The Reclaim Australia rally in Cessnock on Sunday made a lot of noise (mostly oi oi oi) and their numbers were estimated at 300 by NBN and 700 by the Mercury. 

In contrast, our anti-racist rally in a Cessnock car park 100 metres away was estimated at between 150 and 200.

Of course the Reclaim mob reckoned they were there to oppose the planned mosque at Buchanan. 

But, of course, their main mission was to whip up more fear in the community. 

It failed. 

People are well aware of what these people stand for – hatred. And we won’t accept that. We can’t accept that.

We had some great speakers on the day, very passionate. 

They ranged from protestant ministers, Muslims, ordinary people, Cessnock and Lake Macquarie councillors and union officials. 

Special thanks to the Maritime Unions Australia representatives and the Public Service Association.

There were a few Maitland people at our rally, mostly from Maitland Greens, but a few ordinary citizens who just wanted to show their support. 

Many others were fearful about attending because of the possible violence.

However the police did a great job. They completely encircled our rally and put up another police line between us and the “haters”. We all felt very safe. And they made sure we all left quickly and were not followed.

It was a little different in Melbourne and Brisbane where there was some fighting and arrests. I notice one “hater” was arrested for punching a police horse. And the anti-racism groups well outnumbered the “haters”.

It ain’t over till it’s over but I put my faith in the Australian people. 

As former US president FD Roosevelt once said: “There’s nothing to fear but fear itself”. 

I urge all Australians not to be afraid and to stand up against racism and bigotry.

John Brown, Bolwarra Heights