Hundreds in protest
BLACK Lives Matter protesters defied the rain to take to the streets of Innisfail CBD at the weekend.
Organisers earned praise for the peaceful protest by a crowd of about 300 people.
Protesters marched down Innisfail’s Edith St and into King George Park to hear from the region’s indigenous leaders, including organiser Brett Ambrum and teenager Rhaymus Tomarra.
Stringent COVID-safe procedures before marching, included temperature checks, detail registration and reminders about social distancing.
Pleas by chief medical officer Brendan Murphy to stay away from large gatherings didn’t dampen Mr Ambrum’s organisation of the rally.
The vocal community leader said it was a “very emotional day”.
“On my way here, seeing the clouds and waking up to the rain, I felt that it didn’t make a difference,” he said.
“I knew it was going to be a bit of a crowd and it was – we got around 300 it seems.
“We feel we’ve achieved something here today.
“There was no piece of paper; everything was spoken from the heart.”
Rhaymus Tomarra, 18, a member of the Mamu tribe and a traditional land owner in Innisfail, played a leading role in the protest.
“As a young person, I’ve grown up in a society where people judge each other,” he said. “I’ve always dreamt of doing a protest but to also be able to do a Black Lives Matter protest makes me feel very privileged.”
Mamu Health Service chief executive officer Adelina Stanley said the protest turnout emphasised the importance of the issue for the people of Innisfail.
“The community supported this and having council, police and other organisations back this as well was great,” she said.
Innisfail police lauded organisers for a smoothly orchestrated protest.
“We’re very happy with the way the event went,” Innisfail police Senior Constable Jane Moran said. “There were no issues whatsoever and it was peaceful.”