Police on alert after outing 'ridiculous' neo-Nazis

Police will remain vigilant for weeks after neo-Nazis who tried to drum up support for a racist revolution on Australia Day were condemned as “ridiculous”.

The group of about 60 hooded men, mostly wearing black masks and clothes, posed for social media photos at Artarmon Park on Sydney’s north shore before boarding a city-bound train on Friday.

But quick-acting police halted the train at North Sydney station, thwarting the group’s plans to march through the city.

Six people were arrested and taken to Chatswood Police Station and a further 55 men were fined for offensive behaviour.

Australian neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell was among those ordered to stay out of the Sydney CBD on public safety grounds.

The group later marched through northern Sydney, closely observed by police.

Condemning the “obnoxious, racist” behaviour that would be ridiculous “if it wasn’t so menacing”, NSW Premier Chris Minns had a clear message for fascists and neo-Nazis.

“You are not welcome here,” he said.

“This sort of ridiculous behaviour is so out of keeping with the kind of culture that we have built up in this state.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said police will remain vigilant in the days and weeks ahead. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

He said he would consider further empowering police to maintain safety and harmony in NSW’s “wonderful multicultural community”.

“If people are attempting to reconvene and do this again, they’re going to be met with overwhelming force from the NSW Police,” Mr Minns said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was shocked by the group’s numbers but noted the head of Australia’s domestic spy agency had repeatedly warned of the rise of neo-Nazis and right-wing extremism.

“It has no place and it has rightly been condemned by all decent people,” he said.

A prominent Australian Jewish leader commended the swift police response and drew parallels with groups calling for the end of Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

“Ironically, (the neo-Nazis) have much in common with the pro-Palestinian element that has latched onto Australia Day protests,” Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin said.

“They support fascism and violence.

“They want to destroy our country and they are obsessed with anti-Jewish conspiracies.

“This incident reminds us how fragile our social order is and the need for vigilance in the face of violent movements intent on spreading lies, hatred and fear.”

NSW Police said the majority of people were well-behaved and enjoyed the public holiday safely and responsibly.

“Considering the hot weather and significant crowds enjoying events, the vast majority celebrated safely, which made for a family-friendly day,” Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said.

The majority of people were well-behaved and enjoyed the public holiday safely and responsibly. (Brent Lewin/AAP PHOTOS)

Millions of people across the nation celebrated, commemorated or protested on January 26, a day that marks the First Fleet arrival and raising of the Union Jack flag at Sydney Cove by Captain Arthur Phillip in 1788.

It is also considered Invasion Day by tens of thousands of demonstrators who rallied in all major cities, calling for the national day to shift to another date.

Thousands attended Invasion Day rallies, calling for another date to celebrate the nation. (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)

The country’s Indigenous heritage was also marked officially at dawn when the Sydney Opera House sails were illuminated in recognition of Eora “trailblazers” Nanbarry, Barangaroo, Pemulwuy and Patyegarang.

An annual smoking ceremony and yarning circle marked the start of the public holiday in Melbourne.

The second day of the cricket Test between Australia and the West Indies was briefly disrupted when demonstrators entered the Gabba and one invaded the pitch with an Aboriginal flag.

More than 22,000 people were officially welcomed as Australia’s newest citizens in ceremonies held across the nation.

In Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the national citizenship ceremony and said Australia was richer for having more people choose to call it home.

“On behalf of all your fellow Australians, thank you for joining our family, for adding yourselves to the picture and for showing the depth of your commitment to our country, to your country,” he said.

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