Melbourne Temple Defaced with Racist Graffiti

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A Hindu temple in Melbourne has been vandalised with racist graffiti, prompting condemnation from local authorities and multicultural community leaders. The incident took place at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Boronia, an eastern suburb of Melbourne, and is now under active investigation by Victoria Police.

According to police reports, the graffiti was discovered on the morning of July 21, defacing the temple’s exterior walls with racially offensive messages sprayed in red paint. Phrases such as “Go Home…” were reportedly painted across the building, causing deep concern among worshippers and the wider Indian Australian community.

In addition to the temple, two Asian-owned restaurants in the surrounding area were also targeted with similar graffiti in what investigators suspect may be linked incidents. A third site, a local healing centre, was also reportedly defaced. The timing, content, and proximity of the graffiti have led police to treat the cases as potentially hate-motivated crimes.

A Victoria Police spokesperson stated, “There is absolutely no place in our society for hate-based and racist behaviour,” and confirmed that officers are reviewing CCTV footage from the affected locations. Authorities have appealed to the public to come forward with any information and to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Premier Jacinta Allan privately conveyed her condemnation, calling the act hateful, racist, and deeply disturbing. She reaffirmed Victoria’s commitment to cultural diversity and said there is no place for racism in the state. Every person, regardless of background, has the right to live without fear or intimidation.

Makrand Bhagwat, President of the Hindu Council of Australia (Victoria), described the vandalism as an attack on the community’s identity, freedom to worship, and place within the multicultural fabric of Australian society. The council has urged authorities to take strong and swift action and to enhance protections for places of worship.

Local community organizations and interfaith groups have expressed solidarity with those affected. Many have called for increased education and public awareness campaigns to counter hate-based ideologies. While such attacks remain rare, recent events have renewed calls for greater vigilance, mutual respect, and unity across all segments of Australian society.