One of the Illawarra's most famous tourist landmarks, the Sea Cliff Bridge, was transformed into a protest site on Sunday afternoon, forcing a temporary road closure. Hundreds of demonstrators marched across the coastal bridge to express solidarity with Palestine and call for Australian government action.
Historic March Across an Iconic Landmark
The event, organised by the Wollongong Friends of Palestine, was part of a coordinated nationwide day of action. The march received official approval from police, with participants gathering at Coalcliff's Leeder Park before proceeding across the bridge. Sunday, December 7, 2025, marked only the second time in the bridge's 20-year history that it has been closed for a protest.
Safaa Rayan, a spokeswoman for the organising group, explained the strategic choice of location. She stated that targeting prominent landmarks was a deliberate tactic to amplify their message. "I guess this march across the Sea Cliff Bridge will be historic," Ms Rayan said. "If we think back a few years, it would have been hard to imagine a Palestine march taking place here."
Health Professionals and Politicians Join the Call
Among the speakers was Wollongong pharmacist Yossra Abouelfadl, who earlier this year co-authored an open letter from thousands of health professionals demanding government intervention in Gaza. Addressing the crowd, Ms Abouelfadl reiterated that demand. "Health professionals are respected in this nation, and today we call on this government to respect our demands and act in accordance with humanity, international law, and conscience," she declared.
The protest attracted several political figures, including Greens Senator David Shoebridge and Wollongong councillors Kit Docker and Andrew Anthony. A small counter-protest group of approximately six men, waving Australian flags, was moved on by police after one individual exposed himself to the marching crowd.
Police Ensure Public Safety During Closure
NSW Police had a significant presence to manage the event and ensure public safety. Ahead of the march, Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon emphasised that safety was paramount. Specialist units, including the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and PolAir, were deployed.
"We have a significant policing response present, we'll be able to manage that," Commissioner Lanyon said. He confirmed that police worked cooperatively with the protest organisers throughout the rally. Road closures and diversions were in effect from 1:45 PM until 3:15 PM, with motorists advised to avoid the area between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM.
This is not the first time the bridge has been closed for a demonstration. In 2012, around 3000 people marched across the Sea Cliff Bridge to protest against coal seam gas exploration, creating a similar historic scene on the structure usually famed for car commercials and tourist photos.
