Hundreds of community members participated in the pro-Palestine rally in Shepparton.
When things in a regional city get tough, its people get going.
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Members of the Shepparton community have shown this time and time again.
They’ve knocked on neighbours’ doors when ash-clogged air chased them out of their homes, breathed a new sense of liveliness into local businesses as they reopened post-pandemic, and filled sandbags under the blanket of night.
As one, they never fail to come together through hardship.
And so, on Sunday, August 24 — a day when tens of thousands of protestors took to the streets in pro-Palestine rallies nationwide, calling for an end to the war in Gaza — the people of Shepparton did what they do best.
Only this time, they did more than just come together.
They seized a moment in Australia’s history.
That moment arrived by the hundreds, between 500 and 700, marching side by side from the Shepparton Art Museum to the office of Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell.
Hussam Saraf, who helped organisers with the planning of the event, was among them.
“It was one of the most diverse gatherings I’ve ever seen in Shepparton,” he said.
Some participants chanted, while others walked in silence, taking moments of reflection.
“The atmosphere was powerful and deeply emotional — people were crying, people were silent in moments of reflection, others were chanting, clapping, walking with pride.
“There was grief, yes, especially from our Palestinian brothers and sisters mourning family overseas, but more than anything, there was love.”
Though Gaza is 14,000km away, that distance becomes insignificant when family, friends and community ties are involved.
Mr Saraf said the purpose of the march was to support those with Palestinian connections and to call for an end to starvation, the prevention of civilian deaths and the restoration of basic human dignity.
“If you don’t share our cause, that’s okay, but we ask for the same respect we’ve always given in times of crisis,” he said.
“The people behind this peaceful march are the same ones who’ve stood beside you during this nation’s toughest times.
“We are not politicians.
“We are not activists chasing headlines.
“We are neighbours, volunteers, community members and above all, humans.”
Across town, a different kind of gathering took place at Tinto Bakery, where locals lined up not with banners but with appetites.
Owner Hannah Quick organised a ‘Bake Sale for Palestine’, adding traditional Palestinian sweets to the menu, with all proceeds supporting her friends and their families living in Gaza.
Tinto Bakery owner Hannah Quick organised a fundraiser to support her friends living in Gaza.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Despite planning to stay open until 2pm, the bakery sold out by 11am.
The one-day bake sale raised $1335, contributing to a total of $5095.85 through a combination of GoFundMe donations, cash contributions and sales.
On Instagram, Ms Quick expressed her gratitude, saying she was “blown away” by the incredible turnout and generosity.
“Your kindness means more than I can express, and it reminds me of the power of community when we come together for a cause,” she wrote.
“Thank you, truly, for standing in solidarity and for giving your time, energy and hearts.”
Whether it was a strong voice in the street or a busy hand in the kitchen, Shepparton’s people carried the same message last weekend: together through hardship, together for humanity.
Donations are still being accepted on Tinto Bakery’s GoFundMe page at tinyurl.com/2r8cn5xu
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