Myer Christmas window tradition cancelled over protest threat

Myer’s annual Christmas window unveiling has been scrapped after pro-Palestine protesters planned to disrupt the event, saying “there is no joy in genocide”.

The unveiling of the annual Bourke Street display in the CBD was expected to happen on Sunday in front of children and families.

Children admire the Myer Christmas window display in Melbourne in 2018.Credit: Luis Ascui

Myer confirmed on Thursday the event had been cancelled as a result of the planned protest.

“In light of recent developments and to ensure the wellbeing and safety of customers and team members, we will no longer hold an event on Bourke Street Mall for the unveiling of our Christmas windows,” a company spokesperson said.

“Myer’s Christmas windows have long symbolised joy and community, and we remain committed to providing a safe and positive experience for all visitors.”

The windows will still open on Sunday and remain on display until January 5, the spokesperson confirmed.

The retailer’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.

A pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne last month.Credit: Wayne Taylor

“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.

“I think there are a lot of people that don’t actually know how involved our government are in this genocide.”

Victoria Police said it had repeatedly requested the group not to disrupt the event, but the group had refused to co-operate.

Officers will attend the protest on Sunday and continue to talk to the group, a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“The Myer Christmas windows are an important tradition in Melbourne’s calendar, with families from across Victoria coming into the city to see them,” the spokesperson said.

“While we always respect the right for people to protest peacefully, we are clear that this should be done without impacting the broader community.

“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, confirmed it had changed its usual route to avoid the mall.

Anti Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich described the Christmas window protest as a “toxic hijacking of a family-friendly tradition that has no place in any community”.

“Let’s not forget what these windows stand for – the magic of childhood, the love of family, and the spirit of the holiday season,” Abramovich said.

“To try to taint that is an affront to everything this city represents.”

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