MELBOURNE commuters experienced a long journey home after thousands of protesters stormed the CBD this evening.

The city was shut down for about two hours in scenes that were a repeat of a rally which caused chaos less than a month ago.

Indigenous leaders earlier today told commuters to “get used to” the disruptions.

Dozens of police were in place at City Square on Swanston St.

Thousands of protesters formed a wide circle in the middle of the Flinders and Swanston St intersection where they arrived just before Friday evening peak hour.

An organiser determinedly cried for media as well as police on foot and horseback to “step back” in an attempt to widen the rally’s reach.

The protesters then sat as if at campfire watching a series of indigenous dances before a key note address from a man campaigning, like the rest, against the closure of Aboriginal communities.

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media_camera Thousands of protesters rally outside Flinders St Station which has forced the closure of roads for the commute home. Picture: Alex Coppel

A wide demographic including elderly men and women, indigenous and non-indigenous Australians as well as young adults and children were in attendance at what was a peaceful demonstration.

The smell of a burning essence filled one of the CBD’s busiest junctions around which there were consequent road closures.

At the corners of the demonstration there was a moving rugby maul of regular CBD commuters trying to find spaces outside the corner pub to cross the road and access the train station.

Earlier today, Chairman of the Northwest Region Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Board and Dja Dja Wurrung

Elder Gary Murray said he understood commuter frustrations.

“Try being frustrated when you lose your home,” Mr Murray said.

“Try being frustrated when they cut off your water supply and your electricity. I wouldn’t be worried about 45 minutes and being late for dinner.’’

The rally will aim to raise awareness about the forced closures of aboriginal communities, particularly in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.