Organisers of Melbourne’s Invasion Day rally have firmly stated they do not intend to disrupt the Australian Open, addressing recent misinformation that has led to “harm and distress.”
This Sunday, the march will proceed from Parliament House to Flinders Street Station, as part of an Indigenous-led initiative advocating for a reevaluation of Australia Day celebrations on January 26.
In a notable shift, the weekly pro-Palestinian rally in Melbourne’s CBD, which has taken place during the ongoing Gaza conflict, will not be held. Instead, organisers are urging supporters to participate in the Invasion Day march.
On Thursday, reports emerged suggesting the Invasion Day rally would head toward Melbourne Park, potentially interfering with the men’s singles final at the Australian Open. However, Tarneen Onus Browne, an Aboriginal leader affiliated with several Indigenous groups, dismissed these claims, affirming that the march would follow its established route from the past decade.
Victoria Police confirmed they had no knowledge of any plans by the Invasion Day rally to march toward Melbourne Park. They did, however, acknowledge a separate, smaller protest organised by a far-right group near the Australian Open.
In response to concerns, a spokesperson from Tennis Australia reiterated their commitment to maintaining a safe environment and collaborating closely with law enforcement. They emphasized that while peaceful protest is welcomed, any disruption to the tournament or the enjoyment of fans would be managed in line with tournament regulations.
To ensure public safety, Victoria Police will maintain a “highly visible” presence in the CBD during the Invasion Day rally, scheduled for mid-morning on Sunday. They advised the public to expect traffic management points and to allow extra travel time.
As the day approaches, the focus remains on fostering respectful dialogue while acknowledging the significance of the Invasion Day march.
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