‘Sick of it’: Melburnians turn on anti-vaccine protesters

Thousands of protesters have hit the streets of Melbourne again over vaccine mandates and Covid rules – but fed up locals have cracked.

Freedom protesters in Melbourne have had water thrown on them during a planned rally that has caused another day of disruption for the city’s streets.

Thousands of “freedom” protesters hit the streets of Australian cities on Sunday to protest vaccine mandates, Covid restrictions and pandemic legislation.

Following several weeks of consistent protests in Melbourne, locals finally cracked, with some onlookers screaming at protesters marching and people in high-rise apartments were reportedly seen pouring water on demonstrators.

“Why are you even protesting?” one member of the public asked the group.

Those poor kids should be at the beach , with friends having a great time on this gorgeous Melbourne day. Instead they are dragged to a protest probably wondering why and what it’s all about.

— Raine 🐯🏆🏆🏆🐯 (@Rusty1808) December 12, 2021

In response, one protester shoved the onlooker and told him to “go to hell”.

Protesters gathered at Parliament House just after midday, marching to Carlton Gardens and chanting, “free Victoria”, “sack Dan Andrews” and “my body, my choice”.

Some Victorians took to Twitter to condemn the protesters, who they accused of damaging CBD businesses and causing trouble.

The #Melbourneprotest has one aim, and that’s to cause trouble in Melbourne. Shoppers have reported being too scared to visit the city. The protests are destroying small business and costing jobs. This is what domestic terrorism looks like! #freedumb#LNPCorruptionParty

— QueerRevolution (@QueerAussie) December 12, 2021

There is no reasoning with these people, I have seen it first hand. They have no consideration for others which I also saw first hand when I was in the city during the protests.
Melbourne is sick of their bullshit and conspiracy theories.

— J.M (@andelain38) December 12, 2021

This week, protest organisers urged people to bring their children along.

Numbers have steadily grown during the afternoon, with the crowd stretching from the corner of La Trobe Street to Carlton Gardens.

The protests, paired with the Melbourne marathon, caused chaos in the city and intense traffic delays, with both events closing off streets.

'What side of history do you want to down on?' #melbourneprotest#freevictoria#riseupmelbournepic.twitter.com/wNz7kYgklT

— Nathan Livingstone (@NathanLivOnline) December 12, 2021

The group has vowed to march every week against vaccine mandates, which are required to enter most venues, workplaces and public spaces in Victoria.

The rally has attracted people against government restrictions and mandates, but has also attracted anti-vax public speakers and those linked to conspiracies and the far-right.

Prominent anti-vaxxer Monica Smit, who was charged with two counts of incitement in relation to protests held in August this year, was expected to address the crowd.

Last Saturday’s rally, which shut down city traffic and public transport, was advertised by the same group, Melbourne Freedom Rally.

On an encrypted Telegram group that boasts more than 16,000 members, members are encouraged to “wear white to unite”.

Love you all! Awesome to see! #Melbourneprotest#NoVaccinePassportsAnywhere#NoVaccineMandatespic.twitter.com/ZHFX5EhhBj

— SockRatEz (@SockRatEzTDA) December 4, 2021

The protest is part of wider planned protests across Australia, linked to similar anti-government, anti-vaccine and anti-restrictions ideas.

Protests are being held in Queensland, Perth, Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart.

In Sydney, protesters packed out Hyde Park to oppose vaccine mandates for the entertainment, creative arts and healthcare industries.

The protests are part of a national day of action today across the country.

In Queensland, thousands gathered at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast ahead of the reopening of the state’s border.

Queensland is on the verge of opening to vaccinated travellers from other states.

The crowd held signs opposing vaccines, lockdowns and masks.