Around 200 people attended a "Unite Against Racism" rally in the King George Square on August 6. It was staged in opposition to a rally organised by the far-right Australian Defence League (ADL) attacking Islam and calling for a ban on the burqa.
The tiny ADL rally was aimed at inciting hatred and violence toward Muslim people and refugees.
After several speakers condemned attacks on Islam and refugees, the anti-racist rallygoers confronted a small group of around 20 racists as they tried to address passersby through a loudspeaker system.
The anti-racists drowned out the ADL speakers with chants of, "Muslims are welcome, racists are not!" Heated arguments broke out, but there was no violence in the end.
Earlier, Greens spokesperson Libby Connors told the crowd: "We need a warm and embracing culture that allows religious and cultural diversity."
Long-time anti-war campaigner Adrian Skerritt declared: "Our message of unity and friendship with the Muslim community will drown out the messages of hate."