Anarchist Communist Federation, Socialist Alternative, BDS Youth Magandjin, Socialist Alliance, etc.
When the rally began, I was towards the back of the crowd, and because I have auditory processing issues and am incredibly short, I was unfortunately unable to hear or see the speakers.
We began moving shortly after 2 pm.
Chants and various musical instruments filled the air, and the hundreds of Palestinian flags looked beautiful against the backdrop of the blue sky. Close to us was a giant Palestinian flag that the crowd carried, with individuals ducking underneath it.
Surprisingly, from where I was, I saw very little police intimidation or counter-protesters. The only counter-protesters I saw were a small group of men on the walkway above the Cultural Centre bus station, who were holding Australian flags. One of these men reportedly spat on attendees walking below and continuously argued with two protesters who were waving Palestinian flags next to him. As we walked by, I saw this man being taken away by the police.
The march continued past South Brisbane train station and concluded at Musgrave Park.
The day was incredibly long and hot. By the time we reached Musgrave Park, my knees were in an unbelievable amount of pain, but that pain is nothing compared to the indescribable suffering the Palestinian people are experiencing at the hands of Israel. It was incredible to see so many showing support for Palestine.
There will be another Nationwide March for Palestine happening on October 12 at Queens Gardens. You can find more information on Justice for Palestine Magan-djin’s Instagram page. If you are able, I highly recommend going.
Written by El Bancroft
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