Politics

Here Are The Protests Happening This Weekend In Solidarity With Black Lives Matter

Here's where you can show your solidarity.

by Rachael Conaghan  4 June 2020
Kerri-Anne Kennerley Racist Comments On Indigenous protest, Close The Gap

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As protests continue to take over the United States, similar movements have spread across the world in solidarity with their fight for justice, equality and an end to police brutality.

Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and New Zealand have all held their own protests in recent days to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Now it’s Australia’s turn, with protests planned in some capital cities over the weekend.

Many Australians have reacted in anger to the death of George Floyd — now Indigenous leaders are asking for that outrage to be used constructively to support our own Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Our country isn’t immune to the issues plaguing protesters in the US. There have been at least 432 Aboriginal deaths in custody since Australia held a Royal Commission in 1991, according to The Guardian.

There are several protests taking place over the next few days that have been organised by Indigenous leaders, and people are being asked to show their support.

Information about several other protests have been circulated on social media, but it’s important to first make sure they have been organised in consultation with Indigenous communities to make sure you’re working in solidarity with their cause, and not just acting in performative allyship.

Here’s the information you need to know about Indigenous-led protests taking place.

Melbourne

This event, organised by Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance, will take place on Kulin Nation, on the steps of Parliament House at 1 Spring Street.

The protest will begin at 2pm on Saturday 6th June.

Brisbane

Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance are also hosting another event on Saturday people in Brisbane’s King George Square.

People are being asked to gather from 12pm, with the march beginning at 1pm.

Organisers are asking people to wear masks to protect themselves against coronavirus, and to stay home if they are sick.

People are also asked to bring along posters to honour those who have been killed in police custody.

Sydney

A vigil for George Floyd is also being organised by the Indigenous Social Justice Association at 3pm on Saturday.

***IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: LOCATION CHANGE***

Due to increasing numbers, this event will now START at Sydney Town Hall with speakers, then marching to Bathurst St South, from there to Castlereagh St, and ENDING at Belmore Park where the vigil will be held.

Wollongong

Crown Street Mall Amphitheatre, Sunday June 7, 2-5pm AEST – ‘Stand with Minneapolis #BlackLivesMatter’, organised by the National Union of Students.

Adelaide

The South Australian protest is being held by the Adelaide Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, and Sosblakaustralia SA Action Group.

People are being asked to gather in Victoria Square — the northern end of Tarndanyangga. The protest will run from 12pm to 1.20pm, Saturday June 6, 12-1.30pm ACST

Newcastle

FISTT (Fighting In Solidarity Towards Treaties) is holding a protest in Newcastle’s Civic Park from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday. ‘Stop Black Deaths in Custody – Justice for George Floyd #BLM’, organised by FISTT.

Perth

Perth held its own protest yesterday, with hundreds of people turning out in memory of both George Floyd and the hundreds of Aboriginal Australians who have died in custody.

Canberra

Garema Place, Friday June 5, 10.30am AEST – ‘Black Lives Matter – Peaceful Protest’.