Melbourne’s eastern suburb of Boronia was the scene of a hate‑fueled assault when the Shree Swaminarayan Temple on Wadhurst Drive was defaced with red‑painted slurs demanding, “Go Home Brown C**t.” The same message appeared on two nearby Asian‑run restaurants, but it was the violation of the temple—an important spiritual hub for the local Hindu community—that prompted deep alarm.
A place of worship desecrated
President of the Hindu Council of Australia, Victoria chapter, Makrand Bhagwat, described the shock of finding the sacred site marred on Monday morning.
“Our temple is meant to be a sanctuary of peace, devotion and unity,” he said.
“Seeing it vandalised with hateful words was heartbreaking for volunteers and worshippers alike.”
Mr Bhagwat noted the Shree Swaminarayan Temple hosts daily prayers, community meals and cultural festivals, drawing congregants from across Melbourne’s Indian diaspora.
“It’s where we come together to celebrate our faith and heritage,” he added.
“To have it targeted in this way feels like an attack on our identity, our right to worship and freedom of religion.”
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan is yet to publicly condemn the vandalism at the Temple, however, her office has sent a private message to the Temple management.
Premier Allan’s statement says,
“The Shree Swaminarayan Temple is so much more than a place of worship – it’s a place of warmth and community.
“It’s a space where people are welcomed with open arms. Where faith is practised, traditions are honoured, and the values of kindness and compassion are lived every single day.
“That’s what you’ve built in Boronia – and it means a great deal. To your neighbours, to our state, and to me personally. Communities like yours are part of what makes Victoria strong.
“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.
“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.
“No community should ever have to endure something like this, but in speaking out, you’ve shown an enormous amount of strength and dignity.
“As Premier, I want you to know how much your contribution, your culture, and your faith mean to me, and to the future we’re building together in this state.
“You carry with you the full support of our government. We stand beside you, with respect and unwavering support.”
Police investigation under way
Victoria Police confirmed they are investigating four linked incidents in Boronia, including the temple and two restaurants.
A Victoria Police spokesperson told The Australia Today:
“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.”
“It is understood graffiti was spray-painted on the front of a healing centre on the Mountain Highway overnight.
“Shortly after, graffiti was discovered on a temple on Wadhurst Drive in Boronia about 9.30 am. Two further restaurants were located with graffiti on Boronia Road.”
“Investigators believe the incidents are linked. An investigation into the incident is underway.”
Community rallies around temple
In the wake of the attack, Hindu community leaders have urged interfaith groups
“We want to show that love and solidarity triumph over hate,” Vikrant Thakur said. Locals, including the City of Greater Knox’s Multifaith Network, have pledged support.
Broader pattern of faith‑based hate
This incident echoes recent stencil attacks on cultural institutions across Melbourne, including other temples and museums. Community advocates warn of a worrying rise in targeted hate incidents.
Temple volunteer Anita Mehta urged, “Let’s not let fear divide us. If we stand together—Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Jews, Muslims—we can reclaim our public spaces for harmony.”
What you can do
- Report tips to Crime Stoppers if you saw suspicious activity around Wadhurst Drive overnight.
As investigations continue, the Shree Swaminarayan Temple and Victoria’s Hindu community are determined to transform this act of hate into a powerful demonstration of resilience and interfaith unity.
Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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