Melbourne One Nation fundraiser canceled after anti‑racism protests

A fundraiser for the One Nation party in Melbourne, scheduled for Friday night at the Giorgio Casa restaurant in Moonee Ponds, was cancelled after anti‑racism groups announced plans to demonstrate outside the venue. Police confirmed the venue’s decision but said they were not aware of any specific threats. The event was to feature party leader Pauline Hanson and MP Barnaby Joyce.

Earlier on the same evening, protesters gathered outside a South Melbourne venue where One Nation supporters had arrived, leading to heated confrontations and police intervention. One individual, Michael Nelson, was restrained and issued a move‑on notice. The clashes reflected the long‑standing opposition to One Nation in the city, recalling large protests in the 1990s and recent demonstrations in Perth and other Australian cities.