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A Ballarat community group has called on police to take “swift action” and gave some neo-Nazis a history lesson after the group held an unannounced demonstration through Sturt Street on Sunday afternoon.
Videos on social media showed the National Socialist Network chanting “Australia is for the white man” and “Hail victory” while walking in black clothes, balaclavas and sunglasses to protect their identities.
A nazi group made an unannounced walk through Ballarat on Sunday.Credit: Twitter
The group reportedly posed for pictures at the Eureka Monument as Sunday was the anniversary of the Eureka Stockade while another photo on X, formerly Twitter, showed the group posing for a photo in front of what appears to be Ballarat Police Station.
Police said they chose to keep the peace and provide a safe passage for the march and are reviewing footage to see if the group breached Victoria’s anti-Nazi symbol laws.
Ballarat Community Alliance condemned the “small group” in a statement on Facebook and called on police to act.
The alliance also refused to allow the group to “co-opt” the Eureka story which saw a diverse mix of miners united to rebel against the colonial government.
“We condemn this group of blow-ins and their message of hate,” Ballarat Community Alliance wrote.
“They have come to Ballarat to co-opt the Eureka legacy on the inclusive and peaceful commemoration of the anniversary of Eureka Stockade.
“The Eureka stockade had an African American co-leader, John Joseph, who was arrested alongside other stockade leaders and put on trial. Charles Dyte and Henry Harris both were both Jewish members of the Ballarat Reform League – the voice of the frustrated miners.
“We are a proud multicultural city and at the recent referendum were one of the biggest Yes votes in regional Australia. We are a safe and inclusive city and we unequivocally condemn their presence in this city.
“Victoria has new laws that prohibit the performance or display of Nazi symbols or gestures. Why weren’t these laws enforced by police who instead helped the neo-Nazis by making safe passage through the street for their protest?
“We will be raising this incident with police and demand a swift response. Neo-Nazis are not welcome in Ballarat.”
Police said the demonstration was unplanned and video and CCTV would be reviewed.
“Police attended an unplanned demonstration in Ballarat about 12.30pm on Sunday,” a spokesperson said.
“There were no major incidents of note during the demonstration. However, as a matter of course, police will review any vision or CCTV from the day.
“Our top priority was keeping the peace to ensure the event did not impact the safety of the broader community.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe in our community regardless of who they are. We understand incidents of anti-Semitism can leave communities feeling targeted, threatened and vulnerable. Hate and prejudice has no place in our society.”
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