In late August and September 2025, thousands gathered in Melbourne to take part in a public demonstration addressing immigration, national identity, and social tensions shaping contemporary Australia. The march unfolded in the city centre, drawing a diverse crowd and a visible police presence, as competing narratives and symbols occupied the same public space.

These photographs document the atmosphere of the protest as it unfolded on the streets — moments of confrontation and calm, individual expressions within the crowd, and the visual language of protest in an urban setting. Rather than focusing on slogans alone, the images observe how people inhabit public space during moments of political and social friction.

This photo essay is a visual record of a single day, capturing fragments of a broader conversation that continues to shape public discourse in Australia.