I wanted to see who would be there, what they would say, and if it would add to my understanding. I was hoping for orderly discussion and perhaps reasoned debate. I wanted to see and hear for myself rather than be dependent on the spin of the media outlets.

It was very disappointing. Lots of ranting, chanting, swearing and provoking. Lots of divisive talk aimed at entrenching “us and them” mentalities.

I soon tried “spot the Bendigonians”, but found only one or two people that I recognised.

My impression was that most of these people on both sides of the police horse barrier were from somewhere else. They reminded me of professional agitators spoiling for a fight.

I initially considered the high number of police officers in attendance to be overkill, but as I listened to the loud, provocative chants from both sides I revised my opinion. There was no violence that I saw, so the police obtained their objective. Well done to them.

My impression of the people on the fringes was that they, like me, were seeking some understanding, while others were seeking something sensational. This second group seemed more akin to the media “reporters” waiting for something outrageous to throw onto national screens across the nation.

Thankfully they were disappointed, though I later heard on television news about the “violent protest” in Bendigo. There was lots of noisy shouting, but that’s not “violent.”

On Sunday, I was talking with relatives from interstate and they asked about “the burning of the flag”. I saw nothing of that. I saw on Facebook or something similar a story about capsicum spray being used.

Again, I did not see any of that. Those incidents probably did occur, but they were not representative of this whole event. It was a storm in a teacup in my city Bendigo.

I happened to walk past the Chinese Museum and my spirits were lifted. People had gathered there alongside a colourful but simple sign that stated: “We are Bendigo. We are diverse. We are inclusive. Respect.”

That is the Bendigo of which I am proud.

Upon making my annual pilgrimage to the Boxing Day Test this year, adorned in the green and gold, Australian flag in hand, chanting “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie”, I will be sadly reminded of Saturday’s rally in Bendigo. For on that day, these symbols cloaked a sinister contention being put to our city. Symbols of freedom became symbols of exclusivism.

As the far-right speakers railed and the crowd responded with determined obedience, I recalled the Germany of the 1930s. I know these guys don’t wish to be likened to the Nazis, but that’s how they sounded on Saturday.  

The fear mongering call, followed by the cathartic response, all with the Australian flag flying overhead.

Along with the discovery of gold, immigrants from the far-east and also the near-east joined Bendigo’s indigenous folk and European locals. Bendigo has never looked back. We have adopted Christians of all denominations and sects, Hindus, Buddhists and many others. Yet on Saturday, it was demanded of us that we draw the line at Muslims.  

This is not the free democratic ideology that our flag represents. The very freedom that permits visitors to come to our city and preach illogical, emotional arguments, designed to incite rage in our residents.

So I will carry my flag to the cricket. Not because I have European forbears or because Judeo-Christianity somehow resonates with me, but because I am Australian.