Thousands march for community harmony

Thousands of people have marched through the streets of Melbourne in an attempt to
repair the city's reputation following a spate of attacks on Indian students.

The Federation of Indian Students of Australia had threatened to boycott the event
because the students were not allowed to speak but eventually decided to participate
along with people from other parts of the community who wanted to lend their support
to multiculturalism.
"We reject racism in whatever form it takes," Premier John Brumby told the cheering
crowd at Federation Square in the city's central business district.
Catriona Milne, of Clifton Hill, said as a social worker she often saw the terrible
effects of trauma and fear.
"I'm here because I believe in the power of community," she said.
Lelisa Aden, from east Africa, has lived in Australia for more than 10 years.
"It's so good today, beautiful," he said.
Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and Victoria Police chief
commissioner Simon Overland all addressed the crowd following the walk from Carlton
Gardens to Federation Square.
The event follows the federal government sending a high-level delegation to India
after attacks on Indian students in Melbourne and Sydney.
New Delhi has warned violence against Indian students in Australia could jeopardise
the $2 billion-a-year international student industry.