The Case For Refugees
Saturday, 28 June 2008

Described by one RAC member as "the best direct action I've ever been to," Saturday's 'suitcase happening' was a colourful, attention-grabbing, high-energy procession through Federation square to St Paul's cathedral, stopping traffic for as many changes of lights as possible.

Members met outside the atrium at Federation Square, placing brightly painted be-sloganned suitcases in highly visible positions. At a signal they picked up their cases and moved off slowly in single file, marching first between the supportive book-sellers' tables, and then out towards the fire burning at the centre of Federation Square. Photo opportunities abounded throughout the event, with photographers and fuzzy-miked reporters keeping pace with the protesters the whole way.

After pausing ceremonially around the fire, the procession moved off again, past a popular Saturday performance artist (who respectfully drew his audience's attention to the march), and down to the pedestrian crossings. These took the protest to the middle of the large intersection of Swanston and Flinders Streets. The procession paused here long enough to hold up traffic on all sides for several minutes - and again, the cameras snapped wildly.

Finally, the protesters moved off the intersection, to arrive at St Pauls Cathedral. Here the suitcases were arranged for further photo opportunities, and information leaflets handed out to curious passersby.

It was a successful and empowering action, characterised by a mood of mischievous positivity which seemed to infect all who participated or witnessed the event!

Actions of this type will surely encourage more people to get involved in RAC, as well as drawing attention to the current situation necessitating the constant attention of such a group, nearly into its 9th year of existence.

Laurel Mackenzie