Cairns freedom rally: Hundreds of anti-vaxxers march on Esplanade lagoon
On Saturday up to 700 demonstrators marched along the Cairns foreshore protesting against vaccines, lockdowns, Covid passports, the media and Freemasonry.
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UPDATE 2PM: A crowd of up to 700 protesters has taken over the Cairns Esplanade to join rallies across the nation to opposing the Covid-19 vaccination roll out and “government control”.
Protesters from all walks of life gathered in the park north of Muddy’s Cafe to hear rally organisers make speeches through a megaphone.
Protester numbers at Saturday’s rally had almost doubled since the last Freedom Rally on July 24.
Participants are opposed to the wearing of masks, tracking apps, Covid-19 tests, social distancing, QR codes and coronavirus vaccines.
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Organising committee member and Leichhardt Informed Medical Options Party Leichhardt candidate Silvia Mogorovich claimed both AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines had not been properly tested and people had a right to deny the jab.
“I just don’t consider this to be an anti-vaccination movement. (It’s about) freedom of choice, freedom of assembly, freedom of speech and freedom of movement, she said.
Asked about Deputy Premier Steven Miles comments on Friday indicating a reduced chance of lockdowns and greater freedom once vaccination rates reached 70 per cent, Ms Mogorovich claimed herd immunity to be “propaganda”.
“Herd immunity has only ever been derived from natural derived immunity, there is no vaccine of herd immunity,” she said.
“So when they say we have to (achieve a certain) percentage of vaccination to achieve herd immunity. That is pure propaganda.”
Though Queensland Police were aware of the protest no uniformed officers could be seen at the event.
Made aware of the Cairns protest a Queensland Health spokesman condemned the rally.
“Vaccination isn’t a lifestyle choice. For some people it could literally be the difference between life and death,” he said.
“Cairns residents are really sensible when it comes to protecting their health and we’re confident they’ll reject this anti-vax rubbish.
“We strongly encourage every Queenslander who can be vaccinated to do so, to protect themselves and others.”
The We Stand for Freedom movement claims Google and Facebook have censored information relating to the coronavirus and urged people to use alternative search engines to “make an informed decision” on the vaccine.
“There is so much (information) coming out, and fresh information so everyone has to go through that themselves and decide what they want to take with them,” Ms Mogorovich said.
“Everyone has to take responsibility for themselves. I can’t learn for you. I can’t research for you. I can’t ask your questions.”
Cairns mother Patricia Burgoume brought her daughter to the protest however denied being part of the anti-vax movement.
“I’m all for the choice, freedom of choice. So whatever resonates with you, you should do. You should just leave the people make their own choice,” she said.
“(The vaccine has) just been released. I think we should test it for another few more years to actually give it to the public.”
Member of the We Stand for Freedom committee Paul Christie yelling through a megaphone claimed the Esplanade parkland as “Freedom Park” before protesters marched to the Esplanade lagoon waving banners and chanting.
EARLIER: Queensland Police have issued a statement as anti-vaxxers prepare to launch a “freedom rally” outside a Cairns children’s playground on Saturday.
The protest is part of a suite of rallies planned around the country today – including in areas under strict lockdown measures like Sydney and Melbourne.
Cairns finds itself on the very lowest end of the lockdown spectrum but protesters are still planning to make their voices heard.
A QPS spokesman said the service recognised and supported the right to peaceful assembly and protest.
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“Queensland Police are aware of proposed protest activity in various locations across the state throughout the weekend, including in Cairns,” he said.
“Those who attend are reminded of restrictions and requirements associated with COVID-19.”
EARLIER: Anti-vaxxers are planning a “peace and freedom” rally in Cairns on Saturday – and they have chosen a popular children’s playground as their start-off point.
Hand-written signs have been erected all along the Captain Cook Highway declaring: “Are you sick of the bulls***!!! Peace and Freedom Rally this Saturday 12 noon Muddy’s North.”
They refer to Muddy’s Playground, the water play and kids’ adventure area at the northern end of the Cairns Esplanade.
Protesters intend to begin at Muddy’s and march to the Lagoon before turning heel and winding up back at the playground.
Online posters tell attendees to bring “something to eat or drink, so you can breathe freely ‘legally’” and a “fully charged recording device”.
The protest is part of a national Australia Freedom Rally with sister events also planned in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Townsville.
The organisers’ Facebook page is drawing a mixed response from fervent supporters and detractors urging protesters to give it a break – especially in areas like Melbourne and Sydney where Delta outbreaks are creating havoc in people’s lives and the economy in general.
One poster wrote: “I believe in peace, freedom and human rights but not at the expense of others, Covid exposure sites, possible infection.”
“There are people fleeing countries with nothing, we just need to stay at home – reach out (virtually) if you need support,” the post continued.
“I know our mental, financial and social health is struggling but we are in this together.”
Cairns will move to stage three restrictions from 4pm on Friday – but there are still rules that must be followed.
Queensland Police have been asked for comment.
Originally published as Cairns freedom rally: Hundreds of anti-vaxxers march on Esplanade lagoon
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