Covid-19 protesters descend on Ballarat to claim Eureka flag at wild Sunday protest

Hundreds of protesters have swarmed a Victorian city in a shocking development, sparking a big move from local businesses.

Protesters have swarmed a regional Victorian city and threatened to “reclaim” the Eureka flag in reaction to state’s vaccine mandate and new pandemic laws.

Protesters formed a convoy from 11am, outbound from Melbourne, over the West Gate Bridge, and descended on Ballarat about 1.30pm.

Hundreds have gathered outside Ballarat’s Civic Hall, waving Australian and Eureka flags.

Protesters are threatening to reclaim the Eureka flag. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Protesters have been rallying against the state’s vaccine mandate and pandemic bill legislation. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Ballarat protest about get underway. pic.twitter.com/hxXsuYH3NH

— Paul Nolan (@pwnolan) December 5, 2021

Ballarat’s Eureka Centre, usually open on Sundays, has decided to close in response to the protest.

Businesses have also chosen to close, with one store putting up a sign saying they would reopen “when the tantrum leaves town”.

Thanks to the free-dumb protests in Ballarat, local businesses have had to close up. pic.twitter.com/e5kjwcCwDI

— John Weber (@johnweber94) December 4, 2021

Ballarat police said they expected disruptions in the Ballarat CBD and in Bakery Hill on Sunday afternoon, with Mair Street, Peel Street, Victoria Street, Curtis Street, Little Bridge Street, Sturt Street and Lydiard Street to be affected from about midday to 5pm.

The Ballarat protest comes after tens of thousands of protesters swarmed Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday, calling for “power to the people” and “freedom of choice” over vaccination mandates.

The passing of the state government’s controversial pandemic management bill this week fuelled this weekend’s protests, with attendees chanting “kill the bill” and “sack Dan Andrews”.

Protesters have been chanting for Premier Daniel Andrews to be sacked. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

The legislation, which passed the upper house on Thursday, will shift the responsibility from the chief health officer to the Premier and Health Minister, who will be able to declare pandemics and issue health orders.

The changes will come into effect from December 16 when the current state of emergency expires.

More to come.

Originally published as Covid-19 protesters descend on Ballarat to claim Eureka flag at wild Sunday protest