COMMUNITY NEWS
Hundreds take part in Black Lives Matter rally in Innisfail asylum seekers and refugees.
MARIA GIRGENTI RAIN didn't deter spirits as a crowd of over 200 in Innisfail took part in a Black Lives Matter community event on Saturday and marched in solidarity from Canecutter Court down Edith Street to King George Park.
register their name and contact details, wear masks and were giv-
Event organiser Brett Ambrum said the rally was called in Inn-
en access to hand sanitiser, before they marched down the street
isfail to highlight the 432 Indigenous deaths in custody since 1991,
in groups of 20 while practising social distancing rules and good
and those who took part were asked to wear black. A petition was circulated to those gathered by Mr Ambrum requesting the Queensland government to review recommendations
The protest was one of many held across Australia and follows
made by the Royal Commission into Indigenous deaths in custody.
last weekend's protest in Brisbane where vocal crowds carried
The rally was approved by local Council and Queensland Po-
placards with strong messages, and called for an end to racism, Indigenous deaths in custody, as well as the unfair treatment of
lice and was run with strict COVID-19 protocols in place. All participants were required to undergo temperature checks,
Trevor and Denzel Philpot were among the hundreds to march in the BLM rally on Saturday.
hygiene. Crowd controllers were also present to ensure everyone followed directions and stayed safe during the event. At King George Park, there were speeches, and a minute's silence observed to remember indigenous deaths in custody, suicides from racism and all those killed in massacres.
Brooklyn Leedie, Kimani Johnson, Rhaymus Tomarra, Lachlan Kovacich and Timothy Seden took part in the rally and also performed a dance
Warrina Lakes in full bloom
Visitors to Warrina Lakes complex in Innisfail have been treated to a spectacular display of water lilies which have bloomed during the recent rains
Page 8 Cassowary Coast Independent News, Thursday, June 18, 2020
