Anti-lockdown protesters are planning to descend on Melbourne for the third weekend in a row and they're warning it will be the biggest demonstration yet.
Hundreds of officers are preparing to strike across Melbourne today and tomorrow as authorities wait for the location of the rally to be announced.
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Intelligence suggests there will be three separate events across the weekend, but where they take place is been closely guarded until shortly before they are due to take place in a flash-mob style event.
Organisers have requested protesters gathered in the CBD before the start time and wait for that notification.
At least three rallies are expected to occur this weekend including two today and another one tomorrow.
Encrypted messages are being used to communicate to hundreds who have shown interest in the event in order to protect the identities of organisers. In the past, we have seen them being arrested in the lead-up to these events.
Adding to the concern of authorities is claims of an army of volunteers to act as "police for the people".
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Victoria's police force has said there will be no hesitation on carrying out fines and arrests like those witnessed last weekend.
Police will be keeping a close eye on supermarkets, with a small group planning to carry out a protest in the aisles.
Police have also been door-knocking dozens of homes, asking protesters not to attend.
Premier Daniel Andrews addressed the protests in his daily coronavirus press conference yesterday saying the rallies were "illegal and irresponsible" and police would "deal" with anyone who failed to heed warnings not to attend.
The protests come after a positive week for Victoria as COVID-19 case numbers continue to decline and restrictions ease for regional areas.
Health authorities are concerned this weekend's protests could set the state back after enduring more than two months of stage four lockdown measures in an attempt to contain the deadly second wave.
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