Organisers had been hoping to “reactivate” the peace movement in Albury-Wodonga, but only a small crowd, including two children, gathered outside the Bandiana Army Barracks yesterday afternoon to demand an end to the Afghanistan war.

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Organised by Stand Fast, a national group of veterans opposed to the war, the protest was the fourth stop on a travelling tour, which has also visited military bases in Townsville and Brisbane.

Tour organiser Graeme Dunstan said he was not worried by the small turnout as it kept the war on the agenda.

“We do the best we can,” he said.

“We’re about being visible and we are getting noticed.”

Mr Dunstan denied the paltry turnout indicated there was support for Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan.

“It shows people are not motivated to protest at this time.

“I’ve met a lot of people on the road and the public opinion is against the war.

“The resentment is there.”

Mr Dunstan said the protest had drawn attention from personnel at the barracks, adding the legacy of the war would be felt for generations and troops should be withdrawn now.

“This war is going from bad to worse. There has been an avalanche of post-traumatic stress disorder.”

Former Greens candidate Dennis Black, of Wodonga, attended the rally and said the protest was just the beginning of local opposition to the war.

“This gives us the impetus to really start making some noises about it,” he said.

“Hopefully it’ll get bigger and better.”