On August 10, 2025, an estimated 50,000 Muslim migrants and supporters marched through Melbourne’s central business district, chanting “We are awaiting orders,” in a demonstration that has ignited widespread debate over immigration, security, and social cohesion.
The Melbourne Muslim march, captured in viral videos shared on X, was described by organizers as a call for solidarity amid rising tensions over Australia’s immigration policies.
However, the chant has raised concerns among critics, with some interpreting it as a provocative signal of unrest. Authorities are investigating the event’s implications, as searches for “Melbourne Muslim march 2025” and “Muslim migrants chanting” surge online.
The march, organized by a coalition of community groups, began at Federation Square and proceeded to a hotel housing asylum seekers, where protesters blocked roads, leading to dozens of arrests.
Participants, largely from Middle Eastern and South Asian backgrounds, waved flags and held banners demanding fair treatment for refugees. The chant “We are awaiting orders” was reportedly a call for unified action, though its ambiguity alarmed onlookers labeling it a show of “Islamist dominance.”
Organizers clarified the phrase reflected a cultural expression of readiness for community leadership, not violence. Yet, critics, including accused the march of amplifying divisive rhetoric, with 90,000 attendees, including non-Muslims, joining in solidarity.
The event follows a history of immigration-related protests in Australia, which welcomed 536,000 migrants in 2022–23 after abolishing the White Australia policy in 1973.
Melbourne’s diverse population, including significant Bangladeshi and Croatian Muslim communities, has shaped its multicultural landscape, with the Croatian Islamic Centre in Maidstone serving as a hub.
However, recent global events, like the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings by an Australian perpetrator, have heightened sensitivities around Muslim communities.
The march’s timing, near the anniversary of a 2023 Sydney Opera House protest, fueled comparisons to past “Islamist” gatherings.
Police reported minor clashes but no major injuries, with Victoria Police deploying additional units to manage the crowd. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, addressing related concerns on ABC Insiders, avoided direct comment on the chant but emphasized Australia’s commitment to multiculturalism.
Critics argue the march reflects broader tensions, with people alleging foreign influences, citing “Taliban flags” and anti-Western slogans, though these claims remain unverified. The government’s immigration policies, including mandatory detention of boat arrivals, face scrutiny as protests highlight asylum seeker conditions.
Public sentiment on social media is divided, with some praising the march as a stand against discrimination, while others warn of risks to national security.
The chant’s interpretation varies, with supporters framing it as a cultural rallying cry, while detractors see it as threatening. Community leaders, including imams from Melbourne’s west, have called for calm, urging dialogue to address misconceptions. The event has boosted searches for “Muslim migrants Melbourne protest” and “We are awaiting orders meaning,” reflecting public curiosity and concern.
As the Melbourne Muslim march reverberates, authorities face pressure to address security concerns without alienating communities. The chant “We are awaiting orders” remains a focal point, with investigations ongoing to clarify its intent.
Community forums are planned to foster understanding and prevent escalation.The Melbourne Muslim march has exposed deep divisions over immigration and free expression. The phrase “We are awaiting orders” continues to fuel debate, with calls for transparency from organizers.
In conclusion, the Melbourne Muslim march of 50,000, marked by the chant “We are awaiting orders,” has spotlighted Australia’s complex immigration landscape. While organizers defend it as a call for unity, critics demand stronger oversight.
