For close to 18 months, a group of women have been meeting for breakfast once a month in Wollongong’s Stuart Park.
They connect over freshly cut watermelon, a mug of coffee, and maybe a sweet treat. It’s a time to put differences aside to unite to show support to the women in Palestine.
The monthly Illawarra Palestinian Women’s Breakfast is a partnership between the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, Wollongong Friends of Palestine, and the South Coast Labour Council. The first breakfast was first in December 2023.
“You feel helpless. We wish we had more control over the situation, but it’s a great way to just meet and talk with like-minded people,” Therese Wolfe from the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre.
“Of course, when we started, we had no idea that it was going to go on for this long, but we just started because we wanted to do something to come together as a community and express our frustration, our grief, our sadness, our anger – and our solidarity over what was happening in Gaza.”
The women-only breakfast is held on the third Thursday of each month, and scores of women attend to find connection and support.
Ms Wolfe said the events are not political but for anyone who cares about humanity.
“It’s a very welcoming and friendly environment. The people who attend care about the way the world is going, and they are looking for people who might want to make a difference,” she said.
Breakfast attendees include women with family in Gaza, Palestinian, or Lebanese heritage. Ms Wolfe says it’s a chance for people to learn about different perspectives.
“Education is a big part of our breakfasts. We have women involved who come who have family in Gaza or Palestinian heritage, and we learn so much from them.”
The event has a relaxed structure, but first-timers can expect a cup of coffee, a slice of watermelon, delicious hummus, bread, and other homemade delights, and a bit of chit-chat in the morning light. The group will introduce itself and provide information on other events.
“You can expect to meet a beautiful bunch of principled women from all ages and all walks of life in the Illawarra who care about humanity.
“They’re lovely, friendly and welcoming.”
The next Illawarra Monthly Palestinian Breakfast is Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 7am at Stuart Park, Wollongong.
Bring a mug. And a friend.
