Far-right group holds anti-Islam rally at Melton in Melbourne's outer west
Updated
About 200 people have held a protest in Melbourne's outer west against what they say is the rise of Islam in the area.
The True Blue Crew, an anti-immigration group, organised the rally at Hannah Watts Park, on High Street at Melton, about 35 kilometres west from Melbourne's CBD.
Protesters at the rally waved flags and speakers said they wanted to stop Islam spreading in the area and across Australia.
The group marched to Melton City Council, where they continued their protest. About 30 police officers were present.
A group of about 10 True Blue Crew members broke away from the march and ran to a car park to confront members of another anti-Islam group.
The two groups yelled at each other, swore and threatened violence, but the confrontation was dispersed after about 20 minutes.
'That's not the way this country works together'
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said the protests were divisive and unnecessary.
"Australia is a diverse country and I don't believe in fomenting religious paranoia or hatred — that's not the way this country works together," he told reporters in Melbourne.
There have been a number of clashes between far-left and far-right groups this year, including at rallies in Coburg in Melbourne's inner north and the CBD.
Phillip Galea, an associate of the True Blue Crew, was charged with terrorism-related offences Victoria's Joint Counter-Terrorism Team raided properties in Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh and Central Victoria.
The ABC has contacted Melton City Council for comment.
Topics: activism-and-lobbying, government-and-politics, islam, melton-3337, melbourne-3000, vic, australia
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