More than 500 people marched through Wollongong on Sunday in protest of recent federal government reforms and policies.
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After large-scale demonstrations March In March and March In May this year, the March In August was held in 30 cities across Australia this weekend.
The Wollongong march, from Thomas Dalton Park to Flagstaff Hill, was populated by a range of colourful characters including drummers, bikeriders, families, dogs, kids and even a few in Star Wars costumes.
Chants proclaimed ‘Tony is a phoney,’ while large banners called for the scrapping of changes to the public health system and university funding.
A placard at the front of the hundred-metre-long procession screamed ‘Save Australia Ditch Abbott’ while marchers in stormtrooper and Darth Vader outfits brandished ‘the farce is with you’ signs.
At Flagstaff Hill, Throsby MP Stephen Jones gave an impassioned address calling for the government to be held to account over election promises.
“It is a measure of society how we look after those who have the least,” Mr Jones thundered, to cheers from audience.
“We are sending a clear message to the Coalition government that their promises on Medicare and education must be kept.”
“Australia can and will be better than this.”
March organiser Nat Harris said plans were already underway for another event in “late spring or summer”.
“Everyone is pretty united and wants to be involved. It feels like we are getting to a good point now with the marches,” Mr Harris said.