On Sunday 13th of April 2025, Palm Sunday, we invite you to join in calling together for a just future for refugees and people seeking asylum. Palm Sunday marks the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and the celebration of God’s kingdom drawing near – a kingdom in which those who are poor, persecuted, and mourning find hope. As we live through the biggest global displacement crisis in history, and conflict continues to ravage countries around the world, we ask ‘What would it look like for Australia to respond in love and compassion?’
In 2024, the global displacement crisis reached unprecedented levels, with over 120 million people forcibly displaced by war, violence, and persecution — the highest number in history. New and ongoing conflicts, including those in Gaza, Syria, Haiti, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine and Sudan, have driven forced displacement across the globe. The global number of refugees has tripled in the last decade to nearly 44 million; that is nearly 44 million people fleeing for their lives – risking everything – in search of safety.
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. Here, we bring you news of Palm Sunday Walks and Rallies in each state.
Melbourne
You may join the Palm Sunday Gathering – Stand up for Justice and Kindness, and a Fair Go for Refugees and People seeking asylum.
1.45 Arrive at Tom’s Block, St Kilda Road, opposite the Victorian College of the Arts. Music by Melbourne Mass Gospel Choir.
BYO picnic rug or chair ! Good tram services on St Kilda Road – and accessible drop off point on Linlithgow Ave.
2-3pm Program of music and speakers including refugees and Gillian Triggs AC formerly Australian Human Rights Commissioner and UNHCR Commissioner.
MC: Tom Ballard comedian and human rights supporter
3-3.30pm Music continues, information stalls and activities
Prior to the program you can participate in a Banner Display at 1pm with Riff Raff Band on Princes Bridge (near Concert Hall) followed by the walk to Tom’s Block for the program
You can drop your chair or rug at Tom’s Block from 12noon if you are participating in the Banner Display and Walk.
Sydney Palm Sunday Rally and March 2025
April 13th, 2pm.
Belmore Park (and march to Victoria Park).
With the election announced for May 3rd, this is a great opportunity to give voice and witness to a call for a pathway to permanency for those in visa limbo.
Educate for Peace; Refugees Need Permanent Visas
The second Trump presidency is already throwing away the rule book, reverting to the imperial principle that “might is right”. To answer the Trump attacks, we have to educate and organise for peace, for mutual respect, and for cooperative action to overcome the huge global challenges we face — global warming, widespread poverty, massive numbers of refugees, and increasing inequality.
After three years of the Labor government, 10,000 asylum seekers, who were rejected under the discredited fast-track system or transferred here from Manus and Nauru, continue to be denied permanent visas. They have been living precariously in Australia for up to 12 years.
Nauru was emptied in June 2023, but new boat arrivals have been sent there and there are now 94 people held at Nauru. Another 39 are still stuck in PNG with no support. The government is now trying to deport refugees to Nauru who were released from detention by the High Court. Since Labor was elected, nine asylum boats have also been turned around at sea, potentially returned to danger.
Labor has not lifted the ban imposed by the Morrison Coalition government on accepting refugees waiting in Indonesia. So 14,000 refugees including 7,000 Afghans, remain stranded there.
In response to the genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, Australia has granted 2,922 Visitor visas to Palestinians up to August 2024, and rejected 7,111. But only 1,300 Palestinians have made it to Australia.
Canberra
On Sunday the 13th April there will be a Rally for Refugees in Civic Square (outside the ACT Assembly) at 1pm.
There are four speakers including an asylum seeker with lived experience, there will also be a faith-based speaker, Anglican Bishop Mark Short. The rallies have an inspiring atmosphere with activities, stalls, and other talks relevant to the cause. There is sometimes singing and this year they have announced a surprise musical that you can get involved in, for more information about this or if would like to join the musical email: mail@refugeeaction.org
Communities and groups across Canberra are invited to march into the rally in contingents, and be announced and welcomed by the rally chair. It’s a great way to show your support and get your community involved. There will be many church, union, student, and other community groups gathering at 12.30pm at Petrie Plaza (the merry-go-round) on rally day.
Adelaide
On Palm Sunday, April 13th, 2025, there will be a Palm Sunday Walk for Justice and Freedom for Refugees in Adelaide, organized by the Refugee Advocacy Network, calling for a fair go for refugees.
Here’s a breakdown of the event:
Date: Sunday, April 13th, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Organized by: Refugee Advocacy Network
Purpose: To stand in solidarity with refugees and advocate for justice and dignity.
Meeting Point: To be announced
Call to Action: Join the broad and united movement to advocate for dignity and justice for refugees.
Additional Information: Common Grace will be sharing a list of Palm Sunday Rallies to attend closer to this date.
Perth
Perth – Prayers for Peace
Sunday 13th April, on the front lawns of St George’s Cathedral, Perth, 2:30-3:30pm.
Organised by Anglican Social Responsibilities.
St George’s Cathedral
Duration: 1 hr
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook
🙏 The Anglican Social Responsibilities Commission invites you to join us, in creating a quiet space for reflection and prayers for peace in our world.
🕊️ Palm Sunday is a good time to come together and Pray for Peace.
🙏 Unite with fellow believers to reflect, pray, and renew our commitment to peace in our hearts and in the world.
⛪ You will find us on the front lawn St George’s Cathedral.
More Information:
Common Grace has a list of events in every state.
https://www.commongrace.org.au/palm_sunday_2025