George Floyd death: Powerful moments from Australia's Black Lives Matter protests
The sheer number of supporters that showed up to yesterday’s protests has shocked organisers, far exceeding what anyone expected.
Black Lives Matter protests swept through the nation yesterday, bringing thousands of Aussies together as they rallied for the rights of their Indigenous peoples.
Around the country the protesters were, mostly, praised by police for their conduct.
RELATED: Follow our live coverage of the Black Lives Matter protests
RELATED: What went wrong at Sydney protest
Stunning photos captured by those attending the protests show the sheer magnitude of pain felt by the Australian community, indigenous and non-indigenous alike.
It comes as protests in the US have reached their 12th day – sparked by the death of George Floyd in police custody.
A picture tells 1000 words. Here are those pictures:
SYDNEY
About 5000 people were originally expected to rally in honour of George Floyd and Australian man David Dungay Jr in Sydney, but NSW Police say 20,000 protesters showed up.
Others reckon that number was much higher.
More than 50,000 people showed up to today’s #Sydneyprotest in support of #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/taXSEQxHGP
— Chelsea Hetherington (@chelsea_hetho) June 6, 2020
I have never seen this kind of turnout for a protest in #Sydney #AboriginalLivesMatter #blacklivesmatteraustralia #BLMprotest #Sydneyprotest #AboriginalDeathsinCustody pic.twitter.com/TDwnsdJ4fc
— Michael W (@mpwoodhead) June 6, 2020
At the very last minute, the Sydney protest was deemed lawful.
Some held signs saying "Police the police" and "Same s*** different soil" as the crowd chanted "I can't breathe", the final words uttered repeatedly by Mr Floyd and Mr Dungay.
This young boy has the names of the 432 Indigenous Australians who have died in custody since 1991 written on his body. He also has the name of one African American - George Floyd. #2020Protests #blacklivesmatteraustralia #Sydneyprotest @CentralNewsUTS pic.twitter.com/hOqTJvTCQE
— Lanie Tindale (@LanieT96) June 6, 2020
A short scuffle broke out between officers and protesters as police tried to move forward in an underground section of Central station.
At least two officers used pepper spray, with up to 30 people in the firing line.
NSW Police made just three arrests in Sydney, which Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing said was a "really positive result".
MELBOURNE
In Melbourne, crowds reached numbers as high as 10,000 people.
Melbourne never fails🥺 I love my city. Also if the guy who took my picture can find this tweet!!! I wanna see it🥺🥺 #melbourneprotest #blacklivesmatteraustralia pic.twitter.com/Dmb7Ju5TPs
— BLM✊🽠(@yunghannyy) June 6, 2020
They spread out along Bourke and Spring Streets to ensure social distancing was followed.
Stopped at my local IGA on the way home. Well done, Footscray. #melbourneprotest #blacklivesmatteraustralia pic.twitter.com/Eq7hOnkUyw
— Jess Isolate-don’t-procrastinate Lilley 💾 (@lilleyjuice) June 6, 2020
Protest marshals wearing fluoro vests were giving people hand sanitiser as they entered the parliamentary precinct.
Victoria Police praised people for their behaviour at Melbourne’s Saturday protest — but said they will fine the organisers of the huge event.
Police on Friday warned that organisers could be fined if coronavirus restrictions were breached, as a 20-person limit on outdoor gatherings still applies in Victoria.
Otherwise, police were "generally pleased" with the behaviour of the crowd.
There were no arrests and no reports of property damage.
BLM MELBOURNE Australia 1/2 #BLMMelbourne #BLMAustralia #melbourneprotest pic.twitter.com/rSAIJBcxo5
— Madaale Productions (@MrMadaale) June 6, 2020
BRISBANE
Thousands of people also flocked to inner-city Brisbane with crowds spilling from King George Square to neighbouring blocks.
Saw this at the Brisbane protest today! They held it for an hour #Brisbaneprotest #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/X2hoKImRSK
— brooklyn Ëš* †(@runtoyousoty) June 6, 2020
Queensland Police estimate more than 10,000 people gathered in King George Square in Brisbane's CBD for the protest, which kicked off at 1:00pm.
People packed stairwells and balconies to get a view while others brandished signs calling for reform in Queensland and across the world.
ADELAIDE, CANBERRA, ALICE SPRINGS AND MORE
About 5000 Aussies converged in Adelaide yesterday, calling for racial justice.
In Canberra, more than 300 people gathered on the lawn in front of Parliament House for the city's second protest in as many days.
About 1,000 people also gathered in Townsville, North Queensland, Saturday morning, for a peaceful rally to stand against black deaths in custody.
In Alice Springs, more than 500 people gathered on the courthouse lawns to hold what organisers called a "peaceful vigil in memory of George Floyd and all lives lost to police and incarceration both nationally and internationally".
There were also rallies in Hobart and Darwin, as well as regional towns including Wyong and Byron Bay in New South Wales, and Mildura in Victoria.
INTERNATIONALLY
The reaction to George Floyd’s death has gained momentum internationally.
Aside from the US, the UK is particularly battling with violent crowds.
The world waits with bated breath to see what will happen next.
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