A delegation of West Papuans always join the Palm Sunday Rallies in Melbourne. With roots in the Peace Movement, these rallies have been a major ecumenical tradition combining Christian faith with public advocacy for peace, social justice, and human rights since the 1970s, bringing together diverse religious denominations, community groups, and individuals with and without faith backgrounds. In the 1980s protesters marched against the nuclear arms race, uranium mining, and foreign military policies like the US “Star Wars” defense plan. As the immediate threat of the Cold War subsided, participants organised under banners opposing intervention in the Middle East like the Gulf War and the invasion of Iraq. Since 2014, they have focussed more on asylum seeker and refugee rights, drawing thousands calling for an end to offshore detention, the release of detainees, and fair pathways for permanent residency.
With their colourful flags and vibrant advocacy, the West Papuans are usually pushed to the front to lead the rallies. Below are photos from the 2026, 2025 and 2016 rallies.
2026
Gipson Suu and Michael Molony on Princes Bridge at the start of the Palm Sunday Rally in 2026. Gipson was a speaker at the rally, interviewed by Sr Brigid Arthur AO from the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project.
West Papuan activists Gipson Suu and Willem Walilo flank Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece at the head of the rally along the Yarra River to Deborah Halpern’s Angel Sculpture in Birrarung Marr.
Bishop Phillip Huggins (right, alongside Xavier sign) is Patron of the West Papua Office in Docklands.
2025
West Papua Delegation: Aprilia Seseray, Gipson Suu, Martha Assem, Immanuel Kubuan, Princes Bridge at the start of the Palm Sunday Rally, 25 April 2025 (Photo by Sumi).
2018
Palm Sunday Rally, Swanston Street, Melbourne, 25 March 2018. Jacob Rumbiak (ukelele), Stefanus Akanmore. Lamek Mora and William Omabak in front of Faye Gregson’s beautiful banner. Stefanus, who arrived in Australia in a traditional canoe in 2006 with 42 other West Papuan asylum seekers, died of cancer in St Vincent’s Hospital on 19 April 2019.
2017
2017 Palm Sunday Rally in Melbourne finishing up in Alexandra Gardens, Stefanus Akanmore and Jacob Rumbiak holding Faye Gregson’s beautiful banner. Also Alfonse Adadikam and Ian Okoko with Morning Star flag.
