Anti-vaxxers in Western Australia have been spotted protesting outside Government House and the ABC Perth offices on Wednesday and Thursday, bearing signs proclaiming all manner of conspiracy theories, particularly regarding the death of ABC Perth radio personality Russell Woolf.

Woolf was the host of the breakfast program on ABC Radio Perth, and unfortunately passed away this week at the age of 56. His career with the national broadcaster spanned more than two decades, and included stints hosting the afternoon Drive program and presenting the weather for ABC News from 2007 to 2011.

Woolf  tweeted  about receiving his second AstraZeneca vaccine back in August, adding that he was “very happy about it” and imploring others to “just get the vax, man”. Since news of his death broke, anti-vaxxers have been speculating on the timing and suggesting his death was caused by a negative reaction to the vaccine. This is despite there being no evidence or information to suggest this; all the public knows is that he died in his sleep at home.

After about 30 people protested outside Perth’s Parliament House on Wednesday, protestors picketed outside Woolf’s former workplace at the ABC Perth offices on Thursday. Armed with microphones, protestors shared their conspiracy theories about Woolf’s death, as well as things like recipes for DIY hydroxychloroquine using fruit peel.

Primary targets of the protestors’ ire appear to be journalists and politicians, with people confronting journalists outside Parliament House on Wednesday, telling them that “coercion is not choice”. Several protestors were wearing medical scrubs, with one woman’s shirt bearing the words “nurse, 15 years”.

As the protests continued for a second day, protestors bearing signs with messages like “The media is the virus” and “Coercion is not healthcare, it’s tyranny” could be seen from the ABC Perth offices. One protestor could be seen carrying the Australian Red Ensign, which has become a popular symbol amongst right-wing anti-vaccine and anti-lockdown protestors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Critics on social media were quick to condemn the protestors, particularly their decision to protest where Woolf’s colleagues, many of whom would still be reeling from his untimely death, could see. ABC employee Clare Negus wrote on Twitter, “Show some respect and compassion. You’re gaining no support for your cause.” A former ABC reporter, Laura Meachim, agreed, writing, “This is honestly so disrespectful. Absolutely appalling. Hope everyone is holding up as okay as they can.”

Image: Emma Wynne/Twitter