Anti-lockdown protesters attend rally outside Tamworth Regional Council building

Around 20 people, some of whom were not wearing masks, made their opinion known on the public safety orders set out by the state and federal governments.

The protests were believed to be largely peaceful, however arrests were made as police broke the gathering up as it breached current stay-at-home orders.

Mayor Col Murray said it was poor behaviour and he is glad police acted swiftly to shut the protest down. He said the decisions made by the state's political leaders and health experts must be respected.

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"I think it's appropriate for the police to take the strongest action against people that disregard the regulations and put the rest of the community at risk," he said.

"I think there's always been a few doubters and in any society I think you'll always get a very small minority of people that just seem to reject the authority and advice from experts."

It is believed the protest was part of the Shut Down Australia protest movement, which is calling for an end to all lockdowns and border closures. It also rallies against mandatory vaccinations.

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