Under the new Senate rules Pauline Hanson was no longer locked out by preference deals. She attracted about 9 per cent of the Queensland primary vote. Credit:Andrew Meares Attending the rally are members of the United Patriots Front, True Blue Crew and other far-right groups, associates of Phillip Galea, an extremist who appeared in court on Monday accused of planning deadly bombing attacks on left-wing targets. The anti-immigration protesters plan to rally from noon at Eltham's Andrew Park, with a strong police presence expected. The rally will lead to a number of local road closures, and the library and a number of local businesses will also close for the day, with residents fearful of violent clashes in the streets. Eltham Tennis Club is in the park, and junior tennis matches are to be relocated on Saturday.

The units are intended for women and children who have fled the violence in Syria and Iraq. Many of them are Christians. Credit:Getty Images Last week, Australia First Party members staged a mock beheading in daylight, near children playing tennis at the club. "It may be best to stay away [on Saturday]," the tennis club advised its members via a message on Facebook. 'Patriots' at a protest against a Bendigo mosque last year. Credit:Eddie Jim State planning controls were recently amended to allow St Vincent's Health Australia to make about 60 one-bedroom units at the Diamond Street aged care facility available for women and children fleeing the violence in Syria and Iraq.

St Vincent's spent $6 million upgrading 116 units on the property, including a derelict two-storey apartment block. The remaining 56 units house aged tenants. Police say they will not tolerate violent action. Credit:Justin McManus CatholicCare, which will pay the running costs of the entire program, will also provide a lead tenant, a full-time settlement support worker, and tenancy support worker to help the refugees. There are no plans to displace elderly people in order to house the refugees – many of whom are Christians. The rally is being organised by Sydney-based Nick Folkes. His Party for Freedom uses Pauline Hanson's image on its Facebook page.

Opponents to the plan describe themselves as being "Guardians of the Aged", standing up against what they have termed "Muslim-first" resettlement plans. Senator Hanson has previously spoken against the plans on her Facebook page, Please Explain, describing them as being anti-democratic. Some of the protesters are associates of Phillip Galea who appeared in court on Monday accused of planning deadly bombing attacks on left-wing targets. Credit:Craig Sillitoe "Because, is this a money-making grab – refugee money? Pay out? Some place to put the refugees?" Senator Hanson asked. "Well if that be the case, this is wrong ... I'm angry about this."

Members of the True Blue Crew. Credit:Facebook When Fairfax contacted her spokesman, James Ashby, to confirm reports Senator Hanson would be speaking at the rally, Mr Ashby demanded to know who had passed on the information, and said "you don't need to know", before hanging up. Senator Hanson rejected suggestions she would attend the rally, describing reports as "pathetic". Previous anti-refugee protests in Melbourne have turned violent. Credit:Justin McManus

Locals have expressed dismay at the right-wing groups protesting against the refugee resettlement plan, accusing activists of frightening behaviour, including rallying in front of the aged-care facility. A local group, Welcome to Eltham, has more than 4680 supporters on Facebook, and has registered 80 people as volunteer English tutors for refugees. Eltham residents have accused activists of frightening behaviour. Credit:Justin McManus A callout for furniture received more than 1000 pieces of donated goods. The rally will coincide with pro-refugee rallies being held in cities across the country, which are expected to attract thousands.

The Eltham rally's organiser, Party for Freedom chairman Nick Folkes, who lives in Sydney, has told media he expects the event will "get out of hand". In a Facebook video, Mr Folkes urged "patriots" to help protect what he termed "pristine areas". "It doesn't matter what background or what religion they are, refugees should not be settled in an aged care facility," he says. "You don't have to be Einstein to work out that most of these refugees will be Muslim." Previous anti-immigration rallies in Melbourne have attracted counter-protests from anti-racism activistss, with riot police having to use capsicum spray to separate demonstrators.

Victoria Police said officers would not tolerate anti-social behaviour or violence on Saturday. "Urging violence and hatred within our community is not a form of free speech and is illegal," police said in a statement. "There will be a strong police presence at the rally in order to maintain public safety. "Any attempt to intimidate or harass, or in the case of any form of violence occurring, police will intervene immediately." Youth Road and Diamond Street, between the level crossing and the Diamond Creek bridge, will be closed from 10am on Saturday, due to the rally.

Loading The Diamond Creek Trail also will be closed between Eltham Central Park and Diamond Street. Residents are advised to travel via Bridge Street to reach the Eltham CBD.