Anti-vaccine protesters to ‘overload Ballarat and reclaim Eureka flag

Businesses have been warned to increase security as anti-vaccine protesters plan to storm Ballarat and “reclaim” the Eureka flag.

Businesses in Ballarat have been warned to beef-up security as anti-vaccine protesters promise to “overload” the regional city to reclaim the Eureka flag.

Protesters have organised to meet in the Melbourne CBD at 11am on December 4 to form a convoy and “gridlock” traffic before travelling to Ballarat to march.

“We will form a mass convoy, grid-locking the city and rolling on to Ballarat for a march through the main streets in solidarity of Eureka Day commemorations,” organisers wrote.

“To pay respects to the warriors of the Eureka Stockade who paved the way for freedom in Victoria.”

The event, which is organised for the day after the Eureka Stockage’s 167th anniversary, has been shared on social media with several hundred confirming their intentions to attend.
Leader understands businesses around prominent monuments have been warned they may become the “focal point” of the protests — with the Ballarat Regional Trades and Labour Council urging heightened security.

Freedom Rally protesters gather at the Victorian state parliament in Melbourne’s CBD on November 20. Picture: Jason Edwards

“It’s about time we reclaimed Eureka,” one advocate for the protest wrote on encrypted messaging app Telegram.

“Always said we should have that sized crowd in a small town ... Ballarat isn’t going to know what hit them,” another replied.

Ballarat City director of community wellbeing, Matt Wilson, said the council was aware of the planned protest and had reached out to police for guidance.

“We have advised Victoria Police and are awaiting further advice and direction,” he said.

“We will continue working to support Victoria Police in the lead up to this event.”

Ballarat local area commander acting-inspector Tim Argall said police were aware of the planned protest activity and were engaging with organisers to ensure there was as little disruption as possible.

“Victoria Police respects the right to protest peacefully and lawfully,” he said.

“We understand that any protest activity in Ballarat has potential to cause disruption to businesses ... there will be a police presence in the area to ensure there are no breaches of the peace.”