Hundreds of protesters plan to disrupt Avalon International Airshow

A swarm of pro-Palestine supporters are set to converge on sites across Melbourne and Geelong in an attempt to highlight why the airshow “must be opposed” as police ramp up preparations.

Hundreds of protesters are gearing up for more than a week of action against the Avalon International Airshow which could threaten to derail a major trade day.

A swarm of pro-Palestine supporters will this week converge on sites across Melbourne and Geelong in an attempt to highlight why the airshow “must be opposed” as police ramp up preparations.

Protesters are on Sunday expected to gather in their thousands at three separate rallies in Melbourne before a major blockade will attempt to stall an integral trade day at Avalon on Wednesday.

That will see activists forming a picket line along Beach Rd from 7am in an attempt to stop local and visiting defence personnel from entering the airshow.

Hundreds will gather in the city on Sunday. Picture: Nadir Kinani

The bomb squad at AMDA in north Geelong after a suspicious package was delivered on Friday. Picture: Alison Wynd

Protesters claim some of the aircrafts on display have been used in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and have taken exception to an Israeli-linked company attending the major event.

“The displays included manned and unmanned aircraft systems used for war crimes and human rights abuses, like the F35 fighter jets and drones used by the Israeli military to commit genocide in Gaza,” a protest group statement read.

“It features a four-day trade event where death merchants and militaries from all over the world network, share the latest in killing technology, and negotiate deals worth billions.”

Victoria Police will be hoping the planned days of action, which will run through to next Saturday, will be a shadow of last year’s disastrous Land Forces rally in the city.

Hundreds of officers are tipped to police the event but force command remains tight-lipped on the actual number of members and associated costs.

They include members from general duties, Public Order Response Team, Highway Patrol and Water Police.

Protesters claim some of the aircraft on display has been used in the conflict. Picture: Alan Barber

A major trade day at Avalon may be affected. Picture: David Caird

“Victoria Police will have a significant presence at the Australian International Airshow to ensure the safety and security of all attendees,” a statement read.

“Highway Patrol officers will be patrolling and managing traffic along the Princes Freeway and backroads to ensure everyone gets to the event and then home safely.

“In addition to maintaining public order, police are collaborating closely with event organisers and emergency services to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.”

Protesters attacked Richard Marles' office in Corio. Picture: Alan Barber

Protesters are expected today for a rally at the State Library from 10am, a smoking ceremony at Kings Domain from 2.30pm and a mass rally from Flinders Street Station from 5.30pm.

The ‘Disrupt Avalon’ crew are then asking attendees to form a picket line near the site entrance on Wednesday before separate rallies are held in North Geelong, Corio and Lara next weekend.

Defence Minister and Corio MP Richard Marles’ office was again targeted by vandals on Wednesday, with the words “war crimes start here” plastered over the building.

Police were on Friday afternoon called to remove a suspicious package left outside a Geelong business responsible for organising the Avalon Airshow — prompting the bomb squad to safely remove it.

Originally published as Hundreds of protesters plan to disrupt Avalon International Airshow