Hindu Temple and Asian Businesses in Melbourne Targeted in Racially Charged Vandalism
A prominent Hindu temple in Melbourne’s eastern suburb of Boronia has been defaced with racist graffiti, as per the reports from today. The Shree Swaminarayan Temple on Wadhurst Drive was marked with hateful red-painted slurs, including the message: “Go Home Brown C**t.” The same derogatory graffiti appeared on the facades of two nearby Asian-owned restaurants, suggesting a targeted act of racial hate.
Makrand Bhagwat, President of the Hindu Council of Australia’s Victoria chapter, condemned the attack. “Our temple is meant to be a sanctuary of peace, devotion and unity,” he shared. He explained that the temple serves as a cultural and spiritual hub, hosting daily prayers, communal meals, and religious festivals attended by members of Melbourne’s Indian diaspora.
“To have it targeted in this way feels like an attack on our identity, our right to worship and freedom of religion,” he added. Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan has not made a public statement about the incident, but according to The Australia Today, her office reached out privately to the temple’s leadership. In her official comments, Allan said, “The Shree Swaminarayan Temple is so much more than a place of worship – it’s a place of warmth and community… What happened this week was hateful, racist and deeply disturbing. It wasn’t just vandalism – it was a deliberate act of hate, designed to intimidate, isolate, and spread fear.”
She continued, “It was an attack on your right to feel safe and to belong, and on the values that bind us together. There’s no place for it anywhere in Victoria. And it must be called out for what it is. Jackson Taylor raised this with me directly. He is a strong voice for your community, and I want you to know that we both stand with you. I’m advised that Victoria Police are taking this matter seriously, as they should. Soon, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs will visit the Shree Swaminarayan Temple to offer the support of our Government, and to listen to you and your community directly.”
Allan’s message concluded with a message of reassurance, “No community should ever have to endure something like this, but in speaking out, you’ve shown an enormous amount of strength and dignity… You carry with you the full support of our government. We stand beside you, with respect and unwavering support.”
Victoria Police confirmed that they are investigating the graffiti incidents, believed to be linked. A police spokesperson said: “Police are investigating following reports of graffiti in Bayswater and Boronia on 21 July… There is absolutely no place at all in our society for hate-based and racist behaviour.”
According to the spokesperson, offensive graffiti was first found at a healing centre on Mountain Highway. Later that morning, additional vandalism was discovered at the temple and two Asian restaurants along Boronia Road. Investigators believe the four incidents are connected. In response to the attacks, leaders from Melbourne’s Hindu and interfaith communities have called for calm and solidarity. “We want to show that love and solidarity triumph over hate,” said community member Vikrant Thakur. Local organisations, including the City of Greater Knox’s Multifaith Network, have offered their support.