Occupy Melbourne joins day of global solidarity

The Occupy Melbourne day in Melbourne's City Square kicked off with approximately 750 people and a large number of police. Approximately 20 tents have been set up from various groups including refugee support and campaign groups, the gay marriage campaign, an indigenous tent, kids' spaces, and many others. People are busy making signs and placards with calls for solidarity. Throughout today and subsequent days there will be workshops, and a General Assembly at 4pm weekends or 6pm on weekdays.

The Occupy Melbourne kitchen group has a wishlist - if you can help please donate.

Photos: Occupy Melbourne Flickr stream | Twitter: Occupy Melbourne Twitter feed using #occupymelb. For other Australian cities use: #occupybris #occupysydney #occupyperth #occupyadelaide | Occupy events around Australia
Blog Reports: Day 1 of Occupy Melbourne by Benjamin Solah | Occupy Melbourne: some initial thoughts by Jeff Sparrow | Mike Stuchberry on Occupying Melbourne
Youtube: Melbourne: Why I Occupy | We are the 99% | Occupy Max Brenner Melbourne no blood chocolates | Occupy Melbourne Day 1

11AM The day began with a speech and smoking ceremony conducted by indigenous activist Robbie Thorpe. Robbie spoke passionately about the linkage between the system that has dispossessed Aboriginal people of Australia, the system that is destroying the planet and the system that is oppressing the majority of Australians. He received large cheers when he stated it was time for all of us to rise up! People are being directed to working group meetings that are happening throughout the day.

12 AM The day has a very organic feeling so far as the working groups begin to meet and people start to claim the space in the square. A speakers corner is in operation. The square is a hive of activity and noise as people sef-organise.

1PM About 300 people left the city square to march to the State Library to join the protest against Max Brenner with other pro-Palestinian activists. After speaches the demonstration marched around and Melbourne Central and the police completely shutting down the shopping centre, including access to thne station, for approximately an hour. Then they marched on Max Brenner at QV where they occupied the front of the Max Brenners premises for about half an hour. On the return march the demonstrators blocked the intersection of Burke St and Swanston Walk for a few minutes before returning returning to City Square.

Twitter report from the Melbourne General Assembly held at 4PM
General Assembly was dampened by a few drops of rain, but not enthusiasm. The General Assembly debated marching on the Melbourne Club. Unanimous decision for a march 1pm Sun Oct 16 (tomorrow), City Square, marching to the Melbourne Club. A proposal passed that homeless people are welcome & encouraged to come and stay at the site. A proposal passed that the occupation is to be non-violent & peaceful. A proposal passed in support of refugees and against mandatory detention.

The first motion to fail - that the '1%` not be vilified. Motion put forward that nothing can be bought or sold in the space. 'No commerce' motion roundly defeated.

"a motion that capitialism be renounced. big debate the use of the 'chinese whispers' human microphone. Motion put forward to open lines of communication with local, state & federal MPs. Big, big round of applause for the cops. Meeting closing out (6.08pm). Great mood amongst organizers and the crowd. About 500-600 in crowd." reports Mike Stuchbery via twitter.

From Reports from twitter by Mike Stuchbery (@mikestuchbery), Andrew Cheeseman (@Red__Revolution) and others. Read a detailed report of the General Assembly

Blog Reports: Day 1 of Occupy Melbourne by Benjamin Solah | Occupy Melbourne: some initial thoughts by Jeff Sparrow | Mike Stuchberry on Occupying Melbourne

Mainstream Press
Coverage in the Age