Statement from Cr Ross Ebbels, Mayor of the Borough of Queenscliffe

On the 27th September, the Mayor had brought to his attention, some racist graffiti, vilifying a young resident of the Borough of Queenscliff.

The Mayor ” To say I am shocked is an understatement.

The graffiti was removed and the incident was reported to the Queenscliff Police Station for investigation.  The fact that someone could write it in the first place, requires a robust response.

The Mayor “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 and condemn it”.

The Mayor did speak to the family of the young person targeted and reassured them that action was being taken to avoid it happening again and that the Police are also now involved.  The Mayor went on to say, that he hopes all the residents of the Borough will stand beside this family and show that they are welcome.

Anyone who has information about the incident is encouraged to share those details with police. For more information about how to call out racist behaviour, visit the Australian Human Rights Commission’s website at https://itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/learn-about-racism/respond-racism.

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