The centre of the Victorian city of Bendigo was shut down as several hundred people gathered to protest
against anti-Islamic groups and show their support for a planned mosque.
Victoria's planning tribunal approved a permit for the city's first mosque earlier this month despite
stiff opposition to the project from local residents.
On Saturday three anti-racism groups held rallies in opposition to a protest by the anti-Islam group
United Patriots Front (UPF), which opposes the mosque.
The anti-racism demonstrators chanted: "Muslims are welcome, racists are not" and "Nazi scum off our streets".
Large numbers of police officers were on the scene to keep the two sides apart.
against anti-Islamic groups and show their support for a planned mosque.
Victoria's planning tribunal approved a permit for the city's first mosque earlier this month despite
stiff opposition to the project from local residents.
On Saturday three anti-racism groups held rallies in opposition to a protest by the anti-Islam group
United Patriots Front (UPF), which opposes the mosque.
The anti-racism demonstrators chanted: "Muslims are welcome, racists are not" and "Nazi scum off our streets".
Large numbers of police officers were on the scene to keep the two sides apart.
