Borough takes stand against racism

THE Borough of Queenscliffe has made a strong stand against racism following a recent graffiti attack.

On Thursday, May 27, a member of the public contacted council regarding the racist graffiti targeting a minor by name located at Point Lonsdale skate park.

The borough confirmed the behaviour was out of the ordinary for the community but said even one incident of racism was too many with mayor Ross Ebbels condemning the criminal act.

“I was made aware that racist graffiti vilifying one of our region’s residents had appeared in the borough and to say I am shocked and appalled is an understatement,” he said.

“Although the graffiti has already been removed and the incident reported to the police for investigation, the fact that it was written in the first place requires a robust response.

“Racism of any kind is deplorable and will not be tolerated in our community.

“All of us, whenever we encounter racist behaviour and attitudes, have an obligation to call it out.”

The graffiti was removed soon after being discovered while Mr Ebbels spoke with the family of the young person targeted in the incident.

“I hope everyone in our community will join me in letting them know that they are welcome, and that we are proud to stand with them against this appalling and criminal act,” he said.

“Our borough must be a welcoming place for everyone – calling out racism will help make it so.”

Point Lonsdale Primary School principal Fay Agterhuis, Queenscliff Primary School principal Richard Buckingham and St Aloysius Catholic Primary School principal Fiona Dawson issued a joint statement to the community following the incident.

“We the principals of your three local primary schools are collectively appalled,” it reads.

“This is not who we are as a community not as schools, students and families.

“We are all so much better than this.”

The act of vandalism coincided with the beginning of Reconciliation Week, which takes part across the nation.

“This is Reconciliation Week – the theme is “reconciliation is more than words – it takes action” and we are calling on all our community members to stand up, take action and call out this behaviour,” it reads.

“Talk to your children and families about racism and the pain it causes, talk about defacement of public property and the impact it has on us all.

“Talking to our children at school was like talking about a death in the family – there were tears, disbelief and the palpable sense that this could happen in our community and in a space we go to enjoy together.

“One piece of graffiti should not define who we are, what others think of us or what the communities of 3225 stand for.”

The borough is asking anyone with information to contact the police.

For more information on how to call out racist behaviour, visit the Australian Human Rights Commission’s website.