On 20 September 2026, we gathered at Federation Square in Naarm/Melbourne to mark four years since the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini in the custody of the Islamic Republic.
Melbourne stood alongside 56 cities across 20 countries taking part in this year’s Mahsa Day demonstrations, a global initiative coordinated by the IranMadari Global Network, bringing Iranian communities around the world together in one voice for Iran.
Mahsa was 22 years old when she was detained by the Islamic Republic's morality police over the compulsory hijab laws. She fell into a coma due to the morality police's beatings. Her death on 16 September 2022 ignited nationwide protests and became a defining moment in the Iranians people's continuing struggle for Freedom against the Islamic Republic.
Four years later, we gathered not only to remember Mahsa, but to remember all those who have been killed, imprisoned, persecuted or forced into exile for demanding a different future for Iran.
And we gathered to speak about what continues.
Throughout the afternoon, our speakers reflected on the movement that has continued to evolve since 2022 and on the Lion & Sun Revolution: a struggle for an Iran free from the Islamic Republic, grounded in secular democracy, human rights and the right of the Iranian people to determine their own future.
For those of us fortunate enough to live in a country where we can gather freely, speak openly and raise our voices without facing the consequences borne by people inside Iran, that freedom carries significance. Events such as Mahsa Day keep Iran visible, amplify the voices of Iranians who continue to take extraordinary risks, and remind the wider Australian community that their struggle has not ended.
We were honoured to be joined by Beverley McArthur, Keith Wolahan and Deirdre Diamante, alongside political representatives, Iranian-Australian activists and members of the wider community who have continued to stand with the people of Iran.
Our heartfelt thanks to every speaker, activist, volunteer and supporter who helped make the Melbourne gathering possible, and to everyone who came to Federation Square to listen, remember and stand alongside us.
The Melbourne gathering was coordinated by the Australian Lion and Sun Association as part of the global Mahsa Day initiative.
Four years on, we remember Mahsa. We remember those we have lost. And we continue to stand with the Iranian people in their struggle for a free, secular and democratic Iran.
For freedom. For Iran. For the Lion & Sun Revolution.