The organiser of dozens of anti-lockdown protests is believed to have encouraged them online from overseas.

Police responded to 69 protests across the state including at NSW Parliament House, outside Sutherland, Waverley and Hills council buildings, and in COVID hotspots like Blacktown and Dubbo.

135 people have been arrested so far, and a further 436 fines issued for breaches of the public health orders.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon told Jim the unauthorised rallies, which ranged from small groups of ten to crowds of hundreds, were “really disappointing and disrespectful” to both police and the community at large.

“We had several minor injuries to police … when you get a large group of people in this type of situation, there’s always the propensity for violence.

“We’re certainly aware that the person that was actually involved is not even in the country at present.”

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Image: Nine News