A mass vaccination clinic running a children's event in Canberra could be targeted by protesters rallying against vaccine mandates on Saturday.
Ralliers have gathered in the ACT for almost two weeks to predominantly protest vaccination mandates with suggestions the hub at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Arena will be the next location.
ACT Police warned locals that rallying was expected to continue throughout the day, with authorities preparing for “Superhero Day”xjmtzyw at the AIS to be disrupted.
The dress up event is targeted at children aged five to 11 to “channel their inner superpowers” and make the experience of lining up for their first jab more enjoyable.
“ACT Policing would like to reassure all of Canberra’s young superheroes, and anyone attending the AIS Arena mass vaccination clinic (on Saturday), that they will be able to do so safely,” ACT Police said.
“There will be a police presence with a zero-tolerance approach to anyone who seeks to intimidate or harass those attending the clinic.”
Lifeline Canberra decided to close the doors to its book fair to keep its staff and patrons safe.
The Capital Regional Farmers Market was also cancelled due to safety concerns and logistics for customers due to the protests.
“It is a devastating result for our farmers and producers following on from the last two years,” the market’s social media post read.
ACT Police Commander of Operations Linda Champion on Friday said authorities were monitoring the demonstrators after suggestions the protest would be brought to AIS Arena.
“We don't want to be too present in the face of children but we’ll certainly be there behind the scenes if we need to,” she said.
“We don't anticipate anything unlawful going on but we (will be) there in sufficient numbers to ensure the safety of all parents and children turning up to the clinic.
“What we don‘t want to do is interrupt the safety or security of our children, nor intimidate them with large numbers. We’ll do it peacefully.”
Protesters have targeted Parliament House and other parts of the nation’s capital over the past two weeks.
There have been major disruptions to traffic with the so-called Convoy to Canberra clogging major roads and police putting measures in place to restrict access to parliament.
Demonstrators marched through Canberra’s city centre on Thursday afternoon, then rallied through the courts precinct on Friday morning with some moving to the city police station later in the day.
