Thousands of people gathered at Saturday’s Freedom Fest on the Sunshine Coast, following a series of vaccine mandate protests across the nation.
Traffic came to a standstill in and around Maroochydore as a huge crowd converged on Cotton Tree Park.
They heard from a range of guest speakers, including nurses, allied health workers and a doctor.
An attendee told Sunshine Coast News that local artist and thought leader Jandamarra Cadd encouraged everyone to “lead with their hearts and stand together”.
Popular Australian singer/songwriter Ziggy Alberts also made a surprise guest appearance.
He sang his song Together, which was composed originally for the bushfires nearly two years ago.
The gathering was organised by Freedom Fest Sunshine Coast and MMAMV (Millions March Against Mandatory Vaccines and Passports).
Police were in attendance and reported no issues.
Organisers said the aim of the day was about “building community strength through inspirational speakers and joining like-minded people”.
They said the theme for the Sunshine Coast event was “when is mandatory not okay?”
Another peaceful rally, headlined “Queensland nurses for choice”, was held Sunday at La Balsa Park, Buddina.
The local gatherings follow anti-coronavirus vaccine mandate protests across Australia, that have seen tens of thousands marching through city streets.
The rallies, part of a global “freedom” movement, have been attended widely in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
