The Greens candidate in the inner city seat of Wills has pulled out of an anti-racism rally in Coburg this weekend because of fears of violence.

Samantha Ratnam, who will stand down as City of Moreland Mayor on Friday to contest the election, was due to speak at the "Moreland says no to racism' rally on Saturday.

But on Thursday afternoon she decided to pull out.

There are serious police concerns that violence will erupt between two opposing rallies on Saturday.

"I've decided to withdraw from speaking, sadly," she told Fairfax Media.

"It is unfortunate that I have to do this, however I think the risk of violence at the rally and the costs to the community is too great."

Two competing rallies are planned on Saturday in Coburg, which authorities fear may turn violent.

There is the anti-racism rally organised by Socialist Alliance councillor Sue Bolton as well as "Stop the Far Left' rally which has the backing of the United Patriots Front, with a bus full of supporters being driven in from Bendigo and Melton.

The area is among Melbourne's most multicultural.

Coburg Leisure Centre will close on Saturday and traders in the multicultural area will consider closing for part of the day.

Traders near Bridges Reserve are being asked to consider closing during the rallies and to bring tables and chairs in off the street.

Ms Ratnam who was born in Sri Lanka before migrating to Canada and then Australia has also been sent racist emails in recent days.

A series of similar one-line emails have been sent to her from anonymous email addresses.

"If you were white and pretty, I would vote for you," is the tone of the emails Ms Ratnam said.

"It is very very disappointing, it is very saddening. Coming to Australia I have never personally experienced racism in 25 years," she said.

"There were never far-right rallies 25 years ago that I can remember, and when we came our leaders were talking about multiculturalism, we have gone backwards."

She also attacked the recent comments from Immigration Minister Peter Dutton that labelled refugees as illiterate and whipped up fear they would steal Australian jobs. Ms Ratnam said those comments gave a voice to racist elements in Australian society.

Labor's candidate Peter Khalil was not invited to the rally because of the ALP's stance on offshore processing. One of the rally's positions is to condemn the treatment of refugees on Manus Island and Nauru.

Police believe hundreds of people will attend the opposing rallies and predict "a lot of disruption" in the area and possible road closures.

Commander Sharon Cowden said there would be a strong police presence and stringent weapons searches.

"Everyone has a right to protest, to have their voice heard, but what we won't tolerate is anti-social behaviour, crimes and violence," she said.

"People who come to protest peacefully don't need to bring weapons."

Rally organiser Cr Bolton said the event would be peaceful and accused the police of trying to scare people from not attending.

"Our rally will be culturally diverse and there will be children present so we want to ensure a safe space. We aim to do this by organising marshals who are committed to a peaceful rally," Cr Bolton said.

"We have the right to peacefully protest against racism. What use is a democratic right if we are not allowed to use it", he said.