As the protests continue in the United States over the death of 46-year-old Black man George Floyd, a number of protests have been organised across Australia for Saturday, June 6.
Marches have been organised in solidarity with the US as well as highlighting issues on a local level.
The Guardian recently reported on the 432 Indigenous Australians that have died in police custody since 1991.
This number is appalling, and for many, it might be the first time they’re understanding the issues of racism within our own backyard.
Learn how to be an anti-racist ally. Donate to Australian organisations and causes. Show up to protests. Here’s what’s happening across Australia on June 6.
SYDNEY
Update: Saturday, June 6, 3.15 pm.
The Sydney Stop All Black Deaths in Custody rally has now been declared an authorised public assembly after a late decision by the Court of Appeal.
The decision came 12 minutes before the rally was scheduled to start at 3 pm outside Town Hall and means protesters cannot be arrested for blocking roads along the planned route from Town Hall to Belmore Park.
Update: Saturday, June 6, 6.00 am.
NSW’s highest court bans the Sydney protest due to Coronavirus
NSW’s highest court has now banned the Sydney protest because it breaches coronavirus restrictions, however, it is unlikely to stop marches.
Supreme Court Justice Des Fagan declined to approve the Stop All Black Deaths in Custody rally, as 5000 plus people were expected to attend.
Professor Brendan Murphy, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, said people had the right to protest, however, mass gatherings were dangerous during a pandemic.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged protestors not to attend and to think about other ways they can support the movement.
Stop All Black Deaths in Custody: Vigil for George Floyd
When: 3-5 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Sydney Town Hall **Location change.
What: “This vigil will be held on unceded Gadigal Land. The organisers pay their respects to elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land. The organisers recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are 12 times more likely to be incarcerated, are targeted by police, and are on the frontlines of resistance against state violence every single day.”
NEWCASTLE
Stop Black Deaths in Custody – Justice for George Floyd #BLM
When: 2-5 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Civil Park, King St, Newcastle
What: This event is to support justice for George Floyd and Aboriginal deaths in custody.
“We will stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families impacted by deaths in custody and police brutality in Australia, George Floyd in the US and the world. This is a peaceful protest united against racism and state violence committed upon Black, Indigenous and POC.”
Social distancing rules will apply. Pls wear face masks. Bring personal hand sanitizer. Drinking water and banners. If you are sick stay home! If you cannot attend, a GoFundMe for David Dungay Junior has been set up.
In 2015, Dungay was being held at Long Bay Gaol in Sydney. Just before he had finished his sentence, he died and according to a Coronial Inquest, he was surrounded by six guards, where he was “gasping for air as he screamed for help”.
MELBOURNE
Stop Black Deaths in Custody – Justice for George Floyd #BLM
When: 2-5 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Parliament House Steps, Melbourne
What: “This event will take place on the unceded territory of the Kulin Nations.
Stop Black Deaths in custody and solidarity protest for George Floyd and the Minneapolis freedom fighters.”
CANBERRA
Black Lives Matter Peaceful Protest. Justice for George Floyd!
When: 3 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Garema Place, Canberra
What: “This protest has been organised to show solidarity with the George Floyd protest in the USA and protest the institutionalised racism that Indigenous people face here in Australia. It is a completely peaceful protest.”
ADELAIDE
Solidarity with Minneapolis! Justice for George Floyd
When: 12-1:30 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Tarndanyangga, Victoria Square, Adelaide
What: The Adelaide Campaign Against Racism and Fascism will rally in solidarity with those fighting for justice in the USA.
BRISBANE
When: 12 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Queen St Mall, Brisbane
What: “Protest in solidarity with the uprising in the US and against the murder of Aboriginal people in custody.”
Black Lives Matter – Stop Black Deaths In Custody Meanjin (BNE)
When: 1-5 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: King George Square, Brisbane
What: “Protest in solidarity with the uprising in the US and against the murder of Aboriginal people in custody.”
BYRON BAY
When: 2 PM, Saturday, June 6
Where: Byron Bay Recreation Grounds, Tennyson
What: This event is to support justice for George Floyd and Aboriginal deaths in custody.
—