The 1996 ‘Cybernana’ Market Day, organised by Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ at Musgrave Park, descended into a violent intervention by the Queensland Police. Originally a celebratory event featuring over 30 musical acts and thousands of attendees, the day was marred by a sudden police escalation following an unseasonal storm. Despite prior cooperation between 4ZZZ and local authorities, a late change in police command led to a breakdown in communication, culminating in riot police, mounted officers, and even military police forcefully dispersing the crowd. Witness testimonies contradict official accounts, describing excessive use of force, confusion, and a perceived targeting of Brisbane’s alternative scene. Over 70 arrests followed, many for minor offences. 4ZZZ’s post-event efforts focused on legal advocacy, public response coordination, and challenging media narratives. The incident ignited broader debates on civil liberties, police accountability, and the marginalisation of countercultural communities. Though the Criminal Justice Commission failed to uphold complaints against police, the event became a defining moment in 4ZZZ’s activist legacy, solidifying its commitment to community resilience, and grassroots organising in the face of state power.