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Takver's Soapbox | Melbourne, 21 March 2003     www.takver.com

Thousands rally in the rain & march against war in Melbourne
21 March 2003

No War banner
Some of the crowd against the war on Iraq

Thousands of people continue to march against the war on Iraq. Friday afternoon thousands rallied in the rain and showers. Perhaps 20,000 people met at the State Library then marched up to the State Parliament.

I was apprehensive about the numbers that would attend this rally, given the number of rallies happening lately and physical burnout by people who attend them, often at the cost of alternative everyday commitments. I was surprised at the numbers attending this rally, despite the rain and showers.

It is also deceptive the numbers at the start of this rally as many people stayed under cover in the Library portico, against the shops on Swanston Street, and in Melbourne Central during the rain showers. I would have said 8,000 on the lawns. But this number easily doubled and more when the weather fined up a bit and the march started.

I said there were perhaps up to 20,000 people at this rally. The Age on Saturday said 15,000. Once again I think my estimate is reasonably accurate.

Peace across all ages
Olders protestors for Peace

Protesting in the rain
Protesting in the rain

Fight War not Wars banner
Fight war not wars

Oakleigh Peace Group
Oakleigh Peace Group Banner

Medical Association for the Prevention of War
Medical Association for the Prevention of War

On the march
Marching down Swanston St

Holding Howard and Ruddock to account
Holding Howard and Ruddock to account

Howard  Banner
A banner for John Howard

Marching down Swanston St
Stop the War - No War

Architects marching
Architects for Peace

Greens marching
The Greens Against War

Quakers marching
Quakers marching
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Victorian Unionists March Against War
21 March 2003

Up to 10,000 unionists stopped work and marched against the war today in Melbourne. They gathered outside Melbourne Trades Hall before marching down to the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets.

The Age on Saturday estimated 5,000. The closing rally was held at the bottom of Swanston St. The crowd at this point filled Swanston st back to Collins St. During the speeches many chose to leave and the crowd dwindled down to about half by the time the rally was formally closed.

Unionists gather outside Melbourne Trades Hall
Unionists gather outside Melbourne Trades Hall

Unionists marching down Swanston Street
Unionists say no to war

Unionists marching down Swanston Street
Unionists marching against war

Trade unionists march for peace
Trade Unionists march for peace

Finance Sector unionist
Waving the trade union flag for peace

Workers against War banner
Workers against War banner

Workers against War banner
Workers against War banner

 

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