BY SALLY BROWN
APOLLO BAY — "With around 400 women, men and children marching along the Great Ocean Road in solidarity chanting 'No blood for oil' and 'Australia does not want this war', this rally is not only the first rural town to have a no war rally, it has shown that in a town of 1000 people — around half the population marched for peace. This is truly significant and accurate picture of what Australians want now, no war and bipartisan support for peace" — Yvonne Francis, senate candidate for the Nuclear Disarmament Party, told protesters in Apollo Bay on January 18.
The south-west of Victoria came to life on the day, declaring a united front for world peace. The Nuclear Disarmament Party (NDP), the Greens, the Socialist Alliance and community groups came together for a peace picnic in Geelong and the No War Rally in Apollo Bay.
Eight businesses closed their doors in the height of the tourist season to support the rally, held from noon-1pm. Local business operator and co-organiser Tripura Eastgate of Moontide was pleased with the response from businesses, saying "all we had to do was ask them".
In opening the rally, Francis acknowledged Indigenous ownership of the land and the war on aboriginal custodians from Wathaurong in Geelong to Gunditjimara in Portland. Local business operator Eid spoke about the war in Lebanon that he and his family fled 25 years ago: the loss of family, friends and the mass destruction he witnessed and how we must not ever have war.
Sue Bull, speaking for the Socialist Alliance, congratulated the rally participants, stating that the residents had shown the rest of Australia how important it is for all rural towns and cities to rally for peace. Sally Anne Brown spoke for the Otway Greens, saying it is vital that the truth, about the war in Iraq, be sought. She highlighted John Pilger's exposure of the "secret war" and the massive cost of human life.
"The rally is the first No War Rally for Apollo Bay" said Francis, "and it clearly will not be the last".
From Green Left Weekly, January 22, 2003.
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