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A memorial dedicated to the Wiradjuri people in Narrandera was vandalized with offensive racist graffiti and Nazi symbols.
Situated in Marie Bashir Park, the Wiradjuri Honour Wall pays tribute to the Narrungdera Clan and notable individuals from the Wiradjuri community.
Local resident Geoffrey Johnson stumbled upon the defacement during a family walk on Sunday.
“I was walking through the park to take my partner and my little boy to lunch,” the Wiradjuri man told NITV.
“On the wall … there was a ‘white power’ message and also a swastika beside it.
“Something like this showing its ugly head is pretty surprising … we’re in 2025, we don’t want to be putting up with this sort of rubbish that goes on.”
This wall commemorates those who resided at the Warangesda Aboriginal Mission, as well as community members recognized for their contributions in sports and other areas, including war veterans, some of whom are part of Mr. Johnson’s family.
“My great-grandfather Thomas Lyons served in the in the First World War, and my grandfather Thomas Edward Lyons and his brother, Uncle Billy, they served in the 2nd/13th battalion, the Rats of Tobruk.
“So it’s a memorial wall that honors them [and] represents our people from this area and some of the feats that they’ve had.”
Mr Johnson said the incident is not reflective of Narrandera as a whole, speculating that the park’s location next to the A39 Newell Highway could mean the graffiti was done by a visitor.
A video he posted to social media documenting the graffiti had received a significant community response.
“I think it’s a the mindset of only a few, but with the community as a whole, they’ve really condemned it and showed support online,” he said.
“So that’s a good sign, that positive out of is that the communities got behind and said, ‘There’s no room for this in this town.'”
Mr Johnson said a local Wiradjuri man cleaned the memorial.
The incident comes in the wake of the increased visibility of racist, far right demonstrations throughout the country.
Last month, the March for Australia rallies saw crowds descend on capital cities in protest against immigration; the events were attended by far right figures and nationalists.
“With that movement was that was down in Melbourne, and showed its head in Sydney, with the nationalists, it’s thrown the wrong ideas out to people and they’re confused or whatever,” said Mr Johnson.
“But it’s just not called for.”
Murrumbidgee Police District confirmed to NITV that police in Narrendera are investigating the incident.
The display of Nazi symbols such as the swastika is illegal in New South Wales, with legislation passed earlier this year by the Minns state government strengthening existing laws.
Under current law, graffiti featuring the swastika is considered a ‘public act’ and can result in penalties of up to $11,000 and a maximum of two years imprisonment.
