In a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked communities across Australia, the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Boronia, a quiet suburb in eastern Melbourne, was vandalised on 21st July 2025. The attack involved racist and hateful graffiti, including a vile slur telling brown people to “go home.” Two nearby Asian-owned restaurants were also defaced in a similar fashion.
This appalling act is being investigated by Victoria Police, and it has triggered widespread outrage among community leaders, devotees, and human rights advocates across the country.
Details of the Vandalism
According to a report by Australia Today, the red-painted slurs appeared on the walls of the temple located on Wadhurst Drive. Among the messages was an explicit racial insult
Not only was the temple defaced, but two nearby Asian-owned eateries were similarly vandalised, suggesting a targeted racially motivated hate crime.
Police Response
The Victoria Police confirmed the launch of a formal investigation into the incident. Their statement read:
“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.”
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have assured the Indian community that the matter is being taken seriously.
🇮🇳 Reactions from the Hindu Community
Makrand Bhagwat, President of the Hindu Council of Australia – Victoria Chapter, expressed his dismay in an interview with Australia Today:
“Our temple is meant to be a sanctuary of peace, devotion and unity… To have it targeted in this way feels like an attack on our identity, our right to worship and freedom of religion.”
He also emphasized that the temple is not just a religious space but also a community hub where people gather for daily prayers, community meals, and cultural celebrations. This makes the attack even more personal for Melbourne’s large Indian diaspora.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan Responds
Although Premier Jacinta Allan has not yet made a public appearance regarding the incident, her office privately communicated with temple management and issued a strong written statement through Australia Today:
“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 further stressed:
“It was an attack on your right to feel safe and to belong, and on the values that bind us together.”
The Premier added that Jackson Taylor, a local MP, had brought the matter to her attention and assured the temple of continued support. A visit from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs to the temple is also expected in the coming days.
Standing in Solidarity
Premier Allan’s message concluded with a strong note of support:
“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.”
This message of unity has been welcomed by the Indian community, which continues to grapple with the emotional impact of the attack.
About the Shree Swaminarayan Temple
The Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Boronia is part of a global network of Hindu temples inspired by the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a 19th-century saint and reformer. These temples are known for their community service, spiritual upliftment, and promotion of non-violence, inclusivity, and peace.
The Boronia temple has long served as a spiritual home for thousands of Indian-Australians, offering:
- Daily darshan and prayers
- Free community meals (langar)
- Cultural festivals like Diwali and Janmashtami
- Youth and educational programs
A Growing Concern: Hate Crimes in Australia
This incident is not isolated. Over the past few years, Australia has witnessed a rise in racially motivated attacks, especially targeting the South Asian and Sikh communities. Hindu temples in Sydney and Brisbane have also previously been vandalised.
While Australia generally prides itself on being a multicultural and inclusive society, incidents like this expose the underlying fault lines that still exist.
What Needs to Happen Next?
- Swift Police Action: The perpetrators must be identified and held accountable under hate crime laws.
- Public Condemnation: Leaders at all levels must speak out to denounce such acts unequivocally.
- Community Engagement: Programs that educate against racial bias and promote harmony must be supported.
- Temple Security: Places of worship must be provided government assistance to improve surveillance and protection.
EU-China Tensions Rise at 50-Year Summit Over Trade Deficit and Ukraine War