Pro-Palestine protesters cancel planned demonstration outside Myer Christmas windows

“One of the things I think we can all agree on is that we want the conflict in the Middle East to end.

“And I think the other thing we can all agree on is that … we can all use that time to reflect on those things that make us strong and great.”

Allan also said Labor would introduce a set of social cohesion laws to parliament this month.

“There is no place for that division on the streets of Melbourne,” the premier said in a post on X.

Nick Reece, Melbourne’s newly elected lord mayor, said he had planned to attend the launch event.

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“I think it’s an outrage that this [protest] is being planned,” Reece said on radio station 3AW. “It’s stupid, and it won’t help the cause that these protesters are trying to advance.

“[The windows] been going for over 70 years. It’s part of the magic of childhood in Melbourne, going along to see the windows.”

Myer’s decision came after a protest group said they planned to disrupt the event.

“We’re seeking to interrupt the fun and the joy that Myer wants us to share,” one of the organisers, Amy, told radio station 3AW on Thursday.

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The protesters, who are calling for a free Palestine, planned to meet at the State Library before proceeding to Bourke Street for the window unveiling.

Amy said the demonstration would be peaceful. “We’re not seeking to bring bombs and murder children in Bourke Street Mall. We’re seeking to raise banners and play music and blow bubbles.”

Police on Friday clarified that it had “not made any recommendations about cancelling the event”.

Police officers will attend the protest on Sunday and continue speaking with the group.

“While we always respect the right for people to protest peacefully, we are clear that this should be done without impacting the broader community,” a police spokesperson said.

“It is important to make clear a separate rally planned for later in the day has changed its usual route due to the Myer Christmas windows and will not walk through Bourke Street.”

Organisers of Free Palestine Melbourne, a group that holds regular rallies in the CBD, said it had changed its usual route to avoid the mall.

Myer confirmed that the windows will still open as planned on Sunday and remain on display until January 5.

“We remain committed to providing a safe and positive experience for all visitors,” said a company spokesperson.

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