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Police have kept the area around Eltham's Andrew Park in lock down during today's pro- and anti-refugee rallies, preventing the clashes between rival groups that have marred similar protests in the CBD, Coburg, Bendigo and Melton.
Billed by right-wing groups as the "Battle of Eltham", Saturday's demonstration was called to oppose the placement of 120 Syrian refugees in empty accommodation at a local aged care facility.
About 100 anti-refugee protesters, including from organisers Party for Freedom, True Blue Crew and Soldiers of Odin, gathered in Andrew Park for a rally and speeches at 12:30.