People’s Revolution hold anti-vaccination protest in Brisbane

Anti and pro-vax demonstrators have faced off as thousands turned out to protest mandatory vaccinations and lockdowns.

A large crowd gathered in Musgrave Park in Brisbane’s West End on Saturday to protest Queensland’s vaccine mandate.

Hundreds of people were trickling in every few minutes from all sides of the park to join the rally, which officially started at 3pm.

The group, calling themselves the People’s Revolution, were gathering in the West End and South Brisbane areas between 3pm-6pm.

It’s estimated between 9,000-10,000 people were at the event about 3pm, however hundreds more were continuing to arrive.

Among the group were many young children.

Meanwhile, a group of protesters who were pro-vaccination circled Musgrave Park shouting “anti-fascist, pro-vax, pro-health”, in the direction of maskless protesters.

People gathering at Musgrave Park for the People's Revolution protest. Picture: Elise Williams

The largely peaceful rally was not without its heated moments.

Some passionate locals began yelling at the protesters proclaiming that “fascists and anti-Semites” had taken over West End’s streets.

A young woman screamed at the anti-vax protesters telling them to “f*** off”.

A woman from the large crowd screamed back “take us on, see what happens”.

Other protesters began targeting the police, screaming, “Are you guys with us or what?”

“Have you guys got kids? I bet you don’t you gutless cowards,” another yelled.

A sign read “End the depopulation jab”.

A speaker was greeted by cheers when he said: “We’re all here today to stand against the tyrannical regime masquerading as the Queensland Government.

Protesters march from Musgrave Park to West End and South Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

“Don’t watch the neighbours being robbed, because as soon as they’ve finished their they’re coming to your home too.”

The People Revolution’s website describes today’s rally as being “in response to apartheid starting December 17.”

“Apartheid” has been used widely to describe Queensland’s newly instated vaccine mandate, that sees unvaccinated people kept out of some venues, including pubs and clubs.

The People’s Revolution say they will “ unite for the right to party.”

The group say both those with or without the vaccine are able to attend.

It’s expected the group will march through West End and South Brisbane, starting and finishing the day at Musgrave Park.

Police issued a traffic alert for the area.

A large scale gathering is scheduled to occur in the West End and South Brisbane areas between 3-6pm today. Businesses and members of the public are advised there may be traffic delays in the area as a result and should plan their trips accordingly #bnetraffic pic.twitter.com/zSHYC9tMx5

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) December 18, 2021

“A large scale gathering is scheduled to occur in the West End and South Brisbane areas between 3-6pm today. Businesses and members of the public are advised there may be traffic delays in the area as a result and should plan their trips accordingly,” a Queensland Police message said.

TransLink reported bus stops at Mater Hill station, South Bank busway station and Cultural Centre station were temporarily unavailable due to the protest action.

Thousands of people gathered at Musgrave Park, West End, in protest of Queensland's vaccine mandate. Picture: Elise Williams

The group of protesters who organised today’s rally are believed to be the same group who swarmed 1 William Street last month and demanded to meet with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

Police have specialist officers on standby for the rally.

Today’s protest comes as Queensland prepares for an influx of Covid cases, following the opening of the state border.

Pro-vaccination demonstrators were out in force too. Picture: Richard Walker

Originally published as People’s Revolution hold anti-vaccination protest in Brisbane