A number of protests are planned for Australia this week, both in solidarity with marches in the US and against the ongoing scourge of Indigenous deaths in custody closer to home.
Australians have been watching on in horror at events unfolding in the US, as protesters march against police brutality and the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.
People are also appalled at Australia’s own history of police violence. There have been 432 Indigenous deaths in custody since the 1991 royal commission. This needs to stop.
A number of events have been created (and cancelled) since the weekend. Here’s a list of the major ones set to go ahead nation-wide in the coming days.
Show up, and as always, remember to follow social distancing and stay 1.5 metres apart from one another. Most organisers are also asking attendees to wear facemasks.
Please check the Facebook event / with organisers for the latest details on the day.
Sydney
NOTE: The NSW Supreme Court has ruled against tomorrow’s Black Lives Matter protest. However, rally organisers say it will still go ahead. Please check the Facebook event page for the latest updates.
Stop All Black Deaths in Custody: Vigil for George Floyd
When: 3-5 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Town Hall
Organisers: The Indigenous Social Justice Association (ISJA), the Anticolonial Asian Alliance and the USYD Autonomous Collective Against Racism
This event is a vigil for George Floyd and Dunghutti man David Dungay Jr., both of whom died in police custody and whose final words were: “I can’t breathe.”
Th initial location was in Chippendale, but it has since been relocated to Town Hall. From Town Hall, attendees will march to Belmore Park, near Central.
“We cannot sit idly by while these injustices happen, nor can we rely on the government to hold themselves accountable – this is why we fight for justice,” the event’s Facebook page says.
“Justice for David Dungay Jr., justice for George Floyd, and justice for all those who came before them.”
Melbourne
Stop Black Deaths in Custody – Justice for George Floyd #BLM
When: 2-5 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Parliament House Steps
Organisers: Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR)
This event calls for justice for George Floyd and for Aboriginal deaths in custody in Australia.
It will be held on the steps of state parliament.
Adelaide
Solidarity with Minneapolis! Justice for George Floyd
When: 12-1:30 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Victoria Square (Tarndanyangga)
Organisers: Adelaide Campaign Against Racism and Fascism
This rally is in solidarity with the protesters in the US, and will also highlight Aboriginal deaths in custody in Australia.
“Join the Adelaide Campaign Against Racism and Fascism as we rally in solidarity with those fighting for justice in the USA,” the event’s Facebook page says.
“We are also rallying in protest of police violence, racism, and the murder of black people in this country, and in solidarity with the Aboriginal liberation struggle.”
Brisbane
Black Lives Matter – Stop Black Deaths In Custody Meanjin (BNE)
When: 1-5 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: King George Square
Organisers: Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR)
This demonstration is in solidarity with the US protests, while also calling for justice for Aboriginal deaths in custody.
When: 12 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Queen Street Mall
Organisers: Independent
This event is being organised independently by members of the black community in Brisbane. It will meet at Queen Street Mall before marching to King George Square to join the FISTT protest later in the afternoon.
Perth
Perth Peaceful BLM/ILM Protest
When: 12 PM, Saturday, June 13
Where: Hype Park
Organisers: Independent organisers
“This protest is to bring awareness to the police brutality not only in America. But the brutality and corruption that runs rampant in Australia’s police force.”
Canberra (happened today)
Black Lives Matter Peaceful Protest. Justice for George Floyd!
When: 10.30 AM, Friday, June 5
Where: Garema Place in Civic
Organisers: Independent
“It is as important as ever to protest the injustice faced by people of colour in Australia and around the world,” the event says.
Darwin
Solidarity for Aboriginal deaths in custody & BLM
When: 10 AM, Saturday, June 13
Where: Parliament House
Organisers: BLK WMN 4 Justice
This protest is in solidarity with Aboriginal victims of police brutality and with the US protests. It will take place a week after most other protests.
“We want to welcome all peoples to this event so that we can share space, speak, listen and empower one another,” the event’s Facebook page says.
Newcastle
Stop Black Deaths in Custody – Justice for George Floyd #BLM
When: 2-5 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Pacific Park
Organisers: FISTT (Fighting In Solidarity Towards Treaties)
This event is calling for justice for George Floyd and for Aboriginal deaths in custody.
Hobart
When: 3.30-5.30 PM
Where: Parliament Lawns
Organisers: Strong Blak Tasmania, NAYRI NIARA Good Spirit Festival & Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre
“A vigil to acknowledge and mourn the Black deaths in custody here in so called Australia and to stand in peaceful solidarity with the uprising in the US.”
Byron Bay
When: 2 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Byron Bay Recreation Grounds
Organisers: Bunyarra Culture Collective
This protests is against all black deaths in custody.
Alice Springs
When: 12 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Entrance to Yeperenye Shopping Centre
Organisers: Independent
This protest is in solidarity with the US protesters, as well as shedding light on police brutality in Australia and Aboriginal deaths in custody.
“Bring yourself, your friends, your mob, your banners and a fighting spirit!” an event flyer says.
Cairns
When: 3 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Fogarty Park
Organisers: Independent
This protest is calling for justice for George Floyd, Aboriginal deaths in custody, and black victims of police violence around the world.
“Let’s march for our rights, change, equality and justice for all of our brothers and sisters,” the event’s Facebook page says.
Wagga Wagga
Solidarity March – Black Lives Matter
When: 10 AM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Bolton Park
Organisers: Joe Williams
This march will meet at the pool side of Bolton Park, before heading down Morgan St and Baylis St to finish at the amiptheatre.
“Join us as we march in solidarity with the family of George Floyd, and brothers and sisters who never made it home, who died in custody,” the event’s Facebook page says.
Townsville
When: Closer to NAIDOC Week
Where: The Strand
Organisers: Black Lives Matter – Stop Black Deaths in Custody
This protest is against police brutality and black deaths in custody.
It was original scheduled to take place at 10 AM on Saturday, June 6, but elders have since postponed the gathering for public health and to ensure people from Palm Island can attend.
