(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners in Southern Australia held a rally in front of the State Parliament House on July 17, 2026, and a candlelight vigil on Victoria Square on July 20, 2026. They raised awareness of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) 27-year-long persecution. Local officials attended the rally and condemned the persecution and transnational repression. Many people signed a petition that called for an end to the human rights abuses.

Practitioners held a rally in front of the South Australia State Parliament House on July 17, 2026. (Minghui.org)

Former Member of House of Assembly Thanks Practitioners

Tammy Franks, former independent member of the South Australian House of Assembly, addressed the rally. (Minghui.org)

Ms. Franks said she admired the practitioners for steadfastly believing in the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and said facing continuous persecution, and upholding one’s belief takes great courage, and she thanked practitioners.

“I’d like to see no more anniversaries because I’d like to see an end to the oppression. I’d love to not have to come here, but until the oppression and the human rights abuse ends, we’ll all be here in July,” she said.

She also mentioned the CCP’s transnational repression, including the bomb threats to the Australian Prime Minister that targeted Shen Yun. “It’s outrageous that there were bomb threats made against the Prime Minister. That is something that all Australians should see as in every way abhorrent and un-Australian, and something that we should all stand firm and in solidarity against. There are things we can do in our parliaments. We can take action to call out human rights abuses and to sanction them in a number of meaningful ways.”

David Paton, member of the South Australian House of Assembly, speaks at the rally. (Minghui.org)

Mr. Paton said in his speech that Falun Gong’s principles reflect Australian values and are what we stand for. “If you’re living your life in a way that benefits yourself and makes your life better, and it’s not harming anybody else, then there shouldn’t be an issue with it.”

Regarding the CCP’s transnational repression, he said, “That horrifies me and is unbelievable.” He added, “I suppose all we can do is, as community members, support groups such as yourselves, and welcome you into our communities and protect you in what way we can.”

People Condemn the Persecution

The rally drew the attention of passersby. They stopped to learn about the persecution and signed the petition calling for an end to the human rights abuses.

Tyrone Lenura, a local resident, said, “I think it is absurd for the CCP to persecute such a peaceful practice. Falun Gong elevates the human spirit and fosters greater family harmony. I am utterly outraged by the CCP’s suppression of religious beliefs—including its actions against the Christianity I practice—as well as the atrocity of forced organ harvesting and killing. These crimes are absolutely shocking and heinous. Now, the CCP seeks to extend its reach into my country. This is absolutely intolerable.”

He called on the Australian government to speak out for human rights, protect citizens, and counteract the CCP’s transnational repression.

Practitioners held a candlelight vigil on Victoria Square on the evening of July 20 to commemorate fellow practitioners who died in the persecution.

Candlelight vigil on Victoria Square on the evening of July 20. (Minghui.org)

The candlelight vigil caught the attention of Christian Kamleh, an environmental engineer who was getting off work. He talked with a practitioner and said, “Initially I thought this was a petition. I was appalled when I learned about the persecution, especially the CCP’s forced organ harvesting. I signed the petition calling for an end to the forced organ harvesting.”

Christian Kamleh was drawn to the candlelight vigil and wished to learn more about Falun Gong. (Minghui.org)

Christian said he was happy to learn about Falun Gong’s principles and the exercises, as well as Zhuan Falun and the other books. “This traditional Chinese practice resonated with me because I have a keen interest in spiritual meditation and traditional Chinese culture. I’ve recently reflected on faith and the meaning of life. I’ve searched for answers, and this encounter feels like a truly meaningful connection.”

He said Falun Gong’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are what people need today. “I believe that if more people live by these principles, the world will be better. I will learn more about Falun Gong.”