Dandenong anti-lockdown protester arrested, several issued with fines
Anti-lockdown protesters are again expected to take to the streets of Dandenong as frustrations grow over the stage 4 restrictions. It comes after a man was arrested and almost 20 people issued with fines on Friday evening.
South East
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More anti-lockdown protesters are expected to hit the streets on Saturday after a man was been arrested and several others slapped with fines during another illegal gathering in Melbourne’s southeast.
The Leader once again attended the protests on Kirkham Rd and surrounding streets on Friday, and saw police question several people on the Dandenong Creek Trail, who shouted at officers when being stopped.
Police issued 19 fines and arrested one man during a prohibited gathering near the George Andrews Reserve in Dandenong on Friday, August 28.
The Leader understands the protests are expected to continue on Saturday.
A 64-year-old Dandenong man was arrested for failing to provide his name and address for breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions.
He was released after providing identification and issued with a penalty notice.
An event organiser, a 48-year-old Dandenong man, was arrested in Dandenong for allegedly breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions.
He was charged with contravening bail conditions and breach Chief Health Officer directions and was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 29.
Police are continuing to investigate Friday evening’s protest and will consider issuing penalty notices for anyone else found to be in breach of the directions issued by the Chief Health Officer.
It comes as Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti has called for “calm” and “compliance” within the community.
“I understand that people may be acting out of a sense of frustration with the current lockdown, but I urge them all to exercise, if they must, in complete compliance with the current restrictions in place,” Cr Memeti said.
“We must all accept that we are in this together and that we will only maintain the positive improvements that have been achieved by Victorians, if we all adhere to the restrictions.
“Council is working with local police and community leaders to encourage those involved with these protests to reconsider their actions and work towards a more positive outcome.”
On Wednesday, police encountered a brief showdown with protesters in the middle of the road, holding up pepper spray canisters and ordering the group to move on.
A roadblock was temporarily set up at the corner of Kirkham Rd and Langley Crescent.
Members of the group said they weren’t doing anything wrong and had not organised a protest but were simply out exercising.
The Leader saw dozens of attendees taunt police and hurl abuse at them.
One man was seen saying: “You f---ing dog, get a real job.”
He was then stopped by police and questioned on the spot.
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