ANMF (Vic Branch) members are invited to wear their red t-shirts and join other union members to participate in the annual Palm Sunday event for Justice for Refugees.
Palm Sunday 13 April 2025
Tom’s Block – St Kilda Road Opposite Victorian College of the Arts
Duration: 2 hours
Program
- 1.45pm 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 above program.
You can drop your chair or rug at Tom’s Block from 12noon if you are attending the Banner Display and Walk.
More details and updates via the Facebook event
ANMF (Vic Branch) Assistant Secretary Madeleine Harradence said: ‘In an increasingly uncertain world, it is important to continue to stand up and show up for people seeking asylum in our safe and peaceful country.
The nature of nurses’, midwives’ and personal care workers’ intimate work means they see the enormous personal toll on people who have fled violence, danger and extreme poverty.
That’s why ANMF (Vic Branch) Delegates Conference in 2024 passed motions reaffirming our union’s commitment to advocating for equal and kind treatment of all refugees no matter where they come from.
It’s also why delegates called on the ANMF to lobby for all asylum seekers to have access to Medicare and mental health support regardless of visa status or custodial setting.’
Why does ANMF endorse this rally?
Seeking asylum is a human right enshrined by the United Nations 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (and its 1967 Protocol).
ANMF has a policy [PDF] for supporting the right for people seeking asylum in Australia to be
humanely treated, regardless of how they entered Australia or country of origin.
As the union for nurses, midwives, and personal care workers, ANMF represents members who spend their working lives caring for people who are vulnerable.
Refugees and people seeking asylum detained by our government are also vulnerable as they are detained without any end date.
The negative physical and mental health of holding people in indefinite detention – many of whom have experienced trauma from fleeing war or oppression – has been well-documented.
The Branch also has members who were refugees and spend their working lives contributing to the community.
ANMF will continue to advocate for refugees and people seeking asylum on behalf of our members who, as nurses, midwives, and personal care workers, are among the most trusted people in our community.
