Bellingen Covid lockdown protest: Anti-vax march sparks arrests

Protesters were arrested outside a council building in distressing scenes a councillor has described as “rubbish behaviour and disrespect”.

As the fallout from yesterday’s anti-lockdown protests unfolds a local politician has expressed her bitter disappointment at the “rubbish behaviour and disrespect”.

With similar protests outside council buildings across the region, Bellingen Shire deputy mayor Jennie Fenton took to Facebook to remind people that councils did not make Covid-related health directives.

“We are working on climate change, protection and inclusion of vulnerable people, the economy, we make poo flush away, roads as safe as they can be, bridges not fall down, parks to sit in … dozens of things happen in that building that make your life the relative luxury that it is,” Ms Fenton said.

It came after several arrests were made in distressing scenes in the park outside the Bellingen Council chambers.

There were 19 people arrested and 19 fines issued across the Coffs Harbour City Council, Clarence Valley Council and the Bellingen Shire Council region on Tuesday.

Mayoral candidate in the upcoming elections, Andrew Woodward, also expressed his disappointment.

“Very simply, everybody, in the interests of everybody, has to adhere to the public health orders and stay at home unless it is for an allowed reason,” Mr Woodward said.

“A protest is not an allowed reason. Protesters put themselves, their families and the community at risk.

He said he supported the right to protest as long as it was done in a law-abiding and peaceful way.

“We’re only going to get out of lockdown by following the public health orders,” he said.

In Grafton, about 100 people, many without masks, gathered outside Clarence Valley Council’s temporary office building in Victoria Street about 9am Tuesday.

The Last Post was played several times throughout the protest.

Across NSW, police arrested more than 150 people and issued almost 600 fines.