The flag of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic was raised in cities around Australia to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the proclamation of the Saharawi Republic (see photos attached).

On Monday 27th February, the Saharawi flag was raised on the Town Hall of the municipality of Leichhardt in Sydney. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Rochelle Porteous, the Saharawi representative to Australia, and members of the Australia Western Sahara Association (AWSA).

The Saharawi Republic flag was raised in the city of Ballarat where it will fly for two weeks. Mr. Paul Clempson, Secretary of the Ballarat Trades & Labour Council raised the flag on top of the Trades Hall. Trades Hall secretary Paul Clempson said “We are supporting the move because the Sahrawi people are being unfairly treated, and being manipulated and dominated by the Moroccans.”

The Ballarat Courier published a news report about the flag raising at Ballarat Town Hall: Read news report >>

Councillor Stephen Jolly who is a member of the local Council raised the Saharawi flag at Richmond Town Hall in the city of Melbourne. Councillors Alison Clarke, Sam Gaylard and Anthony Main also attended the ceremony.

The Saharawi flag was also raised above Newcastle City Hall in NSW and Freemantle Town Hall in Western Australia.

The Australia Western Sahara Association (AWSA) organised a fund-raising event in Melbourne to mark the occasion. The guest speaker at the event was Carmela Baranowska, who is an award-winning documentary maker.