![Contentious: Protesters march in Wagga earlier this month as part of a Black Lives Matter rally. Such events have been condemned by some due to coronavirus concerns. Picture: DAILY ADVERTISER Contentious: Protesters march in Wagga earlier this month as part of a Black Lives Matter rally. Such events have been condemned by some due to coronavirus concerns. Picture: DAILY ADVERTISER](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/XJLgPnEdnKaFugZzKyL6Sw/dcd885d3-7deb-4360-9642-2aa614778bbb.jpg/r0_0_1200_675_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
INDI MP Helen Haines has congratulated a North East teen for opting to hold an anti-racism protest within coronavirus crowd rules.
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The decision followed advise from concerned police to Seela.
Dr Haines welcomed the Greta resident's move.
"I congratulate her for listening to the police and finding another way to show her leadership and her compassion," Dr Haines said.
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"I think that sounds like a very sensible idea and I congratulate this young woman for her keen support and interest in supporting the recognition of Aboriginal people and the disgraceful number of Aboriginal people that have died in police custody."
However, Victorian MP Tim McCurdy does not believe Seela should stage any protests even if they do comply with restrictions that are limited to 20 or less people at a public gathering.
"I think it's still problematic," Mr McCurdy said.
![Heartened: Seela Carrick, who is planning an anti-racism gathering in Wangaratta, is pleased that she has won support from member for Indi Helen Haines. Picture: MARK JESSER Heartened: Seela Carrick, who is planning an anti-racism gathering in Wangaratta, is pleased that she has won support from member for Indi Helen Haines. Picture: MARK JESSER](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/XJLgPnEdnKaFugZzKyL6Sw/92f764fa-0cee-417e-b5fd-342c97a8331f.jpg/r0_0_4928_3280_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
"We still just have to show a bit more patience to be sure we're 100 per cent back on track."
Mr McCurdy said he supported the right to protest but argued other methods, such as social media, should be used due to COVID-19.
Asked if she would attend an anti-racism rally, Dr Haines said she would not because of health concerns but added "I'll proudly support Black Lives Matter" in any other forum.
Mr McCurdy was "bitterly disappointed" 10,000 people had joined in a Black Lives Matter protest in Melbourne and "that people still want to push the boundaries".
Seela was pleased to have Dr Haines' blessing.
She is yet to be determine a vigil time but is contemplating this Friday or Saturday.
The event is earmarked for the corner of Murphy and Faithfull streets near the Justice Department building.
Seela is eyeing that site because of its prominence at the northern entrance to the Wangaratta CBD.