Illawarra Protesters Stage 48-Hour Vigil as Sydney Rallies Face Restrictions
In a striking contrast to the curbs imposed on protests in Sydney, hundreds of demonstrators from the Wollongong Friends of Palestine group have gathered for a 48-hour vigil outside Bisalloy Steel's Unanderra factory. The protest, which began on Sunday evening, aims to pressure the steelmaker to cut its ties with Israel, citing the use of its products in military vehicles involved in the Gaza conflict.
Defying Bans and Honoring the Lost
While New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon extended controversial restrictions on rallies in Sydney to manage events during Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit, these bans do not apply to the Illawarra region. Protesters, undeterred by the rainy weather, have vowed to continue their action, arguing that President Herzog's Australian tour is an attempt to "normalise a genocide".
Safaa Rayan, a Wollongong resident and participant in the vigil, shared a personal tragedy that fuels her activism. "So far, 48 of my friends and family members have been killed during the conflict in the Gaza Strip," she revealed. Her most recent loss was her cousin, Mahmoud Nassar, who died while attempting to access food at a humanitarian site. "He was killed just trying to get food for his family," Rayan stated, her voice filled with emotion.
Targeting Bisalloy Steel's Operations
The protesters have specifically targeted Bisalloy Steel due to its supply of tempered steel for armoured vehicles used by Israeli forces. "We are targeting Bisalloy in Unanderra because they supply Israel with the tempered steel that goes into their armoured vehicles, which is demolishing Palestinian homes every day," Rayan explained. She further alleged that these vehicles have been involved in incidents where civilians were harmed while seeking humanitarian aid.
Bisalloy's website acknowledges that its steel is utilized in "land-based military applications" globally, including on armoured vehicles, but emphasizes it is not used for weapons. In response to the protest, Chief Financial Officer Carl Bowdler declined to comment on whether production had been halted or if staff were asked to take leave. In a written statement, he noted, "Given the challenging environment we are in, we do not wish to further inflame the situation by making any statements at this point."
Political Reactions and Community Divisions
The protest occurs amidst a backdrop of heightened political tension. President Herzog's visit, following the Bondi Beach massacre that claimed 15 lives during Hanukkah, has sparked both support and opposition. While some Jewish community leaders view his presence as a source of comfort, others have called for investigations into alleged war crimes.
Federal Cunningham MP Alison Byrnes, whose Wollongong office was recently vandalized with anti-Israeli graffiti, expressed understanding of community concerns. "I understand and respect the concerns that many local people have about the Israeli President's visit," she said. Byrnes reiterated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's call for unity, stating, "It is not a time for partisan politics." She urged respectful dialogue to counter hate and extremism.
A History of Activism in the Region
This vigil is part of a broader wave of pro-Palestine activism in the Illawarra, with thousands participating in rallies since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The Wollongong Friends of Palestine have organized at least 11 protests at Bisalloy Steel, along with marches in the CBD and a rally on Sea Cliff Bridge in December 2025.
As the 48-hour protest continues, participants have declared early success, noting minimal activity at the site. "We have managed to disrupt Bisalloy's operations for at least the first 24 hours and hopefully for another 24 hours," Rayan reported. The event underscores the deep community engagement and persistent advocacy in the Illawarra, even as other parts of the state face stricter controls on public demonstrations.
