Protesters march against neo-Nazi powerlifting event at Melbourne gym

Hundreds of protestors have come together over the weekend in the Melbourne suburb of Sunshine West to protest a neo-Nazi powerlifting event being held at the Legacy Boxing Gym.

The ‘White Power Lifting Meet’, being hosted by white supremacy groups The European Australian Movement and National Socialist Network on Saturday, drew a large group of protestors objecting to the event.

On Sunday, the white supremacy groups were to host seminars and speeches at a separate venue, according to a promotion posted on social media.

The post read “we implore members of the wider national community to celebrate the movement’s exponential growth with us.”

Saturday afternoon saw a group of about 300 people gather outside the gym raising placards, banners and shouting chants including “no hate, no fear! Nazi’s are not welcomed here.”

The protest was run by the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism.

Jasmine Duff, rally organiser for Campaign Against Racism and Fascism, advised “never again. That’s our message. Neo-Nazis are desperately trying to build a following, and they’re doing it in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most multicultural suburbs.

“We’re protesting to show that we stand intransigently against Nazism, and against racism and bigotry in all its forms. We’re fighting for a world where no one has to live in fear of fascism, racism or oppression.

“Communities have fought against these hate groups before and won, and we can do it again.”

A barrier of Victoria Police prevented protesters reaching the doors of the gym.

Duff went on to say that the protest sent a “strong message” that such groups are “unacceptable” within the community.

The Legacy Boxing Gym is understood to be a haven for extreme right wing ideology, allegedly being used as a recruitment base for neo-Nazi groups. Activities at the gym have attracted previous protests.

In December last year, coaches at the gym had their registrations suspended by the Boxing Victoria.

Earlier this year, when responding to allegations about the gym’s neo-Nazi links, Brimbank Mayor Bruce Lancashire said there was “no place for racism” in the community, stating “on behalf of our community, Brimbank City Council condemns any intolerant, racist or fascist activity - or sentiment - within Brimbank, and in any other place.”

The National Social Network is a known extreme far-right group for their racist and anti-LGBTQI ideologies, and have disrupted many events around Victoria.

Images: Protesters march against the ‘White Power Lifting Meet’ at the Legacy Boxing Gym on Saturday (top, credit: Tylrhut/Twitter), a social media post promoting the weekend's events at the gym (middle) and a Nazi salute given by individuals believed to be members of the European Australian Movement and National Socialist Network (below).