On 27 February 2009 the flag of the Saharawi Republic (SADR) has been raised on the Town Halls of Leichhardt (Sydney), Newcastle and in various cities and towns of Australia such as Melbourne, Perth, Hobart and Geelong. The flags are raised to mark the 33rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Saharawi republic.
The Saharawi flag is officially raised in Australia for the first time as a gesture of solidarity and friendship with the Saharawi people.
During the Ceremony held at Leichhardt Town Hall, Councillor Jamie Parker, the Mayor said.
"Leichhardt Council passed a unanimous motion to raise the flag of Saharawi Republic on their special day as a gesture of solidarity and friendship with the people of Western Sahara."
"This commemorates 33 years since the people of Western Sahara declared a republic in Western Sahara to fill the vacuum left by the withdrawal of Spain the then colonial power", he said.
"This is also significant because it will be the first time the flag of the Saharawi Republic has been flown officially in Australia", Mr. Parker said.
The Saharawi representative to Australia, Kamal Fadel, expressed the gratitude and sincere thanks of the Saharawi people and emphasised that raising the Saharawi flag is a significant way of expressing solidarity and support to the Saharawis just cause.
He added that through the gesture of raising the Saharawi flag, Australians are also raising their voices against the dreadful injustice caused to the innocent Saharawi people.
Members of the Australia Western Sahara Association and friends of Western Sahara attended the flag raising ceremonies held all over Australia.
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