Warning: This story contains language and visuals that may be distressing to some readers.
A family practising cricket at a public park in Sydney’s west has alleged they were subjected to racial abuse, threats and physical assault in an incident that has left young children fearful of returning to public spaces.
According to Mr Singh*(name withheld on request), the incident occurred on Saturday, 3 January, around 12:30 pm, at the cricket nets at Doug Bollinger Reserve (also known as Best Road Reserve) in Seven Hills.
Mr Singh said he was practising cricket with his children inside the designated nets when, while he was bowling to his son, a man allegedly walked behind them with a dog. As Mr Singh’s back was turned, he said he was unaware of the man’s presence. The ball during practice, reportedly rolled near the man and the dog but did not make contact.
The man allegedly became aggressive and accused Mr Singh of deliberately attempting to hit his dog. Mr Singh said he calmly explained that the area was a designated cricket training facility and that members of the public should avoid walking through the nets while practice is in progress. However, he alleged the man continued to escalate the confrontation.
According to Mr Singh, the man then allegedly used abusive and racially offensive language, including telling the family, “You f… Indians, go back to India.” Mr Singh then began recording the interaction on his phone. He alleged that when the man noticed the recording, he denied making the remarks, but resumed aggressive behaviour once filming stopped.
Mr Singh further alleged that the man picked up a stick from the ground and walked towards him in a threatening manner. When recording resumed, the man allegedly dropped the stick.
After several minutes, the first man reportedly left the park. However, approximately five minutes later, a second, older man allegedly approached the family and began using abusive and racially offensive language.
According to Mr Singh, the man then walked towards him and physically pushed and struck him. In the video footage, the man can be heard directing explicit racial abuse at Mr Singh, saying: “Get back to your own country, you c—, we are in f— Australia.”
Mr Singh said he asked his children to call the police while the man continued to issue verbal and physical threats.
NSW Police arrived shortly afterwards, but both men had left the scene. Mr Singh said officers viewed the video recordings and advised that they would attempt to identify the individuals involved and register the matter.
The family said the incident has had a profound emotional impact, particularly on the children, who are now reportedly afraid to visit the park or even walk nearby. Mr Singh described the situation as deeply distressing, saying it is heartbreaking to see his children feel unsafe in a public recreational space.
The Australia Today reached out to NSW Police regarding the incident and was provided with a holding statement confirming police were called to a sports reserve in Best Road, Seven Hills, on 3 January 2026, following reports of an assault. Police said the two men involved were unable to be located and that the victim had not yet provided a statement.
Mr Singh told The Australia Today that he attended Blacktown Police Station in person on 12 January, where he was informed that police were unable to locate the two men and that no further action could be taken. He said he was not asked to provide a statement or advised on how to do so.
Following a further follow-up by The Australia Today, NSW Police subsequently contacted Mr Singh to obtain his statement.
*Name changed to protect the individual’s safety.
This story will be updated as and when this matter proceeds.
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