Wyndham council last night joined other local governments, including Merri-bek, Maribyrnong and Greater Dandenong, in calling for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza.
To loud cheers from the public gallery, council voted in favour of a motion that called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and an expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
As part of the motion, Wyndham council will also write to the federal government, demanding it condemn attacks on civilians, push for an immediate cessation in hostilities and reconfirm support for a two state solution.
Seven councillors voted in favour of the motion, with Cr Peter Maynard abstaining, Cr Heather Marcus absent and Cr Jasmine Hill suspended.
The motion was included in a petition tabled at the meeting by new campaign group, Wyndham for Palestine, which attracted over a thousand signatures.
Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera said the level public response and gravity of the situation warranted council breaking from normal practice and considering the petition straight away rather than at a future meeting.
“The attacks on civilians as a result of the conflict are absolutely devastating,” Cr Barrera said.
“The situation compels us to respond with compassion and action.”
Speaking from the chair on behalf of council, the mayor outlined the reasons for its support of the motion.
“As a council we stand in solidarity with our affected community members as they grieve, not only for the loss of much loved family and friends but for the place they once called home that is now ravaged by violence and hatred. We acknowledge the trauma that that causes.”
Cr Barrera then responded to critics of council’s becoming involved in such matters.
“To those who say this is not council business, I say as the level of government closest to the people, social cohesion is absolutely our business,” she said.
“Our multiculturalism and our multi-faith are fundamental to who we are as a nation and it is incumbent on all of us to protect that and to ensure we remain cohesive.”
Cr Barrera then finished by reaffirming council’s support for the motion.
“Tonight we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Palestine and demand a permanent ceasefire and a sustainable peace process,” the mayor said.
“All human life is sacred. To call for ceasefire is a human response to a humanitarian disaster.”
In a statement, Wyndham for Palestine thanked council for supporting their motion.
“We are relieved to be able to say that our council takes seriously the impact of the moral crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, and will be advocating on our behalf to the Federal Government for just and lasting outcomes in Palestine,” said a spokesperson.
Since Hamas killed an estimated 1200 Israeli civilians in terror attacks on October 7, roughly 20,000 Palestinians in the Gaza strip have been killed by Israel’s response.
