‘Un-Australian’: Protesters target Myer Christmas tradition

A Christmas tradition typically attended by families and scaled back following backlash has been targeted by protesters who said they “look stupid”.

Pro-Palestinian supporters have gatecrashed the unveiling of the famous Myer Christmas windows in a bid to destroy the festive tradition.

Myer in the centre of Melbourne displays much-loved decorative Christmas windows each year which is typically attended by families.

But after Pro-Palestinian supporters threatened to crash the grand opening this year, which was scheduled for Sunday, the department store announced it would cancel the event.

It later decided to scale-back the unveiling with just a few in attendance as staff pulled down the curtain on Myer’s 69th Christmas Windows, revealing the Australia Zoo theme.

Just a handful of protesters were at the early morning unveiling, though more started gathering before the retail giant’s store opened at 10am.

A pro-Palestine protester disrupts the Myer Christmas window unveiling on Sunday.

Pro-Palestinian protestors are seen along Bourke St Mall as retail giant Myer unveils its much-loved Christmas windows display. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Some families did still stop to see the latest edition of the windows on Sunday morning. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

They were chanting “bombs are dropping, while you’re shopping”.

A vocal protester shouting “free Palestine” made her presence known during a live television cross to a reporter.

The demonstrator was dressed as a police officer, wearing clown make up, and holding a sign which read “you look stupid staring at windows when kids are being murdered”.

Some shoppers expressed frustration about the protest.

One woman called the protest “unAustralian”.

“We shouldn’t have to put up with this and neither should the children in Australia,” she told the Herald Sun.

Premier Jacinta Allan labelled the group planning to protest the windows as “morons”. Picture: NewsWire / Aaron Francis

Protesters calling themselves ‘Morons 4 Palestine’ have gatecrashed the famous Myer Christmas windows on Bourke St. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Despite the scenes, families still gathered to see the exciting window displays which featured the Irwin family.

“Myer’s Christmas Windows have been a beloved tradition for generations, and this year we’re excited to partner with Australia’s favourite Wildlife Warriors, the Irwin family and Australia Zoo. Our Christmas Windows continue to draw visitors from near and far, creating lasting memories and making Myer an unmissable part of our Aussie holiday season,” Geoff Ikin, Chief Customer Officer, Myer said.

Terri Irwin said the family was excited to be able to share their passion for wildlife with the community.

“Through this captivating display, we hope to deepen people’s connection to the wonder of wildlife and wild places, while emphasising the importance of conservation.

“We can’t wait for everyone to experience the joy and excitement of Christmas with Australia Zoo.”

Police were out at the Myer store on Sunday. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

The protest group, which initially threatened a large demonstration outside the windows is separate from the organising group which has run protests through the city every Sunday since October 7, 2023.

The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network organises the weekly march through the city, and is diverting its demonstration on Sunday away from Myer.

In light of the protest action figuratively clashing with a family Christmas tradition, Premier Jacinta Allan faced questions this week about whether Victoria needed a NSW-style protest permit system.

“Do we really think the same sort of morons who want to disrupt a beautiful Christmas tradition for families is going to apply for a permit?” she said on Friday.

Myer scrapped plans for a grand opening of the windows, which are zoo themed this year. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

“(The windows) will be open for the thousands and thousands of Victorians from all different backgrounds, from all different parts of the state, to come and enjoy that beautiful family tradition,” the Premier said.

Information from Myer shows the first window display, “Santa and the Olympics”, was erected in 1956.

The most recent display themes have been: Bluey (2023), Disney 100 year anniversary (2022), Peter Rabbit (2021) and Christmas is Uncancelled (2020).

Originally published as ‘Un-Australian’: Protesters target Myer Christmas tradition