Melbourne protests: Large crowds gather to rally against vaccine mandates and pandemic bill

Hundreds of anti-vaxx protesters have gathered in Melbourne to fight vaccine mandates and the pandemic bill. 

Demonstrators gathered at the intersection of Bourke Street and Spring Street at 12pm on Saturday, as the mercury soared to 34C.

Some waved flags while other beat drums as they made their way through the streets.  

Demonstrators gathered at the intersection of Bourke Street and Spring Street at 12pm on Saturday, as the mercury soared to 34C

One protester was seen carrying the American confederate flag.

The Australian red ensign flag was also seen which is commonly featured in anti-vaccination protests. 

Demonstrators held placards reading ‘Sack Dan Andrews’ and ‘my body my choice’ while multiple religious signs were spotted in the crowd. 

Some bore images of the cross with slogans including: ‘In the name of God, for our and your freedoms’ and ‘Jesus wins’. 

Some waved flags while other beat drums as they made their way through the streets

Victoria Police have reportedly lined the steps of parliament house and controlled traffic as demonstrators spilled onto the road.

Multiple speakers stood before the crowd declaring ‘politicians don’t own us,’ as protesters were heard cheering on. 

Velvet Revolution Australia leader Lyn Bennetts addressed the gathering at about 12.40pm. 

‘We are here today to claim back our establishment, at 1pm we will wander up to the High Court and at 2pm we are going to the Governor’s House,’ she said.

‘They are our establishments.’

Multiple religious signs were spotted in the crowd during anti-vaccination protests in Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday

Unmasked members of the crowd held signs offering ‘free hugs’ encouraging protesters to hug them during the march.

The crowd marched towards the High Court as protesters chanted ‘free Australia’ and ‘save our nation’.

This comes as Victoria saw another surge in cases with an additional 1,504 Covid-19 infections on Saturday, with seven deaths also reported.

The state’s cases have remained steady with 1,510 on Friday and 1,622 on Thursday.

Hospitalisation rates have also remained stable with 384 patients being treated.

The number of patients in ICU has jumped to 86 – up from 84 reported on Friday.

There are also now 19 confirmed Omicron cases