Five people have been charged following protest activity in the state's Murray River region yesterday.
About 12.15pm (Saturday 21 August 2021), officers attached to the Murray River Police District attended Kiewa Street, Albury, following reports of people congregating in the street.
Police spoke to two men – aged 51 and 53 – and a 48-year-old woman, who allegedly informed officers they were there to protest and did not recognise the current public health orders.
The group were arrested and taken to Albury Police Station.
A short time later, officers were called to a park in Dean Street, Albury, after receiving information there were further people gathering, about 12.45pm.
Two of the men – aged 30 and 31 – allegedly ran from police when asked to stop and were arrested nearby and taken to Albury Police Station.
The rest of the group began to disperse and were given move on directions, to which they complied.
The five arrested were each charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and fail to comply with a direction under this part.
The 30-year-old man was additionally charged with resist officer in execution of duty.
They were all granted conditional bail and are due to appear before Albury Local Court on Monday 11 October 2021.
Proactive high-visibility patrols were conducted throughout the Albury CBD for the remainder of the day and no further Public Health Order breaches were detected.
Murray River Police District Commander, Detective Superintendent Paul Smith, urges the community to continue to comply with the Public Health Orders in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.
"Although the majority of people are doing the right thing, it is important that everyone maintains vigilance with the health orders to prevent COVID-19 from spreading into our community", Supt Smith said.
"Now is not the time for complacency, please stay at home for the health and safety of everyone."
