An Indian-origin family living in Epping, Melbourne, has been left shaken after discovering a series of racist hate notes scattered across their front yard.
The man *Mr Kumar (real name hidden), who moved to Australia almost ten years ago, said in a Facebook post that he noticed the small pieces of paper while cleaning his car.
The notes contained offensive language, including messages such as “go back to India” and “die Nazi”. There were no signs or symbols displayed at his property.
“I can’t understand why anyone would do this,” Mr Kumar told news.com.au.
“There’s no reason for something like this to happen.”
The incident has left the family feeling unsafe in their own home, particularly with a newborn, a toddler, and elderly relatives living with him. “That night we didn’t go out for our usual walk,” he said.
“I didn’t feel safe leaving my children at home.”
Mr Kumar shared the incident on a local Facebook community page to warn neighbours and stress that racism has no place in the area.
While the post attracted messages of support, it also highlighted that similar incidents may be occurring elsewhere.
One council worker reported finding notes in a public garden bed near the Whittlesea Civic Centre, reading “dirty people” on paper of the same size. Other residents said they had seen offensive material in surrounding streets.
Mr Kumar emphasised that his post was not seeking sympathy.
“I just wanted to make the community aware so we can all stay vigilant and look out for one another.”
Mr Kumar noted that his family appears to have been specifically targeted, as they are the only Indian household in the immediate area.
Since the incident, Mr Kumar has begun checking his property each morning before letting his children outside and plans to install CCTV cameras — an added expense while he is on leave caring for his newborn.
“It’s something that sticks in your mind.”
The family reported the incident to Victoria Police.
Mr Kumar said his initial call was discouraging, with one officer suggesting there was little that could be done because no property damage had occurred. A second call to another station was more positive, with officers taking the report seriously and asking for evidence.
Despite the distressing experience, the man praised the diversity of his community. “We’re lucky to live among people from many backgrounds who proudly call themselves Australians,” he wrote online.
“That diversity is the beauty of Australia. Hate like this doesn’t represent who we are.”
Victoria Police confirmed they received a report on 3 February of offensive material left outside homes along a main road in Epping. “The origin of the matter is unknown at this stage, and an investigation is ongoing,” police said. They urged anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage, or other information, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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