“There is no place for that division on the streets of Melbourne,” the premier said in a post on social media site, X.
Nick Reece, Melbourne’s newly elected lord mayor, said he had planned to attend Sunday morning’s Myer windows launch.
“I think it’s an outrage that this 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.”
Loading
“They’ve been going for over 70 years. It’s part of the magic of childhood in Melbourne, going along to see the windows,” he said.
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.
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,” she said.
Victoria Police will also 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 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 spokesperson for the retailer.
Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.
