Lifeline Canberra has been forced to make the difficult decision to cancel the rest of their bookfair due to the large vaccine mandate protest camp that has gathered at EPIC.
People are still encouraged to donate to Lifeline via this link in an effort to continue raising funds for the worthy cause.
A statement from Lifeline was posted late this afternoon explaining the decision:
“Lifeline Canberra has made the extremely tough decision to cancel the rest of our bookfair due to the movements at EPIC,” the statement read.
“Lifeline Canberra is responding to the changing events promptly, the Safety of our patrons, volunteers and staff is our number one priority.
“We thank the Canberra community for their understanding and support.
“Today we have been blown away by the generous support and out pouring of love from you all.”
Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie Leeson said an additional 10 to 15 thousand people arrived at EPIC overnight with security fencing pushed over near the bookfair.
“It wasn’t a pleasant experience for so many of our community who came out to support us,” Leeson told ABC Radio this morning.
“It was hard to watch.
“It was a wonderful day inside our bookfair, I can say that much.”
Police are working with EPIC management to have the campers removed tomorrow in preparations for the Canberra Show but that could prove more challenging with increased numbers of campers.
The ACT Government has announced it will make a $25,000 donation to support Lifeline Canberra following the disruption of their bookfair today from unrelated protest activity.
“Lifeline Canberra, through its dedicated volunteers, has not only supported this community through two of the most challenging years in our history but also for the last 50 years. It is incredibly frustrating that one of the organisation’s most significant fundraising activities has been impacted in this way,” a statement from Andrew Barr said.
“The Government also encourages Canberrans to support the producers and market stallholders from the Capital Region Farmers Market who are operating from other venues this weekend due to the disruption at Exhibition Park.”
Meanwhile, the protest in Canberra today is set to reach peak numbers as ralliers head towards Parliament House once again.
There are also reports that some protesters may head to the ‘Superhero Saturday‘ event at the vaccination clinic at the AIS.
ACT Policing are advising that the organised protest activity on this morning is expected to affect Commonwealth Avenue with motorists advised to avoid the area.
Crowds have already started the gather well before the scheduled protest time of 11am.
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