Hundreds take part in Black Lives Matter rally in Innisfail

Hundreds take part in Black Lives Matter rally in Innisfail

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.

The protest was one of many held across Australia and follows last weekend's protest in Brisbane where vocal crowds carried placards with strong messages, and called for an end to racism, Indigenous deaths in custody, as well as the unfair treatment of asylum seekers and refugees.

Event organiser Brett Ambrum said the rally was called in Innisfail to highlight the 432 Indigenous deaths in custody since 1991, 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 made by the Royal Commission into Indigenous deaths in custody.

The rally was approved by local Council and Queensland Police and was run with strict COVID-19 protocols in place.

All participants were required to undergo temperature checks, register their name and contact details, wear masks and were given access to hand sanitiser, before they marched down the street in groups of 20 while practising social distancing rules and good 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.

Trevor and Denzel Philpot were among the hundreds to march in the BLM rally on Saturday.

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