Anti-Australia Day protesters who stormed Melbourne's CBD, prompting police to shut down the city, have sent a stern message to patriotic Australians celebrating January 26.
Self-described Invasion Day “war organizer” Caroline Kell urged Australians commemorating the national day on Sunday to reconsider “what exactly they are celebrating”.
Ms Kell, a woman from the Mbarbarun mafia, made the comments just before thousands of 'Invasion Day' activists converged on the steps of Victoria's Parliament House to start the march, where they taunted police with 'f— the police '-chants.
“Today we gather in thousands to rise above this and mourn together the loss of life and culture,” Ms Kell told Daily Mail Australia.
“There is still so much unfinished business with this place and until Australia is really willing to acknowledge the past and not sit in this very uncomfortable amnesia about this country and how it came to be, we will be marching on these steps of Parliament continuously.
“This movement behind me here will continue to grow as we see around the world.
“We must remain hopeful that there are not many options for indigenous people in this violent place.
Ms Kell also had some advice for Aussies who still enjoy celebrating Australia Day.
Invasion Day 'war organizer' Caroline Kell (pictured) has urged Australians celebrating Australia Day to reconsider their views
More than 25,000 demonstrators took over Melbourne's CBD on Sunday to protest Australia Day
The meeting in Melbourne started on the steps of Victoria's Parliament House
“I would ask them to look inside themselves,” she said.
“This day is not just an Aboriginal history, it's their collective history and how they got here to this place they call home, so I would ask them to first look within and think about what you celebrates exactly.
“The loss of land, the removal of children ten years younger than you, today is the day when you can at least show up and walk proudly with some of the oldest cultures in the world and that should be something we all what he strives to do.'
Melburnian Shirl Smith said she “thinks it's shameful that we celebrate Australia Day.”
“This is a day many, many years ago when First Nations people were murdered. raped, their whole lives taken away, it's not a great day for Australia Day, it should be changed,” Ms Smith said.
“I'd like to see (Australia Day) scrapped entirely, but I know that's never going to happen, so let's change the date.”
Doreen man Leo said he was protesting the 'concept' of Australia Day.
“For the indigenous people there is a lot of pain associated with it and, you know, I'm happy to change the day if it makes everyone happy, but then you also have the right-wing elements who will oppose everything,” Leo said. .
Shirl Smith from Melbourne (photo) 'thinks it's shameful that we celebrate Australia Day'
The police had several paddy wagons on standby, ready to take away troublemakers. But despite thousands marching through the city, not a single arrest was made
The police were immediately ready and specialist officers, including the mounted branch, were on standby if unruly troublemakers caused trouble.
Tensions began to rise as demonstrators marched through closed shopfronts along Bourke Street.
The march turned onto Swanston Street, causing the crowded CBD to slow down as police lined the street.
The historic Flinders Street precinct was also locked down as activists ended their march with a street party rally.
Police were on standby from the start, major streets and public transport routes were closed and specialist officers, including the mounted branch, were on standby in case the protest got out of hand.
Police also had several paddy wagons fueled and ready to take away troublemakers
But despite the large numbers marching through the city, not a single arrest was made.
The number of protesters increased to an estimated 25,000 as Victoria Police praised the “general behavior of the crowd.”
“Victoria Police maintained a very visible presence throughout Melbourne's CBD to ensure Australia Day and associated community events and gatherings could take place safely on January 26,” a statement said.
Police guarded the entrance to a Swanston St McDonald's during the Invasion Day gathering
The historic Flinders Street precinct was also locked down as activists ended their march with a street party rally
'Police officers on general duties were supported throughout the day by the mounted unit, highway patrol, cycle patrol unit, public order response team, transit police and PSOs.'
“Around 25,000 people attended a planned protest at Parliament House around 10am, which ended in Flinders Street around 4pm.”
Victoria Police also confirmed that a smaller pro-Australia Day rally, reportedly attended by Nazi supporter Jacob Hersant, was held at Gosch's Paddock near Melbourne Park, where the 15-day Australian Open will conclude on Sunday evening.
“Approximately 50 to 70 people attended a separate planned pro-Australia Day rally at Gosch's Paddock, adjacent to Melbourne Park, at 12.30pm,” a police statement said.
Pro-Australia Day supporters who left the rally told Daily Mail Australia it was a “peaceful event” and claimed Australian Open organizers had told them they could remain in the paddock.
“There were no arrests during this event. Victoria Police were satisfied with the general behavior of the crowd throughout the day.”
