Protesters threaten to hold anti-lockdown rallies across Melbourne

Secret messages have revealed what Melbourne’s anti-lockdown activists are planning next. They’ve promised something “big”.

Anti-lockdown protesters are again planning to descend on Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance this weekend. Picture: Daniel Pockett/NCA NewsWire

Anti-lockdown protesters planning rallies in Melbourne this weekend have vowed to hold “micro protests” across the city in a bid to “keep the risk of fines low”.

In an encrypted thread being used to communicate to the hundreds who are showing interest, the protest action has been outlined for Saturday, October 3, at 11am.

Messages seen by NCA NewsWire say: “Bring a sign, bring a flag and meet up, discuss and get to know others who are fighting for our freedoms.

“This is all in the lead up to our one big day: October 23rd, 2020.”

An encrypted chat reveals what the anti-lockdown protesters plan to do this weekend in Melbourne.

At least 18 sites across Melbourne, and one in Geelong, were listed as locations for protesters to gather.

CITY

• Shrine of Remembrance

WEST

• Wilson Reserve, Werribee
• RJ Cooper Reserve, Altona North
• John McLeod Reserve, Deer Park

NORTH

• Craigieburn Gardens
• Harry Pottage Reserve, Macleod
• Sewell Reserve, Glenroy

The listed locations where anti-lockdown protesters are planning to hold rallies on Saturday.

INNER EAST

• Beckett Park, Balwyn
• Allnutt Park, Bentleigh

EAST

• Norman Luth Reserve, Springvale
• Time Neville Arboretum, Boronia
• Larpent Reserve, Glen Waverley

SOUTH EAST

• Chalcot Lodge Reserve, Endeavour Hills
• Red Gum Reserve playground, Narre Warren
• Brooklyn Greens Reserve, Cranbourne
• Bj Wallis Reserve, Pakenham
• Jubilee Park, Frankston
• Dallas Brooks Park, Mornington

GEELONG

• Eastern Beach, Geelong

Victoria Chief Police Commissioner Shane Patton says Melburnians now risk fines of up to $4957 for unlawful gatherings. Picture: Ian Currie/NCA NewsWire

It comes after warnings that those flouting the law will cop tougher fines, with Melburnians to be hit with $4957 infringements when caught taking part in unlawful gatherings.

The new fine is an increase from the previous $1652 fine.

Victoria Police warned they will be out in force over the upcoming weekend.

“We maintain a strong capacity to respond to potential breaches of the Chief Health Officer directions at any point in time,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“We will continue to have resources committed to ensuring that people who deliberately breach the directions, in both regional and metropolitan areas, receive fines or are arrested if necessary.”