The Nazi symbol and words “white power” on the Wiradjuri Honour Wall were filmed on Sunday. Photo: Screenshot of video by Geoffrey Johnson.
NSW Police have confirmed they’re investigating the defacing of an Indigenous monument in Narrandera with Nazi insignia and the words “white power”.
Wirajuri local Geoffrey Johnson posted a video of the graffiti on the Narrandera Wiradjuri Honour Wall at Marie Bashir Park in the centre of town on the Facebook page I Live in Narrandera on Sunday (21 September).
“We’ve got a little Swastika here,” he said.
“I don’t know who’s doing this … someone that’s really small-minded and irresponsible and just a little coward … but I don’t want to catch someone doing it. It’s ridiculous. Not going to put up with it in this town.”
On Wednesday (24 September), Murrumbidgee Police provided a statement on the incident.
“Police are investigating reports of images posted to social media showing offensive graffiti at a memorial wall at Marie Bashir, Narrandera,” a spokesperson said.
“Officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District responded to the scene, however the graffiti had been removed.
“An investigation has commenced and anyone with information is urged to contact Narrandera Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Mr Johnson told SBS News a local Wiradjuri man cleaned the memorial the next day.
Narrandera Shire Council declined to comment on the incident, other than to say it reported the matter to police.
The public display of a Nazi symbol without a reasonable excuse has been a crime in NSW since 2022.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment or an $11,000 fine or both for an individual.
The Wiradjuri Honour Wall was erected in October 2024 as a tribute to the people of the Narrungdera Clan, an Indigenous group who were among the first inhabitants of the Riverina. The name of the town comes from the clan name. Name plaques displaying the names of original families are being prepared for mounting on the interior panels and commemorations of service to Australia are also on display on the exterior panels.
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