11 July 2025

Wagga man to face court over controversial 'Nazi' artwork

| By Jarryd Rowley

The controversial artwork. Photo: Michael McCormack/Facebook.

A Wagga man has been served with a court attendance notice three months after a Riverina storefront displayed images of Australian politicians and celebrity billionaires in replica German World War Two uniforms.

“At about 11:30 am on Monday 31 March 2025, police were notified of a display at a business on Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga, with offensive material,” a NSW Police spokesman told Region.

“Officers attached to Riverina Police District spoke to a 69-year-old man at the business.

“Following further inquiries, on Tuesday 8 July 2025, the man was served a Court Attendance Notice for knowingly display by public act Nazi symbol without excuse.

“He is due to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday 20 August 2025.”

READ ALSO ‘Hogan’s Heroes art parody’ in Wagga slammed as disgraceful by Riverina MP, police investigate

The Wagga imagery depicted then opposition leader Peter Dutton, Member for the Riverina Michael McCormack and billionaires Gina Reinhart and Clive Palmer in World War Two style German uniforms in the lead up to the 2025 Federal Election.

A second image, quoting the line “Blessed are the Cheesemakers” from comedy and biblical parody film The Life of Brian, covered the artwork a day later.

sign over window

The Blessed are the cheesemakers sign hid the original artwork. Photo: Supplied.

When contacted by Region at the time, the owner said the artwork was based on World War Two themed sitcom, Hogan’s Heroes.

However Mr McCormack said it was “beyond disgraceful” and that he had reported it to the police.

READ ALSO ‘Blessed are the cheesemakers’: Controversial ‘Nazi’ artwork in Wagga covered by Monty Python film quote

Region reached out for comment from Mr McCormack on Friday (11 July); however the Federal MP said it would be inappropriate to do so as the matter is now before the court.

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