Hindu Temple in Melbourne Defaced with Racist Graffiti, Victoria Premier Condemns ‘Hateful’ Attack

A Hindu temple in Melbourne, Australia, was vandalized with racist graffiti, sparking condemnation from community leaders and government officials. The incident occurred at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Boronia on July 21, and was accompanied by similar slurs found at two nearby Asian-owned restaurants, as reported by The Australia Today.

The graffiti included a hateful message reading “Go Home Brown Ct”**, a disturbing racial slur aimed at intimidating the Indian-Australian community.

Makrand Bhagwat, President of the Hindu Council of Australia, expressed heartbreak over the defacement, stating:

“Seeing it vandalised with hateful words was heartbreaking for volunteers and worshippers alike… Our temple is meant to be a sanctuary of peace, devotion, and unity.”

The temple regularly brings together members of Melbourne’s Indian community for daily prayers, cultural events, and community meals, making the incident especially hurtful to those who regard it as a place of worship and refuge.

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan issued a strong statement condemning the attack:

“It wasn’t just vandalism – it was a deliberate act of hate… It was an attack on your right to feel safe and to belong… There’s no place for it anywhere in Victoria. And it must be called out for what it is.”

Premier Allan further announced that the Minister for Multicultural Affairs will be visiting the temple to offer government support and listen to the concerns of the affected community.

“No community should ever have to endure something like this… Your contribution, your culture, and your faith mean so much to the future we’re building together in this state.”

Meanwhile, Victoria Police confirmed they are investigating four linked incidents of racist graffiti in Boronia and Bayswater, including:

The Shree Swaminarayan Temple on Wadhurst Drive

A healing centre on Mountain Highway

Two Asian-run restaurants on Boronia Road

Investigations are ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

The incident has reignited discussions about racism, cultural respect, and community safety in multicultural Australia.