A Hindu temple and at least two restaurants operating in Melbourne’s Boronia suburb were vandalized with racist insults on July 21, a move which officials and leaders are labeling as a “deliberate act of hate.” The Swaminarayan Temple at Wadhurst Drive was among the targets that had the phrase “Go Home Brown Ct”** spray-painted on the walls, Australia Today reported.
The same hate message was also seen on two other nearby Asian-owned restaurants on Boronia Road, as well as a healing center in Bayswater. Victoria Police have confirmed all four locations were vandalized overnight and are under investigation as connected acts of vandalism.
Police Investigate Multiple Linked Attacks
“Police are searching after reports of graffiti in Bayswater and Boronia on 21 July. It has been understood that graffiti was spray-painted on the facade of a healing centre on Mountain Highway overnight,” police said to The Australian Today.
“Soon, graffiti had been found on a temple on Wadhurst Drive in Boronia around 9.30 am. Two more restaurants were found with graffiti on Boronia Road,” the police statement continued.
Hindu Council President Speaks Out
Makrand Bhagwat, the President of the Hindu Council of Australia, was heartbroken about the act. “Seeing it (temple) vandalised with hateful words was heartbreaking for volunteers and worshippers alike,” he said.
He also underlined the temple’s status as a cultural and spiritual hub. “Our temple is meant to be a sanctuary of peace, devotion, and unity. It’s where we come together to celebrate our faith and heritage.”
Premier Jacinta Allan Slams Hate Crime
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan was quick to condemn the attack, terming it “hateful, racist and deeply disturbing.” “It wasn’t vandalism — it was a calculated act of hate, meant to intimidate and isolate, and to instill fear. It was an assault on your right to feel safe and to belong, and on the values that unite us,” she added.
She called on Victoria Police to take the incident seriously and revealed that the Minister for Multicultural Affairs will attend the Shree Swaminarayan Temple to speak with the impacted community and provide government assistance.
Government Assures Support and Solidarity
In her release, Allan commended the courage of the community in making their voices heard, “No community should ever have to go through something like this, but by speaking up, you’ve shown so much strength and dignity.”
She finished on a note of reassurance and solidarity, “As Premier, I want you to know how much your contribution, your culture, and your faith mean to me, and to the future we’re building together in this state.”
The events have renewed demands for greater protection of multicultural communities throughout Australia.
