Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Ian Ross is asking all Wimmera people to think about what they can do to counter racism whenever it occurs.

Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative, and community groups have reported continued examples of racism in the Wimmera.

Cr Ross said the Wimmera had an increasingly diverse population, with many migrants now calling the Horsham area home. 

“But some new Australians need help to feel fully integrated and welcomed into community life,” he said. “Our local Aboriginal community has also experienced racism.”

Cr Ross said people should be doing as much as possible to totally stamp out racism in the community.

“We want to be welcoming to our many cultural groups and faith groups,” he said.

“All of us, whenever we encounter racist behaviour and attitudes, have an obligation to call it out and condemn it.

“There is absolutely no place for that sort of behaviour here.

“Our municipality must be a welcoming place for everyone – calling out racism will help make it so.” People who have witnessed or experienced racism and want to make a complaint, or if they just want to know more about how their rights are protected, can contact the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission at www.humanrights.vic.gov.au or call 1300 292 153.

People can make a formal complaint that will be investigated with the intent of having a resolution meeting; or can use the community report tool as an alternative where they can remain anonymous.

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