Yesterday, the Olympic torch arrived in Australia from Indonesia at an air base in Canberra. The air craft was greeted by government and Olympic officials and Aboriginal elder Agnes Shea, who said she hoped the torch's stay would symbolize "good will for all mankind," according to the Associated Press.

Government officials prepared intensely for the event in order to avoid the anti-Chinese protests which managed to get in the way of celebrations in Greece, Paris, London and San Francisco.

 In Canberra, the Australian capital, the preparations for today’s events included the installation of a yard-high fence along the whole route of the torch.

During today’s celebration, 80 runners will carry the torch on a 10-mile route, which will pass the House of Parliament and also the Chinese Embassy.

Hundreds of police officers were called for the event as the Australian government is determined to keep all interruptions and delays to a minimum. Canberra police commander Mike Phelan was quoted by the Washington Post saying: "All of our planning to date has anticipated that there will be issues. I'm very confident that we have enough resources in place."

Even though the Australian relay started today, the pro-Tibet demonstrators have started their protests yesterday, using laser signs on the Sydney Harbor Bridge with the message: “Don’t Torch Tibet.”

Thousands of pro-Tibet supporters have already announced their participation in the events with peaceful rallies and many more are expected to join them. To balance the crowd, thousands of Chinese students are also expected to come and show their support to China.