Now that we’ve successfully voted out Peter Dutton, there’s a sense of collective relief—relief that Australia has shown it’s not interested in following the path of the U.S. and electing a Trump-like figure. While Anthony Albanese is undoubtedly a better option, our work doesn’t end here. We still need to show up, speak out, and push for justice—both at home and abroad.
One of my goals with Ramona is to provide simple, effective ways for us to feel like we’re doing something meaningful. That means offering templates for letters to MPs, petitions worth signing, and highlighting charities that are genuinely making a difference. While I’ll soon turn attention to urgent issues here in Australia, I wanted to share something that feels especially pressing right now.
Dr Mohammed Mustafa is working to build a children’s hospital in Gaza—a place where care is desperately needed. Abbie Chatfield has collaborated with Dr Mustafa to create a letter you can send to your local MP, calling on Australia to step up and support this effort. It’s been approved by Dr Mustafa himself. You can copy and paste it, tweak the language so it feels more personal (which can sometimes make it more impactful), or send it as is.
If you’re someone like me—living with the privileges of peace, medical care, and relative stability—this is something tangible you can do. One small action. One email. A chance to help children who need it most.
Let’s keep showing up.
Dear [Your local Member]
I write to you, in your capacity as [Senator of your state or Member of Your Electorate] requesting your urgent action in meeting with Dr Mohammed Mustafa.
Since October 7, 2023, Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank have suffered at the hands of Israel. Blockades prevent aid from entering Gaza, furthering the suffering of innocent civilians, a large number of whom are children.
There are now no fully functioning hospitals in all of Gaza, due to illegal military strikes by Israel. This has left Gazan children more vulnerable than ever.
The people of Gaza are being slaughtered by military force, while also being starved, dehydrated, and left to suffer from infections and illnesses without adequate treatment.
To add, medical aid workers are prevented by Israel from bringing in medical supplies to Gaza. This leaves the people of Gaza helpless, not only increasing the number of unnecessary civilian deaths, but also prolonging their suffering. Without adequate medical aid, every day preventable deaths will occur.
Dr Mohammed Mustafa is a Palestinian English-Australian Doctor who has entered the war zone of Gaza twice to assist the victims of this genocide. He has witnessed atrocities, and had to make impossible decisions as a doctor in a war zone without sufficient medical equipment. There is a lack of medical supplies of all kinds, from items as basic as scissors, glucose sticks and compression bands, to ventilators and CT scanners.
The Australian Government has an opportunity to assist the most vulnerable children of Gaza.
Dr Mohammed Mustafa has a goal of constructing a functional Australian Children’s Hospital in Gaza. He is in the process of planning and fundraising, but he needs the help of the Australian Government immediately.
The Australian people overwhelmingly voted for as Labor Government. As you are aware, this was a vote in rejection of fascism, hatred, racism, bigotry and division. As our representatives, it is imperative that you uphold those values.
At present, the Australian Government under Labor rule is yet to act in any meaningful way to halt the genocide of the Palestinian people being committed by Israel, and as such those values are in question. We demand immediate action.
In building a Children’s Hospital in Gaza, our country will be exemplifying the values that we voted for. The children of Gaza are in desperate need with every moment that passes bringing a potential death sentence.
Please meet with Dr Mohammed Mustafa as soon as possible.
This is not a political request, but a humanitarian demand.
Warm Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Electorate]
