Home and Away star Isabel Lucas, Qantas pilot Covid vaccine protest

A Home and Away star and Qantas pilot have joined hundreds to protest Covid-19 vaccine mandates on the Gold Coast as the state government urge the public to get the jab before December 17.

Protesters at an anti Covid vaccine mandate protest at Coolangatta Pictures: 10 News Queensland

HUNDREDS attended an anti-Covid vaccine mandate protest on the Gold Coast as the state government continues to urge the public to get the jab ahead of borders reopening.

Police closely monitored the “Reclaim the line” protest, which was held near the border barrier on Coolangatta’s Boundary Street.

Protesters at an anti Covid vaccine mandate protest at Coolangatta Pictures: 10 News Queensland

The protesters largely wore white clothes as a symbol of their protest against vaccine mandates which are being enforced by state and federal governments as part of the Covid-19 recovery plan.

Among the speakers was former Qantas pilot Graham Hood who resigned amid the mandate, which this week resulted in about 4000 Queensland Health workers being suspended.

“You’re not going to touch our kids, you’re not going to inject our kids,” said the pilot of 32 years as crowds cheered.

“When I stood on this stage a few weeks ago I was fighting for the spirit of Australia and as I look around now I see that.”

Former Home And Away star and anti-vaxxer Isabel Lucas was among crowds gathered at the border.

Ms Lucas said crowds had been very peaceful and police had respected the crowds.

Local identity Sam Beau Patrick – one half behind the recent Essentially Cooly campaign – was also seen in attendance.

It was a sea of white clothing – a symbol of solidarity between protesters – that forced the closure of Griffith and Clarke St at Coolangatta across Sunday morning.

On display were signs calling for the end of border restrictions and jab mandates, though mask wearing proved few and far between.

Border protesters at Coolangatta in what’s been a largely peaceful demonstration across Sunday morning. @GCBulletinpic.twitter.com/Ijq8hFcRnW

— Kaitlyn Smith (@kaitlynsmthnews) November 7, 2021

Police were out in full force to avoid any potential displays of unsociable behaviour.

NSW Police commended attendees on their behaviour, confirming no arrests had been made.

“We have had no issue with them,” a NSW Police spokesman said.

Queensland Police confirmed there had been no reports of trouble on their side of the state line.

Following the rally, dozens opted to stay back as an impromptu celebration took place while many attendees moved on to dine at Coolangatta businesses in a much-needed boost to help the embattled area.

Queensland Health and Gold Coast Health staff have been at the forefront of the debate, with nearly 10 per cent of the workforce refusing to get the vaccine.

Those without an exemption – which the Bulletin last week revealed some staff had been urged to apply for in the lead up to an October 31 deadline – have been sidelined.

It has prompted union advocates to ask where all the extra staff will come from to fill the gaps.

But the ‘no jab, no job’ policy protest is also covering tradies and other sectors.

Many of the protesters carried Australian and naval ensign flags.

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