On top of the hundreds of thousands mobilising in Australia's main cities, many thousands rallied in cities and towns across Australia. From Cairns, Susan Austin reports that 2000 people gathered for a peace picnic. A 500-strong contingent organised by Amnesty International marched to the picnic. Speakers included Cairn's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission councillor Terry O'Shane, who told the crowd that "What we need is a war on poverty and unemployment.' From Darwin, Kate Stockdale reports that 1500 people defied monsoonal rain to rally. Although formal speakers had been organised, the platform was abandoned after drenched but enthusiastic protesters chanted "let's march'. The most popular slogans at the event were "Not in my name!' and "No War!'. One thousand also rallied in Armidale, and protests were held in the NSW towns of Kempsey, Nambucca and Foster and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
From Green Left Weekly, February 19, 2003.
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